its predecessor, is an independent story. The
hero has not before appeared, though some of the characters of "LITTLE
BOBTAIL" take part in the incidents: but each volume may be read
understandingly without any knowledge of the contents of the other. In
this story, the interest centres in Don John, the Boat-builder, who is
certainly a very enterprising young man, though his achievements have
been more than paralleled in the domain of actual life.

Like the first volume of the series, the incidents of the story
transpire on the waters of the beautiful Penobscot Bay, and on its
shores. They include several yacht races, which must be more interesting
to those who are engaged in the exciting sport of yachting, than to
others. But the principal incidents are distinct from the aquatic
narrative; and those who are not interested in boats and boating will
find that Don John and Nellie Patterdale do not spend all their time on
the water.

The hero is a young man of high aims and noble purposes: and the writer
believes that it is unpardonable to awaken the interest and sympathy of
his readers for any other than high-minded and well-meaning characters.
But he is not faultless; he makes some grave mistakes, even while he has
high aims. The most important lesson in morals to be derived from his
experience is that it is unwise and dangerous for young people to
conceal their actions from their parents and friends; and that men and
women who seek concealment "choose darkness because their deeds are
evil."

HARRISON SQUARE, BOSTON,
May 22, 1873.

CONTENTS.

PAGE

CHAPTER I.
DON JOHN OF BELFAST, AND FRIENDS 11

CHAPTER II.
ABOUT THE TIN BOX 28

CHAPTER III.
THE YACHT CLUB AT TURTLE HEAD 46

CHAPTER IV.
A SAD EVENT IN THE RAMSAY FAMILY 63

CHAPTER V.
CAPTAIN SHIVERNOCK 81

CHAPTER VI.
DONALD GETS THE JOB 99

CHAPTER VII.
LAYING DOWN THE KEEL. 117

CHAPTER VIII.
THE FIRST REGATTA. 135

CHAPTER IX.
THE SKYLARK AND THE SEA FOAM. 153

CHAPTER X.
THE LAUNCH OF THE MAUD. 171