Then he beckoned to a sailor who, cap in hand, stood by, and
giving him a low order, led the girls off at a brisk pace, saying,
"Jack will see to your luggage; I've something to show you before we
leave."
With one on either arm he walked them rapidly among the bales, boxes,
cordage, wagons, lumber, and people crowding the wharf, then turned
abruptly townwards, entered a short, lane-like street, and finally
stopped at a low, quaint-looking old shop, leaning in a tired manner
against a larger building beyond, thus throwing its doors and windows
into such oblique angles that Hope declared it made her feel dizzy. A
little dark man--doubtless to match the little dark house--bowed with
much suavity in the doorway, as if expecting them, and the captain at
once addressed him.
"Here we are, Beppo! Bring them along, and be quick about it." But,
though his words were commanding, his eyes twinkled at the man, who,
ducking his black head once more, disappeared within.
The girls peered into the doorway, from which issued a by-no-means
agreeable odor, and their father asked, laughingly.
"Shall we go in?"
"I think not," said Faith, holding her handkerchief to her dainty
little nose, "but what are those queer--why!" She jumped and caught at
her father, for some one had seemed to ask in a gruff voice, right at
her ear, "What d'ye want?"
Her father laughed outright.
"Scared you, eh? Look out, Hope!" for the latter had stepped inside.
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