The _Follow Me_ was totally deserted, which accounted for the fact that, while their noisy arrival had aroused not a little interest on other craft, the _Follow Me_ had received them very coldly.

They found some of the party at the hotel and the others rounded up later.
Everyone was flatteringly glad to see the new arrivals again, but none more so than Perry.

Perry was absolutely pathetic in his greetings and refused to let Steve out of his sight for an instant.
"I'm quite taken by surprise," declared Steve.

"I knew you loved me devotedly, Perry, but this is--this is really touching!" Perry grew a trifle red and coughed.

"Er--well--I hope so," he blurted.
"You hope so?
Hope what ?" "Hope it's touching," explained the other, grinning.