off my heavy pole
to the painters, so I was obliged to take my trout-pole. I
was afraid that I should break it, but it behaved beautifully
for about two hours, during which time I drew in sixty fine
perch and rock-bass--some of the former weighing between one
and two pounds--and I began to think that the pole was too
tough to break. But I was very soon convinced of my mistake,
for, as bad luck would have it, I hooked on to a black-bass.
I thought I handled him very carefully, but, before we could
land him, he broke my pole in three pieces; but the line
held, and he was soon floundering in the boat. He was a fine
fellow--a regular "sockdologer"--weighing six pounds and a
half. But I heartily wished him safe in the bottom of the
river. I have laid the pole away, and intend to bring it to
you for repairs.

But it is ten o'clock, and father suggests that, if I wish to
get to the post-office before the mail closes, I had "better
make tracks." So I must stop. Love to all.

Yours affectionately, A. Winters.

P.S.--Please tell Ben and Harry that I will answer their
letters immediately. A.W.

By this time the rest of the smugglers had arrived, and, as soon as
Frank had run his eye over the letter, and began to fold it up, George
inquired,

"Well, what does he say? Did he receive Harry's letter?"

"Yes, and also one from Ben. He says he will answer them at once."

After a few moments' conversation, the boys separated, and started for
home, expressing themselves highly delighted at Frank's way of
spending the Fourth.

The day on which Mrs. Sherman and her son were expected at length
arrived. As a fine breeze was blowing, Frank and his sister--accompanied,
of course, by Brave--stepped into the Speedwell, and started to enjoy a
sail on the river.

It was now the summer vacation, and the boys were determined to have
plenty of recreation after their long siege of study; and, when Frank
reached the mouth of the creek, he found the river dotted with white
sails as far as he could see. Several of the boats had started on
fishing excursions, but the majority of them were sailing idly about,
as if nothing particular had been determined on.

Frank turned the Speedwell's head down the river, and soon joined the
little fleet. He had hoisted every stitch of canvas his boat could
carry, and she flew along, passing seve