d
Violet.

"In case they are, I see no reason why we should not have the use of
her," was the rather non-committal reply.

CHAPTER II.

A half-hour later nearly the whole company returned to the front porch
as the most attractive spot, since from it was a very fine view of the
broad river and its opposite shore.

"Oh," shouted several young voices, "there's our flag! There's Old
Glory!"

"And it must be on a boat down close to the landing," added Edward
Leland. "May I run down and see, papa?"

"I think you could see quite as well from the summer-house out yonder
on the edge of the cliff," replied Mr. Leland, starting for that place
himself, followed by most of the others.

"Why it's the _Dolphin_, the _Dolphin_!" exclaimed several voices
simultaneously, as they reached the arbor and caught sight of the
pretty craft in the river below.

The young people were at once seized with an eager desire to get
aboard of her, and, as the captain seemed entirely willing, the
parents did not withhold their consent.

"Ah, papa," laughed Grace Raymond, "I understand now why you refused
my request to send for our yacht; she was already here, and you wanted
to give me a pleasant surprise."

"Yes, daughter, that was just it," he returned; "for I know you like
pleasant surprises. And I hope to give you and the rest of our party
some pleasant trips up and down the river in her."

"Which I am sure we shall all find extremely enjoyable, captain,"
remarked Grandma Elsie.

The whole company were wending their way down to the river and the
yacht as they talked, and presently they were all on board, viewing
and commenting admiringly upon the refurnishing and other
improvements.

"Are you all too tired of travel to enjoy a sail--perhaps only a short
one--up or down the river?" asked the captain.

"Oh, no--not we, indeed!" was the simultaneous exclamation of many
voices, older and younger; and not one was raised against it.

"I see you are all willing," said Captain Raymond, glancing about from
one to another of the bright, eager faces. "Suppose I take you to
Newburgh, which is not very far away, and let you see the Hasbrouck
House, Washington's old headquarters? How many would like that?"

"Oh, all of us! all of us!" cried several voices with enthusiasm.

"Then we will get up steam and go at once," he said. "Will that suit
you, my dear?" turning to Violet.

"Perfectly--if we may have a