ard of
Strategy called and "John Smith" made his first appearance. But now,
oddly enough, Captain Cy seemed much less troubled. He looked at Miss
Dawes and there was a dancing twinkle in his eye.

"Is it--" began the lady, in an agitated whisper.

"The boardin' party? I presume likely."

"But what can you do?"

"Stand by the repel, I guess," was the calm reply. "I told you that they
had most of the ammunition, but ours ain't all blank cartridges. You
stay below and listen to the broadsides."

They heard Georgianna cross the dining room. There was a murmur of
voices at the door. The captain nodded.

"It's them," he said. "Well, here goes. Now don't you show yourself."

"Do you think I am afraid? Indeed, I shan't stay 'below' as you call it!
I shall let them see--"

Captain Cy held up his hand.

"I'm commodore of this fleet," he said; "and that bein' the case, I
expect my crew to obey orders. There's nothin' you can do, and--Why,
yes! there is, too. You can take care of Bos'n. Georgianna," to the
housekeeper who, looking frightened and nervous, had appeared at the
door, "send Bos'n in here quick."

"They're there," whispered Georgianna. "Mr. Atkins and Tad and that
Thomas critter, and lots more. And they've come after her. What shall we
do?"

"Jump when I speak to you, that's the first thing. Send Bos'n in here
and you stay in your galley."

Emily came running. Miss Dawes put an arm about her. Captain Cy, the
battle lanterns still twinkling under his brows, stepped forth to meet
the "boarding party."

They were there, as Georgianna had said. Mr. Thomas on the top step,
Heman and Simpson on the next lower, and behind them Abel Leonard and a
group of interested volunteers, principally recruited from the back room
of the barber shop.

"Evenin', gentlemen," said the captain, opening the door so briskly that
Mr. Thomas started backward and came down heavily upon the toes of the
devoted Tad. Mr. Simpson swore, Mr. Thomas clawed about him to gain
equilibrium, and the dignity of the group was seriously impaired.

"Evenin'," repeated Captain Cy. "Quite a surprise party you're givin'
me. Come in."

"Cyrus," began the Honorable Atkins, "we are here to claim--"

"Give me my daughter, you robber!" demanded Thomas, from his new
position in the rear of the other two.

"Mr. Thomas," said Heman, "please remember that I am conducting this
affair. I respect the natural indignation of an outraged father,
but--ahem! C