"I will see my father about it to-night, Don John, and let you know to-morrow. I came down to see about the model." Samuel Rodman left the shop and walked down the beach to the sail-boat in which he had come. Donald was almost inspired by the idea which had taken possession of him. If he could only carry on his father's business, he could make money enough to support the family; and knowing every stick in the hull of a vessel, he felt competent to do so. Full of enthusiasm, he hastened into the cottage to unfold his brilliant scheme to his mother. He stated his plan to her, but at first she shook her head. "Do you think you could build a yacht, Donald?" she asked. "I am certain I could. Didn't you hear father say that my brig contained every timber and plank that belongs to a vessel?" "Yes, and that the work was done as well as he could do it himself; but that does not prove that you can carry on the business." "I want one or two men, if we build the Maud, because it would take too long for me to do all the work alone." "The Maud?" "That was the yacht that father was to build next. I asked Sam Rodman to give me the job, and he is going to talk with his father about it to-night." Mrs. Ramsay was rather startled at this announcement, which indicated that her son really meant business in earnest. "Do you think he will let you do it?" she asked. "I hope he will." "Are you sure you can make anything if you build the yacht?" "Father made over three hundred dollars on the Sea Foam, besides his day wages." "That is no reason why you can do it." "All his models, moulds, and draughts are in the shop. I know where they are, and just what to do with them. I hope you will let me try it, mother." "Suppose you don't make out?" "But I shall make out." "If Mr. Rodman refuses to accept the yacht after the job is done, what will you do?" "I shall have her myself then, and I can make lots of money taking out parties in her." "Your father was paid for the Sea Foam as the work progressed. He had received eight hundred dollars on her when she was finished." "I know it; and Captain Patterdale owes four hundred more. If you let me use some of the money to buy stock and pay the men till I get payment on the job, I shall do very well." "We must have something to live on. After I have paid the funeral expenses and other bills, this money that Captain Patterdale owes will be all I have." "But Mr. Rodman will pay me something on the job, when he is satisfied that the work will be done."