They reached the parade-ground just in time to see the battalion forming under arms, and Max and Lulu watched every movement with intense interest and delight,—the long skirmish lines firing in advance or retreat, picking off distant imaginary leaders of a pretended enemy in reply to the ringing skirmish calls of the key-bugles, deploying at the run, rallying at the reserves and around the colours.
That last seemed to delight Lulu more than anything else. "Oh," she exclaimed, "isn't it lovely! Wouldn't they all fight for the dear old flag if an enemy should come and try to tear it down!"
"I'm inclined to think they would," returned Mr. Keith, smiling at her enthusiasm. "Now look at the flag waving from the top of the staff yonder."
The words had scarcely left his lips when there came the sudden bang of the sunset gun, and the flag quickly fluttered to the earth.
Then followed the march of the cadets to their supper, and our little party turned about and went in search of theirs.
On leaving the table they went out upon the hotel porch and seated themselves where the view was particularly fine, the gentlemen conversing, Max and Lulu listening, both tired enough to be quite willing to sit still.
The talk, which was principally of ordnance and various matters connected with army and navy, had greater interest for the boy than for his sister, and Lulu soon laid her head on her father's shoulder, and was presently in the land of dreams.
"My poor, tired, little girl!" he said, low and tenderly, softly smoothing the hair from her forehead as he spoke.
At that she roused, and lifting her head, said coaxingly, "Please don't send me to bed yet, Papa! I'm wide awake now."
"Are you, indeed?" he laughed. "I think those eyes look rather heavy; but you may sit up now if you will agree to sleep in the morning when Max and I will probably be going out to see the cadets begin their day. Would you like to go, Max?"
"Yes, indeed, sir!" answered Max, in eager tones; "it's about five o'clock we have to start,—isn't it?"
"Yes, Max. Lieutenant Keith has kindly offered to call us in season, and become our escort to the camp."
"Oh, Papa, mayn't I go too?" pleaded Lulu,in the most coaxing tones. "I won't give you the least bit of trouble."
"You never do, daughter, in regard to such matters; you are always prompt, and ready in good season."
"Then do you say I may go, Papa?"
"Yes, if you will go to bed at once, in order to secure enough sleep by five o'clock in the morning."
"Oh, thank you, sir! Yes, indeed, I will," she said, hastily rising to her feet, and bidding good-night to Mr. Keith.
"I too," said Max, following her example.
"Good children," said their father; then noticing the longing look in Lulu's eyes, he excused himself to his friend, saying he would join him again presently, and went with them.
"That is a beautiful, bright, engaging, little girl of yours, Raymond,—one that any father might be proud of," remarked Keith when the Captain had resumed the seat by his side.
"She seems all that to me; but I have sometimes thought it might be the blindness of parental affection that makes the child so lovely and engaging in her father's eyes," returned the Captain, in tones that spoke much gratification.
"I think, indeed I am sure, not," returned Keith. "About how old is she?"
"Thirteen. Actually, she'll be a woman before I know it!" was the added exclamation ina tone of dismay. "I don't like the thought of losing my little girl even in that way."
"Ah, you'll be likely to lose her in another before many years!" laughed his friend. "She'll make a lovely woman, Raymond!"
"I think you are right," answered the father; "and I confess that the thought of another gaining the first place in her heart—which I know is mine now—is far from pleasant to me. Well, it cannot be for some years yet, and I shall try not to think of it. Perhaps she may never care to leave her father."
"I don't believe she will if she is wise. You are a fortunate man, Raymond! Your son—the image of his father—is not less attractive than his sister, and evidently a remarkably intelligent lad. He will make his mark in the navy; and I dare say we shall have the pleasure of seeing him an admiral by the time we—you and I—are gray-headed, old veterans."
"Perhaps so," returned the Captain, with a pleased smile; "but promotion is slow in the navy in these days of peace."
"Quite true; and as true of the army as of the navy. But even that is to be preferred to war,—eh, Raymond?"
"Most decidedly," was the emphatic reply.
"You leave for home to-morrow evening, I think you said?" was Keith's next remark, made in an inquiring tone.
"That is my plan at present," replied the Captain, "though I would stay a little longer rather than have the children disappointed in their hope of seeing everything about here that has any connection with the Revolution."
"They seem to be ardent young patriots," said Keith. "It does one good to see their pride and delight in the flag. How their eyes shone at the sight of the rally round the colours."
"Yes; and they feel an intense interest in everything that has any connection with the Revolutionary struggle. They get it in the blood; and it has been their father's earnest endeavour to cultivate in them an ardent love of country."
"In which he has evidently been remarkably successful," returned Keith. "I am much mistaken if that boy does not do you great credit while in the Naval Academy, and, as I remarked a moment since, after fairly entering the service."
"A kind and pleasant prediction, Keith," the Captain said, giving his friend a gratified look.
"How many children have you, Raymond?" was the next question.
"Only five," the Captain said, with a happy laugh,—"five treasures that should, it seems to me, make any man feel rich; also, a sweet, beautiful, young wife, who is to her husband worth far more than her weight in gold. 'Herprice is above rubies.' And you, Keith,—you have not told me whether you have yet found your mate."
"No, not yet. I sometimes think I never shall, but shall soon become a confirmed old bachelor," Keith replied. Then, after an instant's pause, "I wonder if Lulu's father would give her to me should I wait patiently till she is old enough to know her own mind in such matters, and then succeed in winning her heart?"
"Ah, Keith, is that a serious thought or a mere idle jest?" queried the Captain, turning a surprised and not altogether pleased look upon his friend.
"A sort of mixture of the two, I believe, Raymond," was the laughing reply; "but I haven't the least idea of putting any such mischief into your daughter's head,—at least, not at present. But if I ask your permission half a dozen years hence to pay my court to her, I hope it will not be refused."
"Well, Keith," the Captain said, after a moment's silence, "I should be very loath to stand in the way of your happiness,—still more of that of my dear daughter; but the time is so far off that we need not discuss the question now. My little girl seems still the merest child, with no thought of the cares, pleasures, and duties of womanhood; and I wish to keep her so as long as I can. That is one reason why I rejoice inbeing able to educate her myself in our own home; and thus far the loves of the dear ones in it have seemed all-sufficient for her happiness. And I own to being particularly pleased with her oft-repeated assurance that she loves Papa better than she does any one else in all the wide world."
