But as the boat drew clear of the jetties with their press of
vessels, and Kit's Cottage hove in sight, the Admiral's eyes, which
were fixed ahead, grew suddenly very large and round.

"This is very extraordinary!" he muttered, "very extraordinary
indeed!"

"What is it, papa?" and the three Misses Buzza simultaneously turned
their mushroom hats to look.

"I cannot tell, Sophia; but to me it appears as if these people
were--not to put too fine a point upon it--washing."

It was quite true. On the little beach, Mr. Fogo, with his sleeves
turned up and a large apron pinned around him, was standing before a
huge tub, industriously washing. The tub rested on a couple of
stools. A little to the left, Caleb Trotter, with his back turned to
the river, was wringing the articles of male costume which his master
handed him, and disposing them about the shingle to dry.


[Illustration: Washing day.]


The Admiral had chosen a washing-day for his first call at Kit's
House.

The approach of the boat was at first unperceived; for Caleb, as I
said, had his back turned to it, and Mr. Fogo's spectacles were bent