"Well, you're about right there, sir, and it's been a real pleasure to me the making of it, being, as it were, somewhat of a sailor's craft, it having to be driven of the wind, even though it might be said to be more for land than water."
I heard Aleck say that it belonged rather to the air than to earth or water in his opinion. Then we took to a close inspection of the eagle, which we both agreed to be splendid, and became eager for an immediate trial of its flying powers.
But here, to our surprise, old George did not at once agree. He wanted to see, he told us, whether he could not make Master Gordon's boat sail as well as mine. We could have a sailing match, and try which would go the best, if only we would get out the "Fair Alice;" and so saying he led the way to my own little boat-house, whilst we followed in speechless wonder at the absurdity of the proposition.
"As if he could set my boat to rights in a few minutes!" said Aleck to me incredulously.
"Here, Master Gordon," continued George, making pretended difficulties at the lock; "you had better open the door yourself, sir."
Aleck stooped down to do so. "Why, George!" he exclaimed, "it's as easy as possible; what did you make such a fuss about? But—oh—what a beauty! Willie—Willie—look!" and so saying, he drew forth a beautifully made little vessel, about the same size as my "Fair Alice," but even, as I thought, more perfectly finished, and with two masts.
"A schooner-yacht," my cousin continued, triumphantly. "Oh, Willie, I like it a great deal better than even the 'Fair Alice.' Is it yours, George?" he inquired.
"No, sir," answered Groves, quickly; "guess again."
"I don't know any one else, unless it's Willie."
"Near it, but not right; try again, sir; somebody else that's not very far off."