"Ah, I do not wonder that she does, for her father is altogether worthy of all the love she can give him!" Keith said, with a half-sigh, thinking of the loneliness of his lot compared with that of the Captain.
"Keith," the Captain said, after a moment's silence, "you tell me your furlough will not expire for some weeks yet. Can you not spend them with us at the sea-shore?"
Donald demurred a little at first, saying he had made other plans; and besides, his going might interfere with his cousins' arrangements.
"Not the slightest danger of that," the Captain averred; "and I am certain that one and all will be delighted to see you."
"And I own to being fairly hungry for a sight of them," laughed Donald. "So, Raymond, your invitation is accepted, and on your own head be the consequences."
"No objection to that; I'm delighted to have you on any terms, reasonable or otherwise," the Captain said, with his pleasant smile.
Max and Lulu had an hour or more ofgood refreshing sleep before the two gentlemen separated for the night.
Captain Raymond went very softly into Lulu's room, and stood for a moment by the bedside looking fondly down into the rosy, sleeping face, then, bending over her, kissed her tenderly on cheek and lip and brow.
Her eyes opened wide and looked up into his, while a glad smile broke over her face.
"You dear, good Papa, to come in and kiss me again!" she said, putting her arm round his neck and returning his caresses. "Oh, I do think I have just the very dearest, kindest, best father in the whole wide world!"
"That's rather strong, isn't it?" he returned, laughing, but at the same time gathering her up in his arms for a moment's petting and fondling. Then, laying her down again, "I did not mean to wake you," he said; "and I want you now to go to sleep again as fast as you can, because, though to-morrow will, I hope, be a very enjoyable day to you and Max, it is probable you will find it quite fatiguing also."
"Yes, sir; but I don't mean to think about it now, else I'd be wide awake presently, and maybe not sleep any more to-night," Lulu answered drowsily, her eyes closing while she spoke.
He was turning away, when she roused sufficiently to ask another question. "Papa, willyou please wake me when the time comes to get up?"
"Yes, daughter," he replied. "Do not let the fear of not waking in season rob you of a moment's sleep. I think you may safely trust to your father to attend to that for you."
It seemed to Lulu that but a few moments had passed when her father's voice spoke again close to her side.
"Wake up now, little daughter, if you want to go with Papa and Max to see what the cadets will be doing in their camp for the next hour or so."
"Oh, yes, indeed, I do!" she cried, wide awake in an instant. "Good-morning; and thank you ever so much for calling me, dear Papa!" and with the words her arms were round his neck, her kisses on his cheek.
He gave her a hearty embrace in turn; and then, with a "Now, my darling, you must make haste, we have only ten minutes; but I shall bring you back to rearrange your toilet before going down to breakfast," he released her and went back to his own room.
Lulu made quick work of her dressing, and when her father tapped at her door to say it was time to go, was quite ready.
They found Mr. Keith waiting on the porch, exchanged a pleasant "good-morning" with him, and at once started for the camp.
Max and Lulu were in gayest spirits, and were allowed to laugh and talk till the little party drew near the camp, when their father bade them be quiet, and amuse themselves for the present by looking and listening.
He spoke in a kind, pleasant tone, and they obeyed at once.
Down by the guard-tents they could see a dim, drowsy gleam, as of a lantern; the gas-jets along the way seemed to burn dimly, too, as the daylight grew stronger, and up about the hill-tops on the farther side of the river the sky was growing rosy and bright with the coming day. But all was so quiet, so still, where the tents were that it seemed as if everybody there must be still wrapped in slumber; and Lulu was beginning to think Mr. Keith must have called for them a little earlier than necessary, when a sudden gleam and rattle among the trees almost made her jump, so startled was she, while at the same instant a stern, boyish voice called out, "Who comes there?" and a sentry stood before them wrapped in an overcoat,—for the morning was very cool up there among the mountains,—and with the dew dripping from his cap.
"Friends, with the countersign," replied Mr. Keith.
"Halt, friends! Advance one with the countersign," commanded the sentry; and while the Captain and his children stood still where theywere, Mr. Keith stepped up to the levelled bayonet and whispered a word or two in the ear of the young sentinel which at once caused a change in his attitude toward our party,—respectful attention taking the place of the fierce suspicion. "Advance, friends!" he said, bringing his heels together and his rifle to the carry, then stood like a statue while they passed on into the camp he guarded.
Max and Lulu, remembering their father's order to them to keep quiet, said nothing, but were careful to make the very best use of their eyes.
Down by the tents, on the south and east sides, they could see sentries pacing their rounds, but there was as yet no sound or movement among the occupants.
Some drummer-boys were hurrying over the plain toward the camp, while a corporal and two cadets were silently crossing to the northeast corner, where stood a field-piece dripping with dew.
Max motioned to Lulu to notice what they were doing, and as he did so they had reached the gun, and there was a dull thud as they rammed home their cartridge.
The drummer-boys were chattering together in low tones, glancing now and again at the clock in the "Academic" tower over on the other side of the plain. Suddenly a mellow stroke beganto tell the hour, but the next was drowned in the roar of the gun as it belched forth fire and smoke, while at the same instant drum and fife broke forth in the stirring strains of the reveille.
Lulu almost danced with delight, looking up into her father's face with eyes shining with pleasure. His answering smile was both fond and indulgent as he took the small white hand in his with a loving clasp; but it was no time for words amid the thunder of the drums playing their march in and about the camp.
Lulu could see the tent-flaps raised, drowsy heads peering out, then dozens of erect, slender lads, in white trousers and tight-fitting coatees, coming out with buckets, and hurrying away to the water-tanks and back again.
Presently the drums and fifes ceased their music; there was a brief interval of silence, while the streets of the camp filled up with gray and white coated figures. Then came another rattle of the drums like a sharp, quick, imperative call.
"Fall in!" ordered the sergeants; and like a flash each company sprang into two long columns.
"Left face!" ordered each first sergeant, while the second sergeant, answering to his own name, was watching with eagle eye a delinquent who came hurrying on, and took his place in the ranks too late by a full half-second.
"Ah," exclaimed Keith, "that poor lad will be reported as too late at reveille!"
Lulu gave him a look of surprise. "Dear me," she said to herself, "if Papa was that strict with his children what ever would become of me?"
But the first sergeant was calling the roll, and she listened with fresh astonishment as he rattled off the seventy or eighty names without so much as an instant's pause, using no list, and seeming to recognize each lad as he answered "Here."
