Page:Cornelia Meigs--The island of Appledore.djvu/31

Rh isn’t a fisherman, but you never saw any one in your life who can sail a boat the way he  can. That’s his little craft anchored off the point there; she’s the very apple of his eye. Just see how he keeps her; I do believe he would give her a new coat of paint every week  if he could afford it. He’s surely proud of her! He was so happy with her a little while back that I can’t understand what has come  over him now.”

He sat staring at the little boat, until Billy finally had filled his boxes and had risen to his feet.

“I have picked all these for Aunt Mattie,” he said, “and have eaten about twice as many  besides. Now won’t you let me pick some for you?”

“Why, that’s good of you,” returned the old man gratefully. “I won’t deny that it is easier work sitting here and watching you  gather them than to try to get the pesky things  myself. I don’t need any myself but I did want to send some to Mrs. Shute, over beyond  the creek. They are just right for putting up now and will be almost too ripe in another  day. That rascal Jacky should have taken them, but there’s no knowing where he is.”