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FOREWORD
Our goal in writing this text is to provide material that will actively engage your
students in the process of learning the mathematical skills necessary for success
with calculus. As instructors ourselves, we are familiar with the challenges of mak-
ing mathematics useful and interesting without sacrificing the solid mathematics
that is necessary for conceptual understanding.
In this book, you will find a strong emphasis on both concept development
and real-life applications. Topics such as functions, graphing, the difference
quotient, and limiting processes provide thorough preparation for the study of
calculus and improve students’ comprehension of algebra. Just-in-time review
throughout the text and MyMathLab course assures that all students are brought
to the same level before being introduced to new concepts. Numerous applica-
tions are used to motivate students to apply the concepts and skills they learn
in precalculus to other courses, including the physical and biological sciences,
engineering, and economics, and to on-the-job and everyday problem solving.
Students are given ample opportunities throughout this book to think about im-
portant mathematical ideas and to practice and apply algebraic skills.
Throughout the text, we emphasize why the material being covered is impor-
tant and how it can be applied. By thoroughly developing mathematical concepts
with clearly defined terminology, students see the “why” behind those concepts,
paving the way for a deeper understanding, better retention, less reliance on rote
memorization, and ultimately more success. The level of exposition was selected
so that the material would be accessible to students and provide them with an
opportunity to grow.
(Marcus McWaters)
(J. S. Ratti)
vii
CONTENTS
Foreword vii
Preface xiv
Resources xvi
Acknowledgments xix
Chapter P
BASIC CONCEPTS OF ALGEBRA 1
P.1 The Real Numbers; Integer Exponents 2
Variables, Constants, and Operations ■ Classifying Sets of Numbers ■
Rational Numbers ■ Irrational Numbers ■ The Real Number Line ■
Inequality Symbols ■ Intervals ■ Absolute Value ■ Distance Between Two
Points on a Real Number Line ■ Integer Exponents ■ Rules of Exponents
P.4 Inequalities 33
Inequalities ■ Linear Inequalities ■ Combining Two Inequalities ■ Using Test
Points to Solve Inequalities ■ Inequalities Involving Absolute Value
Chapter 1
GRAPHS AND FUNCTIONS 51
1.1 Graphs of Equations 52
The Coordinate Plane ■ The Distance Formula ■ The Midpoint Formula ■
Graph of an Equation ■ Intercepts ■ Symmetry ■ Circles
viii
1.2 Lines 65
Slope of a Line ■ Point–Slope Form ■ Slope–Intercept Form ■ Equations
of Horizontal and Vertical Lines ■ General Form of the Equation of a Line ■
Parallel and Perpendicular Lines
1.3 Functions 77
Functions ■ Function Notation ■ Representations of Functions ■ The
Domain of a Function ■ The Range of a Function ■ Graphs of Functions ■
Function Information from Its Graph ■ Building Functions
Chapter 2
POLYNOMIAL AND RATIONAL FUNCTIONS 154
2.1 Quadratic Functions 155
Quadratic Functions ■ Standard Form of a Quadratic Function ■ Graphing a
Quadratic Function f 1x2 ⴝ ax 2 ⴙ bx ⴙ c ■ Applications
ix
2.3 Dividing Polynomials and the Rational Zeros Test 179
The Division Algorithm ■ The Remainder and Factor Theorems ■
The Rational Zeros Test
Chapter 3
EXPONENTIAL AND LOGARITHMIC FUNCTIONS 221
3.1 Exponential Functions 222
Exponential Functions ■ Evaluate Exponential Functions ■ Graphing
Exponential Functions ■ Simple Interest ■ Compound Interest ■ Continuous
Compound Interest Formula ■ The Natural Exponential Function ■ Natural
Exponential Growth and Decay
x
Chapter 4
TRIGONOMETRIC FUNCTIONS 282
4.1 Angles and Their Measure 283
Angles ■ Measuring Angles Using Degrees ■ Radian Measure ■
Relationship Between Degrees and Radians ■ Complements and
Supplements ■ Length of an Arc of a Circle
xi
Chapter 5
APPLICATIONS OF TRIGONOMETRIC FUNCTIONS 394
5.1 The Law of Sines and the Law of Cosines 395
Solving Oblique Triangles ■ The Law of Sines ■ Solving AAS and ASA
Triangles ■ Solving SSA Triangles—the Ambiguous Case ■ Bearings ■
The Law of Cosines ■ Derivation of the Law of Cosines ■ Solving SAS
Triangles ■ Solving SSS Triangles
Chapter 6
FURTHER TOPICS IN ALGEBRA 447
6.1 Sequences and Series 448
Sequences ■ Recursive Formulas ■ Factorial Notation ■ Summation
Notation ■ Series
xii
6.5 Partial-Fraction Decomposition 488
Partial Fractions ■ Q1x2 Has Only Distinct Linear Factors ■ Q1x2 Has Repeated
Linear Factors
Chapter 6 Summary ■ Chapter 6 Review Exercises ■ Chapter 6 Exercises
for Calculus ■ Chapter 6 Practice Test A ■ Chapter 6 Practice Test B
xiii
PREFACE
Students begin precalculus classes with widely varying ADDITIONAL PEDAGOGICAL FEATURES
backgrounds. Some haven’t taken a math course in several
Procedure In Action is a special feature which introduces
years and may need to spend time reviewing prerequisite
procedure steps within the context of a work-out example.
