“Then you can teach me, Edward,” said Zoe; “I’d like to learn.”

“I shall be delighted,” he returned, gallantly.

“Papa,” asked Max, “are there any woods and streams where one may hunt and fish?”

“Hardly anything to be called woods,” the captain answered; “trees of any size are few on the island.  Except the shade trees in the town, I think some ragged, stunted pines are all you will find; but there are streams and ponds to fish in, to say nothing of the great ocean.  There is some hunting, too, for there are plover on the island.”

“Well, shall we go and see for ourselves, as the captain advises?” asked Mr. Dinsmore, addressing the company in general.

Every voice answered in the affirmative, though Elsie, looking doubtfully at Violet, remarked that she feared she was hardly strong enough for so long a journey.

“Ah, that brings me to my second proposition, mother,” said Captain Raymond; “that—­seeing what a very large company we shall make, especially if we can persuade our friends from Fairview, the Oaks, and the Laurels to accompany us—­we charter a yacht and go by sea.”

“Oh, captain, what a nice idea!” cried Zoe, clapping her hands.  “I love the sea—­love to be either beside it or on it.”

“I think it would be ever so nice!” Rosie exclaimed.  “Oh, grandpa and mamma, do say yes!”

“I shall not oppose it, my dear,” Elsie said; “indeed, I think it may perhaps be our best plan.  How does it strike you, father?”

“Favorably,” he replied, “if we can get the yacht.  Do you know of one that might be hired, captain?”

“I do, sir; a very fine one.  I have done with it as with the cottage—­partially engaged it—­feeling pretty sure you would all fall in with my views.”

“Captain,” cried Zoe, “you’re just a splendid man!  I know of only one that’s more so,” with a laughing look at her husband.

The captain bowed his acknowledgments.  “As high praise as I could possibly ask, my dear sister.  I trust that one may always stand first in your esteem.”

“He always will,” said Zoe; “but,” with another glance, arch and smiling, into Edward’s eyes, “don’t tell him, lest he should grow conceited and vain.”

“Don’t tell him, because it would be no news,” laughed Edward, gazing with fondness and admiration at the blooming face of the loved flatterer.

The talk went on about the yacht, and before they left the table the captain was empowered to engage her for their use.  Also the ’Sconset cottage he had spoken of, and one or two more, if they were to be had.

“You will command the vessel, of course, captain?” several voices said, inquiringly, all speaking at once.

“If chosen commander by a unanimous vote,” he said.

“Of course, of course; we’ll be only too glad to secure your services,” said Mr. Dinsmore, everybody else adding a word of glad assent.