"Put the other half-leaf in the table to-night, and lay covers for three more, for these young ragamuffins must mess with us in future." There was no more word about ghosts now, and the kind professor forgave the Finlander.

He was set free and sent to duty, and now for weeks and weeks there wasn't a much happier vessel afloat than the brave ship _Valhalla_ bound for the Frozen North.
The two dogs became great friends, but, strangely enough, both disliked Broomberg, and kept out of his way whenever they could.

Once, indeed, when the man bent down to stroke Veevee, Briton stood guard over his little friend and growled.
"Hands off!" the mastiff seemed to say, "hands off till we know more about you!" * * * * * Of course Uncle was chief favourite with the children, but all the three of them came to like the little professor very much indeed.

He was with them nearly all day long.

Tom was usually very busy; so, too, was Uncle Staysail; and though it must not be thought that Pete was an idle man, for he had much to study, still he always found time to romp and play with Aralia, Pansy, and the two dogs.
Though the weather grew colder for a time, it was all one long, long summer's day.