It was the evening of the launching of the new sail-boat, "The Lady of the Lake," and there was a party of people on the shore.

Two young men, in a spirit of burlesque and opposition, had seized on the old boat and had chalked upon her bow, "The Pirate's Bride." With this they were rowing up and down the lake, and exciting much merriment in the crowd on the shore.
Ben Towle, who was one of the principal stockholders in "The Lady of the Lake," and who had been suspected of a tender regard for Isabel Marlay, promptly offered Albert and his party seats in the boat on her first trip.

There were just four vacancies, he said.

The three ladies had stepped aboard, and Albert was following, when the ex-sailor who held the rudder touched his arm and said, "I don't think it's safe, Mr.Charlton, fer nobody else to git in.

She's got 'leven now, and ef the wind freshens, twelve would be dangerous." "Oh! I'll stay out!" said Albert, retreating.
"Come, Albert, take my place," said Towle.