I said.“I was telling you how much I appreciate the peaceful life. I’ve had enough adventuring. What I want now is to settle down and enjoy the visits of my family … and to know that they are well and happy.”“It seems a very noble ambition,” I said.“And how the time has flown.We must be on our way back, Kate. ““Promise you’ll come again.”I thanked him and Kate leaped up and flung her arms about his neck. I was astonished by her conduct. She was like a different child. And I was delighted to see this affection between her and her grandfather.As we rode home, she said: “Isn’t Gramps wonderful?”“He has certainly had a very interesting life.”“It’s the most interesting life anyone ever had. Of course, you were shipwrecked … that counts for something. You ought to have told him about it.”“Oh, his adventures were far more interesting, I am sure.”“Oh yes. But yours are not bad. You can tell him next time.”And of course there would be a next time.
