le they
were with him. He owned a pleasure sail boat which he always kept in
good order. On this occasion he had it all clean and prepared for the
young friends, as he knew they lotted much on having a sail. As his
boat was small, he took part of them at a time and went out with them
himself, a short distance, and sailed around the island, and returned.
In the picture you see them just going out, with their uncle at the
helm, while three of the nephews are on the beach enjoying the scene.

But I must tell you children to be very careful when you go on the
water to sail. There are some things which it is necessary for you to
know, as a great many accidents occur on the water for the want of
right management. When you go to sail, be sure and have persons with
you who understand all about a boat, and how to manage in the time of
a squall. Always keep your seats in the boat, and not be running about
in it. Never get to rocking a boat in the water. A great many people
have lost their lives by so doing. Sailing on the water may be very
pleasant and agreeable to you if you go with those who understand
all about the harbor, and are skilled in guiding the boat on the
dangerous sea.

[Illustration]

* * * * *

THE SAILOR BOY.

Yarmouth is the principal trade sea-port town in the county of
Norfolk. Fishermen reside in the towns and villages around, and among
the number was a poor man and his wife; they had an only son, and when
ten years old his father died. The poor widow, in the death of her
husband, lost the means of support. After some time she said to her
boy, "Johnny, I do not see how I shall support you." "Then, mother, I
will go to sea," he replied. His mother was loth to part with Johnny,
for he was a good son and was very kind to her. But she at last
consented on his going to sea.

John began to make preparations. One day he went down to the beach
hoping to find a chance among some of the captains to sail. He went to
the owner of one and asked if he wanted a boy. "No," he abruptly
replied "I have boys enough." He tried a second but without success.
John now began to weep. After some time he saw on the quay the captain
of a trading vessel to St. Petersburg, and John asked him if "a boy
was wanted." "Oh, yes," said the captain, "but I never take a boy or a
man without a character." John had a Testament among his things, which
he took out and said to the captain, "I suppose this