What should keep them longer here?
The sails were hoisted to the tune of "Baltimore," and Rento's gruff bass and Franci's melting tenor were mingled for once in friendly harmony.
"I wish I was in Baltimore! lo! A-skating on the sanded floor.
A long time ago! Forever and forever, lo! Forever and forever, boys, A long time ago!" Just as the cables were about to be cast off, a hail was heard from the wharf, and Mr.Bill Hen Pike appeared, purple and breathless.
"Schooner ahoy!" he gasped; and then fell against a post and mopped his brow.
"Senor!" responded the Skipper, coming to the stern, and greeting his guest with a wave of the hand, "you come to bid us farewell?
It is kindly done! Or you bring us, perhaps, a message from our revered uncle?
Speak with haste, Senor, the tide waits not!" "I--I brought this!" said Mr.Bill Hen, holding up a small object.

"I went up into his room, to see if there was anything he might like, and there warn't nothing but just this.

I thought you'd like to have it, Johnny, to take along with you." The good man's voice faltered; John ran to the stern, and held out his hands eagerly, tenderly, crying,--"Oh, thank you, dear Mr.Pike! thank you so very, very much!" For it was the china poodle that Mr.Bill Hen had brought.

When the treasure was safe in the child's hands, Mr.Bill Hen breathed more freely.
"Now you'll have something to remember us by, Johnny!" he said.

"We've lotted on ye a good deal, here to the village; more maybe than you thought on.