It took scarcely a minute; then at a single word the ranks scattered, the lads hurrying away to their tents, while the first sergeant made a brief report to the captain, who stood near, then the captain to the officer of the day.
Our little party had now seated themselves where a good view of the camp might be obtained, and Max and Lulu watched with great interest what was going on there. They could see the lads pull off their gray coats, raise their tent-walls to give free circulation through them to the sweet morning air, pile up their bedding, and sweep their floors.
Lulu gave her father an inquiring look, and he said, "What is it, daughter? You may talk now, if you wish."
"I was just wondering if you had to do such work as that at Annapolis," she said in reply.
"I did," he responded, with a smile, "and thought you had heard me speak of it."
"Maybe I have," she said, with a tone and look as if trying to recall something in the past. "Oh, yes, I do remember it now! And I suppose that's the reason you have always been so particular with us about keeping our rooms nice and neat."
"Partly, I believe," he returned, softly patting the hand she had laid on his knee; "but my mother was very neat and orderly, and from my earliest childhood tried to teach me to be the same."
"And I think I'll find it easier because of your teachings, sir," remarked Max.
"I hope so," the Captain said; "you'll find you have enough to learn, my boy, without that."
"A good father is a great blessing, Max, as I have found in my own experience," said Mr. Keith.
But the roll of the drums began again, now playing "Pease upon a Trencher;" again the ranks were formed, rolls called; the sergeants marched their companies to the colour line, officers took their stations; first captain ordered attention, swung the battalion into column of platoons to the left, ordered "Forward, guide right, march!" and away they went, to the stirring music of the fifes and drums, away acrossthe plain till the main road was reached, down the shaded lane between the old "Academic" and the chapel, past the new quarters, and the grassy terrace beyond. Then each platoon wheeled in succession to the right, mounted the broad stone steps, and disappeared beneath the portals of the mess hall.
Our party, who had followed at so slight a distance as to be able to keep the cadets in sight to the door of entrance, did not attempt to look in upon them at their meal, but hurried on to the hotel to give attention to their own breakfasts,—the keen morning air and the exercise of walking having bestowed upon each one an excellent appetite.
Max and Lulu were very eager to "get back in time to see everything," as they expressed it, so began eating in great haste.
Their father gently admonished them to be more deliberate.
"You must not forget," he said, "that food must be thoroughly masticated in order to digest properly; and those who indulge in eating at such a rapid rate will be very likely soon to suffer from indigestion."
"And we may as well take our time," added Mr. Keith, "for it will be an hour or more before anything of special interest will be going on among the cadets."
"What do they do next, sir?" asked Max.
"Morning drill, which is not very interesting, comes next; then the tents are put in order."
"That must take a good while," remarked Lulu.
"From three to five minutes, perhaps."
"Oh!" she cried in surprise; "how can they do it so quickly? I'm sure I couldn't put my room at home in good order in less than ten minutes."
"But, then, you're not a boy, you know," laughed Max.
"I'm quite as smart as if I were," she returned promptly. "Isn't that so, Papa?"
"I have known some boys who were not particularly bright," he answered, with an amused look. "Perhaps you might compare quite favourably with them."
"Oh, Papa!" she exclaimed; "is that the best you can say about me?"
"I can say that my daughter seems to me to have as much brain as my son, and of as good quality," he replied kindly, refilling her plate as he spoke; "and I very much doubt his ability to put a room in order more rapidly than she can, and at the same time equally well," he concluded.
"Well, it's a sort of womanish work anyhow,—isn't it, Papa?" queried Max, giving Lulu another laughing look.
"I don't see it so," replied his father. "Iwould be sorry to admit, or to think, that women have a monopoly of the good qualities of order and cleanliness."
"I, too, sir," said Max; "and I'm quite resolved to do my father credit in that line as well as others, at the academy and elsewhere."
"Are we going at once, Papa?" Lulu asked as they left the table.
"No; but probably in ten or fifteen minutes. Can you wait so long as that?" he asked, with a humorous smile, and softly smoothing her hair as she stood by his side.
"Oh, yes, sir!" she answered brightly. "I hope I'm not quite so impatient as I used to be; and I feel quite sure you'll not let Max or me miss anything very interesting or important."
"Not if I can well help it, daughter," he said. "I want you and Max to see and hear all that I think will be instructive, or give you pleasure."
A few moments later they set out; and they had just reached the grove up by the guard-tents, and seated themselves comfortably, when the drum tapped for morning parade, and the cadets were seen issuing from their tents, buttoned to the throat in faultlessly fitting uniforms, their collars, cuffs, gloves, belts, and trousers of spotless white, their rifles, and every bit of metal about them gleaming with polish.
"How fine the fellows do look, Lu!" remarked Max, in an undertone.
"Yes," she replied; "they couldn't be neater if they were girls."
"No, I should think not," he returned, with a laugh. "Oh, see! yonder comes the band. Now we'll soon have some music."
"And there come some officers," said Lulu; and as she spoke the sentry on No. 1 rattled his piece, with a shout that re-echoed from the hills, "Turn out the guard, Commandant of Cadets!" and instantly the members of the guard were seen hastily to snatch their rifles from the racks, form ranks, and present arms.
"Oh, Maxie, isn't that fine!" whispered Lulu, ecstatically. "Wouldn't you like to be that officer?"
"I'd ten times rather be captain of a good ship," returned Max.
"I believe I'd rather be in the navy, too, if I were a boy," she said; "but I'd like the army next best."
"Yes, so would I."
But the drum again tapped sharply, the cadets in each street resolved themselves into two long parallel lines, elbow to elbow, and at the last tap faced suddenly outward, while the glistening rifles sprang up to "support arms;" every first sergeant called off his roll, every man as he answered to his name snapping down his piece to the "carry" and "order."
That done, the sergeant faced his captain, salutingin soldierly fashion, and took his post; the captain whipped out his shining sword; the lieutenants stepped to their posts.
"This is the morning inspection," Mr. Keith said in reply to an inquiring look from Max and Lulu.
"Are they very particular, sir?" queried Max.
"Very; should a speck of rust be found on a cadet's rifle, a single button missing from his clothing, or unfastened, a spot on his trousers, a rip or tear in his gloves, or dust on his shoes, it is likely to be noted on the company delinquency-book to-day, and published to the battalion to-morrow evening."
