he surging waters of the
ocean, and my childhood paddle in the former but a poor preparation
for battle. I sank deep and rose breathless, and almost helpless, but
fortunately, Flora was dashed within my reach, and I clutched her
dress, and we were both saved.

"The captain had witnessed the accident from the deck and was the
first to come to our rescue. Spars were thrown out, and several hardy
sailors leaped in and helped to bear us up until the life boat was
lowered, and we were all once more transported on board of our staunch
ship.

"I have been flattered and feted ever since. A grand supper was given
in my honor last evening, and, as I was in such high favor, I made
bold to accept my invitation on condition that the table should be
innocent of wine. The Captain cordially complied with the condition,
although Flora had previously volunteered the information, that 'papa
was wery fond of wine, but mamma did not like him to drink it.'

"The dear child has much to say about her mama, who, 'died, a wery,
wery long time ago.' One little year has she been motherless, and what
sweet graphic pictures does she draw of the lost one. 'Mama had wery
soft curls, papa called 'em golden; mama had wery blue eyes, papa
called 'em wiolet, and she had wery pink cheeks, and papa called 'em
sea shells, and he called her wery little mouth, a rose bud and her
wery soft hands, welvet, and what do you think he named her wery,
wery, cunning little feets?--mices.--He read all about 'em in a book
one evening, how they stoled in and out like little mices,--now wasn't
that wery, wery nice?'

"She is more devoted to me than ever, since her narrow escape from the
sea, and she is sure that I will not be sent into the cabin when the
next storm comes on. Indeed I exacted a promise from the Captain,
while at the feast to that effect. He said I might be lashed to the
rigging and blown to pieces if I wished, and I do wish--O how I long
for another storm,"

Three days later.

"The sky is clear, the sea smooth, and the passengers are mostly upon
deck, enjoying the fine weather.

"Mr. and Miss Marsden have appeared for the first time, and we have
had a general rejoicing. The Captain is an old friend of theirs and we
were invited into his room and treated to wine on the occasion. All
drank socially except myself and Flora, who, when she saw that I had
taken none, set her glass down untasted.

'The influence of good example,' said the Captain smilin