atisfied to do so, and presently they set off, some
driving, others walking, for the distance is not great, and even feeble
folk often find themselves able to take quite long tramps in the bracing
sea air.

Max and Lulu preferred to walk when they learned that their father
intended doing so; then Grace, though extremely fond of driving, begged
leave to join their party, and the captain finally granted her request,
thinking within himself that he could carry her if her strength gave
out.

The little face grew radiant with delight.

"Oh, you are a nice, good papa!" she cried, giving him a hug and kiss,
for he was seated with her upon his knee.

"I am glad you think so," he said, laughingly, as he returned her
caress. "Well, as soon as I have helped your mamma into the carriage we
will start."

They set out presently, Grace holding fast to one of his hands while
Lulu had the other, and tripping gayly along by his side till, passing
out of the village, they struck into the narrow path leading to Sankaty;
then the little maid moved along more soberly, looking far away over the
rolling billows and watching the progress of some vessels in the offing.

They could hear the dash of the waves on the beach below, but could not
see it for the over-hanging cliffs, the path running some yards distant
from their brink.

"I want to see where the waves come up," said Lulu; "there's Max looking
down over the edge; can't we go and look too, papa?"

"Yes, with me along to take care of you," he said, turning from the path
and leading them seaward; "but don't venture alone, the ground might
crumble under your feet and you would have a terrible fall, going down
many feet right into the sea."

They had reached the brink. Grace, clinging tightly to her father's
hand, took one timid peep, then drew back in terror. "Oh, papa, how far
down it is!" she exclaimed. "Oh, let's get away, for fear the ground
will break and let us fall."

"Pooh! Gracie, don't be such a coward," said Lulu. "I shouldn't be
afraid even if papa hadn't hold of our hands."

"I should be afraid for you, Lulu, so venturesome as you are," said the
captain, drawing her a little farther back. "Max, my son, be careful."

"Yes, sir, I will. Papa, do you know how high this bluff is?"

"They say the bank is eighty-five feet high where the lighthouse stands,
and I presume it is about the same here. Now, children, we will walk
on."

Grace's strength held out wonderfully;