of one of
John's excited speeches while at the door.

"O, no, sir," replied Paul. "I have got a chance to let the Fawn for a
week, and John is opposed to my doing so."

"Is he? I am sorry for that. Mr. Morrison spoke to me about a boat for
the week, and I recommended him to you. I had a motive for doing so, for
I want you to join the excursion in the Flyaway. I thought you would
like to go, if you could do so without any loss."

"Thank you, sir. I should like to go very much; and when I got this
chance to let the Fawn, I about made up my mind to go."

"Then it is all right; but I am sorry John will not consent to the
arrangement."

"I don't want to stay on shore a whole week," pouted the first mate of
the Fawn. "If they would only take me as skipper, I should like it first
rate. What shall I do with myself for a whole week on shore?"

"I don't see as I can go, then," added Paul.

"Well, I don't want to keep you from going, Paul;" and a better feeling
seemed to be roused in John's bosom.

"I can't afford to let the Fawn lie idle for a week, in the busy
season," continued Paul.

"Can't I go a-fishing in her while you are gone?"

"Certainly not; you can't have my share to smash up on the rocks," said
Paul, a little tartly. "You know you ran the boat on the rocks this very
afternoon."

John felt a little lame here, and he did not venture a reply. He had
sacrificed his reputation as a navigator by carelessly attempting to run
too near the reef, and he felt that his brother's conclusions were
correct.

"Well, at any rate, I won't keep you from going in the Flyaway, whatever
I do. I will agree to let her to Mr. Morrison."

"That's generous, John. You have got the right kind of a heart beneath
your jacket, though you have an odd way of showing it sometimes," said
Captain Littleton.

"John means right, sir," added Paul.

"I like to have a little fun myself, as well as the rest of the
fellows," continued John, "but I am willing to stay at home for Paul's
sake."

"That's the right feeling, my boy," replied Captain Littleton; "and if
your mother is willing, you may go in the Flyaway."

"Hoo-ray!" shouted John, jumping out of his chair, and performing some
gymnastic feats that astonished the visitor and the family. "I may
go--mayn't I, mother?"

"I have no objection, if Captain Littleton thinks it is safe."

"He will be as safe as my own son, Mrs. Duncan," added the captain.

"Hoo-ray!" shouted John again