While the girls cleaned up the kitchen, Greg and Whit commandeered one of the spare bedrooms and changed into civilian clothes.

"I was all for moth-balling my bell-bottoms this morning when the Navy handed over my freedom papers, but this character couldn't wait even five minutes to wave goodbye to Port Dixon. Said there was some girl in Santa Teresa he wanted to see," Whit teased.

Regina pretended disbelief. "A girl or a houseboat?"

"Wait a minute!" Greg protested. "The houseboat was all his idea."

"You might at least introduce me to this floating cafeteria," Regina told them.

"Before the clock strikes eight, you shall feast your eyes on the Albatross," Greg promised her. "In fact, if you coaxed hard enough, we might even berth her in your inlet for a few weeks. I'm going to pull the 'Man-Who-Came-to-Dinner' act on Whit until your Aunt Louise sings 'O Promise Me' at us."

"You'll stay here? Oh, super!" Regina squealed delightedly. "I can think of a hundred chores for a couple of stalwart ex-sailors-with a wedding coming up!"

"Pardon me while I catch a slow boat for China," Whit groaned, but no one took any notice of his feeble protestations. Munching brownies still warm from the pan, the four swarmed into the convertible. Traffic was light, and within ten minutes Greg had pulled up in the alley behind Pier Six.

The Albatross looked younger and less disreputable with the soft splash of moonlight across her weather-beaten decks. Regina and Barbara were escorted on a tour through the cabins, then they all stretched out on canvas deck chairs while Whit outlined his plans for refurbishment of the boat. A former shipmate, he explained, would go into partnership with him when his discharge came through in about two weeks.

"We'll spot tables all along the port and starboard decks," he said. "Should be able to fit fifteen on each side without crowding. I'd like to raise a small stage at the stern there-maybe hire an accordionist to keep the customers happy."