"To make us a little visit," put in the Captain, promptly. "You want to
get acquainted with Isaiah, Mary-'Gusta; he's cook and steward for me
and Mr. Zoeth. That's right; shake hands and be sociable."

Mary-'Gusta extended her hand and Mr. Chase, after wiping his own hand
on the apron, pumped hers up and down.

"Pleased to meet you," he said, solemnly.

"Now for the dunnage," said Captain Shad. "There's the satchel and--and
the other things. Look out for that basket! LOOK OUT!"

Mr. Chase had seized the basket and swung it out of the buggy. David,
frightened at the sudden aerial ascension, uttered a howl. Isaiah
dropped the basket as if it was red hot.

"What in tunket!" he exclaimed.

"Nothin' but a cat," explained the Captain. "'Twon't hurt you."

"A cat! What--whose cat?"

"Mine," said Mary-'Gusta, running to the rescue. "He's a real good cat.
He ain't cross; he's scared, that's all. Honest, he ain't cross. Are
you, David?"

David howled and clawed at the cover of the basket. Mr. Chase backed
away.