along at what seemed to them a tremendous
rate of speed. To them the train-boy, who came through the car with
books, papers, apples, and oranges, and wore a cap with a gilt band
around it, seemed so much superior to ordinary boys, that, had they not
been going on such a wonderful journey, they themselves would have
envied him his life of constant travel and excitement.

At Waterville they admired the great mills, which they fancied must be
among the largest in the world; and when, shortly after noon, they
reached Bangor, and saw real ships, looking very like the pictures in
their geographies, only many times more interesting, their cup of
happiness was full.

Mark and Ruth called all the vessels they saw "ships;" but their
father, who had made several sea-voyages as a young man, said that most
of them were schooners, and that he would explain the difference to
them when they got to sea and he had plenty of time.

The children were bewildered by the noise of the railroad station and
the cries of the drivers and hotel runners--all of whom made violent
efforts to attract the attention of the Elmer party. At length they got
themselves and their bags safely into one of the big yellow omnibuses,
and were driven to a hotel, where they had dinner. Mark and Ruth did
not enjoy this dinner much, on account of its many courses and the
constant attentions of the waiters.

It had stopped snowing, and after dinner the party set forth in search
of the Nancy Bell. By making a few inquiries they soon found her, and
were welcomed on board by her young, pleasant-faced captain, whose name
was Eli Drew, but whom all his friends called "Captain Li."

The Nancy Bell was a large three-masted schooner, almost new, and as
she was the first vessel "Captain Li" had ever commanded, he was very
proud of her. He took them at once into his own cabin, which was roomy
and comfortable, and from which opened four state-rooms--two on each
side. Of these the captain and his mate, John Somers, occupied those on
the starboard, or right-hand side, and those on the other, or port
side, had been fitted up, by the thoughtful kindness of Uncle
Christopher, for the Elmers--one for Mrs. Elmer and Ruth, and the other
for Mark and his father.

"Ain't they perfectly lovely?" exclaimed Ruth. "Did you ever see such
cunning little beds? They wouldn't be much too big for Edna May's
largest doll."

"You mustn't call them 'beds,' Ruth; the right name is berths," said