"We're very well," said Skipper Ed, "and glad to know you are back. We
were lonely without you. How is Mrs. Abel?"

"Well. Very well. And we have something to surprise you," and Abel,
laughing heartily, could hardly contain himself.

"I know what it is!" broke in Jimmy. "You've got a new boat. I saw it as
we came up! It's a fine big boat, too!"

"It's a greater surprise than that," laughed Abel. "It's in the house.
Come in and see him."

"A baby!" guessed the delighted Jimmy. "It's a baby!"

"Come in and see for yourselves," Abel invited, and pushing the door
open he led them into the cabin, where Mrs. Abel overwhelmed them with
greeting, and brought Bobby forth for introduction.

"A boy, and a white one!" exclaimed Skipper Ed in English. "Now
wherever did they get him?" He took Bobby by the hand, and asked: "Can
you talk, little lad?"

"Yeth, thir," Bobby admitted, respectfully, "I like to talk."

"I'll wager you do, now! Where did you live before you came here?"

"With Papa and Mamma."

"What, now, may your name be?"