d a more obedient son; judging the boy
therefore, in cold blood, I must say I agree fully with you. If
anybody had suggested to Jack when a boy that he should go contrary to
your wishes or run away, he would have made it a _casus belli_."

(From which remark, it would appear that the father of a boy is not
always the only one who makes an error concerning the youth.)

"What I'm getting at, Teddy, is this: the reading of that letter from
Jack has caused me to decide upon a piece of extravagance. I'm going
to present him with a handsome yacht."

"It will cost you a tidy sum, Tom."

"I know that, but it will be a good investment. He may not have many
opportunities for enjoying it while he is an officer of the army, but
unless we have war very soon, Jack will follow the example of many
others who have been educated at West Point and resign, holding
himself at the disposal of the government whenever needed. Of course
his ultimate destination is here, in our business, in this office, and
the yacht will come in handy during his vacation times."

"And probably add to the number of his vacations."

"Which will be well; for it can be said of few of our business men
that they have more vacations than are necessary or good for them."

"May I give you a suggestion, Tom?"

"I am always glad to receive anything of the kind from you."

"We can make as good yachts on this side of the continent as in the
shipyards of the East. Nevertheless, purchase Jack's yacht in the
East."

"Why?"

"To bring it through the Golden Gate, he will have to come around Cape
Horn."

"A pretty risky voyage,--one that tests the staunchness of a boat and
the seamanship of the captain."

"True, and make it a condition that Jack himself shall bring the yacht
to California."

"It shall be done,--nothing will delight the young rascal more."

CHAPTER III.

The reputation of the Misses Credell's Young Ladies' Seminary was
international and the halo of its history was sanctified by time. It
was founded by the grandmother of the estimable sisters, one of the
foremost educators of her day, and one who took up the profession of
teaching through love for it, since her wealth made her independent
for life.

At the period when the institution rises before us, its students
represented the four quarters of the globe. There were young women
fitting for the missionary field in India and China; the daughters of
eminent financiers in England, German