moment.

But nothing more serious came of it than the startling of Miss Osla's
wits by an apparition of her nephew prancing downstairs with one of
Signy's old dolls in his arms, and his face and head wrapped in a piece
of black linen, upon which our young hero had sketched a death's-head
and cross-bones. As the terrific symbols were spread over his face, it
was scarcely wonderful that Miss Osla got a fright, and called him a
profane boy; but Signy--who was following her brother--explained that
"it" was only the "black flag," and that it would never frighten
anybody any more; with which explanation the gentle old auntie was
quite satisfied.

Friday came, a glorious summer day, and promising to continue so.
Yaspard was up early, putting some finishing touches to his boat, which
had been undergoing a good deal of cleaning and painting in honour of
the occasion.

He was all impatience to be off soon, desiring to be the first at the
rendezvous; but Uncle Brues was not a person who liked to be hurried,
and took his usual time to finish breakfast and feed his pets in spite
of Yaspard's fidgets.

Fortunately the Harrison brothers (who were to be the _Osprey's_ crew
that day) arrived soon; and he found some relief in discussing with
them the projected "lark" to which I have alluded, and which will be
recorded in its proper place.

At last Mr. Adiesen and his sister came from the house, the former
carrying a vasculum and field-telescope, the latter burdened with
shawls and umbrellas, which were an insult to the sun, smiling that day
as he seldom condescends to smile on Hialtland.

Signy followed her guardians, and Pirate came with her, bounding and
barking his delight--for he was still a young dog, and expressed his
pleasure naturally, as young creatures do.

Yaspard's eager impatience did not prevent him from noting his little
sister's attractive appearance, and he called out as she came running
to the quay, "Why, Mootie, you do look spiff[1] to be sure! Where on
earth did you get that elegant frock from?"

"Out of Aunt Osla's bullyament[2] boxes," said she; and Aunt Osla
herself explained that the bairn's "best things" had been worsted
during her terrible adventure, which had obliged Miss Adiesen to make a
new dress. All the same, Signy knew that the good lady had consulted
with Mam Kirsty, and had come to the conclusion, fortified by the
opinion of her _aide-de-camp_, that "whether or no," such an important
occas