, and being
rescued when life was nearly gone.

"So you see, Paul, I should have been very comfortable even in a worse
boat than yours," added the story-teller, as he completed his narrative.

"I should like to be shipwrecked once," said John, musing.

"Should you, my fine fellow?" exclaimed the captain.

"I should, sir, just to see how it would seem."

"It would seem very uncomfortable, my boy; and I recommend you never to
express such a wish again. Many shore people think there is something
very fine and romantic about the sea, or even about a wreck; but half a
day's experience would teach them better. For my part, I was very glad
when I escaped the necessity of going to sea, even as master of a
vessel."

"There is the new boat," interrupted Paul, as the Blowout rounded Dog
Island, which had before concealed the new craft from their sight.

"Isn't she a _ripper_!" exclaimed John.

"Don't use such words, John," added Paul, in a low tone.

"She's a very fine boat," said John.

"She has a broad beam, but she looks as though she would sail well;"
Paul continued.

"Keep her away a little; we will go on board of her if you like," said
Captain Littleton.

Paul, though he would not have ventured on board of the new craft if he
had been alone, ran the Blowout alongside of her, for he was satisfied
that the presence of his friend would free him from the charge of
trespass. John made fast the painter to the new boat, and the party
leaped on board.

"Isn't she a beauty!" ejaculated John.

"A perfect beauty," added Paul, with enthusiasm. "She will sail like a
bird."

"You see she has air chambers at the bow and stern," said Captain
Littleton. "You cannot sink her."

The boys examined her from stem to stern, and their eyes sparkled with
pleasure, as they rested upon her useful and elegant appurtenances. John
looked over her gracefully rounded stern, and found there the words,
FAWN--BAYVILLE, in raised gilt letters; and he immediately gave
utterance to his opinion that the Fawn of Bayville couldn't be beaten.

"How do you like her, Paul?" quietly asked Captain Littleton.

"First rate, sir; she is the finest boat I ever saw."

"Do you think she would sail well?"

"I know she would."

"Suppose we try her. You may hoist the fore and main sails."

"Does she belong to you, sir?"

"She belongs to a friend of mine; but we will try her."

Paul and John hoisted the sails, and got everything in readiness to slip