"'Sou'-sou'-west, half west," laughed Edward, who understood precisely what his father meant by his question; and bidding Donald good night, he left the library, without the formality of saying he would go and see which way the wind was. "You know which way the wind is, Nellie; and so you need not leave," added the captain, as she rose from her seat to follow the example of her brother. "So did Ned, for he told you," she answered. "And you heard him, and know also." When Captain Patterdale had private business with a visitor, and he wished any member of his own family to retire, he always asked which way the wind was. "Don John, you had a great success in the launch of the Maud to-day," said the nabob; but as the same thing had been said half a dozen times before since the boat-builder entered the room, it was hardly to be regarded as an original idea; and Donald was satisfied that the launch was not the business upon which he had been sent for. "Yes, sir; we got her off very well," he replied. "I was sorry I couldn't launch her with the mast stepped, so as to dress her in the colors." "In that case, you would have needed the flags of all nations. I have them, and will lend them to you any time when you wish to make a sensation." "Thank you, sir." "I have here the white cross of Denmark," added the captain, holding up the mended bill. "A fifty-dollar white-cross," laughed Donald. "I have seen it before." "This bill?" "Yes, sir; I paid it to Mr. Leach for the Maud's sails since dark," answered Donald, so squarely that the nabob could not help looking at his daughter and smiling. "He said you paid promptly, which is a solid virtue in a business man. By the way, Don John, you will be out of work as soon as the Maud is finished." "I hope to have another yacht to build by that time, especially if the Maud does well." "I wanted to say a word to you about that, and tell you some good news, Don John," continued Captain Patterdale, as calmly as though he had no interest whatever in the mended bill. "I had a long talk with Mr. Norwood this afternoon. He says he shall give you the job if the Maud sails as well as the Skylark or the Sea Foam. He don't insist that she shall beat them." "But I expect she will do it; if she don't I shall be disappointed," added Donald. "Don't expect too much, Don John. I thought you would sleep better if you knew just how Mr. Norwood stood on this question." "I shall, sir; and I am very much obliged to you." "Do you think you will make any money on the building of the Maud?" asked the nabob. "Yes, sir. I think I shall do pretty well with her." "You seem to have money enough to pay your bills as you go along. Did Mr. Rodman pay you this bill?" inquired the captain, as he held up the cross again. "No, sir; he did not. I have had that bill in the house for some time," replied Donald. "Are you so flush as that?" "Yes, sir; I had considerable cash in the house." "Your father left something, I suppose."