"And never will, I think," added Grandma Elsie. "The two Anglo-Saxon nations are good friends now, and I trust always will be."
"I hope so indeed," said Max. "We must be prepared for war, but I hope may be long able to maintain peace with all other nations."
"A hope in which we can all join, I think," said Mrs. Travilla, glancing around upon the circle of interested faces; for all the Dolphin's passengers had by this time gathered about them.
"You were talking of the war of 1812, were you, mother?" asked Captain Raymond.
"Yes; I was telling the children of the fight between the Boxer and the Enterprise," replied Mrs. Travilla.
"And oh, won't you tell us some more, grandma?" entreated Ned.
"I think your father could do it better," she said, looking persuasively at the captain.
"I am not at all sure of that," he said; "but if you wish it I will tell what I can remember of such occurrences at the points along the coast which we are about to visit. But first let me beg that every one will feel free to leave the vicinity should my story seem to them dull and prosy," he added, with a smiling glance about upon the little company.
There was a moment's pause; then Violet said laughingly, "That was very kind and thoughtful my dear, and I for one shall not hesitate to go should I feel inclined."