Ted, whose father had an automobile, and they all laughed.
But the grown-ups began talking about other things and the Cat grew sleepy and forgot to purr. "His engine's stopped," said Ted-Ted in his little voice. But the Captain didn't hear exactly what he said and only patted him on the back and said, "Yes, yes," kindly.
The Cat's big black tail, with a little curl at the tip of it, hung near Ted-Ted's hand.
"I'll crank him," said Ted-Ted, helpfully. If only the Captain had heard that time! But again he just said, "Yes, yes," and went on talking with his daughter.