topics, while others are ready to jump right in to new and
Important multistep procedures, such as the steps for do-
challenging material. We have provided review material in
ing synthetic division, are presented in a two-column for-
Chapter P and in some of the early sections of other chapters
mat. The numbered steps of the procedure are given in the
in such a way that it can be used or omitted as is appropriate
left column, and an example is worked out step-by-step,
for your course. In addition, students may follow several
aligned with and numbered as the procedure steps, in the
different paths after completing a precalculus course. Many
right column. This approach provides students with a clear
will continue their study of mathematics in courses such as
solution model when encountering difficulty in their work.
finite mathematics, statistics, and calculus. For others, this
course may be their last mathematics course. Responding to Definitions, Theorems, Properties, and Rules are all
the current and future needs of all of these students was es- boxed and titled for emphasis and ease of reference.
sential in creating this text. Overall, we present our content
Warnings appear as appropriate throughout the text to let
in a systematic way that illustrates how to study and what
students know of common errors and pitfalls that can trip
to review. We believe that if students use this textbook well,
them up in their thinking or calculations.
they will succeed in this course.
Summary of Main Facts boxes summarize information
related to equations and their graphs along with guidelines,
Features such as those for verifying trigonometric identities.
CHAPTER OPENER Each chapter opener includes a
description of applications (one of them illustrated) rel- MARGIN NOTES
evant to the content of the chapter, plus the list of topics
Side Notes provide hints for handling newly introduced
that will be covered. In one page, students see what they
concepts.
are going to learn and why they are learning it.
Recall notes remind students of a key idea learned ear-
SECTION OPENER with APPLICATION Each sec-
lier in the text that will help them work through a current
tion opens with a list of prerequisite topics, complete with
problem.
section and page references, which students can review
prior to starting the section. The Objectives of the section Technology Connections give students tips on using cal-
are also clearly stated and numbered, and then referenced culators to solve problems, check answers, and reinforce
again in the margin of the lesson at the point where the concepts. Note the use of graphing calculators is optional
objective’s topic is taught. An Application then follows in this text.
containing a motivating anecdote or interesting problem.
Do You Know? provide students with additional interest-
An example later in the section, relating to this application
ing information on topics to keep them engaged in the
and identified by the same icon , is then solved using
mathematics presented.
the mathematics covered in the section. These applica-
tions utilize material from a variety of fields: the physical Historical Notes give students information on key people
and biological sciences (including health sciences), eco- or ideas in the history and development of mathematics.
nomics, art and architecture, history, and more.
