"Put on the best things you have, my boy. I am going up to the
settlement this morning. I thought you would like to go."
I was not long in getting ready as soon as the meal was ended, and, to
my surprise, I found my father in uniform, and with his sword by his
side; but he looked so quiet and stern that I did not like to question
him, and walked on steadily by his side, as he drew himself up and
marched forward, just as if his clothes had brought back old days, and
made him the stern, firm soldier once more.
It was a glorious walk. The sun was scorchingly hot, but our whole way
was between the great sweet-scented pines, whose needle-like leaves
glistened like silver as they reflected back the sun's beams, and shaded
our way. After a time we began to have glimpses of the big river, and
at last as we approached an opening I caught sight of a large ship, and
uttered an exclamation.
"Yes," said my father, as he saw what had taken my attention; "it is a
fine ship, but unfortunately she is not a friend."