to be seen, and the air was mild and pleasant. A new moon hung low
in the western sky, and over the smooth sea the schooner was
rippling along merrily, under every stitch of canvas that she
could spread.

Mark received a warm welcome from his father, mother, and Ruth,
who were all on deck, but had not expected to see him there that
evening.

"Quick, Mark! Look! Hatteras is 'most gone," said Ruth, pointing,
as she spoke, to a little twinkle of light so far astern that it
seemed to rest on the very waters. Half an hour later the captain
said, "Now let's go below, where it is warmer; and if you care to
hear it, I will spin you a yarn of Hatteras Light."

"Yes, indeed," said Ruth and Mark together.

"By all means; a story is just the thing," said Mr. and Mrs.
Elmer, also together, at which they all laughed, hooked little
fingers, and wished.

When they had made themselves comfortable in the cabin, Mark being
allowed to occupy the lounge on account of his recent illness, the
captain began as follows:

"Ten years ago this winter I made my first voyage of any length,
though before that I had made some short runs on a little coaster
between New York and down-East ports. Getting tired of this, and
wanting to see something more of the world, I shipped in New York,
early in December, on board the very prettiest craft I ever set