TOMMY TOLLIVER: SEAMAN

Tommy shook hands with Anne, then sat down disconsolately on the bottom
step.

"Yes," he said, "it's me."

After a moment's uncomfortable silence, Anne asked, "Didn't you like
it, Tommy?"

Tommy looked gloomy.

"Aw," he burst out, "they thought I was too young--"

"Did you go as far as China?" questioned Amelia, eagerly.

"Of course he didn't, Amelia," said Nannie with a superior air; "he has
only been away three weeks."

"Then you didn't get me any preserved ginger," pouted Amelia.

"How could I?" But Tommy looked sheepish, as the memory of certain
boastful promises came to him.

"Anyhow," he announced suddenly, "I'm not going to give up. I am going
to be a sailor some day--if I have to run away again."

At that Judy sat up and fixed him with burning eyes.

"Did you go to sea?" she asked, intensely.