with us of course?"

"I suppose so," said Jack with a sigh.

"I don't mean on our trip, but to see the vessel."

That sounded to the boy like a temporary reprieve, and he looked
inquiringly at the doctor.

"I had not said anything about it to him," said Sir John. "We have had
particulars from my agent of a large ocean-going steam yacht, my boy,
which sounds well. It is really a sailing vessel, but fitted with a
screw for occasional use in calm or storm. She is lying at Dartmouth,
and we are going down to see her to-day. Will you come?"

"Do you wish me to come, father?" said Jack.

"Of course I do, but what I do wish is to see you take an interest in
all our preparations."

"I am trying to, father."

"Yes, and succeeding," said the doctor, "or you would not have come out
like you are this morning."

"How soon do you start?" said Jack hurriedly, to escape the doctor's
allusions to his dress.

"In half-an-hour. We have to get up to town, and then go across to
Paddington."

"I'll hurry through my breakfast then, and go and change my things."

"What for?" cried the doctor. "You couldn't be better."

"But I should look so absurd, sir, dressed like this."

"Absurd?"

"The absurdity is only in your imagination, my boy," said Sir John. "Go
as you are."

Jack looked troubled, but he said nothing, for he was making a brave
fight to master his antipathy to his father's projects, and without
another word he went on with his breakfast, receiving the next time he
caught his father's eye a nod of approval which meant a good deal.

But the pith helmet was a severe trial just before the carriage came to
the door, and he stood in the hall with the round-topped head-piece
standing on the table, for it would recall Edward's extinguisher, and
his own remark that morning concerning the Guido-Fawkes-like aspect of
their man.

"Don't seem to like your topper, Jack, lad," said the doctor, smiling.

"Well, who could?" cried the boy sharply. "It looks so absurd."

"Because you are not used to it, and will probably not see any one else
wearing one. Now for my part, I think it the very reverse of absurd,
and a thoroughly sensible head-piece, light, well ventilated, and cool,
a good protection from the sun, and thoroughly comfortable."

"What, that thing?"

"Yes, that thing. It is a hot sunny day, and we shall be out of doors a
good deal when we get into Devonshire, so it is most suitable. Now
between ourselve