satisfaction. "Come, John, the sail is shaking, and you have lost the
wind," he added as his brother carelessly luffed her up.

"I was adding up the perch and the tautog."

"You must mind the boat; you must stop talking, if you can't do your
duty without."

John promised to be more careful, and Paul had no further occasion to
complain of his inattention. The younger fisherman was a good boy, but
he had not yet been trained to that steadiness of purpose which is
necessary to success. He was only ten years old, and it was not to be
expected that he should fully appreciate the earnestness of his
brother's purpose, though he was beginning to realize that close
attention was necessary in order to accomplish great deeds. He was fond
of trying experiments, just for the fun of the thing; and when he had
been permitted to take the helm on other occasions, he wanted to do
something besides keep her in a direct course--to see how close she
would lie to the wind without letting the sail shake, to run down a
floating mass of seaweed, or chase a stick of wood; but on this trip, he
was guilty of no greater indiscretion than carelessness.

Long before the boat reached Bayville, Paul had skinned and strung the
fish; and their appearance on the line was creditable to his skill.
Leaving John to secure the boat, he took the fish and hastened up to the
house of Captain Littleton. He found that gentleman in his garden with
his guests.

"Well, Paul, what luck?" asked he, as the young fisherman came in sight.

"First-rate, sir."

"How many have you got?"

"Six dozen."

"Just the number I want. Carry them into the kitchen, Paul. I declare,
you have dressed them very nicely."

"I tried to have them right, sir, and I am glad they suit you," replied
Paul, modestly, as he walked towards the rear of the house.

"Stop, Paul; what have you got there?" said Captain Littleton.

"Tautog, sir; and if you will permit me, I will leave them in the
kitchen with the perch."

"You are a lucky fisherman Paul; those are handsome fish, and if you
will leave them, I will make it all right when you come out. That is a
luxury I did not expect."

Paul was delighted by the commendation of his friend, and the splendid
scheme of his future operations increased in importance with every word
that was uttered. With a light heart he ran into the kitchen with his
stock, and then returned to Captain Littleton.

"Here is two dollars, Paul," said he, handing