"What can it all mean? Do see if papa is in
his cabin; you're on that side."
"Of course he isn't!" answered her sister, more calmly. "When there's
danger he's always at his post. And do you suppose, if there was real
danger for us, that he wouldn't come and let us know? I can trust my
father!"
"Well, so can I," snapped Hope, so disgusted at this superior tone she
half forgot her fright. "But it might be that he couldn't get to us,
Faith Hosmer! He might be washed overboard."
Something in the idea of her big, cool father being washed off the
decks of this staunch ship somehow amused Faith, who really was not
much alarmed, and she could not help laughing, which gave fresh offense
to her sister, who, breaking into tears, exclaimed, "You're a heartless
girl, and ought to be ashamed!"
"Why, Hope!" A soft arm stole around her neck and a little figure
"cuddled" close. "You're all wrought up, but really I don't think it's
so bad. See how quiet the ship is. I presume we're caught in a fog,
or something. Just as likely as not we're off the light, yet, and that
is a bell-buoy, or something."
"Dear! I'd like to call a bell-boy, and ask," giggled Hope, a bit
hysterical. "Hark! there's papa now."
In an instant the two girls were on their feet peering into the
"library."
"Oh, papa, what is it?" cried Hope.
"What's what, my dear?" coming nearer, and showing himself wrapped in
tarpaulins from head to heels. "D'ye mean that old tooter?" laughing
lightly.
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