"I wonder if they're as strict and hard on a fellow as that at Annapolis," thought Max to himself. "I mean to ask Papa about it."
The inspection was soon over.
"Now," said Mr. Keith, "there'll be a moment's breathing spell, then more music by the band while the cadets go through some of their exercises, which I think you will find well worth looking at."
They did enjoy it extremely,—the music, the manœuvres of the cadets under the orders now of the adjutant, and again of the officer in command.
There followed a half-hour of rest, in which Mr. Keith introduced his friend, Captain Raymond,to some of the other officers, and they all had a little chat together.
But as the clock struck nine the cadets were again in ranks.
"What are they going to do now, Mr. Keith?" asked Lulu.
"This is the hour for battery drill," was the reply.
"Ah, I'm glad we're going to see that!" said Max. "I'd rather see it than anything else."
"The cadets are dividing and going in different directions," said Lulu. "Some of them seem to be going down by the river."
"Yes; some members of the senior class. They are going to what is called the 'sea-coast battery' at the water's edge, and presently you will hear the thunder of great guns coming from there."
"Oh, can we go and look at them?" asked Lulu, excitedly. "May we, Papa?" turning to him.
"I think we shall have a finer sight up here," he replied. "Am I not right, Mr. Keith?"
"Yes; I think we would better remain where we are. I would like you to see what daring horsemen these youngsters are. See yonder are the seniors in riding-dress, with gauntlets and cavalry sabres. Watch how easily they mount,and how perfectly at home they are upon their steeds."
With intense interest and no little excitement Max and Lulu watched and listened to all that followed,—the rapid movements of column, line, and battery, the flash of sabres, the belching of flame and smoke, accompanied by the thundering roar of the great guns, the stirring bugle blasts, the rearing of the horses when brought to a sudden halt. Even the gentlemen showed unmistakable symptoms of interest and excitement.
The hour of battery drill passed very quickly. When it was over the Captain called a carriage, and he, Mr. Keith, Max, and Lulu drove from one point of interest to another, occupying in this way the time till the hour for the boat from Albany to touch at the point. They took passage on it to New York City, where they left it to board a Sound steamer,—a few hours' journey in which would take them to that part of the sea-coast of Rhode Island which had been selected as the summer resort of the family connection.
Early the next morning our party landed at Newport, where they took a carriage for their sea-side home. It was early when they arrived, but they found everybody up, and ready with a joyful welcome, in both that house and the next two, occupied by the Dinsmores, Travillas, and Lelands. The delight of all the Raymonds, from the Captain down to the baby boy, was a pretty thing to see.
The occupants of the other cottages were present, and rejoiced with them; and from one and all Cousin Donald received a very warm welcome. They were evidently much pleased to see him, and soon made him feel quite at home among them.
They all sat down to breakfast together, almost immediately upon the arrival of the travellers, and lingered over the table in pleasant chat, talking of what had occurred to one and another during the absence of the Captain, Max, and Lulu, questioning Cousin Donald in regard to loved ones more nearly related to him than to themselves, and laying plans for his and their own entertainment during his stay among them.
"I hope," remarked the Captain, "that some naval vessel will come within reach, so that we may have a chance to visit her in your company, Donald."
"Thank you; I would greatly enjoy so doing," Donald answered. "I suppose a visit from such a vessel is by no means rare in these parts at this time of year."
"No," the Captain replied, glancing through a window looking upon the sea, as he spoke. "Why, there is one in plain view at this moment!" he cried, starting to his feet.
They all hastily left the table and gathered upon a porch which gave them a good view of the sea and the man-of-war, hardly a mile away.
"My spy-glass, Max, my son," the Captain said.
"Here, Papa," answered Max, putting it into his father's hand. "I knew it would be wanted."
"Good boy," returned the Captain. "Ah, yes," looking through the glass, "just as I thought. It is the 'Wanita,' Captain Wade, an old friend of mine; we were boys together in the Naval Academy." His face shone with pleasure as he spoke. "We must visit her," he added, passing the glass to Donald.
Max and Lulu exchanged glances of delight,—Papa was so kind and indulgent they were almost sure he would take them along if he knew they wished to go.
"Not to-day, Levis? I am sure you must be too much fatigued with your long journey," Violet said, with a look into her husband's eyes that seemed to add, "I could not be content to part from you for an hour just yet."
His answering look was as fond as her own.
"No, dearest," he said, low and tenderly, "nor do I intend to go at all without my little wife, unless she absolutely refuses to accompany me; we will stay quietly at home to-day, if you wish, and perhaps visit the 'Wanita' to-morrow."
It was a bit of private chat, the others being quite engrossed with the 'Wanita,' taking turns in gazing upon her through the glass.
The next moment Lulu was by her father's side, asking in eager beseeching tones, "Papa, if you go on board that war vessel won't you take Max and me with you?"
"I think it highly probable, in case you should both wish to go," he said, smiling at the look of entreaty in her face and its sudden change to one of extreme delight as she heard his reply.
"Oh, Papa, thank you ever so much!" she cried, fairly dancing with delight. "There's nothing I'd like better; and I hope we can all go."
"You would enjoy it, my dear?" asked the Captain, turning to his wife.
"I would enjoy going anywhere with you, Levis; and your company is particularly desirableon a man-of-war," Violet answered with a happy laugh.
"Thank you," he returned, with a bow and smile. "We must have them—Wade and his officers—here too. It will be a pleasure to entertain them."
"Oh, Papa, how delightful!" cried Lulu, clapping her hands.
"Ah, my child, let me advise you not to be too much elated," laughed her father; "they may have or receive orders to leave this port for some other before our plan can be carried out."
"What plan is it?" "To what do you refer, Captain?" asked several voices; for nearly every one had now taken a look at the man-of-war, and was ready to give attention to something else.
The Captain explained.
"Oh, how delightful!" exclaimed Zoe. "Will it be a dinner, tea, or evening party, Captain?"
"That question remains open to discussion, Sister Zoe," he returned, with a twinkle of fun in his eye. "What would you advise?"
"Oh," she said laughingly, "I am not prepared to answer that question yet."
Then the others joined in with proposals and suggestions, but nothing was positively decided upon just at that time.
The day was spent restfully in wandering along the shore, sitting on the beach or the cottageporches, chatting and gazing out over the sea, or napping,—most of the last-named being done by the lately returned travellers.
