should like nothing better--except for the fear of
crowding you."

"I think that is beyond your ability," laughed the captain. "Even
joined by all three of you, we should have more room than we have had
in some of our trips which we found very enjoyable."

"Then we accept your kind invitation with the greatest pleasure," said
Mr. Lilburn; and there the conversation ended, as they were already at
the entrance to the hotel.

They spent a pleasant day in and about there, but early in the evening
the _Dolphin_ made her appearance, and they all went aboard of her--a
blithe and happy company.

The morning found them all in good health and good spirits, and as
they sat about the breakfast table the captain asked: "Where shall we
go to-day? I think it would be well to take the little trips we
contemplate while the weather is so favorable. Then when a storm comes
we can shut ourselves in and enjoy books, work, and each other's
company."

"I think that is a good suggestion, captain," said Grandma Elsie.
"Suppose you take us to-day to Fremont, to view the ground where Fort
Stephenson stood."

Everyone present seemed pleased with the proposition, and it was
decided to make the little excursion that morning. They could go
nearly all the way in their yacht, by lake and river, and shortly
after breakfast found themselves in motion--the _Dolphin_ having lain
quietly at anchor during the night.

"I, for one, should like to refresh my memory in regard to Fort
Stephenson: when it was built, by whom attacked, and how defended,"
remarked Annis, as they sat together on the deck while sailing toward
Sandusky Bay. "Captain Raymond, you are usually the story teller, I
believe."

"Ah, Cousin Annis, that is a fine character you give me," he returned
with a smile. "But perhaps I deserve it. Do all the company feel the
same desire that Mrs. Lilburn has just expressed?"

"I do," said Grandma Elsie; "and from the expression of the faces of
the others present I am quite sure that they do also."

"Yes, indeed, papa; I am sure we do!" cried Lucilla and Grace in a
breath, Percy Landreth, Elsie, and Ned joining eagerly in the request;
and the captain at once began.

"Fort Stephenson was built in 1812; the garrison consisted of 160 men
under the command of Major George Croghan, then but twenty-one years
of age. It was on the 31st of July, 1813, that it was invested by a
large force of British and Indians under the command of Proctor. The
f