"Are we going in our yacht, papa?" asked Ned Raymond.
"Some of us, perhaps, but it is unfortunately not large enough to hold us all comfortably," was the amused reply.
"Not by any means," said Dr. Conly, "but the journey can be taken more quickly by rail, and probably more safely at this time of the year."
Their plans were not matured before separating for the night, but it seemed altogether probable that quite a large company from that connection would visit Florida before the winter was over; and at the Woodburn breakfast the next morning the captain, in reply to some questions in regard to the history of that State, suggested that they, the family, should take up that study as a preparation for their expected visit there.
"I will procure the needed books," he said, "and distribute them among you older ones to be read at convenient times during the day and reported upon when we are all together in the evenings."
"An excellent idea, my dear," said Violet. "I think we will all enjoy it, for I know that Florida's history is an interesting one."
"Were you ever there, papa?" asked Elsie.
"Yes; and I found it a lovely place to visit at the right time of the year."
"That means the winter time, I suppose?"
"Yes; we should find it unpleasantly warm in the summer."