The little girls of the family, occasionally joined by Max Raymond and Walter Travilla, spent much of the day together, rather apart from their elders,—Lulu most of the time giving an account of her trip out West and weeks of sojourn in the town of Minersville, the acquaintances she had made, and all that had happened during the stay there, especially of the sad occurrence which so seriously marred the enjoyment of the last days of their visit, Max now and then taking part in the narrative.
Both had a great deal to tell about West Point and Saratoga, and the places of historical interest in their vicinity. Evidently the trip to the far West and back again, with their father, had been one of keen enjoyment to both of them.
So the day passed and evening drew on. The little ones were in bed, the others all gathered upon the porches enjoying the delicious sea-breeze, and the view of the rolling waves, crested with foam, and looking like molten silver where the moonbeams fell full upon them.
Every one seemed gay and happy, and there was a good deal of cheerful chat, particularly on the porch of the Raymond cottage, wherewere Grandma Elsie, Edward Travilla, Donald Keith, the Captain, with Violet and his older children, and some of the other young persons.
The sound of approaching wheels attracted their attention. A carriage drew up in front of the house, and from it alighted a gentleman in the uniform of a captain in the navy.
"Wade!" exclaimed Captain Raymond, hurrying out to meet him. "My dear friend, this is very kind in you. I had hardly hoped to see you until to-morrow, and not then without hunting you up. You are as welcome as this delicious sea-breeze."
"Thanks, Raymond, that's quite a compliment," laughed the other, shaking hands heartily; "but I deserve no thanks, as I came quite as much for my own satisfaction as for yours. I understand you have been here for some weeks, but I only heard of it accidentally this morning."
"But it was only this morning I arrived," Captain Raymond said in a tone of amusement; then, as they had stepped into the midst of the group upon the porch, he proceeded to introduce his friend to the ladies and gentlemen composing it.
There followed an hour of lively, pleasant chat, during which Captain Wade made acquaintance with not only the grown people, but the younger ones also, seeming to take a great deal of interest in them,—Max especially,—listeningwith attention and evident sympathy as Captain Raymond told of his son's prospect of soon becoming a naval cadet.
"You have my best wishes, Max," said Captain Wade. "I hope to live to see you a naval officer as brave, talented, and as much beloved as your father was, and still is."
Max's eyes sparkled, and turned upon his father with a look of deepest respect and affection as he replied, "I could ask nothing better than that, sir, I am sure."
"And I could wish you nothing better than that you may prove a son worthy of such a father," returned Captain Wade. "I have known him since he was a boy of your age, and never knew him to be guilty of a mean or dishonourable act."
"Thank you, sir," said Max, his cheeks flushing, and his eyes again seeking his father's face with a look of reverence and filial love; "it is very kind in you to tell me that, though it's no news to me that I'm so fortunate as to be the son of a man any boy might be proud to own as his father."
"Bravo, Max!" exclaimed Mr. Keith, with a pleased laugh. "I like to hear a boy talk in that way of his father, and certainly you have a good right to do so."
"No boy ever had a better right than Max has to speak well of his father," remarked Violet,lightly, but with an earnest undertone in her sweet voice, "and no one is more capable of judging of that than I, who have lived with them both for years."
"And no one could speak too well of Papa," said Lulu, with impulsive warmth, "for there couldn't be a better man than he is."
"I should be sorry to believe that, little daughter," he said, putting an arm round her as she stood close at his side. Then he changed the subject of conversation.
A few minutes later Captain Wade took leave, giving all a cordial invitation to return his call by a visit to the "Wanita."
"We had talked of giving you a call to-morrow," said Captain Raymond, "but that would be a very prompt return of your visit."
"None too prompt," returned Wade. "Our time here together, Raymond, is likely to be all too short, and we would better make the most of it."
"So I think," returned the person addressed; "and I hope we shall have the pleasure of seeing you here frequently."
"I think he's just as nice as he can be," remarked Rosie Travilla, as the carriage drove away with Captain Wade, "and I hope he'll visit us again soon."
"So do I," said Lulu, "I believe naval officers are the very nicest gentlemen in the world."
"That's rather strong, isn't it?" laughed her father; "and as you have made the acquaintance of only two or three in the course of your life, I fear you are hardly a competent judge."
"And what of army officers, my little lady?" asked Donald Keith, with a good-humoured laugh. "Have you nothing to say for them?"
"Oh, yes, sir!" she said. "I forgot them at the moment, and I do really think they arealmostequal to the naval ones."
"Almost!" he repeated. "Well, even that is saying a good deal for us if your father is a fair sample of those belonging to the navy."
But it was growing late, and the little party soon separated for the night.
Lulu was nearly ready for bed when her father came to her room to bid her good-night in the old way she liked so much. He took her in his arms with a fond caress, asking, "Does it seem pleasant to be at home—or with the home folks—again?"
"Yes, indeed, Papa," she answered, putting an arm about his neck and laying her cheek to his, "but you are always a great deal more than half of home to me. Oh, I do love you so dearly!"
"And I you, my own darling," her father replied, caressing her again and again.
"I'd rather have you to love me, Papa, than have all the money in the world without you, orwith a father that didn't care much about me," she continued.
"Dear child," he said in tender tones, "I value you, and each one of my children, more than words can express. Now I must bid you good-night, for you need all the sleep you can get between this and sunrise."
"Oh!" she exclaimed, "I do hope to-morrow will be clear, so we can go to see the 'Wanita;' or at least that it won't rain. Perhaps it would be all the pleasanter for a few clouds to keep the sun from being so hot on us."
"No doubt," he replied; "but we must take the weather our heavenly Father sends, and be content and thankful."
"Yes, sir, I'll try to do so; but I do hope it will be such that we can go."
"I hope it will, daughter; but if you should have to give up the trip for the time, I hope and expect to see you do so pleasantly,—which you well may, considering that we are very likely to have other opportunities."
"Well, if anything should happen to keep me at home, and I'm cross or sulky about it, I just hope you'll punish me well for my naughtiness," she said so earnestly that he could scarcely refrain from smiling.
"I'm sure that in that case I should punish myself quite as much as you," he said, giving her another hug. "My dear child, if you careat all for Papa's happiness,—as I am sure you do,—try to be so good that he will never have the pain of inflicting any kind of punishment upon you."
Then he bade her good-night, and left her to her rest.
