e a wreck, in a
helpless and melancholy manner. We drew it up on shore again and set to
work; I cheerily and hopefully, feeling perfectly aware that everything
that was at all good in the workmanship was mine; Aleck mournfully,
knowing that all the faults in its construction were his.

"I wonder at Groves not coming," he said, presently; "I can't help
thinking he could tell me how to make it float straight."

"I'll just go and make him come," I replied; "he's been so little with
us the last few days, I'm sure he might find time."

Aleck agreed, and I set off to the lodge, leaving him to puzzle on by
himself over the manifold difficulties of ship-building. To bring old
George to the rescue, however, did not turn out the easy task that I had
anticipated. He was in the work-shop, the door safely bolted, and not
even the smallest aperture anywhere, through which I might discover the
nature of his employment. My persuasions were all carried on at a
disadvantage, and the conversation resolved itself into:--

"Please, George, _do_ come and help us; it's very important. Aleck wants
you particularly down at the Cove." This from my side of the door.

Then from his side:--"I'm afraid, Master Willie, I can't possibly find
the time; I'm very busy."

From my side:--"But Aleck's boat won't sail, and we've tried everything
to make it, and unless you come we can't do anything more."

From his side:--"I'll come to-morrow, Master Willie, and then see if we
don't get Master Aleck's ship to sail as merrily as the 'Fair Alice'
herself."

"Even _you_ will not be able to do so much as that," I rejoined;
whereupon a low chuckle of merriment and satisfaction was clearly
audible on the other side. I continued:--"It's very well to laugh, but
if you could see Aleck's boat all lying on one side, looking not so nice
even as the tub-boat in the 'Swiss Family Robinson,' you wouldn't think
it so easily made all right."

No answer; but click, click inside.

"At least, do tell me what you're working at," I said, growing
impatient, and battering at the door; "do tell me--there's a dear old
George."

"Work that can't be hindered by playing with two young gentlemen all the
afternoon. There, sir, now I've told you;" and another chuckle followed,
and click, click went on as before.

I had no excuse for lingering longer. George was like a besieged
garrison within a secure fortress; there was no chance of enticing him
out beyond the shelter of his