As they entered their
pretty cabin, for so the English oftenest designate a first-class
stateroom, a pitiful "miew," long drawn out, and at once answered by a
hoarse "Shut up!" greeted their ears. The poor kitten was evidently
suffering, and the naughty parrot scolding her for complaining.
"It's a wicked shame to keep my fine Angora in that cage!" cried Faith,
with unusual spirit, "And you must teach that rude fellow not to scold
at her."
Hope smiled good-naturedly.
"How can I help his talking, dear? But why can't we let kitty out,
now? Shut the door and have her get used to it here, first. How
pretty this room is! Wasn't it lovely of father to fit it up freshly
for us?"
"Of course it was!" cried a well-known bass voice, and a blue-capped
head appeared at the inner door. "Going to let Puss out, girlies?"
asked the captain. "Wait, I'll assist you."
He was soon down upon his knees fumbling with the cage, the girls
watching him in eager anticipation; and this seems an excellent
opportunity to describe the pretty apartment. It was about twelve feet
square, and its two narrow white bedsteads were set side by side
beneath the starboard portholes, and safely screwed to the floor,
leaving a narrow space beyond, which gave opportunity to reach the
convenient wardrobe there. In one corner, at the foot of the beds, was
the stationary wash-stand with cleated shelves above, and a cunning
pigeon-hole arrangement for shoes below--"Anything but footless boots
clattering around in a gale!" said Captain Hosmer.
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