Elsie at Nantucket | Page 2

been largely substituted for
whale-oil as an illuminant (as has gas also, by the way), and to
substitutes being found or invented for whale-bone also.
"So the Nantucketers lost their principal employment, and wandered off
to different parts of the country or the world in search of another; and
the wharves that once presented a scene full of life and bustle are now
lonely and deserted. Property there was wonderfully depreciated for a
time, but is rising in value now with the influx of summer visitors. It is
becoming quite a popular resort--not sea-side exactly, for there you are
right out in the sea."
"Let us go there," said Mrs. Dinsmore; "I think it would be a pleasant
variety to get fairly out into the sea for once, instead of merely
alongside of it."
"Oh, yes, do let us go!"
"I'm in favor of it!"
"And I!"
"And I!" cried one and another, while Mr. Dinsmore replied, laughingly,
to his wife, "Provided you don't find the waves actually rolling over

you, I suppose, my dear. Well, the captain's description is very
appetizing so far, but let us hear what more he has to say on the
subject."
"Haven't I said enough, sir?" returned the captain, with a good-humored
smile. "You will doubtless want to find some things out for yourselves
when you get there."
"Are there any mountains, papa?" asked little Grace. "I'd like to see
some."
"So you shall, daughter," he said; "but we will have to go elsewhere
than to Nantucket to find them."
"No hills either?" she asked.
"Yes, several ranges of not very high hills; Saul's Hills are the highest;
then there are bluffs south of 'Sconset known as Sunset Heights; indeed,
the village itself stands on a bluff high above the sandy beach, where
the great waves come rolling in. And there is 'Tom Never's Head.' Also
Nantucket Town is on high ground sloping gradually up from the
harbor; and just out of the town, to the north-west, are the Cliffs, where
you go to find surf-bathing; in the town itself you must be satisfied
with still-bathing. An excellent place, by the way, to teach the children
how to swim."
"Then you can teach me, Edward," said Zoe; "I'd like to learn."
"I shall be delighted," he returned, gallantly.
"Papa," asked Max, "are there any woods and streams where one may
hunt and fish?"
"Hardly anything to be called woods," the captain answered; "trees of
any size are few on the island. Except the shade trees in the town, I
think some ragged, stunted pines are all you will find; but there are
streams and ponds to fish in, to say nothing of the great ocean. There is
some hunting, too, for there are plover on the island."

"Well, shall we go and see for ourselves, as the captain advises?" asked
Mr. Dinsmore, addressing the company in general.
Every voice answered in the affirmative, though Elsie, looking
doubtfully at Violet, remarked that she feared she was hardly strong
enough for so long a journey.
"Ah, that brings me to my second proposition, mother," said Captain
Raymond; "that--seeing what a very large company we shall make,
especially if we can persuade our friends from Fairview, the Oaks, and
the Laurels to accompany us--we charter a yacht and go by sea."
"Oh, captain, what a nice idea!" cried Zoe, clapping her hands. "I love
the sea--love to be either beside it or on it."
"I think it would be ever so nice!" Rosie exclaimed. "Oh, grandpa and
mamma, do say yes!"
"I shall not oppose it, my dear," Elsie said; "indeed, I think it may
perhaps be our best plan. How does it strike you, father?"
"Favorably," he replied, "if we can get the yacht. Do you know of one
that might be hired, captain?"
"I do, sir; a very fine one. I have done with it as with the
cottage--partially engaged it--feeling pretty sure you would all fall in
with my views."
"Captain," cried Zoe, "you're just a splendid man! I know of only one
that's more so," with a laughing look at her husband.
The captain bowed his acknowledgments. "As high praise as I could
possibly ask, my dear sister. I trust that one may always stand first in
your esteem."
"He always will," said Zoe; "but," with another glance, arch and
smiling, into Edward's eyes, "don't tell him, lest he should grow
conceited and vain."

"Don't tell him, because it would be no news," laughed Edward, gazing
with fondness and admiration at the blooming face of the loved
flatterer.
The talk went on about the yacht, and before they left the table the
captain was empowered to engage her for their use. Also the 'Sconset
cottage he had spoken of, and one or two more, if they