The “Banks” were the fishing grounds off the island of Newfoundland, and for several years the Cape Cod fishermen had made summer cruises there, coming home with big cargoes of fine fish which they sold in the Boston market at excellent prices. These fishing grounds were called the “Banks,” because of the heavy banks of fog which settled down in that region.
After Anne had finished her breakfast she went to Mrs. Stoddard’s big work-basket, and took out her knitting-work.
“May I not knit a long time to-day, Aunt Martha?” she asked. “My feet ache sorely, and I should like well to knit.”
“That is right,” answered Mrs. Stoddard, nodding her approval. “Your Uncle Enos drove Brownie over the hill where the sailors from the ‘Somerset’ will not be like to see her, and we will both stay indoors to-day and knit. Maybe we shall begin to read to-day, also.”
“After I have knit a good stint,” said Anne, “for ’twill be time for stockings soon.”
It was a happy morning for the little girl. She worked steadily and carefully until Captain Enos came up from the shore for his noon meal.
“Well, well,” he said smilingly, “now this seems good—to see our little maid safe at home by the window with her knitting. I saw Mistress Starkweather as I came home, and she bade me tell you she should walk this way to see you this afternoon. ’Tis a great day for Amos,” continued the captain; “he tells all the boys in the village of his great adventure in rounding Long Point and living two days on an island. You’d think he’d seen Terra del Fuego, to say the least.”
SHE WORKED STEADILY