and becoming. They stood upon
the quarter-deck, Berinthia the queen of the hour, Ruth, radiant and
lovely, by her side. They heard the bell striking the hour of eleven.
A great crowd had assembled to see the launching. Men, women, boys,
and girls were in the yard, flocking the street, gazing from doors
and windows of neighboring houses.

"Are you ready there?"

[Illustration: Launching the Ship.]

It was the builder of the ship, Mr. Brandon, shouting over the
taffrail to those beneath.

"Aye, aye, sir."

"Then knock it away."

They heard a blow from an axe. The stately ship quivered a moment,
then glided with increasing speed down the ways.

Mr. Brandon raised his hand, and a ball of bunting at the topmast
fluttered out into the Cross of St. George. Ruth lifted the bottle of
wine, broke it upon the rail, and poured the contents into the river.
A huzza rose from the quarter-deck. Handkerchiefs fluttered in the
air. The people tossed up their hats. From street, doorway, and window
came an answering shout.

Out from the shore drifted the Berinthia till the anchor dropped from
her bow, and she lay a thing of beauty, swinging with the ebbing tide.

In the cabin the guests were partaking of the bountiful and appetizing
repast.

"I remember, Miss Newville, that you once graciously served me at an
afternoon tea; shall I have the pleasure of waiting upon you?" Robert
asked.

"I shall be pleased to be served by you. The fresh air has sharpened
my appetite, and I will begin with a plate of beans, if you please."

He brought what she desired, served himself, and took a chair by her
side. They talked of the successful launching, of the beauty of the
ship, sitting as gracefully as a swan upon the water, of the almost
perfect likeness of the figurehead to Berinthia.

"Possibly it is so beautiful because the engraver's heart has gone
into it," she said with a smile.

Their eyes met. He thought hers very beautiful at the moment.

Roger Stanley found equal pleasure in serving Rachel, and in
listening to what she had to say about the launching, her visit to
Boston, and of things in Rumford.

Robert talked with Isaac Coffin, who said he expected to have a
commission in his majesty's navy. Admiral Montague was very kind, and
was using his influence to secure an appointment. His younger brother,
John, liked the army better. Robert came to the conclusion that they
were not Sons of Liberty, but were inclined to take side