"
"And if it wasn't for being busy I'd be dreadfully lonesome without you,
too," admitted Bobby. "I always am, anyhow."
"Yes," said Jimmy, "so are we on days when the sea's so rough we can't
fish."
"But it's fine out there, and it's always fine to get back, isn't it,
Jimmy?"
"Aye, 'tis that!" declared Jimmy.
"But it makes me feel lonesome already," said Bobby, returning to the
original proposition, "to think that I won't see you and Skipper Ed for
so long."
"What's this I hear? Lonesome for Partner and me?" asked Skipper Ed,
who had finished with the boat and, coming up behind the boys, overheard
Bobby's remark.
"Yes," said Bobby, "at the fishing."
"Well, well, now, isn't that strange!" ejaculated Skipper Ed. "I was
thinking the same way, and Abel was thinking that way, too, and we've
been talking it over!"
"Jimmy and I think 'twould be fine if we could all fish together,"
continued Bobby.
"So were we! So were we! A strange coincidence!" declared Skipper Ed.
"And Abel thinks it might be arranged."
"Oh, can it? Can it?" and the boys jumped to their feet.
"I don't know," and Skipper Ed's face assumed a long and gloomy
expression as he seated himself upon the rock. "There's one thing in the
way and I couldn't consent."
"Why can't we?" asked Jimmy, in deep disappointment.
"Because," said Skipper Ed seriously, "I'm not free to consent."
"Why not? Yes, you are!" coaxed Bobby. "Please do."
"I'd like to," said Skipper Ed.
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