Lulu's head was scarcely on the pillow before she was fast asleep. When she woke, it was already broad daylight. She sprang up and ran to the window to take an observation of the weather.
"Cloudy, but not raining," she said, half-aloud. "Just as I'd like to have it, if only it will keep so, and not turn to actual rain."
With that she began making a rapid toilet, thinking she would like to take a little run on the beach before the summons to breakfast; but when she reached the porch below, the rain was falling pretty fast.
"Oh, dear!" she sighed, "why couldn't it keep off for a few hours longer?"
"What, daughter,—the rain?" asked her father's voice close at her side, while his hand was laid caressingly upon her head.
"Oh, good-morning, Papa!" she returned, lifting to his a sorely disappointed face. "I didn't know you were here. Yes, sir, it is the rain I'm mourning over,—I do so want to visit that man-of-war to-day; it's really a great disappointment!"
"I'm sorry you should feel it so!" he returnedin a sympathizing tone; "but we won't despair yet. I think this is but a passing shower, which will make the trip all the more enjoyable by cooling the air nicely for us. However, should it prove too inclement for our contemplated little jaunt, we must try to remember that our kind and loving heavenly Father orders all these things, and to be patient and content,—more than content, thankful for whatever He sends!"
"I'll try to be content and thankful, Papa; I certainly ought, when I have so many,manyblessings, and don't really deserve any of them," she answered, putting her hand into his, and letting him lead her back and forth along the porch, which they had to themselves for the time.
"No; that is true of each one of us," he said. "Did you sleep well?"
"Just as well as possible, Papa," she answered, smiling up into his face. "I didn't know anything from the time my head touched the pillow till I woke to find it broad daylight."
"That is something to be very thankful for, daughter, as you will discover should sickness and pain ever give you long hours of wakefulness, such as fall to the lot of many a poor sufferer."
"I hope that time will never come to either of us, Papa," she said; "but I'd rather it would come to me than to you. Oh, it was so hard tosee you suffer that time you were sick here, and that other time, when Thunderer threw you!"
"Ah, I shall never forget how tenderly affectionate and helpful my children were to me then," he said, with a look and smile that made her heart bound.
Now others of the family began to join them. Mr. Keith came out upon the porch too, and after exchanging a good-morning with those who had preceded him, remarked that it seemed doubtful if they would be able to take their proposed trip to visit Captain Wade and his man-of-war. But by the time breakfast and family worship were over, the clouds began to scatter; and in another hour the carriages were at the door ready to convey them to the wharf, whence a boat would take them to the "Wanita."
Every one did not care to go that day; the party consisted of Grandma Elsie, Edward, Zoe, Rosie Travilla, Evelyn Leland, Mr. Keith, and the Raymonds, not including the very little ones, who were left at home in the care of their nurse.
It was pronounced by all a most enjoyable little excursion. The weather proved favourable, clouds obscuring the sun, but no rain falling; the officers of the "Wanita" were very polite and attentive, taking them about the vessel, and showing them everything likely to interest ladies and children.
They, particularly Grandma Elsie and Violet, were charmed with the perfect neatness everywhere noticeable; the decks, the store-rooms, the magazine and shell rooms, the passages, the engine and fire rooms (into which they took a peep),—indeed, all parts of the vessel shown them,—were most beautifully neat and clean.
The battery, which contained some new guns, seemed to interest Captain Raymond and Mr. Keith more than anything else, while the ladies and little girls greatly admired their brilliant polish.
When they returned to the shore there was still time for a delightful drive before dinner, which they took,—the best hour for bathing coming in the afternoon.
Captain Wade and his officers took dinner and tea with them the next day by invitation. A great interest in the navy had been aroused in the breasts of the young people, and they watched the officers furtively, and listened with attention to all they said that had any bearing upon that subject.
Max was more and more in love with the prospect before him, and quite resolved to make the very best of his opportunities should he be so fortunate as to gain admission to the Naval Academy.
His father had told him he might have this week entirely for recreation, but on the comingMonday must begin to review his studies preparatory to the examination he would be called upon to pass through at Annapolis.
"I'm very willing, Papa," he replied. "I've had a long and delightful vacation already out West with you; and as I'm very anxious to pass as good an examination as possible, I want to study hard to get ready for it. And I think it's ever so kind in you to help me by hearing my lessons."
"Well, my boy," the Captain said, with a pleased look, "make the most of your holidays while they last, though I do not mean that it shall be all work and no play even after this week; a couple of hours given to study each day will probably be all-sufficient."
"And may I get up early and take them before breakfast when I choose, sir?" Max asked in an eager tone, that told how delightful he would esteem it to be ready to join in the pastimes of the rest of their party,—driving, boating, fishing, bathing, and strolling along the beach and through the woods.
"Yes, my son, if you can manage to get enough sleep in season for that," the Captain replied in an indulgent tone.
"I think I can, sir," said the boy. "I'll take an afternoonsiestaif I don't get enough sleep without."
"That will do," said his father. "Rememberhealth and study must be well attended to, and the more fun and frolic you can manage to get besides, the better I shall be pleased."
Bent on carrying out his plan, Max went early to bed Sunday night, and was up at his books working hard for a couple of hours before breakfast. It still wanted fifteen or twenty minutes of that time when he went down to the porch with his book in his hand.
His father was alone there, looking over the morning paper.
"Good-morning, Papa," Max said. "I am ready to recite whenever you want to hear me."
"Ah! are you, indeed?" the Captain said, taking the book; "then I shall hear this lesson at once."
Max recited very creditably. His father commended him kindly, then said, "I am going in to the city directly after we have had breakfast and family worship, and shall take you with me if you would like to go."
"Thank you, sir; indeed I would!" returned Max, his eyes shining, for he esteemed it one of his greatest pleasures and privileges to be permitted to go anywhere with his father.
"Yes, I think you will enjoy it," the Captain said, smiling to see how pleased the boy was; "I have an errand which I shall tell to no one but Cousin Donald and you. See here," pointing to an advertisement in the paper he had been reading.
"A yacht for sale!" exclaimed Max; "Oh, Papa, are you going to buy it?"
"That is a question I am not prepared to answer till I have seen it, my boy," replied his father. "I shall take you and Cousin Donald, if he will go, to look at it and help me to decide whether to buy it or not."
