Lower down on the river banks there were large vineyards, where the finest grapes were growing.
Their father told the boys strange stories about the people who once lived in these old castles. He told them about a beautiful sea maiden who used to sit on a high rock above the river combing her long, golden hair and singing sweet songs. He told how brave young men sailed their boats into the dangerous waters to listen to her songs, and were drowned.
Fortunately the maiden did not sing while the Overall Boys were passing her rock, so they went safely on their journey.
A little later Jack cried, "Come, Joe, the Captain is going to tell us a story."
"Is he going to tell it in some dreadful, strange language?" asked Joe.
"No, sir!" said Jack. "This Captain knows how to speak English."
"Hello!" called the Captain. "Do you boys like mice? Both of you do! Well, that is brave. I am going to tell you about a man who did not like mice.
"Do you see that large, round tower just ahead of us? It is built on a rock in the middle of the river. It is called the Mouse Tower. This is the reason why.
"Once upon a time—I cannot tell you just how long ago, but once upon a time—there lived a rich Bishop. He lived in a great castle up there on the river bank. He had fine farms, and he made much money. He filled many barns with his grain, and he kept his gold in strong boxes.