CHAPTER V.
Building the Yacht.—The Launch.—Great Crested Grebe's nest.—A Floating Coot's nest.—Golden Crested Wrens.—Their Migration.—The Flight of a Heron.
When Dick Carleton arrived at Mr. Merivale's to commence the visit which was to initiate the friendship of the boys, Frank and Jimmy were at the boat-house; and as soon as Dick had been welcomed by Mr. and Mrs. Merivale, Mary took him off to the boat-house to introduce him to Frank and Jimmy, and see that he was shown their collections. When they opened the door they saw the two boys busy at the table, with sheets of paper and drawing instruments before them. Dick felt and looked rather shy and nervous, but Frank's hearty greeting put him at his ease. Mary proceeded to do the honour of the place, and walked Dick about from side to side of the room to show him their butterflies and birds' eggs, stuffed birds, and the other natural history curiosities which the boys had collected, while they were followed by Frank and Jimmy, who smiled at her eagerness. They had a very fair collection of eggs, including most of the common kinds, but their collection of butterflies was not so good, as neither Frank nor Jimmy cared so much for entomology as they did for ornithology.
"What are all these plans and drawings for?" said Mary, pointing to the litter on the table.
"Shall we tell her Jimmy?" said Frank.
"Yes, why not? She will know some time, so she may as well know now. Besides, she can help us to make the sails, you know. We sha'n't do the sewing so well as the wood-work."
So the great project of the yacht was explained. Mary danced about the room in glee, and already fancied herself sailing about the broad. Dick said—
"If it can be done, it would be the nicest thing one could think of."
"It shall be done," said Frank decisively, and Dick looked up at him with admiring envy, and replied—
"Then I will help you all I can, and go shares with you in the expense."