e commotion beneath it. Paul
poured a little of the boiling water into the coffee-pot, and then came
an appalling difficulty--he did not know how much to put in, and was not
sure that he had taken the proper quantity of coffee. At a venture he
filled the pot half full, and then proceeded to cook the meat. After the
coffee had boiled ten or fifteen minutes, he tested its strength, and
added more water. He was delighted with his success, and when John
returned from the beach, he was putting the breakfast upon the table.

"Breakfast is ready," said Paul.

"Did you cook it, though?"

"I did; I told you I could."

"I'll give up now. Why don't you hire out for a cook?"

"Perhaps I shall, one of these days."

"Wouldn't mother's eyes stick out if she should happen in about this
time!"

"I guess not much."

But they did, for just as the boys were seating themselves at the table,
Mrs. Duncan entered the room.

"Why, boys! what have you been doing?" exclaimed she, astonished at the
regularity with which everything seemed to be proceeding in her absence.

"Only getting something to eat before we go," replied Paul.

"Why didn't you call me?"

"I thought I wouldn't get you up so early; besides, I could get
breakfast just as well myself."

"I declare you are a good cook, Paul. Your potatoes and meat look as
nice as can be. How is your coffee? Did you put a piece of fish-skin in
the pot?"

"Yes, ma'am."

"Did you put any salt on the meat?"

"I did; come, mother, sit down and eat your breakfast."

Mrs. Duncan accepted this polite invitation, and seating herself in her
accustomed place, began to pour out the coffee. It was clear, and of the
right strength, and she liberally praised Paul for his culinary skill,
and declared that her son was a jewel about the house. The breakfast
seemed even better than usual that morning, and our hero was as proud as
though he had built a meeting house.

"Come, John, we must bear a hand; there isn't a breath of wind, and it
will take us some time to make Rock Island," said Paul, as he rose from
the table. "Have you filled the jug with water?"

"No, but I will."

"Here is some gingerbread and cheese for luncheon," added Mrs. Duncan,
as she handed Paul a basket she had filled for their use. "Now, be very
careful, and don't run any risk. Look out for squalls, and don't carry
sail too long."

"I'll be very careful, mother. You may trust me to go round the world,"
replied Paul.