st as the boy had resumed his coat and the gentleman
concluded his exhortation.

They all saw at once that Eddie had been correct in his conjecture.

"Hallo! where's your drowning man?" he called. "Or, was it a woman?"

"Ask Cousin Ronald," said Harold laughing, "he's best acquainted with the
person."

"A hoax was it?" asked Mr. Travilla. "Well, I'm glad things are no worse.
Run home my son, and change your clothes; you're quite wet."

"I fear I owe you an apology, sir," said Mr. Lilburn; "but the fact is I'd
a great desire to try the mettle of the lads, and I believe they're brave
fellows, both, and not lacking in that very useful and commendable quality
called presence of mind."

"Thank you, sir," Mr. Travilla said, turning upon his boys a glance of
fatherly pride that sent a thrill of joy to their young hearts.

CHAPTER TWENTY-SEVENTH.

"Nursed by the virtues she hath been
From childhood's hour."
--HALLECK.

"Count all th' advantage prosperous vice attains,
'Tis but what virtue flies from and disdains;
And grant the bad what happiness they would,
One they must want--which is to pass for good."
--POPE.

Mrs. Travilla was sitting on the veranda of the hotel, reading a letter
her husband had handed her at the tea-table, when Violet came rushing
toward her in wild affright.

"Mamma, mamma, something's wrong! something's happened! Herbie just came
running up from the beach, calling for the life boat, and papa and Eddie
have gone back with him running as fast as they can. Oh, I'm afraid Harold
or Rosie has fallen into the water!" she added bursting into hysterical
weeping.

Her mother rose hastily, thrusting the letter into her pocket, pale but
calm.

"Daughter dear, we will not meet trouble half way. I do not think it could
be they; for they are not disobedient or venturesome. But come." And
together they hurried toward the beach.

In a moment they perceived that their fears were groundless, for they
could see their dear ones coming to meet them.

Violet's tears were changed to laughter as Harold gave a humorous account
of "Cousin Ronald's sell," as he called it, and the latter's praise of the
boy's bravery and readiness to respond to the cry for help, brought proud,
happy smiles to the lips and eyes of both mother and sisters.

Elsie had joined them; Mrs. Ross, too, and a handsome, richly dressed,