Greg said "Lots," and then, "But what I _did_ want to ask you is,
how you sailed all the way from the Mid-Equator to here in such a
little boat?"

The Bottle Man laughed, and then said very soberly:

"But _are_ you sure you measured it right? To-morrow I'll show you
on the map."

We only stayed a minute, and then said good-night and went out. I
was the last one, and just as I was going through the door, Greg
said:

"Chris! Come back!"

So I went and sat on the edge of the bed in the dark, and Greg put
his good arm around my neck when I bent down.

"Do you know, Chris," he said, "sometimes that night I think I
thought you were Mother. Oh, Chris, I _do_ love you awfully much!"

And I was happier then than I'd been since--oh, it seemed centuries
ago.