Almost too surprised by the gift to express his thanks, Ethan responded to their “good night,” and the party at once departed for their yacht.
It was a glorious summer evening they discovered when the boat moved out from the dock and began to speed over the silent river. In the moonlight the rushing waters glimmered like silver, and the low-lying shores cast shadows which were reflected almost as in the light of day. The silent stars twinkled in the clear heavens, and the air of eternal peace seemed to rest over all.
The young people were enjoying themselves too keenly to be silent long even amidst such surroundings, and as the experiences of the evening were recounted, in every way so novel and different from anything they had ever seen before, their laughter rang out over the great river, and seemed to be caught up and sent flying by the very rocks and shores which they passed.
At last Miss Bessie started a song: “And every little wave has his night-cap on,” and for a time all other things were forgotten; while Mr. and Mrs. Clarke joined in the spirit of the frolic as if they, too, were as young as their young companions.
Altogether the evening had been such an enjoyable one that it was almost with a feeling of disappointment that the boys at last perceived in the distance the white tents on Pine Tree Island. The songs had ceased now, and Bob said:—
“Mr. Clarke, I meant to have asked you to tell us the rest of that story about the pirate of the St. Lawrence.”
“Who? Bill Johnston?” asked Mr. Clarke.
“Yes, I believe that was his name.”
“Oh, well, that story will keep until next time.”
“Yes, but the summer is almost gone now, and there won’t be many ‘next times.’ We’ll be going home soon.”