for a good catch. When the last boat
had started, he stepped into a skiff, picked up the oars, and pulled for
the fishing fleet.

Four forlorn boys, for Samuel and Richard Chadborn had joined the others,
stood on the shore and watched the sails against the pink of the morning
sky. The glorious air and strong salt breeze made the land seem
unbearable to them. They wandered to the flakes and on to the salt works.
Francis Williams, James's father, manufactured the salt.

"Get away from there, boys," he shouted, as they appeared. "A big catch
comes in tonight, and we need every grain!"

Log cabins were scattered about the estate for those who did not live in
the Hall. Horses, cows, pigs, sheep, and goats had their sheds or
wandered about at will. However, there was no interest in them for the
boys, who sauntered back to the shore from which the boats had started.

"There are two skiffs left," suggested Hugh. "Let's go fishing for
ourselves!"

"Yes!" exclaimed Sam, with a new idea. "And why not take that net and
stretch it across the narrows in the little harbor? I saw the men do
that one day."

It was a thought that aroused them all, perhaps because it required both
daring and pluck. The net was a weighty one for their muscles, although
they were stout, strong fellows for their years.

James's father felt relieved as he saw them start. At least the flakes
and the salt would be unmolested. However, his attitude changed at
sundown when the boys had not returned.

The fishing fleet brought back a set of disappointed men, for the catch
had not been what was hoped for by many pounds. Godfrie's grumbling could
be heard before he landed, nor was it lessened when he reached shore to
find that his boy, with the others, was missing.

The sun set and the moon rose, yet nothing had been seen of the boys. An
hour later the distant splash of oars on the quiet waters and excited boy
voices brought all the Manor folk to the shore. The approach was so slow
that there was great fear that some one had been hurt. Yet there was an
elated tone as the voices came nearer. When they were within shouting
distance there came a call for help.

A half-dozen strong men jumped into their skiffs and pulled with speed.
In a half-hour's time two great boat-loads of fish were pulled ashore.
The boys had stretched their net at low water across a narrow part of the
stream. As the tide rushed in, it brought fish in a school of unusual
size, which,