EXERCISES The heart of any textbook is its exercises,
EXAMPLES and PRACTICE PROBLEMS Examples so we have tried to ensure that the quantity, quality, and
include a wide range of computational, conceptual, and variety of exercises meet the needs of all students. Exer-
modern applied problems carefully selected to build con- cises are carefully graded to strengthen the skills devel-
fidence, competency, and understanding. Every example oped in the section and are organized using the following
has a title indicating its purpose, and a detailed solution categories. Basic Concepts and Skills develop fundamen-
containing annotated steps. All examples are followed by tal skills—each odd-numbered exercise is closely paired
a Practice Problem for students to try so that they can with its consecutive even-numbered exercise. Applying
check their understanding of the concept covered. An- the Concepts use the section’s material to solve real-
swers to the Practice Problems are provided just before world problems—all are titled and relevant to the topics
the section exercises. of the section. Critical Thinking/Discussion/Writing
xiv
exercises, appearing as appropriate, are designed to de- Review Exercises provide students with an opportunity to
velop students’ higher-level thinking skills. Calculator practice what they have learned in the chapter. Exercises
problems, identified by are included where needed. for Calculus allow students to practice skills that will be
Maintaining Skills exercises help refresh important con- used in future calculus courses. Then students are given
cepts learned in previous chapters and allow for practice two chapter test options. They can take Practice Test A
of skills needed for more advanced concepts that appear in in the usual open-ended format and/or Practice Test B,
the upcoming chapter. covering the same topics, in multiple-choice format. All
tests are designed to increase student comprehension and
END-OF-CHAPTER The chapter-ending material be-
verify that students have mastered the skills and concepts
gins with a Summary of Definitions, Concepts, and
in the chapter. Mastery of these materials should indicate
Formulas consisting of a brief description of key top-
a true comprehension of the chapter and the likelihood of
ics organized by section, encouraging students to reread
success on the associated in-class examination.
sections rather than memorize definitions out of context.
xv
RESOURCES
■ Maintain records of all student work tracked in
Media Resources MathXL’s online gradebook.
MYLABSPLUS®
With MathXL, students can:
MyMathLab®Plus/MyStatLab™Plus
■ Take chapter tests in MathXL and receive personalized
MyLabsPlus combines proven results and engaging expe- study plans and/or personalized homework assign-
riences from MyMathLab® and MyStatLab™ with con- ments based on their test results.
venient management tools and a dedicated services team.
Designed to support growing math and statistics programs, ■ Use the study plan and/or the homework to link direct-
it includes additional features such as: ly to tutorial exercises for the objectives they need to
study.
■ Batch Enrollment: Your school can create the login
name and password for every student and instruc- ■ Access supplemental animations and video clips di-
tor, so everyone can be ready to start class on the rectly from selected exercises.
first day. Automation of this process is also possible MathXL is available to qualified adopters. For more infor-
through integration with your school’s Student In- mation, visit our website at www.mathxl.com, or contact
formation System. your Pearson representative.
■ Login from your campus portal: You and your stu-
dents can link directly from your campus portal into MYMATHLAB® ONLINE COURSE
your MyLabsPlus courses. A Pearson service team (Access Code Required)
works with your institution to create a single sign-on MyMathLab from Pearson is the world’s leading online
experience for instructors and students. resource in mathematics, integrating interactive home-
■ Advanced Reporting: MyLabsPlus’s advanced work, assessment, and media in a flexible, easy to use
reporting allows instructors to review and analyze format.
students’ strengths and weaknesses by tracking their MyMathLab delivers proven results in helping individual
performance on tests, assignments, and tutorials. students succeed.
Administrators can review grades and assignments
across all courses on your MyLabsPlus campus for a ■ MyMathLab has a consistently positive impact on the
broad overview of program performance. quality of learning in higher education math instruc-
tion. MyMathLab can be successfully implemented
■ 24/7 Support: Students and instructors receive 24/7 in any environment—lab-based, hybrid, fully online,
support, 365 days a year, by email or online chat. traditional—and demonstrates the quantifiable differ-
MyLabsPlus is available to qualified adopters. For more ence that integrated usage has on student retention,
information, visit our website at HYPERLINK “http:// subsequent success, and overall achievement.
www.mylabsplus.com/” www.mylabsplus.com or contact ■ MyMathLab’s comprehensive online gradebook auto-
your Pearson representative. matically tracks your students’ results on tests, quiz-
zes, homework, and in the study plan. You can use the
MATHXL® ONLINE COURSE
gradebook to quickly intervene if your students have
(Access Code Required)
trouble, or to provide positive feedback on a job well
MathXL is the homework and assessment engine that done. The data within MyMathLab is easily exported
runs MyMathLab. (MyMathLab is MathXL plus a learn- to a variety of spreadsheet programs, such as Micro-
ing management system.) soft Excel. You can determine which points of data you
With MathXL, instructors can: want to export, and then analyze the results to deter-
mine success.
■ Create, edit, and assign online homework and tests using
algorithmically generated exercises correlated at the ob- MyMathLab provides engaging experiences that person-
jective level to the textbook. alize, stimulate, and measure learning for each student.
