“Fuzzie-Wuzzie and the Languid Aquarellist got together in the forecastle to hatch a scheme to get possession of the champagne. Nick, the Nipper, woke up and heard the conversation. He called to Mock-a-Hi. Hi took in the situation at a glance, and skewered Fuzzie and the Aquarellist with his prize finger-nail (with which he does his etchings), and thus the villains were balked. The conspirators had been eating Anti-Puncture, so that when Hi withdrew his nail, none of the wind came out of their tires. There was little blood and much wine spilled over this affair. The Skipper instantly had the schemers put in irons, and Nick, the Nipper, was allowed to torture them in their helpless condition with a few of his songs and imitations, as a reward for his vigilance.” [Illustration] “To-day we took on board a small party of guests, several ladies being among the number. The finished style in which our fashionable portrait painter received the latter excited general admiration. There is very little doubt but that he will be promoted to be Assistant Skipper, with a cook’s pay.” [Illustration] “The Skipper complained this evening of “feeling queer in the head,” and the Duke made unkindly reference to the moon (which is known to have a peculiar influence in certain cases), but got “sat on” for his inopportune display of wit. Fuzzie’s allusion to the banquet in the cabin last night was perhaps more truly explanatory.” [Illustration] “Sailing close to shore,—and enjoying the beautiful glimpses of field and wood seen through the golden haze of a summer afternoon. What a glorious land!” [Illustration] “The Languid Aquarellist is singing the national anthem. Perhaps he is being unconsciously stirred by all these wondrous beauties of nature.” [Illustration] “Here Truthful Freddie—sits by the hour, in the golden evening glow, dreaming of—what?” [Illustration] “Salad day. Before seven o’clock this morning Curly and the Duke had caught enough crabs to supply the mess of a man-of-war. The salad—prepared by the Duke, of course—was pronounced excellent in technique, although somewhat after the manner of Bouguereau, being extremely smooth and delicate. But this can be forgiven in a salad.” [Illustration] “Late this afternoon we passed a sailing party homeward-bound. As they passed, quite close, Spike, with his ever-ready pencil, transferred several of the most conspicuous members to paper.” [Illustration] “For his marvelous success in mixing salads, the Duke, who studied the culinary art in Paris and Rome, has been made Second Mate.” [Illustration] “Three days out. The Languid Aquarellist insisted this morning on going ashore and shooting ducks—wild ones. After he had almost decimated a farmer’s prize flock of pekins (without noticing their barnyard confidence in man)—he was promoted by the Captain for excellent gunnery, and the addition to the yacht’s stores.” [Illustration]