Page:Cornelia Meigs--The island of Appledore.djvu/66

50 by which she was held trailed out behind her, grew taut, and at last brought her successful  journey sharply to an end.

“Pull her in and we’ll try her on a different tack,” directed Captain Saulsby much excited; “she surely can sail! We didn’t hit it wrong when we named her the Josephine”

Billy, who had no leanings of sentiment toward the name of Captain Saulsby’s well-beloved first ship, had felt that Josephine was not the most perfect title in the world for his  new and cherished vessel. Captain Saulsby, however, had seemed so hurt and disappointed  when he even hinted at the possibility of another choice, that the idea had been dropped  at once. Certainly the little boat was doing her best to be worthy of her so-famous namesake.

“I wish I had a longer string,” said Billy; “it seems as though she only got a good start  every time before I have to pull her in again.”

“She doesn’t have any chance to show what she can do,” answered the Captain, regarding  his handiwork with as proud and pleased an  eye as did Billy himself. “Here, now, the wind is right and the tide is running in; why  shouldn’t we just launch her and let her sail