■ Create and assign their own online exercises and import ■ Exercises: The homework and practice exercises in
TestGen tests for added flexibility. MyMathLab are correlated to the exercises in the
xvi
textbook, and they regenerate algorithmically to give MYMATHLAB® READY TO GO COURSE
students unlimited opportunity for practice and mas- (Access Code Required)
tery. The software offers immediate, helpful feedback These new Ready to Go courses provide students with all
when students enter incorrect answers. the same great MyMathLab features but make it easier
■ Multimedia Learning Aids: Exercises include guided for instructors to get started. Each course includes pre-
solutions, sample problems, animations, videos, and assigned homework and quizzes to make creating your
eText access for extra help at point-of-use. course even simpler. Ask your Pearson representative
about the details for this particular course or to see a copy
■ Expert Tutoring: Although many students describe of this course.
the whole of MyMathLab as “like having your own
personal tutor,” students using MyMathLab do have ac-
cess to live tutoring from Pearson, from qualified math Additional Student Resources
and statistics instructors. STUDENT’S SOLUTIONS MANUAL
And, MyMathLab comes from an experienced partner ■ By Beverly Fusfield
with educational expertise and an eye on the future. ■ Provides detailed worked-out solutions to the odd num-
■ Knowing that you are using a Pearson product means bered end-of-section and Chapter Review exercises and
knowing that you are using quality content. That solutions to all of the Practice Problems, Practice Tests
means that our eTexts are accurate and our assess- and Cumulative Review problems
ment tools work. It means we are committed to making ■ ISBN-13: 978-0-321-81699-3;
MyMathLab as accessible as possible. ISBN-10: 0-321-81699-4
■ Whether you are just getting started with MyMathLab,
or have a question along the way, we’re here to help Additional Instructor Resources
you learn about our technologies and how to incorpo-
rate them into your course. ANNOTATED INSTRUCTOR’S EDITION
■ Answers included on the same page beside the text ex-
Ratti/McWaters’ MyMathLab course engages students
ercises where possible for quick reference
and keeps them thinking.
■ ISBN-13: 978-0-321-81697-9;
■ Author designated preassigned homework assignments
ISBN-10: 0-321-81697-8
are provided.
■ Integrated Review provides optional quizzes throughout INSTRUCTOR’S SOLUTIONS MANUAL
the course that test prerequisite knowledge. After taking
■ By Beverly Fusfield
each quiz, students receive a personalized, just-in-time
review assignment to help them refresh forgotten skills. ■ Complete solutions provided for all end-of-section
exercises, including the Critical Thinking and Group
■ Interactive figures are available, enabling users to ma- Projects, Practice Problems, Chapter Review exercises,
nipulate figures to bring hard-to-convey math concepts Practice Tests, and Cumulative Review problems
to life.
■ ISBN-13: 978-0-321-81703-7;
■ Example Videos provide lectures for each section of ISBN-10: 0-321-81703-6
the text to help students review important concepts
and procedures 24/7. Assignable questions are avail- TESTGEN®
able to check students’ video comprehension.
TestGen® (www.pearsoned.com/testgen) enables instruc-
To learn more about how MyMathLab combines proven tors to build, edit, print, and administer tests using a com-
learning applications with powerful assessment, visit www. puterized bank of questions developed to cover all the
mymathlab.com or contact your Pearson representative. objectives of the text. TestGen is algorithmically based,
xvii
allowing instructors to create multiple but equivalent ver- VIDEO LECTURES
sions of the same question or test with the click of a but- ■ Video feature Section Summaries and Example Solu-
ton. Instructors can also modify test bank questions or add tions. Section Summaries cover key definitions and
new questions. The software and testbank are available for procedures for most sections. Example Solutions walk
download from Pearson Education’s online catalog. students through the detailed solution process for many
examples in the textbook.
INSTRUCTOR’S TESTING MANUAL
■ There are over 20 hours of video instruction specifi-
■ By James Lapp
cally filmed for this book, making it ideal for distance
■ Includes diagnostic pretests, chapter tests, and addition- learning or supplemental instruction on your home
al test items, grouped by section, with answers provided computer or in a campus computer lab.
