The last cut finished Josie ; she humbly begged pardon and went off to bed , while Demi soon followed , feeling that he had not only settled himself but his too inquisitive little sister also . But if he had seen her face as she listened to the soft wailing of his flute he would not have been so sure , for she looked as cunning as a magpie as she said , with a scornful sniff : ` Pooh , you ca n't deceive me ; I know Dick is serenading Sophy Wackles . ' Chapter 11 . EMIL 'S THANKSGIVING The Brenda was scudding along with all sail set to catch the rising wind , and everyone on board was rejoicing , for the long voyage was drawing towards an end . ` Four weeks more , Mrs Hardy , and we 'll give you a cup of tea such as you never had before , ' said second mate Hoffmann , as he paused beside two ladies sitting in a sheltered corner of the deck . ' I shall be glad to get it , and still gladder to put my feet on solid ground , ' answered the elder lady , smiling ; for our friend Emil was a favourite , as well he might be , since he devoted himself to the captain 's wife and daughter , who were the only passengers on board . ` So shall I , even if I have to wear a pair of shoes like Chinese junks . I 've tramped up and down the deck so much , I shall be barefooted if we do n't arrive soon , ' laughed Mary , the daughter , showing two shabby little boots as she glanced up at the companion of these tramps , remembering gratefully how pleasant he had made them . ` Do n't think there are any small enough in China , ' answered Emil , with a sailor 's ready gallantry , privately resolving to hunt up the handsomest shoes he could find the moment he landed . ' I do n't know what you would have done for exercise , dear , if Mr Hoffmann had not made you walk every day . This lazy life is bad for young people , though it suits an old body like me well enough in calm weather . Is this likely to be a gale , think ye ? ' added Mrs Hardy , with an anxious glance at the west , where the sun was setting redly . ` Only a capful of wind , ma'am , just enough to send us along lively , ' answered Emil , with a comprehensive glance aloft and alow . ` Please sing , Mr Hoffmann , it 's so pleasant to have music at this time . We shall miss it very much when we get ashore , ' said Mary , in a persuasive tone which would have won melody from a shark , if such a thing were possible . Emil had often blessed his one accomplishment during these months , for it cheered the long days , and made the twilight hour his happiest time , wind and weather permitting . So now he gladly tuned his pipe , and leaning on the taffrail near the girl , watched the brown locks blowing in the wind as he sang her favourite song : ` Give me freshening breeze , my boys , A white and swelling sail , A ship that cuts the dashing waves , And weathers every gale . What life is like a sailor 's life , So free , so bold , so brave ? His home the ocean 's wide expanse , A coral bed his grave . '
Just as the last notes of the clear , strong voice died away , Mrs XXXXX suddenly exclaimed : ` What 's that ? '
Brenda Chinese Demi Emil Hardy Wackles capful months tramps weeks