rd, somewhat resembling log-lines, but with
this peculiarity, that, alongside of each thick cord there ran a thin
red line of twine, connected with though not bound to the other by means
of little loops or rings of twine fixed about six feet apart throughout
its entire length.

"These are the cords to fly the kites," said the Captain, taking up one
of the reels, which was as large as a man's hat. "You see I have three
sets of silk in that box, and six sets of reels and sticks, besides a
few spare pieces of the latter, so that we can afford to suffer a little
damage. Now, the use of this peculiar sort of double line will be clear
when in action, but I may as well explain it. The end of this stout
line is to be made fast to the band which you saw on the kite, and the
end of this thin red line to the top of its upright stick. You remember
well enough how independent ordinary kites are. You cannot cause them
to descend except by hauling them in by main force, and you cannot
moderate their pull. This kite of mine is capable of exerting a pull
equal to six horses, with a sufficiently strong wind. So, you see, it
would be impossible for a dozen men to hold it without some check on its
power. This check is supplied by the thin red line, which is made of
the strongest silk. By pulling it gently you bend the head of the kite
forward, so that it ceases to present a flat surface to the wind, which
flies off it more or less at the tail. By pulling still more on the red
line, the traction-power is still further reduced, and, with a good
pull, the kite can be made to present its head altogether to the wind,
and thus to lie flat on it, when, of course, it will descend slowly to
the ground, waving from side to side, like a dropped sheet of paper."

"Are you going to try it, father?" asked Benjy eagerly.

The Captain looked up at the clouds with a critical glance. "There's
hardly enough of wind to-day, boy. Nevertheless we will try."

In a very short time the kite was again extended, the centre locked, the
thick cord fixed to a loop in the band, and the thin cord to the head of
the main stick. While this was being done, the corners were held down
by Leo, Benjy, Anders, and Butterface.

"How about a tail, father?" asked Benjy, with sudden animation.

"Ha! I forgot the tail. I've got several tails. It's well you
reminded me."

"It is indeed," responded the boy, "for I remember well that when my
kites lost their tails