"My boy," he said, "I want to send you on a dangerous mission.

Dare you trust yourself in your boat upon the sea, chafing as it still is from the late storm?
I want a messenger to send to yonder craft so swiftly nearing us.

Dare you go?
Your courage shall set you free." "I will go.

God will watch over me, and bring me safe to my mother," said Blair promptly.
A few words of affectionate parting with Hal, and then Blair was again a free boy, the sky above and the friendly waters below.

Friendly they seemed to him as he sped over the waves towards the flag of his native land.