They accordingly furnished themselves with provision, water, and a compass, and set out, Charlie consoling himself for leaving Elm Island by the prospect of being only three or four miles from John.
He was now to leave Elm Island for the first time since he came on to it, and he went all around to take a last look at his pets, and bid them “good by,” and even to the top of the old maple and big pine, where he had spent so many happy hours.
They had a pleasant time up, either a fair wind or calm, did not have to row but little till they ran her right into Stroudwater River, and into the ship-yard.
The next Saturday evening about eight o’clock, John Rhines was told that some one wished to see him at the door; and going without a light, he landed in the embrace of Charlie.
The moment they were alone, Charlie said,—
“Guess what I have done since you came away.”
“Built a boat.”
“Yes; I’ve sold her, and built five more; sold all but one of them, and I came up in her.”
“What a boy you are, Charlie! We’ll have some sails in her; there’s a glorious chance to sail in this harbor in the summer, and a splendid fishing ground. There are lots of acorns on Hog Island, and walnuts on Mackie’s Island.”