It was contagious.

Not only did Master Benjamin laugh, but the others had to laugh, not excluding Master Jonathan, who emitted a dry cackle as became one of his habit and appearance.
"Do you know, Dave, old friend," said Hardy, "that our good Jonathan is really the most wicked of us all?
I go upon the sea on these cruises, which you call smuggling, and what not, and of which he speaks censoriously, but if they do not show a large enough profit on his books he rates me most severely, and charges me with a lack of enterprise.

And now he would fain go to the play to see that we observe the proper decorum there.

My lads, you couldn't keep the sour-visaged old hypocrite from it." Master Jonathan permitted himself a vinegary smile, but made no other reply, and, a Dutch serving girl announcing that supper was ready, Master Hardy led them into the dining-room, where a generous repast was spread.

But the room itself continued and accentuated the likeness of a ship.