were going to stay with us! It's easier to be good with you than with
anybody else."

"I am sorry, indeed, that I cannot," he said, rising and taking her hand.
"Come, we must go back to the house now."

They moved along in silence for a little, then Lulu said, with an
affectionate look up into her father's face, "Papa, I do so like to walk
this way!"

"How do you mean?" he asked, smiling kindly upon her.

"With my hand in yours, papa. You know I haven't often had the chance."

"No, my poor child," he sighed, "that is one of the deprivations to which
a seaman and his family have to submit."

"Well," said the little girl, lifting his hand to her lips, "I'd rather
have you for my father than anybody else, for all that."

At that he bent down and kissed her with a smile full of pleasure and
fatherly affection.




CHAPTER II.

"By thy words thou shalt be justified, and by thy words thou
shalt be condemned."--_Matt._ 12:37.