It ain't legal, I know, and I reckon I'll have to turn her over to her proper relatives if they make any demand,--provided we ever get off this island,--but while she's here she's mine, and that settles it, and as long afterward as God's willing.

Chances are that no one at home will want to be bothered with an infant that don't actually belong to 'em, so I shouldn't wonder but what I'll have her always.

What are you laughing at ?" "I was just thinking that you didn't mention anything about being a grandmother to her." "Is that meant to be sarcastic ?" "Not at all," said the Captain hastily, noting the look in Mr.Mott's eyes.

"But for fear you may think it was, I take it all back, Andrew." "I laid awake all last night worrying about how lonely and useless and unoccupied I'm going to be if we stick here on this island for any considerable length of time, not to say, always, and I made up my mind that if I had that kid to bring up, life would be sort of worth while.
I'll probably live a good deal longer if I have something to live and work for.

Ain't that so ?" "It certainly is," agreed the Captain.