re can be to the plan," said Dory,
whose heart was set on the scheme.

"Perhaps you will not be able to see it when I mention it; but I think
your mother will," continued his uncle. "If you could select your own
parties, it might do very well. Many people who indulge in boating are
fast livers. You will find that some of your customers are rough
characters. You will have a great deal of drinking in your boat, and
many men who are willing to pay five dollars a day for the boat are not
such persons as I should choose for associates of a son or a nephew of
mine."

"I never drink any liquor, beer, or any thing stronger than coffee,
uncle Royal," protested Dory. "I found half a bottle of whiskey on board
of the Goldwing yesterday morning, and I threw it into the lake."

"Your habits are good now, but it is a question whether they will
continue so if you make a business of taking out parties in your boat.
You will meet men in their gayest moods, when they lay aside all
restraint."

"But I promised the landlord of the Witherill House that I would take
out parties when he sent for me," added Dory. "I think I can take care
of myself.'

"Go in this instance, if you think you ought to do so. I am going up to
Plattsburgh in the Sylph this afternoon. I have invited the Goldwing
Club to go with me, but I suppose you will be unable to join us," said
Captain Gildrock.

"I was going to ask the members to sail down with me," replied Dory.

"Very well: they may go with you, and I will bring them back. I have a
scheme in my mind upon which I have been at work this forenoon; but, if
you have concluded to do a boating business for a living, I shall have
to give it up, at least for the present."

"Has the scheme any thing to do with me?" asked Dory, his curiosity
awakened by the remark.

"It has to do with all the members of the Goldwing Club. I have been to
see Mrs. Short and Mrs. Minkfield in regard to Richard and Cornelius.
But my plan is not yet matured, and I will not say any thing more about
it until we see how you make out boating."

"I bought the boat in order to do something to help mother," added Dory.
"I didn't give forty-two dollars for it for a plaything."

"Your mother tells me that you have done every thing you could to help
her, and have given her all the money you earned. I am very glad to hear
so good a report of you, for I have been told that you were rather wild.
The only doubt I have in regard to you now is