Page:The Story of the Treasure Seekers.djvu/229

Rh and I had not told about the dead sailors' lady.

And when he had done, Alice said, "Has Mr. Mallow written to you to say he will buy a dozen of the sherry after all? It is really not half bad with sugar in it."

Father said no, he didn't think clergymen could afford such expensive wine; and he said he would like to taste it. So we gave him what there was left, for we had decided coming home that we would give up trying for the two pounds a week in our spare time.

Father tasted it, and then he acted just as H. O. had done when he had his teaspoonful, but of course we did not say anything. Then he laughed till I thought he would never stop.

I think it was the sherry, because I am sure I have read somewhere about "wine that maketh glad the heart of man". He had only a very little, which shows that it was a good after-dinner wine, stimulating, and yet ... I forget the rest.

But when he had done laughing he said, "It's all right, kids. Only don't do it again. The wine trade is overcrowded; and besides, I thought you promised to consult me before going into business?"

"Before buying one I thought you meant,"