emanded Mrs. Duncan, suspending her culinary
operations, and looking with interest into the animated face of her son.

"I am as regular as I ever was in my life. I've thought it all over, and
spoken to Captain Littleton besides; and he says go ahead," replied
Paul, making an early use of the captain's encouraging words.

"But I don't understand what you mean? Going into the fishing business?"

"Yes, ma'am; we've got a boat, and I mean to go down to Rock Island
every day, Sundays excepted, and catch perch. I mean to sell them here
in Bayville, and Captain Littleton told me to put him down for two dozen
every Saturday. That's the idea, mother."

"But, Paul----"

"If I can get a shilling a dozen for them, I can make a dollar a day as
easy as you can turn your hand over," added Paul, who was not disposed
to let his mother speak upon impulse.

"You would have to be on the water every day."

"What of that, mother? The water is a good thing to be on, and just as
safe as the land, if you are only a mind to think so."

"Rather dangerous, I'm afraid."

"O, no, mother; it's only a notion some folks have, that the water
isn't safe."

"Hundreds of people are drowned every year."

"And hundreds smashed up and killed on the railroads. Why, Captain
Mitchell don't think it is safe to go about much on the land. He only
feels secure when he is in his old whale boat. He won't get into a
chaise or a wagon--don't think it is safe to ride in them; but he knocks
about the bay in all sorts of weather. Please don't object to it,
mother, for I've set my heart upon the business, and I'm satisfied I
shall do well," said Paul, with kindling enthusiasm.

"Well, if you are set upon it, I don't want to say too much against it,"
replied Mrs. Duncan, doubtfully.

"Captain Littleton will speak to you about it, and he understands these
things."

"I know he does; but after all, I would rather have you safe on land."

"I shall be safe enough, mother; and I shall be able to take care of the
family without your making bags."

"You are a good boy, Paul," added his mother, turning from him to wipe
away the tears that moistened her eyes, for in the loneliness of her
widowhood she realized what it was to have such a noble and devoted son.

Paul was delighted to think he had so easily smoothed over matters with
her. He had expected to have a hard beat to windward in reconciling her
to his plan, but she had proved much more reasonable than he
an