"I don't mean on our trip, but to see the vessel." That sounded to the boy like a temporary reprieve, and he looked inquiringly at the doctor. "I had not said anything about it to him," said Sir John. "We have had particulars from my agent of a large ocean-going steam yacht, my boy, which sounds well. It is really a sailing vessel, but fitted with a screw for occasional use in calm or storm. She is lying at Dartmouth, and we are going down to see her to-day. Will you come?" "Do you wish me to come, father?" said Jack. "Of course I do, but what I do wish is to see you take an interest in all our preparations." "I am trying to, father." "Yes, and succeeding," said the doctor, "or you would not have come out like you are this morning." "How soon do you start?" said Jack hurriedly, to escape the doctor's allusions to his dress. "In half-an-hour. We have to get up to town, and then go across to Paddington." "I'll hurry through my breakfast then, and go and change my things." "What for?" cried the doctor. "You couldn't be better." "But I should look so absurd, sir, dressed like this." "Absurd?" "The absurdity is only in your imagination, my boy," said Sir John. "Go as you are." Jack looked troubled, but he said nothing, for he was making a brave fight to master his antipathy to his father's projects, and without another word he went on with his breakfast, receiving the next time he caught his father's eye a nod of approval which meant a good deal. But the pith helmet was a severe trial just before the carriage came to the door, and he stood in the hall with the round-topped head-piece standing on the table, for it would recall Edward's extinguisher, and his own remark that morning concerning the Guido-Fawkes-like aspect of their man. "Don't seem to like your topper, Jack, lad," said the doctor, smiling. "Well, who could?" cried the boy sharply. "It looks so absurd." "Because you are not used to it, and will probably not see any one else wearing one. Now for my part, I think it the very reverse of absurd, and a thoroughly sensible head-piece, light, well ventilated, and cool, a good protection from the sun, and thoroughly comfortable." "What, that thing?" "Yes, that thing. It is a hot sunny day, and we shall be out of doors a good deal when we get into Devonshire, so it is most suitable. Now between ourselves, what would you have worn if left to yourself?" "My black frock-coat and bat," said Jack quickly. "Nice costume for a railway journey. Orchid in your button-hole of course, and a pair of straw-coloured kid gloves, I suppose? I have observed that those are your favourite colour." Jack nodded. "Bah! Try and be a little more manly, my lad," said the doctor kindly. "A healthy young fellow does not want to be so self-conscious, and to dress himself up so as to look pretty and be admired--or laughed at." "I'm more likely to be laughed at dressed like this, and with a thing like half an egg-shell on my head."