orchy," says Mr. Robert. "Within certain limitations, I
trust your wish comes true. But I say--how does it feel, being a
father?"

"Just plain foolish," says I.

"Eh?" says he.

"Honest, Mr. Robert," says I, "I never felt so much like a ham sandwich
at a Chamber of Commerce banquet as I do right now. I'm beginnin' to
suspect I've been miscast for the part."

"Nonsense!" says he soothin'. "You appear to be getting along
swimmingly. I'm sure I wouldn't know how to hold a baby at all."

"You couldn't know less'n I do about it at present writing," says I. "I
don't dare move, and both my legs are asleep from the knees down. Do me
a favor and call for help, won't you?"

"Oh, I say!" he calls out. "The starboard watch wants to be relieved."

So Vee comes back and pries the baby out of my grip.

"Isn't he absurd!" says she. "But he will soon learn. All men are like
that at first, I suppose."

"Hear that, Mr. Robert?" says I. "That's what I call a sun-cured
disposition."

She'd make a good animal-trainer, Vee; she's so persistent and patient.
After dinner she jollies me into tryin' it again.

"You needn't sit so rigid, you know," she coaches me. "Just relax
naturally and let his little head rest easy in the hollow of your arm.
No, you don't have to grab him with the other hand. Let him kick his
legs if he wants to. See, he is looking up at you! Yes, I believe he
is. Do you see Daddy? Do you, precious?"

"Must be some sight," I murmurs. "What am I supposed to do now?"

"Oh, you may rock him gently, if you like," says Vee. "And I don't
suppose he'd mind if you sang a bit."

"Wouldn't that be takin' a mean advantage?" says I.

Vee laughs and goes off so I can practice alone, which was thoughtful of
her.

I didn't find it so bad this time. I discovers I can wiggle my toes
occasionally without lettin' him crash on to the floor. And I begun to
get used to lookin' at him at close range, too. His nose don't seem
quite so hopeless as it did. I shouldn't wonder but what he'd grow a
reg'lar nose there in time. And their little ears are cute, ain't they?
But say, it was them big blue eyes that got me interested. First off
they sort of wandered around the room aimless; but after a while they
steadies down into gazin' at me sort of curious and admirin'. I rather
liked that.

"How about it, Snookums?" says I. "What do you think of your amateur
daddy? Or are you wonderin' if your hair'll be as red as mine? Don't you
care.