the next evening.

On his return home he found Henry Littleton and Thomas Nettle waiting
for him. The arrangements in regard to the excursion in the Flyaway had
been completed, and the two boys had come to urge Paul to join them.

"When do you sail?" asked Paul.

"Next Friday."

"And how long shall you be gone?"

"About eight or ten days," replied Henry Littleton. "My father is going
with us."

"I have got a good offer for the use of my boat next week," answered
Paul, musing, "and I don't know but I will go."

"That's right, Paul; we must have you with us, at all events."

"Father says we ought to have you with us," said Henry.

"I will talk with my mother about it, and if she is willing, I think I
will go."

"We have talked with your mother already, and she is perfectly willing
you should go."

"I will let you know to-morrow."

The boys left him, saying he must certainly go with them, and Paul went
into the house to talk over the matter with his mother.

"Do you think I can go, mother?"

"To be sure you can go," interposed John. "What is the use of talking
about it?"

"I didn't ask you John," said Paul, with a smile.

"I don't see why you can't go," replied Mrs. Duncan. "I suppose there is
no more danger of your getting drowned than there would be if you stayed
at home."

"He will certainly be drowned, mother," added John.

"We shall be safe enough."

"Then you had better go."

"I have got a chance to let the Fawn for fifteen dollars; and that would
be about as much as I should make if I stayed."

"And if you let her, I shall go skipper. Shan't I?" demanded John.

"I think not; Mr. Morrison will be his own skipper."

"Then I won't agree to it. I am part owner of the Fawn," said the first
mate, pouting like a school-girl.

"You agreed to let me manage the Fawn at the beginning," added Paul.
"You can't do anything with her alone, except run her on the rocks."

"I don't want you to manage me out of her in that manner," growled
John. "I have as good a right in her as you have, and I don't mean to
stay on shore here a whole week, sucking my fingers, when there is fun
to be had."

While they were discussing this important question, which even
threatened a rupture in the partnership between the young fishermen,
Captain Littleton was admitted by Mrs. Duncan.

"What's the matter, boys? You are not quarrelling, I hope," said Captain
Littleton, as he entered the room, for he had heard a portion