"We've caught something big this time!" "Do you think it's a whale ?" said Nell, jumping up also, abandoning in her hurry her post as mistress of the ceremonies.

"It must be awfully big to make that great rope shake so!" The old sailor chuckled till his sides shook.
"You seem wonderfully fond of whales, missy!" he exclaimed, turning round as soon as he had managed to wriggle himself out of the fo'c's'le and was able to stand erect again.

"Don't you remember, you mistook those grampuses we came across the other day when going to Seaview for whales ?" "Yes; and I remember, too, Captain, your making fun of me then, the same as now," replied Nell, smiling as she went on.

"I don't mind it though, for I like being here with you and dad!" "That's right, my dear," replied the old sailor.

"There's nothing like keeping your temper.