NO CONCERN OF OURS The very next morning it was known to the faithful of Springhaven that the glory of the place would be trebled that day, and its income increased desirably.

That day, the fair stranger (which had so long awakened the admiration of the women, and the jealousy of the men) would by the consummate skill of Captain Zeb--who had triumphed over all the officers of the British Navy--float forth magnificently from her narrow bed, hoist her white sails, and under British ensign salute the new fort, and shape a course for Portsmouth.

That she had stuck fast and in danger so long was simply because the cocked hats were too proud to give ear to the wisdom in an old otter-skin.

Now Admiral Darling was baffled and gone; and Captain Tugwell would show the world what he could do, and what stuff his men were made of, if they only had their way.

From old Daddy Stakes, the bald father of the village, to Mrs.Caper junior's baby--equally bald, but with a crop as sure of coming as mustard and cress beneath his flannel--some in arms, some on legs, some upon brave crutches, all were abroad in the soft air from the west, which had stolen up under the stiff steel skirt of the east wind, exactly as wise Captain Zeb predicted.
"My dear," said Mrs.Twemlow to the solid Mrs.Stubbard, for a very sweet friendship had sprung up between these ladies, and would last until their interests should happen to diverge, "this will be a great day for my dear husband's parish.