t for the drive on the train and for
his new suit, but Mr. Sherwood reminded him of the horse he had purchased,
saying:

"Look well after my horse, McDonald, and if you will find out where I can
get some more good animals I will be glad to pay you for the time and
trouble expended in doing so," and with a hearty hand-clasp Mr. Sherwood
stepped ashore.

In a few minutes the vessel's cable was shipped and she slowly passed down
the harbor, bearing on her deck one who had a heart full of gratitude for
kindness shown a stranger in a strange land.

CHAPTER XIII.

Mr. Sherwood's presence at home seemed to infuse new life into the
household, and the following weeks passed very pleasantly to Dexie, for her
father needed her services again, and for that reason she was excused from
much of the endless sewing that seemed necessary in making up Louie's
outfit.

Sewing machines were not so common at that time as to be considered a
necessary household article, and Mrs. Sherwood was slow to take advantage
of the new invention, preferring the use of fingers instead of feet for
articles that required a needle and thread to fashion them; consequently
Louie's wardrobe took some time to set in order.

Dexie was willing enough to change the needle for the more congenial pen
and ink, and Mr. Sherwood insisted that Gussie should put her needle to
more practical use. Now, while Gussie liked well enough to handle a needle
and thread when something showy and fanciful was to be evolved thereby, she
almost rebelled against the plain sewing, it was such dull, uninteresting
work; it made so much difference if the sharp little instrument held Berlin
wool, floss, etc., or the common cotton thread, which, though so useful,
was too prosaic to suit Gussie.

Do not let this convey the idea that the time was all spent indoors, at
some employment or other, for never were outings so frequently enjoyed.
There were excursions down the coast to Cow Bay, and picnics to various
points of interest, which, in the vicinity of Halifax, are innumerable and
within easy-reaching distance to dwellers in the city.

Mr. Gurney owned a small boat which carried a sail, but there were plenty
of willing hands to row it when the wind failed, and before the summer was
over, Dexie could handle an oar with the dexterity that only practice can
give.

It was very pleasant of a warm summer evening to glide along the waters of
Bedford Basin, through which the boat c