"But I wish you had a better boat."

"She'll do very well, mother, though I hope to have a better one some
time or other."

The jug was filled at the pump, and with their provisions and water the
boys set off with light hearts for the work of the day.

Paul felt the responsibility of the trust which Captain Littleton had
imposed upon him. He was going to make some money by the operation, and
upon this day's success depended the hopes which he had been cherishing
in regard to his new scheme.

There are always some drawbacks to disturb the best-laid plans, and when
Paul reached the bluff, he discovered the boat adrift at some distance
from the shore.

"You are a careless fellow, John," he cried. "You didn't make fast the
boat."

"That's too bad, Paul; I didn't mean to do that," replied John, vexed at
the accident.

"I don't suppose you did; but you are careless."

"I thought I made her fast. What shall we do, Paul? I would rather given
anything than had this happen."

"So would I; but there is no use of crying about it. There isn't a skiff
within half a mile of here."

"I'll tell you what I'll do, Paul," said John, putting down the jug and
throwing off his jacket. "I'll swim out to her and scull her in."

Paul made no objection to this plan, and in half a minute more, John
had stripped and was swimming with all his might after the boat, which
was perhaps fifty rods from the shore. He was a vigorous swimmer, as
self-possessed in the water as on the land, and his brother had no fears
in regard to his safety, or his ability to reach the boat.

It did not take the little fellow long to catch the boat, and the
accident did not make more than half an hour's delay. The stores were
taken on board, and before John had time to dress himself, the boat was
under sail, and working slowly down the bay. A light breeze from the
west had sprung up, and a gentle ripple at the bow assured the young
fisherman that everything was progressing in a satisfactory manner.

"I should like to be a fisherman, Paul," said John, who sat on the
bottom of the boat opening clams for bait.

"Perhaps you may be one of these days," replied Paul, moodily. "I think
I shall do something in that line right off."

"You, Paul?"

"Yes, but don't you say a word about it to anybody, above all, not to
mother. I have been thinking about it all night."

"What do you mean, Paul?"

The ambitious youth had a great idea in his mind, which was struggli