"Pretty well," replied John, whose head keeled over on the port side, as he discovered the visitor, and three fingers found their way into his mouth.
"You want to go a-fishing, do you?"
"Yes, sir."
"Do you think it is safe to let him go?" asked Mrs. Duncan.
"I ain't afraid, mother," interrupted the young hopeful.
"I know you are not, and that's one reason why I don't like to trust you in the boat."
"Your boys take to the water in a natural way; and when boys have a decided taste of that kind, it isn't of much use to thwart them."
"I know it isn't; but John has worried my life out since he was four years old, for he is always in the water."
"I should use proper precaution with him; but Paul is so good a boatman that I should not be afraid to trust him in his care."
"You may go, John," added Mrs. Duncan. "I have almost made up my mind to let him live in the water; but I can't help going to the window when he is out on the beach, at least twenty times a day, to see if he isn't in trouble."