chooner and her
cargo. All this was reserved as a grand surprise.

How different were the feelings that filled the minds of Mark and Ruth
now, from those with which they had sailed down the Penobscot in this
same schooner Nancy Bell eleven months before. Then they were leaving
the only home they had ever known, and going in search of a new one in
which their father could recover his shattered health. Even they had
realized that it was a desperate venture, and that its success was very
doubtful. Now they were going to that home, already well established
and prosperous. They knew that their father was again a strong and well
man, and they were taking with them friends and material that were to
insure increased happiness and prosperity to those whom they loved most.

The first of October was a charming season of the year for a Southern
voyage, and with favoring winds the Nancy Bell made a quick run down
the coast. In one week after leaving Bangor she had rounded the western
end of the Florida Reef, and was headed northward across the green
waters of the Gulf. Here she moved but slowly before the light winds
that prevailed, but at last the distant light-house at the mouth of the
St. Mark's River was sighted. Almost at the same time a slender column
of smoke was seen rising to the east of the light, and apparently at
some distance inland. As the lamp in the light-house shed forth its
cheerful gleam at sunset the column of smoke changed to a deep red, as
though it were a pillar of fire. While they were wondering what it
could be, a pilot came on board, and in answer to their questions told
them that it was the light from the Wakulla volcano. He said that no
living soul had ever been nearer than five miles to it, on account of
the horrible and impenetrable swamps surrounding it.

Hearing this, Uncle Christopher declared that, before leaving that
country, he meant to go in there and see how nigh he could get to it,
and Mark said he would go with him.

As the breeze and tide were both in their favor, it was decided to run
up to St. Mark's that night. When, about nine o'clock, this point was
reached, it was suggested that all hands should take to the boats, and
tow the schooner the rest of the way up to Wakulla that same night, so
as to surprise the folks in the morning. The children were wild to have
this plan carried out, and finally Captain May and Uncle Christopher
consented that it should be tried.

All night long the s