"Morning, Sir Thomas," I said, saluting it as it came on board.
"Lovely day for a sail. We've got the new topmast up, but Her Grace
had the last of the potted-meat for lunch yesterday."

Simpson took his cap and stroked it tenderly. "Thirteen and
ninepence in the Buckingham Palace Road," he murmured. "Thanks, old
chap."

Quiet settled down upon the good ship Armadillo again. There was no
cloud in the sky, no ripple on the water, no sound along the deck.
The land was hazy in the distance; hazy in the distance was
public-house, church, post-office, walled-in kitchen-garden and
tennis-court. But in the little cabin Joe was making a pleasant
noise with plates....

"Splendid," said Archie, putting down his glass and taking out his
pipe. "Now what shall we do? I feel full of energy."

"Then you and Simpson can get the dinghy out and tow," I suggested.
"I'll coach from the Armadillo."

"We might go for a long bicycle ride," said Myra; "or call on the
Vicarage girls."

"There isn't really very much to do, is there?" said Dahlia, gently.
"I'm sorry."

Simpson leapt excitedly into the breach.