CHAPTER I.
Sequel to the "Graphite Lode."-- The Fifteen Thousand Dollars, and how it was invested .-- About the Yacht .-- The Schooner "Curlew."-- Capt.

Mazard .-- Guard .-- The Gloucester Boys.--"Palmleaf, Sar."-- Getting Ready for the Voyage .-- Ship-Stores .-- The Howitzer .-- The Big Rifle .-- A Good Round Bill at the Outset.
Raed got home from Katahdin on the night of the 15th of May.

Kit came with him; and together they called on Wade and the writer of the following narrative early on the morning of the 16th.

Brown enough both boys looked, exposed as they had been to the _tanning_ winds for more than a fortnight.
"Jubilate!" shouted Raed, as I opened the door.

"Latest news from Mount Katahdin,--graphite stock clean up to the moon!" Wade came _looking_ down stairs, nothing on but his gown and slippers.
At sight of his tousled head both our callers gave a whoop of recognition, and set upon him,--shook him out of his slippers, and pulled him down the steps on to the sidewalk barefoot; thereby scandalizing a whole houseful of prim damsels across the street, who indignantly pulled down their curtains.