foot of stock, every
pound of nails, every article of brass or hardware, and the cost of
sails and cordage, were carefully entered on the account. From this he
could learn the price of everything used in the construction of the
yacht, for his guidance in the great undertaking before him. But he was
quite familiar before with the cost of everything used in building a
boat. On a piece of smooth board, he figured up the probable cost, and
assured himself he could make a good job of the building of the Maud.

The next day was Saturday--two weeks after the organization of the yacht
club. There had been a grand review a week before, which Donald did not
attend. The yachtmen had taken their mothers, sisters, and other friends
on an excursion down the bay, and given them a collation at Turtle Head.
On the Saturday in question, a meeting of the club at the Head had been
called to complete the arrangements for a regatta, and the Committee on
Regattas were to make their report. Donald had been requested to attend
in order to measure the yachts. He did not feel much like taking part in
the sports of the club, but he decided to perform the duty required of
him. He expected to see Samuel Rodman on this occasion, and to learn the
decision of his father in regard to the building of the Maud.

After breakfast he embarked in the sail-boat which had belonged to his
father, and with a fresh breeze stood over to Turtle Head. He had dug
some clams early in the morning, and told his mother he should bring
home some fish which he intended to catch after the meeting of the club.
As the boat sped on her way, he thought of his grand scheme to carry on
his father's business, and everything seemed to depend upon Mr. Rodman's
decision. He hoped for the best, but he trembled for the result. When he
reached his destination, he found another boat at the Head, and soon
discovered Laud Cavendish on the bluff.

"Hallo, Don John!" shouted the swell, as Donald stepped on shore.

"How are you, Laud? You are out early."

"Not very; I came ashore here to see if I couldn't find some clams,"
added Laud, as he held up a clam-digger he carried in his hand--a kind
of trowel fixed in a shovel-handle.

"You can't find any clams here," said Donald, wondering that even such a
swell should expect to find them there.

"I am going down to Camden to stay over Sunday, and I thought I might
fish a little on the way."

"You will find some farther down the shore, wher