Mr. Keith joined them at that moment, and was greeted with a pleasant good-morning and shown the advertisement, the Captain telling him that if the yacht proved such as he would like to own, he meant to buy it, and if the plan was agreeable to his wife, to spend the rest of the summer on board, taking his family and friends with him, making short voyages along the coast and perhaps some distance out to sea.
"Taking the opportunity to give my son some lessons in navigation," he added, with a smiling glance at Max.
"Papa! I couldn't ask anything better!" exclaimed Max, hardly able to contain his delight.
"I'm glad to hear it, my boy," his father said. "But now remember that our errand is a secret between us three until we return from the city."
"Then you'll tell Mamma Vi and the rest, sir?" asked Max.
"If I have made the purchase, yes."
The call to breakfast came at that moment and was promptly obeyed.
Max could hardly eat, so excited was he over the prospect of going to the city with his father on so delightful an errand, but he said not a word on the subject.
The coachman had been given his order in good season, and by the time family prayers were over the carriage and horses were at the gate.
"My dear," Captain Raymond said to Violet, "a business matter calls me to the city, but I hope to return in season to take my wife in bathing, or out driving, or wherever she may wish to go."
"Thank you, sir," she said, smiling up into his eyes; "I'll try to be ready for either by the time you return. But is not this a sudden move? I had heard nothing of it before."
"Yes, my dear; but as I am in some haste, I must defer my explanation until I get home again."
"Oh, I don't ask for an explanation," she returned laughingly, as he gave her a hasty good-by kiss; "you have always been so good since my first acquaintance with you, that I am quite sure you may be trusted."
"Ah! I'm much obliged for your good opinion," he answered, with a twinkle of fun in his eye, as he hastily kissed the children, then hurried with Donald and Max to the carriage.
The "Dolphin" proved a trim little craft, beautifully finished and furnished, a schooner-rigged sailing-yacht, gracefully modelled and nearly new; but her former owner had died, and the yacht was to be sold as a necessary measure for the settling of the estate.
Max went into raptures over her; and the Captain was evidently pleased, though he said very little as he went about examining every part of her with keen scrutiny.
"Isn't she all right, Papa?" Max at length ventured to ask.
"I think she is, my son," was the prompt, pleasant-toned reply. "What is your opinion, Keith?"
"It exactly coincides with yours, Raymond; and if I wanted, and could afford so expensive a luxury, I think I shouldn't hesitate to make an offer for her."
"We seem to be quite agreed in our estimate of her," said Captain Raymond; "and I shall take your advice."
"You are quite sure of her speed?" queried Keith.
"Yes; I have seen accounts of her in the papers, showing that she is a fine sailer, as I should feel confident she would be, judging merely from her appearance. She is a beautifully modelled, well-built little craft."
"Looks rather small to you after the naval vessels you were wont to command?" queried Donald Keith, with a good-humoured laugh.
"Yes; but quite captivating to a lover of the sea, nevertheless, and as I see she is such to Max, and have no doubt that she will be to the rest of my family, I am about decided to make the purchase."
Max drew a long breath, while his eyes sparkled with pleasure.
They at once sought the agent whose business it was to attend to the sale of the vessel. It did not take long for him and the Captain to come to an agreement; and the "Dolphin" quickly changed owners.
Max was enraptured, his cheeks glowing, his eyes fairly dancing with delight. He managed, with some difficulty, to keep quiet till 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 such a beautiful vessel! And I hope to learn a great deal about the proper management of one while we're sailing round in her."
"I shall try to teach you all I can, my boy,"was his father's smiling reply; "and your pleasure in the purchase doubles my own."
"Thank you, sir," said Max. "I intend to pay good heed to your instructions, and learn as much as possible, so that I may pass a good examination at Annapolis, and do my father credit."
"But, Max, you might do him as much credit in the army as in the navy; and how you could resist the fascinations of West Point, I don't see," remarked Donald Keith, with a twinkle of fun in his eye.
"Well, sir, I suppose it's because I am the son of a seaman; love for the sea runs in the blood,—isn't that so, Papa?"
"Altogether likely," laughed the Captain. "I have been supposed to inherit it from my father, and he from his."
Violet, and the other members of the family, with some of the relatives from the adjacent cottages, were all on the porch as the carriage drew up in front of the house, and its occupants alighted.
"Papa! Papa!" shouted little Elsie and the baby boy, running to meet him.
"Papa's darlings!" the Captain said, stooping to caress and fondle them; then, taking them in his arms, he followed Donald up the porch-steps, Max close in his rear.
"Take a seat, Cousin Donald," said Violet. "We are glad to see you all back again. I havebeen wondering, my dear, what important business you had to keep you so long away from me and your children."
"It was rather important," returned the Captain, pleasantly. "Max," with an indulgent smile into the lad's eager face, "you may have the pleasure of telling where we have been and what we have done."
"Oh, thank you, sir!" cried Max, and proceeded to avail himself of the permission, going into an enthusiastic description of the beautiful "Dolphin," and winding up with the news that Papa had bought her, and expected to take their whole party—or, at least, as many of them as would like to go—coasting along the shores of all the Atlantic States of New England, and for some distance out to sea.
Lulu was dancing with delight, hugging and kissing her father in a transport of joy, before Max's story came to an end.
"Oh, Papa, how good,—how good and kind you are!" she exclaimed. "I don't think anything could be pleasanter than such a trip as that. It'll be the greatest fun that ever was. And you'll command the vessel yourself, won't you? I do hope so; for I am sure nobody else could do it half so well."
"What a flatterer my eldest daughter can show herself to be!" he said, with a good-humoured laugh. "Yes, I do expect to takecommand of the dainty little craft,—a small affair, indeed, compared with a man-of-war. My dear," turning to Violet, "we have yet to hear from you on this subject. I hope you approve of your husband's purchase."
"Entirely, Levis. In fact, I am quite as much delighted as Lulu seems to be," she answered, smiling up into his face. "What could be more enjoyable than sailing about in such a vessel, with a retired naval officer in command? When am I to see your 'Dolphin'?"
"Yours quite as much as mine, my dear," he replied. "You have only to say the word at any time, and I will take you over to look at her."
"Oh, will you?" she exclaimed. "Then suppose we all go over this afternoon, and see what she is like."
"Agreed!" the Captain said; then glancing round at the eager faces, "How many of you would like to go with us?" he asked.
He was answered by a prompt and unanimous acceptance of his invitation. They all wanted to see that beautiful "Dolphin;" and after a little discussion of the matter, it was decided that they would give up the bath for that day, and start for Newport harbour immediately upon leaving the dinner-table.
