r. She wished to show her appreciation.

"All right, if you really think mamma wouldn't mind."

Harvey did not answer. He jumped down into the boat, and then helped
Beth.

"Say, Beth, we'll play we're pirates. We're out in a storm, but we are
pursuing that boat there."

"What boat?"

"Why, that one there. Don't you see that stick of wood? It carries
chests of gold which we are after. Now sit down and we'll start the
chase."

The younger pirate thereupon seated herself in the stern of the craft
while its gallant commander took charge on the middle deck. He swayed
from side to side. The boat rocked in a perilous manner. Sometimes
the water even dashed over the pirates.

"Isn't it kind of dangerous, Harvey?" suggested the younger pirate.

"My name isn't Harvey. I'm Captain Kidd, and you must never speak to
me without saluting,--so."

His self-importance caused him to move around more lively than ever,
while the boat shipped water afresh.

"But isn't it dangerous, Har--, Captain Kidd?"

The captain again looked very self-important. "Pirates never think of
danger. See how near we are to the English brig. Ha, ha, mate, the
gold is ours. Steady now, mate, she's coming your way. When we are
once alongside of her, you make a dive for her, and pinion her until I
can rush to your assistance. Steady now."

Nearer and nearer floated the English boat, unconscious of danger.
Perhaps the nature of the pirate craft was unsuspected. It floated no
black flag.

The younger pirate grew excited over the nearness of the prize. She
arose to her feet. Surely, it was within grasp now. Just as she was
about to reach out for it, however, a wave took the English boat and
started to carry it out of reach.

This made the younger pirate desperate. She leaned far out over the
water. Suddenly, the commander cried out in fear:

"Beth, don't try. It's too far away."

His warning came too late. The younger pirate had already reached out
for the English boat. A wave at that moment struck the pirate craft,
and swayed it to one side. Over went the younger pirate into the water.

Fortunately, Beth got only a wetting. Before she was really in the
water, Harvey had her by the dress. For a second or two, it seemed as
if the boat would upset. But presently a wet, unhappy little girl
stood shivering beside Harvey. Her teeth chattered from fright more
than from cold.

"What'll mamma say?"

"I'll tell her it was