."

"Dost thou think it is 'The Lapwing?'"

"It may be: I'll no say it isn't."

The child had unfastened the boat while he was talking; he leaped into
it, and lifted an oar. "Then I must scull, John. Thou might go with
me!"

"I'm no gaun to break the Sawbath, an' a water way is waur than a land
way, for then you'll be atween the deil an' the deep sea. Bide at
hame, Jan, an' ye'll be a wise lad."

Jan shook his head, and went away by himself. The bay was smooth as
glass, and he paddled with marvelous ease and speed. Very soon he came
alongside the yacht: the sailors were holystoning the deck, but there
was not a face looked over the side that little Jan knew.

"Well, then, is this 'The Lapwing?'" he asked.

"That's her name; what's your name, you little monkey?"

"Jan Vedder. Throw me a rope."

The men laughed as if at some excellent joke, and taunted and teased
the child until he was in a passion. In the middle of the quarrel Jan
himself came on deck.

"A lad as wants to come on board, Captain."

Jan looked down at the lad who wanted to come on board, and the
bright, eager face gave him a sudden suspicion. "What is thy name?" he
asked.

"Jan Vedder. Wilt thou throw me a rope?"

Then the captain turned and gave some orders, and in a few minutes
little Jan stood on the deck of "The Lapwing." His first glance, his
first movement was toward the handsomely dressed officer who was
watching him with such a smiling, loving face.

"Thou art my father! I know thou art!" and with the words he lifted up
his face and arms as if to be kissed and embraced.

Then they went into the cabin and Snorro was called, and perhaps Jan
had a little pang of jealousy when he witnessed the joy of the child,
and saw him folded to Snorro's big heart. Jan and Snorro were already
dressed in their finest uniforms. They had only been waiting for the
daybreak to row into harbor. But now there was no need of delay. "My
mother is waiting for thee," said little Jan, anxiously. "Come, let us
go to her."

It was still very early. John Semple had disappeared, and not a soul
else was stirring. But this time when Jan approached his old home, the
welcome was evident from afar. The chimneys were smoking, the blinds
raised, the door wide open, and Margaret, beautiful and loving, stood
in it, with beaming face and open arms to welcome him.

Then there was a wonderful breakfast, and they sat over it until the
bells were ringing for church. "Ther