boat-room, to
prepare for their first excursion under the new coxswain. After the
meeting adjourned, there was considerable inquiry for the member who
had voted for Charles Hardy; but he could not be found. Tony had voted
for Fred Harper, and the conclusion that Charles had voted for himself
was irresistible.

But Charles, in spite of his hypocritical character, was a well-meaning
boy. His desire to appear well, and to be "first and foremost,"
sometimes led him astray; and the discipline of the club finally worked
a "great improvement in him." He was not elected coxswain that year;
for, on the first of November, the Zephyr was laid up for the winter.
Fred Harper was elected after Tony, who served his term with credit to
himself and to the discipline of the club.

The Butterfly was not completed in season to be launched that year; but
the following spring a second club was formed, and Tony was the first
coxswain. During the winter the Zephyrs met regularly at their hall for
mutual improvement. At the suggestion of Fred Harper, a debating
society was formed; and the members derived a great deal of pleasure,
and obtained an excellent mental discipline, from their discussions.

To add to the interest of their meetings, George Weston gave them a
number of familiar lectures on "California;" Captain Sedley on "Life on
the Ocean;" and Mr. Hyde, the schoolmaster, on "Natural Philosophy and
Chemistry." The boys declared they never enjoyed a winter so much; and
certainly they derived a great deal of useful information from these
pleasant meetings.

Tim Bunker and Joe Braman were tried at the next session of the
court,--the former for stealing, and the latter for receiving stolen
property,--and sentenced to the House of Correction.

George Weston's new house was completed before winter, and the family
were nicely settled before the first snow came. The widow Weston was
happy all day long in the presence of her children, and never ceased to
thank God for all the blessings with which her life had been
crowned,--the blessings of adversity as well as those of prosperity.

The following spring the Butterfly was launched, the new club
organized, and the sports of the season opened with a grand May-day
picnic and dance on Centre Island. But I have not space to tell my
young readers how Mary Weston was made Queen of May, how the Zephyr and
the Butterfly raced up and down the lake, and how the latter got beaten
on account of the ine