They made a very jovial party, and were delighted with the vessel and the prospect of sailingin her under the command of one so kind and competent as her new owner.
For the next few days Captain Raymond was busy with his preparations for the voyage,—engaging a crew and getting everything on board that would add to the comfort and enjoyment of his family and guests; the ladies also were occupied with theirs, which were not sufficiently great to interfere with the usual pleasures of a sojourn by the sea-side; then one bright morning saw them all on board,—a merry, happy party.
"Where are we going first, Papa?" asked Lulu, when they were fairly under way.
"On a little trial trip along the coast," he answered.
"And then coming back to Newport?" questioned Gracie.
"Possibly," he said, with a smile into the bright, eager face.
"I think I know, though I'm not right sure," Max said, looking at his father with a rather mischievous twinkle in his eyes, "what Papa is thinking about."
"Do you, indeed?" laughed his father. "Well, what is it?"
"Well, sir, I overheard Captain Wade telling you he expected the rest of the squadron would be in soon,—in a day or two, I think he said,—and I have a notion it would be a fine sight forus all, and that my father kindly means to give it to us."
"Ah, indeed! you seem to have a great deal of confidence in your father's desire to give pleasure to you all," laughed the Captain. "Well, my boy, events may perhaps show whether you are right."
The three had followed their father to a portion of the deck at some little distance from the rest of the party, so that their talk was not overheard by them.
"A squadron?" repeated Grace. "What is that? Oh, it's a good many ships belonging together,—isn't it, Papa?"
"That will answer very well for a definition, or description," he replied.
"Oh, how glad I am!" exclaimed Lulu, clapping her hands in delight. "And will they go through all their manœuvres, Papa?"
"As I am not the admiral whose orders are to be obeyed, I cannot say exactly what will be done, my child," the Captain replied. "I can only say I intend to have you in the vicinity in season to see all that may be done. Does that satisfy you?"
"Oh, yes, sir! and I thank you very, very much!" she said, taking his hand in both of hers and squeezing it affectionately.
"I too, Papa," said Grace. "I'm sure we'll enjoy it ever so much."
"I hope so," he answered. "And now can you three keep the secret from the others, that they may have a pleasant surprise?"
"If we can't, or don't, I think we ought never to be told a secret again," exclaimed Lulu, in her vehement way.
"Perhaps you would not be intrusted with one very soon again," her father said; "but," he added, with a look from one to the other of mingled pride and affection, "I feel quite safe in trusting a secret to the keeping of the eldest three of my children. I am quite sure no one of you would tell anything you knew your father wished kept secret."
"No, indeed, Papa!" said Max. "We would certainly deserve to be severely punished, and never trusted by you again, if we should ever so abuse your confidence."
"Just what I think," said Lulu.
"I too," added Grace. "And, Papa, it's so nice and kind in you to trust us!" looking up into his face with a loving smile as she spoke.
"Is it?" he asked, smoothing her hair with fond, caressing hand. "Well, my pet, it is a very great pleasure to me to be able to do so."
At that moment they were joined by Mr. Keith. The two gentlemen entered into conversation; the two little girls ran down into the cabin to see that the maid was making such disposition of their effects as they desired; while Max, joinedby Walter Travilla, made the tour of the vessel for perhaps the fiftieth time,—for ever since the purchase, he had spent at least half of every week-day there, learning from his father and others all he could of her different parts and of her management.
Walter, too, had been there again and again, spending hours at a time in climbing about with Max, who took much pleasure in handing over to him the lessons just learned by himself.
The rest of the party were seated on deck enjoying the breeze and the beauties of sea and land,—for the latter was not yet out of sight, though fast receding.
The weather was lovely, every one in the best of spirits, the younger ones full of fun and frolic, and the day passed most enjoyably to all. The evening was enlivened by music from a very sweet-toned piano in the cabin, by singing, conversation, promenading the deck, and gazing out over the water, watching the rise and fall of the waves, and the passing of ships and steamers.
But the day had been an exciting one, especially to the children, and they were willing enough to retire at an early hour. They gathered on deck, each repeated a verse of Scripture, after which they united in singing a hymn, and Mr. Dinsmore led in prayer. Then the good-nights were said, and all the young people, withsome of the older ones, retired to their pretty, cosey state-rooms and their berths.
Great was the surprise of nearly everybody when, coming on deck the next morning, they discovered that they were again in Narragansett Bay. There were many exclamations and questions, "How did it happen?" "Whose mistake was it that instead of being away out at sea, we are back at our starting-point again?" These and other like queries were propounded to the owner and commander of the yacht.
He pointed, with a good-humoured smile, to a number of war-vessels lying quietly at anchor at no very great distance.
"The squadron is in, you see; and I thought my passengers would not like to miss the sight of its evolutions, so brought them back to view them. There will be time afterward for a pleasant little voyage along the coast, or where you will."
The explanation was entirely satisfactory to every one, and there was great rejoicing among the lads and lasses.
"What is it they're going to do, Papa?" asked Gracie.
"I have not been let into that secret, daughter," he answered; "but we may find out after awhile by keeping a close watch upon their movements."
"Oh, Papa, you can read their signals, andtell us what's coming, can't you? Won't you?" exclaimed Lulu.
"Yes, my child, I can and will," he replied. "But there is the call to breakfast, and you needn't hurry through your meal; for they are not likely, for some hours yet, to begin anything you would want to see."
Encouraged by that assurance, no one cared to make undue haste in eating all that appetite called for of the excellent breakfast presently set before them. But an hour later found them all on deck, young and old keeping a sharp watch on every movement of the vessels composing the squadron, several spy-glasses being constantly turned in their direction.
"Ah!" exclaimed the Captain, at length, while at the same instant Max asked eagerly, "Papa, what is it they are doing there on the 'Wanita'?"
"Getting ready for inspection by the Admiral," was the reply. "See, the men have donned their uniforms and are taking their places on the deck. And yonder—do you see?—the Admiral and his staff are pushing off from the flag-ship."
The boatswain's whistle and the roll of a drum were now heard coming from the "Wanita."
"Oh, and is that the executive officer on the bridge of the 'Wanita,' Papa?" asked Max, excitedly. "And what is he doing?"
"Giving an order to the gunner, doubtless to fire a salute in honour of the Admiral."