TWO YOUNG NATURALISTS. 161 



Then the boat must be examined. Lucas poked it 

 about and investigated it with the thorough attention 

 of a craftsman. It was in fact quite new, and had 

 been brought from a building-yard at Trouville by 

 some sailors according to a plan arranged beforehand. 

 It was large enough to carry five or six persons, but 

 at the same time was so fitted out as to be capable 

 of being handled by one man. An orlop extending to 

 the stern both increased its stability and assisted in 

 keeping out the seas, and in case of severe weather 

 was capable even of protecting the passengers. As 

 fittings there were a table, some folding chairs, and 

 two berths arranged on each side. The storage- 

 place for the sails and ropes was covered by the 

 planking. 



"Everything is as it should be," said the sailor 

 after a minute inspection. " In fair weather I could 

 cross the Channel in it." Then suddenly recollecting 

 the business of the moment, he added, "And my 

 mates, I was forgetting them. Won't they be sur- 

 prised when I show them your present after we have 

 done breakfast ! " 



After having again pressed the hand of the doctor, 

 he hurried away as fast as his old legs would carry 

 him. 



The two young men were thoroughly pleased 

 without any pretence. Uncle Bob had in fact made 

 three happy by one stroke, for if Father Lucas was 

 M 



