"Agreed!" the Captain said; then glancing round at the eager faces, "How many of you would like to go with us?" he asked.
He was answered by a prompt and unanimous acceptance of his invitation. They all wanted to see that beautiful "Dolphin;" and after a little discussion of the matter, it was decided that they would give up the bath for that day, and start for Newport harbour immediately upon leaving the dinner-table.
They made a very jovial party, and were delighted with the vessel and the prospect of sailing in her under the command of one so kind and competent as her new owner.
For the next few days Captain Raymond was busy with his preparations for the voyage,--engaging a crew and getting everything on board that would add to the comfort and enjoyment of his family and guests; the ladies also were occupied with theirs, which were not sufficiently great to interfere with the usual pleasures of a sojourn by the sea-side; then one bright morning saw them all on board,--a merry, happy party.
"Where are we going first, Papa?" asked Lulu, when they were fairly under way.
"On a little trial trip along the coast," he answered.
"And then coming back to Newport?" questioned Gracie.
"Possibly," he said, with a smile into the bright, eager face.
"I think I know, though I'm not right sure," Max said, looking at his father with a rather mischievous twinkle in his eyes, "what Papa is thinking about."
"Do you, indeed?" laughed his father. "Well, what is it?"
"Well, sir, I overheard Captain Wade telling you he expected the rest of the squadron would be in soon,--in a day or two, I think he said,--and I have a notion it would be a fine sight for us all, and that my father kindly means to give it to us."
"Ah, indeed! you seem to have a great deal of confidence in your father's desire to give pleasure to you all," laughed the Captain. "Well, my boy, events may perhaps show whether you are right."
The three had followed their father to a portion of the deck at some little distance from the rest of the party, so that their talk was not overheard by them.
"A squadron?" repeated Grace. "What is that? Oh, it's a good many ships belonging together,--isn't it, Papa?"
"That will answer very well for a definition, or description," he replied.