"That's right, my boy; and it may encourage you to know that Missourian lived to be our mayor in time."
The Phantom swung out with a lurch, and, slipping into the seat next the teacher, Lem grasped firm hold. Stratton took the helm and Philip went to the shrouds. The sails swelled to a scurrying gust, then flapped loosely. They filled again from another quarter and the yacht careened to the swinging boom. Lem's clutch tightened. Alice covered his hand with her palm. "Isn't it fine?" she asked.
"I'd ruther be erstride o' Ginger." He met her smile with a sidelong glance and looked again with apprehension at the flapping canvas. "But Jake 'lowed I'd git used to it."
"Who is Jake?" inquired Stratton.
"Jake?" Lem relaxed his grip on the rail, for the Phantom settled steadily. "Jake? He's my cousin; Samanthy's brother. An' he's be'n clear ter British Columby. He went over oncet fur ther Queen o' Victory's birthday."
"And he had a great time, I'll wager," said Kingsley, coming back to the helm.
"Yes, but he counted on seeing ther Queen. He 'lowed she'd be to ther head o' ther parade, 'ith her gold crown on, an' ther rest o' her fine truck."
"And wasn't she?"
"Naw, she wa'n't ther. Aunt Lucindy 'lowed ther hull thing was er fizzle; but then she counted on bringin' back er lot o' goods; cloth an' hats an' shoes; I dunnot what all. You kin get 'em twice as cheap over to Victory ef you don't hev ter pay no duty. An' she made errangements 'ith ther neighbors ter do buyin' fur em."
"And," said Kingsley, "I suppose she made other arrangements to elude the Customs officers?"