V.

Jack and Rob took counsel with Mr. Sheridan in the construction of the new boat, and very creditable and satisfactory was the result.  The ceremonies of the launch were now to be observed with as much formality as if she were the crack yacht of the season,—­“Barrin’ the traditional bottle of champagne, which it is customary to break over the bows of the new skiff as she plunges into the sea,” laughed Uncle Gerald; “and that would not do at all for you, boys.”

“No, sir,” answered Jack, decidedly.  “If it was as cheap and as plentiful as soda-water, we wouldn’t have it.”

“I am glad to hear you say that,” continued Leo’s father, warmly.  “It is one of the best resolutions to start in life with.”

“You know, we have joined the temperance cadet corps which Father Martin is getting up,” explained Rob.

“An excellent plan.  I had not heard of it,” responded the gentleman.  “Persevere, and you will find that by encouraging you in this, Father Martin has proved one of the truest friends you are ever likely to have.  However, the old custom of christening a boat, as it is called, may be carried out quite as effectively with a bottle of ginger-pop, which Leo has stowed away somewhere in that basket.  It is the part of common-sense to unite true poetry and prose, just as we now propose to combine a picturesque custom with temperance principles.  So, boys, hurrah for ginger-pop, say I!”

The lads entered into the spirit of his mood with great gusto, and cheered hilariously.  The basket was produced, and at this moment Mrs. Gordon was seen coming across the meadow.  “Just in time, mother!” cried Jack, starting off to meet her.

“You must christen the boat!” vociferated all.

“And is that the reason why Uncle Gerald sent for me, and brought me away from my morning’s mending?” she exclaimed, in a tone which was intended to be slightly reproachful, though she looked prepared for anything that might be required of her; for Mrs. Gordon, somehow, managed never to be so busy as to be unable to enter into the pleasures of her boys.

“Yes,” acknowledged Uncle Gerald; “and I have been doing my utmost to delay the proceedings, so that you would not miss them.  You see, Leo and I have prepared a little surprise for the company.”

After a comprehensive glance at the basket, which certainly appeared well packed, she asked: 

“And what is to be the name of the boat?”

“We have not quite decided yet, Mrs. Gordon,” began Rob.

“No,” interposed Jack.  “We think this ought to be the Jolly Pioneer.  We let Jim and Leo have the other boat, but we didn’t mean to give them the name too.  We chose it, and we can’t think of any we like so well.”

“Oh, keep it, then!” answered Jim, with a wave of the hand like that of a stage hero resigning a fortune. (It was evident that the subject had been broached before.) “We are quite able to choose a name ourselves; we could think of half a dozen others if we wanted to, so you are welcome to call your boat whatever you please.”