"Just try me, my fine fellows," he answered, laughing.
"Mamma, what do you want with us?" they asked, running up to her. "A gentleman was telling us such nice stories."
"I think the call to supper will come very soon," she said, "and I want you to smooth your hair and wash your hands. Dinah will take you to your state-room and see that you have what you need."
"I'm afraid we're going to have a gust," remarked Isadore as the lads hurried away to do their mother's bidding; "see how the clouds are gathering yonder in the northwest."
"A thunder-storm at sea; how romantic!" said Virginia; "'twill be something to talk about all our lives."
"Silly child!" said her mother, "to hear you talk, one would think there was no such thing as danger."
"Pshaw, mamma! we're hardly out of sight of land—our own shores," she retorted.
"That would but increase our danger if the storm were coming from the opposite direction," said her uncle; "but fortunately, it is from a quarter to drive us out to sea."
"Do you think it will be a gust, grandpa?" asked Violet, a little anxiously.
"I fear so; the heat has become so oppressive, the breeze has entirely died down, and the clouds look threatening; but, my child, do not fear; our Father, God, rules upon the sea as well as the land; the stormy wind fulfilling his word."