And so it was with Abel.

He had never in his life voluntarily gone into the sea.

But Skipper Ed was a mighty swimmer, and under his instruction Jimmy had learned the art, and in the fourth summer after Bobby's arrival nothing would do but he, too, must learn.

Much perseverance was necessary before Abel and Mrs.Abel gave their consent, but finally it was obtained, and in a little while Bobby was as keen for a dip and a dive and a swim as were Skipper Ed and his partner, Jimmy.
And so the years passed in toil, in pleasure, and in attainment--active years that were filled with glorious doing, and with never a heavy moment or idle wasting of time or vain dawdling.
"Never waste time," said Skipper Ed, one stormy winter's day when Bobby was over there, and he and Bobby and Jimmy were luxuriating in their big chairs before the fire.

"If you can't be busy with your hands, be busy with your brain.