purposed to
extend his operations. But when he was on the point of purchasing a
schooner of sixty tons, a situation as second mate of an ocean steamer
was offered to him, with the promise of certain advancement as he became
qualified to fill more important positions. He concluded, after mature
deliberation, to accept the offer, and the fishing business was entirely
given up to John, who continued it for several years, with good success.

If my young reader's imagination is vivid enough to accomplish the feat,
let us step forward nine years which will very nearly bring our story up
to the present time. It is easy to jump over a long period of years in
this manner on paper, but not so easy for the mind to realize the
number and the importance of the events which may transpire in this
time. Though we step forward over long years of toil and care, of joy
and sorrow, of severe trial and patient waiting, and behold the Paul
Duncan of to-day, it will be hard to believe he is not still a boy, and
the skipper of the Fawn, as we have seen him in the pages of our story.

He is no longer a boy, and we can scarcely believe that he with the
bushy whiskers, and the strong, well-knit frame, is the young navigator
of our tale. Yet it is he; and in order that our young friends may be
properly introduced to him, we will step back a day.

Ah, you don't recognize Bayville; you don't feel at home there; for
everything is changed since the young fisherman sold his wares in its
streets.

Where is the cottage of Mrs. Duncan, do you ask? Well, about two years
ago, it was pulled down to give place to the more elegant structure that
occupies its site. It is a very beautiful residence; not very elaborate
or very costly, it is true, but a beautiful residence for all that.

Who lives there now? Mrs. Duncan, of course; and she is still an active
woman, and as affectionate a mother as can be found in the whole
country. You recognize in the elderly gentleman who has just rung the
front door bell our old friend Captain Littleton. He is still hale and
hearty, and makes a regular call every day at the home of Mrs. Duncan.
He is in a hurry to-day, and has a newspaper in his hand.

"The Marmora has arrived," he exclaims, as he enters the room where the
old lady is seated.

"You don't say so!"

"Arrived this morning, and is at the wharf in New York by this time."

"I'm so glad!" replied Mrs. Duncan, pulling off her spectacles, and
wiping away the m