ed off all right. Several
times she was captured by pirates, though generally she was able to
show her heels in a lively manner to the fastest pursuer. She has
carried all kinds of loads, from fish taken at Annapolis and
Passamaquoddy to barrels of rum from Jamaica. But this is the most
important cargo she ever carried, and she seems proud of it. She's
English to the core, the _Polly_ is. Now, look how she swings away
from that point. She doesn't like the place."

"Why?" the colonel asked. "It is a most beautiful spot."

"Indeed it is, but the _Polly_ always shies off when she comes here.
No doubt it's due to the current from that little stream, the Beaubear,
but I like to think that this schooner knows that the old French Fort,
Boishebert, was situated on that point. You can see the ruins of the
place from here. No, the _Polly_ doesn't like the French; guess she's
had too much to do with them, the same as her captain."

They were out of Grand Bay now and bearing up through a fine stretch of
water known as the "Long Reach." The land on both sides of the river
was rugged, while far ahead the outlines of several islands could be
discerned.

"And there's another," the captain exclaimed in disgust.

"Another what?" Jean asked.

"Oh, a place where the French once held out. It's that first island
you see away up there. The Indian name is 'Ah-men-henik,' but the
French called it 'Isle au Garce,' for what reason I don't know.
Anyway, there were lively times on that island when the French had a
trading post there. It now belongs to Captain Isaac Caton. There's a
small rocky island a little above, which the French called 'Isle de
trent,' while just above is the 'Isle of Vines.' It is in behind that
where you are to land, just below Oak Point."

"Is it a pretty place?" Jean asked, now much excited. "Have you ever
been there?"

"Not often, Miss. I generally keep out in the main channel, as I
haven't the time to run into any of the out-of-the-way places. But I
guess you'll like it all right."

"I am going to like it," the girl declared with enthusiasm. "And what
is more, I am going to do my best to make others like it, too. It will
be our home only for a while until daddy and the other men can look
around and choose places where they are to settle permanently. Mammy,
I believe, will be the hardest one to manage. She means well, and
makes all kinds of promises, though she is very forgetful. I must no