Ho, ho!" This was a standard joke and was so recognized and honored.

A baby born on the Fourth of July is sure of a national celebration of his birthday.
And to Captain Baker and his wife, no celebration, however widespread, could do justice to the importance of the occasion.

When, to answer the heart longings of the child-loving couple married many years, the baby came, he was accepted as a special dispensation of Providence and valued accordingly.
"He's got a real nice voice, Hiram," said Sophronia, gazing proudly at the prodigy, who, clutched gingerly in his father's big hands, was screaming his little red face black.

"I shouldn't wonder if he grew up to sing in the choir." "That's the kind of voice to make a fo'mast hand step lively!" declared Hiram.

"You'll see this boy on the quarter deck of a clipper one of these days." Naming him was a portentous proceeding and one not to be lightly gone about.