"To-night I should rather sing the Fisher-boat," said Veronica, and
without demur the good-natured boy dropped his song, and joined his clear
tones with Veronica's steady voice, the two harmonizing perfectly as they
sang:

"A tiny boat, a fisher-boat,
Tossed lightly on the silver sea;
Around the rocks, in air, afloat
The white gulls circle lazily.
A tiny boat, a fisher-boat--
The fisher draws his slender line;
He half in dream-land seems to float.
Saying, 'to-morrow will be fine.'"

Softly singing, in the soft falling shadows of evening, the happy trio
drew towards their home, and disappeared within the cottage door.




CHAPTER IV.

ALL AT HOME.


Dietrich had already worked for some time in his father's business. It was
all in the best possible condition; the work shop, the tools and materials
had been carefully kept up, and everything was fresh and in good working
order. The old customers had not withdrawn their custom, for the former