isable to urge the matter any further, and in a few
minutes it was settled that the captain's plan in regard to who should
compose the party to go to Pleasant Plains, and who the one to remain
on the yacht, should be carried out.

Evidently the young girls were well satisfied with the decision. They
had had enough travel by rail for the present, and life on the
_Dolphin_ would be decidedly restful and enjoyable, for they were
delightful companions, the captain was the best and kindest of
protectors and providers, and there was abundance of interesting
reading matter at hand in the shape of books and periodicals.

Percy was much disappointed, but did his best to conceal it, which was
the easier because the others were much taken up with the necessarily
hasty preparations for the little trip.

"I don't want to go without my papa," Ned said stoutly at first.

"But papa thinks he can't go, and it is for only a little while, you
know," reasoned his mother. "We expect to come back to papa and
sisters in a few days."

"But, mamma, why don't you and I stay with him? It's nice here on our
yacht and going about to new places 'most every day."

"So it is, son, but it will be pleasant to see those relatives who
have invited us to their homes, and to refuse to accept their
invitation would not seem kind."

"But papa does refuse."

"Yes; he must have some good reason which he has not told us."

"Papa is going to take care of the yacht, and of Eva and our sisters,"
said Elsie, joining in the talk.

They were in their stateroom, Violet putting together such articles of
clothing as she thought best to take with them on their little trip.

"But who'll take care of us?" demanded Ned.

"Uncle Walter, Cousin Ronald, and Cousin Percy. I'd rather have papa
than all of them put together, but our Heavenly Father will take care
of us, and that is better still."

"Yes, daughter; He will take the best of care of all who put their
trust in him; and without his help no earthly creature can keep you
from harm," said their father's voice close at hand; and, looking
round, they saw him standing in the doorway.

"Yes, papa; and I'm so glad to know it," responded Elsie. "But I do
wish you were going along with us to visit those cousins."

"As I do, my dear," said Violet.

"Thank you. I should like it myself, but for certain reasons it seems
advisable and best for me to stay behind. Vi, my dear, let me do that
packing for you."

The