he could have sufficient influence to procure a little relaxation.

If they might carry out bread and cheese at one, and be summoned in by a bell at five, not to get into a mess afterwards, he felt this might be a compromise, if he only could effect it.

After dinner, he requested his host and hostess to excuse him for a short time during the 'constitutional,' since the boys had prepared a regatta. And he went with them, clothed all in their working dresses, to the yard. The paddles were done, the boats right side up, and in the water, fitted with pegs and rings and cables; and Ralph stood there, looking on in delight. It needed but a minute, and each mariner was seated in his craft, 'squatting in his tub,' and the boats were instantly pushed off from the quay. They were fairly ballasted with stones, and floated extremely well, as steadily and upright as any real boat could do. Indeed it would be difficult to say who was most delighted-Mr. Talbot, Ralph, or the boys. Perhaps Mr. Talbot, because he not only felt this a great success, but because it recalled many a merry row which he and his brothers had had on a similar broad river nearer home. He watched, however, with some anxiety, the exceeding awkwardness with which his young

companions managed their oars, and the narrow escape one had of an upset (a capsize), from unguardedly rising to push his boat on with its pole. Each boat had a pole, as well as a pair of paddles, provided for it by Ralph's care.

Mr. Talbot paddled himself on, calling to the boys to observe how he handled his oars. Dick was the first to catch it, and, triumphantly dashing to the front, he looked back to exult over his slower brothers; but he dashed too far, even up against the railing that Edward had scrambled along when he caught the runaway cask. He came to no serious harm, but he had to back and alter his course; and it took so great an effort to push himself free, that he, too, narrowly escaped an upset. Edward and Tom at length caught the proper action; and Dick having recovered himself, and come up also, the three followed Mr. Talbot, and sweeping majestically past all obstacles, appeared before the surprised and amused gaze of Mr. and Miss Lawrence. Sober-grey' grinned broadly, and turned his chair, so that his master might see them well. Then, triumph of triumphs, Miss Lawrence waved her handkerchief to them!

'We will land to-morrow, shall we?' said Mr.

Talbot. 'Suppose we row round the island tonight; it will teach you to manage your oars better.'

Ths boys agreeing, away they went. It was harder work rowing back against the stream on their homeward course, but all was accomplished in safety, with no fouling or other disaster; and the boats were safely moored by the yard for the night. Then the mariners sought the uncle and aunt for approval, and cordially received it.

'How will you name the boats?' asked the lady. "Victory" mine,' cried Dick.

"Endeavour," I think, mine,' said Edward.

"Amy" mine,' said little Tom, almost in a whisper.

'Mamma's name,' thought Edward.

'And yours, Mr. Talbot?' inquired Miss Lawrence. 'Really,' he began, ‘I scarcely know. I have not thought about it. Perhaps

The lady interrupted him with a smile. Then I will name it for you; it shall be the "Adroit Assistance."

Mr. Talbot lifted his hat in acknowledgment of the compliment, which he felt was an important one, and one that augured well for the future. The whole. party shortly afterwards returned to the house.

CHAPTER X.

EXPLORATION S.

NE day more, only one! There was scarcely time to complete the work so

auspiciously begun. But there was no help for it. Sunday could not be left unprovided for, and there happened just then to be a paucity of clergymen at Southampton. The inmates of The Refuge pressed Mr. Talbot earnestly to remain a little longer, to telegraph, if writing was too slow, that Mrs. Talbot must provide a substitute for the Sunday duty. But he was obdurate. 'No, no,' he said, 'my wife is not strong, and I cannot have her teased about it. Besides, I know she might hunt the place through in vain for a parson at liberty. I must go, thank you. But I will come again some day, if you will allow me, and see what has been doing since I left.'

'And bring Mrs. Talbot with you.'

'Well-yes, if you please. The change of air will do her good. Our little girl is going to stay at her aunt's in a month's time. We could come then, if that would suit you.'

'Yes,' replied Miss Lawrence. Any time is the

same to us.'

Then this day month, if you please?' 'Yes, for a clergyman's fortnight.'

'No, no; a clergyman's week. I cannot be longer away; indeed it is impossible. We will start on a Monday, and return on the Friday week.'

'Very well, Mr. Talbot, it shall be as you desire. But you will be welcome for as long as you like to stay.'

'You are very good,' he replied. 'I am now going to ask you another favour; I am afraid you will think me very exacting. But may the boys and I take some bread and cheese with us to-day, and absent ourselves from luncheon? We want to explore the island.'

Permission was willingly given to all but the request that bread and cheese might be carried. Miss Lawrence insisted on a much more sumptuous luncheon being provided. Then the only difficulty