ing into our own boat for a sail than
at first. But by-and-by, when we were dancing over the waves outside the
Cove, he became quite wild with delight, and enjoyed himself, I verily
believe, as much as is possible for a free, happy, eager boy; and that
is saying a great deal. Of course I caught the infection from him,
finding a fresh delight in my ordinary amusements through having a
companion to share them; and, truly, a merrier boat's crew than we made
on that whole holiday morning could not have been found.

[Illustration: SAILING THE "FAIR ALICE."]

Aleck's love for the sea was an absorbing passion; and it quite amused
me to hear all the questions he kept putting to old George--as, for
instance, how old he was when he went to sea; how long before he went up
the mast; how they reefed the top-sails in his vessel, and which of the
ship's company did it in a gale; together with many other inquiries,
showing a degree of technical knowledge that perfectly overwhelmed me,
and which, he explained to us, was extracted from "The Cadet's Manual,"
and a big book on "The Art of Navigation" which they had at home.

I almost wished my cousin did not know quite so much; it made me feel as
though the ten months were a longer and more important period than I had
admitted to myself. But it was a relief, when the oars were called into
action on our way in, to find that he could not row, whereas I had
handled an oar almost as soon as I gave up a rattle; and, as I showed
off my best feathering, I felt we were equal again.

"How is it you can't row, sir, when you know so much about it?" asked
Groves.

"Why, there are only streams and the river at my home in Scotland,"
explained Aleck. "We're up amongst the hills, you know. I have often
fished, but I've scarcely ever been in a boat before, except when we've
been travelling; and then it was going out to the steamer, and I
mightn't do anything but sit still. It was famous, though, in the
steamer," continued Aleck, kindling with the recollection of his
journey. "I went down, and saw how the engine worked; and helped the man
at the wheel; and learned about the compass--at least, I knew the points
before, but it was different seeing how to steer by it. Only I liked the
stoker the best. I had just gone down again with him to the engine-room,
to see the engine stopped, and pulled off my jacket because it was so
hot; and then the steam was let off, and made such a noise! Just when
there was a