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"But, father, listen to reason!" cried Nellie; "here is mother to

take care of the three small children, and here am I with nothing

whatever to do. Be sensible and let me go along. I certainly

ought to be able to help in some way."

"But," expostulated the captain, "girls don't go on

fishing-trips."

"Suppose the cook should fall sick or be hurt, then I would come

in handy, wouldn't I? But all this is not the real point. Things

are different with us than they have ever been before; we have no

home, and mother and the children have to board with Ma Sprague.

If I stayed here I should be a burden, and I couldn't stand

that."

Bijonah scratched his head and looked at the girl helplessly. He

had yet to score his first victory over her in an argument.

"Have you asked your mother?" he queried at last, seeking his

time-worn refuge.

"Yes," said she, brightening at the imminence of victory, "and

she says she thinks it will be just the thing."