"I will see my father about it to-night, Don John, and let you know to-morrow. I came down to see about the model."
Samuel Rodman left the shop and walked down the beach to the sail-boat in which he had come. Donald was almost inspired by the idea which had taken possession of him. If he could only carry on his father's business, he could make money enough to support the family; and knowing every stick in the hull of a vessel, he felt competent to do so. Full of enthusiasm, he hastened into the cottage to unfold his brilliant scheme to his mother. He stated his plan to her, but at first she shook her head.
"Do you think you could build a yacht, Donald?" she asked.
"I am certain I could. Didn't you hear father say that my brig contained every timber and plank that belongs to a vessel?"
"Yes, and that the work was done as well as he could do it himself; but that does not prove that you can carry on the business."
"I want one or two men, if we build the Maud, because it would take too long for me to do all the work alone."
"The Maud?"
"That was the yacht that father was to build next. I asked Sam Rodman to give me the job, and he is going to talk with his father about it to-night."
Mrs. Ramsay was rather startled at this announcement, which indicated that her son really meant business in earnest.
"Do you think he will let you do it?" she asked.