Elsie Yachting with the Raymonds

r-rigged sailing-yacht, gracefully modelled and nearly new; but her former owner had di

vidently pleased, though he said very little as he wen

t, Papa?" Max at le

he prompt, pleasant-toned reply

wanted, and could afford so expensive a luxury, I

estimate of her," said Captain Raym

ure of her speed

ine sailer, as I should feel confident she would be, judging merely from

vessels you were wont to command?" querie

nd as I see she is such to Max, and have no doubt that she will be

th, while his eyes s

he sale of the vessel. It did not take long for him and the Captai

ill they were in the carriage again on the way home, then burst out, "Papa, I think it's just splendid that you're the owner of

," was his father's smiling reply; "and you

r instructions, and learn as much as possible, so that I may

avy; and how you could resist the fascinations of West Point, I do

the son of a seaman; love for the sea

ain. "I have been supposed to inherit

atives from the adjacent cottages, were all on the porch as the c

ttle Elsie and the baby

and fondle them; then, taking them in his arms, he fol

all back again. I have been wondering, my dear, what important bu

" with an indulgent smile into the lad's eager face, "you may have

utiful "Dolphin," and winding up with the news that Papa had bought her, and expected to take their whole party-or, at least, as man

and kissing her father in a transport o

pleasanter than such a trip as that. It'll be the greatest fun that ever was. And you'll command

pect to take command of the dainty little craft,-a small affair, indeed, compared with a man-of-war. My dear," t

ered, smiling up into his face. "What could be more enjoyable than sailing about in su

plied. "You have only to say the word at any

en suppose we all go over this aft

g round at the eager faces, "How many of

beautiful "Dolphin;" and after a little discussion of the matter, it was decided that they would giv

the vessel and the prospect of sailing in her under the

would add to the comfort and enjoyment of his family and guests; the ladies also were occupied with theirs, which were not sufficiently gr

Papa?" asked Lulu, when t

trip along the co

back to Newport?"

with a smile into t

id, looking at his father with a rather mischievous

aughed his father.

dron would be in soon,-in a day or two, I think he said,-and I have a notion it w

father's desire to give pleasure to you all," laughed the Capta

the deck at some little distance from the rest of th

is that? Oh, it's a good many ships

ell for a definition, or

pping her hands in delight. "And will th

will be done, my child," the Captain replied. "I can only say I intend to have y

much!" she said, taking his hand in both

ace. "I'm sure we'll e

ou three keep the secret from the others

ght never to be told a secret again,"

ne to the other of mingled pride and affection, "I feel quite safe in trusting a secret to the keeping of the eldes

erve to be severely punished, and never trusted by yo

I think,"

e and kind in you to trust us!" looking up in

nd, caressing hand. "Well, my pet, it is a ve

king such disposition of their effects as they desired; while Max, joined by Walter Travilla, made the tour of the vessel for perhaps the fiftieth time,-for ever s

at a time in climbing about with Max, who took much pleasure

he breeze and the beauties of sea and land,-for the

oyably to all. The evening was enlivened by music from a very sweet-toned piano in the cabin, by singing, conversation, promen

ed on deck, each repeated a verse of Scripture, after which they united in singing a hymn, and Mr. Dinsmore led in prayer. Then the go

ett Bay. There were many exclamations and questions, "How did it happen?" "Whose mistake was it that instead of being away out at s

to a number of war-vessels lying quiet

s the sight of its evolutions, so brought them back to view them. There will be

tory to every one, and there was grea

re going to do, P

" he answered; "but we may find out after awhile

als, and tell us what's coming, ca

o breakfast, and you needn't hurry through your meal; for they are no

breakfast presently set before them. But an hour later found them all on deck, young and old keeping a sharp watch on

t the same instant Max asked eagerly, "Papa, wh

have donned their uniforms and are taking their places on the deck. And yond

he roll of a drum were now he

n the bridge of the 'Wanita,' Papa?" ask

er, doubtless to fire a salu

he Captain's lips, the loud boom o

be in that Admiral's place?" qu

miral one of these days; and I'm

ing and blushing; "but I'm afraid I'll be an

maintaining your country's honour without waiting to be made

d it is a comfort. We'd any of us feel i

ked Gracie, "if little

ers," the Captain said, smiling down into her eyes while he laid his right

on, the Admiral and his staff had reached the deck

o do now, Papa?" queried L

ship," replie

Papa?" as

y part of it is i

n we were there and were taken all over it, every

Mr. Keith on some subject that did not interest the chi

him there again, talking with Captain Wade and his officers; then, in

be done now?" ask

n Raymond. "If you do not wish to miss something

ed. All eyes gazed intently in the dire

ich Captain Raymond promptly interpreted for the

at mean, Papa

find out for yourself," he

e water, and of other craft which the Captain explained were life-rafts and catamarans; while at the same time men and boys were scampering about wi

sked wonderingly. "I should think it would alway

t be on fire, or leaking so badly th

idn't think of tha

d off away from their ships, and the 'Wan

ey going to do,

next signal," he replied. "Ah, there it is, and

a very pretty sight, but soon came another signal from the flag-ship, which t