"Take me this once.

I do so want to see China!" "Here, mother," said the captain laughing; "take Mark up stairs and show him your best tea-service, the one I brought home last year.

Like to see Japan, too, my lad ?" Mark frowned and bent his head over his book, while Mrs Strong shook her head at her husband.
The captain rose once more, and laid his hand upon his son's shoulder.
"Come, come, my lad, don't fret over it," he said; "you have done well, and I should like to give you a treat, but I can't take you to Hong-Kong for many reasons.

Your mother would not like it, I shouldn't like it, and it would do you no good." "But, father--" began Mark.
"Hear me out, my lad," said the captain gravely.

"I say I want to give you a treat, so I tell you what I will do.