"I only got a little of it." "A little of what ?" "The Tyrian dye, Captain Dresser called it, from the cuttle-fish," explained Bob, who seemed to treat the matter more lightly than the spoiling of his shirt-front and jacket deserved in Mrs Strong's opinion.

"It's quite classical, mother--so the Captain said when I got squelched with it." "Really, I wish Captain Dresser would not make experiments with his dyes when you two are near him," said she, very plaintively.

"He hasn't to look after your clothes, as I have." Nell smiled at her mother's mistake, while Master Bob fairly screeched with laughter.
"Why, it wasn't the Captain who did it," he shouted out gleefully.

"It was the cuttle-fish that squirted over us." Then, on the whole story being told her, Mrs Strong exonerated the Captain.
But not so Mrs Gilmour, when she learnt the history of the soles, which had been specially set aside for her and afterwards eaten.
"Oh, you cormorants!" she cried, pretending to be in a great rage.
"Fancy eating my soles! Did you ever hear of such a thing?
Captain Dresser, I'll never forgive you!" "Don't be so hard-hearted," said he imploringly.

"If you only knew how hungry we were, I'm sure you would forgive us with your usual good- nature." "I'm not so certain of that," replied she.