The Launch Boys' Cruise in the Deerfoot

Augu

here

hree came to a halt on the shore at the point nearest the moorin

ss. At the stern floated a flag displaying an anchor surrounded by a circle of stars with the stripes as shown in our national emblem. At the bow flew a burgee or small swallow-tailed fla

food could be prepared on an oil stove. In cruising, however, among the numerous islands and

ime that Mike Murphy had ever placed foot on a craft of that nature. While Chester hustled about, Alvin quickly joining him, he gaped around in silent amazement. He felt tha

h until it circled over. Instantly there followed a smooth whirr, and he closed the forward deck over the motor and took his seat behind the wind-shield where he grasped the wheel which, as on an automobile, controlled the steering gear. The control lever, as has been stated, was on his left. Alvin pus

steering wheel, the two mates took their places behind him, prepared to enjoy the outing to the full. Youth, high health, with every surr

e wheel?" called Mike to the Captain, who,

you speak

couldn't ye take a run over to Ireland this

to wait till another time. Better become acq

waves dash with amazing power during a storm, and throw the spray high in air and far inland. There are shady woods of balsam and fir where one may stroll in the cool twilight over the velvet carpet, meandering along the bewitching "Lover's Walk," with which nearly every section is provided, or threading his way through the dense bushes which brush him lovingly as he follows the faintly marked paths. Overhead, when the crow sentinels catch sight of him, they caw their warnings to their comrades. There are shadowy gle

three miles to the northward. A number of girls loitering on the broad porch of the hotel and a group playing tennis waved their han

ard him a little steamer from whose bow the water spread in a foaming wake. It was the craft which makes regular trips between Boothbay Harbor and Squirrel Island through the summer season, stopping at other places when passengers wish it. One of these is Spruce Point, where little parties

with dark whiskers, who, when saluted by the Deerfoot, reached up and pulled the whistle cord of his own craft. Every one knows Captain Williams of Bowdoinham and is glad to see him turn an ho

The pathway arched with trees completely shades the sloping walk that leads to the hotel on Mouse Island. A government light on Burnt Is

xurious craft, the representative of a Boston club, a five-masted schooner, veteran ships, two of which had voyaged from the other side of the world, a decayed and rotting hull near the long bridge, where it tipped a littl

caught the loop of rope tossed to him and slipped it over the mooring pile set in place for that purpose. The steersman pulled the control lever back to the vertical position, releasing the pro

to stopping the motor by turning the switch to the "off" position, putting out fenders to avoid sc

well-known town of Boothbay Harbor. There was little that was noteworthy in the rather long avenue, lined with the usual stores, a bank

ey turned about to retrace their steps to the boat, for it was much more pleasant to be skimming over the

n down the hill to the wharf. At that moment they saw a man of dark complexion, with a big mustache, and accompanied by a large lad, both in yachting costume, come out of Hodgdon's store,

nce at the couple, for there was nothing un

him?" he asked, l

ty others on the street

whispered Mike,

ondering companions at his heels

st passed out bought anything of ye?" asked Mike of the

for his old straw hat, for which I allowed him a nickel, wh

headgear which he caught

same?" asked Mike,

ble!" exclaimed

I wore last night whin w