en;--all he can. He is there to do his duty."

"I think it would be better not to be there at all," said Dolly very
gravely.

"Who would take care of you then, if an enemy's fleet were coming to
attack Philadelphia?" said the young officer.

"I would go home," said Dolly. "I don't know what would become of
Philadelphia. But I do not think God can like it."

"Shall we go above where it is more cheerful? or have you seen it all?"

Dolly gave him her hand again and let him help her till they got on
deck. There they went roaming towards the fore part of the vessel,
looking at everything by the way; Dolly asking the names and the
meaning of things, and receiving explanations, especially regarding the
sails and rigging and steering of the ship. She was even shown where
the sailors made their home in the forecastle. As they were returning
aft, Dolly stopped by a coil of rope on deck and began pulling at an
end of it. Her companion inquired what she wanted?

"I would like a little piece," said Dolly; "if I could get it."

"A piece of rope?"

"Yes;--just a little bit; but it is very strong; it won't break."

She was tugging at a loose strand.

"How large a bit do you want?"

"Oh, just a little piece," said Dolly. "I wanted just a little piece to
keep--but it's no matter. I wanted to keep it."

"A keepsake?" said the young man. "To remember us by? They are breaking
up,"--he added immediately, casting his glance aft, where a stir and a
gathering and a movement on deck in front of the captain's cabin could
now be seen, and the sound of voices came fresh along the breeze. "They
are going--there is no time now. I will send you a piece, if you will
tell me where I can send it. Where do you live?"

"Oh, will you? Oh, thank you!" said Dolly, and her face lifted
confidingly to the young officer grew sunny with pleasure. "I live at
Mrs. Delancy's school;--but no, I don't! I don't live there. My home is
at Uncle Edward's--Mr. Edward Eberstein--in Walnut Street."

"What number?" said the midshipman, using his pencil again on the much
scribbled piece of paper; and Dolly told him.

"And whom shall I send the--the piece of rope, to?"

"Oh, yes!--Dolly Copley. That is my name. Good bye, I must go."

"Dolly Copley. You shall have it," said he, giving the little hand she
held out to him a right sailorly grasp. And Dolly ran away. In the
bustle and anxiety of getting lowered into the little boat again she
forgot him and everyth