g her as she
led the way.

The table, covered with a snow-white cloth and heaped with tempting
viands, presented a very attractive appearance.

The clams were brought on after the most of the company were seated,
with their coffee and bread and butter before them. They were served hot
from the fire and the shell, in neat paper trays, and eaten with melted
butter. Eaten thus they make a dish fit for a king.

By the time that all appetites were satisfied, the sun was near his
setting, and it was thought best to return without delay.

On repairing to the beach, they found the tide so low that even the dory
could not come close to dry land; so the ladies and children were
carried through the water to the yacht. This gave occasion for some
merriment.

"You must carry me, Ned, if I've got to be carried," said Zoe; "I'm not
going to let anybody else do it."

"No; nor am I," he returned, gayly, picking her up and striding forward.
"I claim it as my especial privilege."

Mr. Dinsmore followed with his wife, then Captain Raymond with his.

"Get in, Mr. Dinsmore," said the captain, as they deposited their
burdens; "there is no occasion for further exertion on your part; I'll
bring mother."

"No, sir," said Edward, hurrying shoreward again, "that's my task; you
have your children to take care of."

"Your mother is my child, Ned, and I think I shall take care of her,"
Mr. Dinsmore said, hastening back to the little crowd still at the
water's edge.

"We will have to let her decide which of us shall have the honor," said
the captain.

"That I won't," Mr. Dinsmore said, laughingly, stepping to his
daughter's side and taking her in his arms.

"Now, you two may take care of the younger ones," he added, with a
triumphant glance at his two rivals.

"Ah, Ned, we are completely outwitted," laughed the captain.

"Yes; with grandpa about one can't get half a chance to wait upon
mother. Betty, shall I have the honor and pleasure of conveying you
aboard of yonder vessel?"

"Yes, thank you; I see Harold and Herbert are taking Rosie and Walter,"
she said. "But I warn you that I am a good deal heavier than Zoe."

"Nevertheless, I think my strength will prove equal to the exertion," he
returned, as he lifted her from the ground.

Lulu and Grace stood together, hand in hand, Max on Gracie's other side.

"Take Gracie first, please, papa," said Lulu; "she is frightened, I
believe."

"Frightened?" he said, stooping to take her