"That's it!" cried Jack. "If I could only find one of them, or if some of th' real mutineers would confess, it would clear me an' I could be free t' roam wherever I wanted t' in th' world. But it's too much t' hope for that. But you said th' name of th' vessel we was t' make believe be shipwrecked on was th' _Mary Ellen_, sir," and he turned to the manager. "The _Mary Ellen_ was the name of the craft where the mutiny occurred. Could it be--" he paused, hope showing on his eager face. "No, there's hardly a chance that this is the same one," said Mr. Pertell. "_Mary Ellen_ is a common name for vessels," he went on, "and there must be scores with it painted on their bows. I don't know anything about the vessel I have bought, but I doubt if she was ever in a mutiny. She is a very old craft, and isn't really fit for service now. But her owners say she will do for what I want. We are going to take her to Southern waters, and the main scenes of the drama will be photographed aboard her, and around her." "Where is the craft now, if I may ask?" inquired Mr. DeVere. "Over in Erie Basin," answered the manager. "I am having her fitted up, and a crew is being engaged. Of course it will be some time before we sail, but I want to get everything in readiness. So suppose we take a run over there now, and look at her." "That suits me!" exclaimed Jack, to whom matters nautical were as the breath of life. "And I hope you'll sign me on, sir; when it comes to makin' up your crew, sir." "I intend to ship you," was the answer. "Captain Brisco said he would need some good officers. You have a mate's certificate, have you not, Jack." "Yes, sir, and mighty glad and proud I'll be to fill that berth, sir." "Oh, won't it be jolly to go sailing!" exclaimed Alice. "I shall just _love_ it!" Mr. DeVere sighed resignedly. "I'm afraid it won't be very good for your throat, Daddy," said Ruth in a low tone. "The damp air will be sure to make you cough." "Oh, well--" he began. Mr. Pertell overheard what was said. "I don't like to ask you, Mr. DeVere," he said, "to do anything that will be bad for your health. But I certainly need your services, and those of your daughters, in this sea drama. Otherwise I would not ask you to run any risks with your throat. "But I will say this. We shall not be afloat until Summer, and, as we shall be in a warm climate, perhaps the bad effects will not be so pronounced." "No, I think so myself," the old actor admitted. "It may even do me good. I will doctor up in the meanwhile. And I realize that if I do not go, my daughters cannot. I would not like to have them miss this fine opportunity." "Oh, Daddy! We wouldn't go if it harmed you!" Alice cried. "Oh, I dare say I can manage," her father replied. "The new treatment I am taking seems to agree with me. Who knows? Perhaps, when it comes time to sail, my throat may not trouble me at all." "Let us hope so," Alice broke in. "I do so love the water, and the Southern sea will be a dream!"