■ (Available online within MyMathLab or from the Instruc- ■ Videos include optional subtitles in English and Spanish.
tor Resource Center at www.pearsonhighered.com/irc)
xviii
ACKNOWLEDGMENTS
We would like to express our gratitude to the reviewers of possible. We would also like to express our gratitude to
this first edition, who provided such invaluable insights our typist, Beverly DeVine-Hoffmeyer, for her amaz-
and comments. Their contributions helped shape the de- ing patience and skill. We must also thank Dr. Praveen
velopment of the text and carry out the vision stated in the Rohatgi, Dr. Nalini Rohatgi, and Dr. Bhupinder Bedi
preface. for the consulting they provided on all material relat-
ing to medicine. We particularly want to thank Profes-
Mario Barrientos, Angelo State University
sor Mile Krajcevski for many helpful discussions and
Kate Bella, Manchester Community College
suggestions, particularly for improving the exercise sets.
Sarah Bennet, University of Wisconsin–Barron County
Further gratitude is due to Irena Andreevska, Gokarna
Karen Briggs, North Georgia College & State University
Aryal, Ferenc Tookos, and Christine Fitch for their as-
Katina Davis, Wayne Community College
sistance on the answers to the exercises in the text. In
Nicole Dowd, Gainesville State College
addition, we would like to thank Beverly Fusfield, Doug-
Hussain Elaloui-Talibi, Tuskegee University
las Ewert, Viktor Maymeskul, Patricia Nelson, and Elka
Cathy Famiglietti, University of California–Irvine
Block and Frank Purcell of Twin Prime Editorial for
Sandi Fay, University of California Riverside
their meticulous accuracy in checking the text. Thanks
Thomas Fitzkee, Francis Marion University
are due as well to Laura Hakala and PreMediaGlobal
Olivier Heubo-Kwegna, Saginaw Valley State University
for their excellent production work. Finally, our thanks
Leif Jordan, College of the Desert
are extended to the professional and remarkable staff
Diana Klimek, New Jersey Institute of Technology
at Pearson. In particular, we would like to thank Greg
Julie Kostka, Austin Community College
Tobin, Publisher; Anne Kelly, Editor in Chief; Elaine
Dr. Carole King Krueger, University of Texas–Arlington
Page, Senior Development Editor; Joanne Dill, Senior
Lance Lana, University of Colorado Denver
Project Editor; Christine O’Brien, Senior Project Edi-
Christy Schmidt, Northwest Vista
tor; Judith Garber, Editorial Assistant; Beth Houston,
Comlan de Souza, California State University–Fresno
Senior Production Supervisor; Peggy Lucas, Marketing
Linda Snellings Neal, Wright State University
Manager; Justine Goulart, Marketing Assistant; Barbara
Bob Strozak, Old Dominion University
Atkinson, Designer; Tracy Menoza, Media Producer;
German Vargas, College of Coastal Georgia
Karen Wernholm, Senior Managing Editor; and Joseph
Marti Zimmerman, University of Louisville
Vetere, Senior Author/Technical Art Support.
Our sincerest thanks also go to the legion of dedicated We invite all who use this book to send suggestions for
individuals who worked tirelessly to make this book improvements to Marcus McWaters at [email protected].
xix
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C h ap t e r P
Basic Concepts
of Algebra
Topics
P.1 The Real Numbers; Integer
Exponents
P.2 Radicals and Rational Exponents
P.3 Solving Equations
P.4 Inequalities
P.5 Complex Numbers
SECTION P.1 The Real Numbers; Integer
Exponents
Before Starting this Section, Objectives
Review from Your Previous 1 Classify sets of real numbers and define
Mathematics Texts the real number line.
1 Arithmetic of signed numbers 2 Use interval notation.
2 Arithmetic of fractions 3 Relate absolute value and distance
3 Long division involving integers on the real number line.
4 Decimals 4 Define and use integer exponents.
5 Arithmetic of real numbers 5 Use the rules of exponents.
The integers consist of the set of natural numbers together with their opposites and
0: 5 c, -4, -3, -2, -1, 0, 1, 2, 3, 4, c6 .
Rational Numbers
The rational numbers consist of all numbers that can be expressed as the quotient or ratio,
a
of two integers, where b Z 0.
b
1 5 4 7
Examples of rational numbers are , , - , and 0.07 = . Any integer a can be
2 3 17 100
a
expressed as the quotient of two integers by writing a = . Consequently, every integer is
1
0
also a rational number. In particular, 0 is a rational number because 0 = .
1
a
The rational number can be written as a decimal by using long division. When any
b
integer a is divided by an integer b, b Z 0, the result is always a terminating decimal
1 2
such as a = 0.5b or a nonterminating repeating decimal such as a = 0.666 cb .
2 3
We sometimes place a bar over the repeating digits in a nonterminating repeating
2 13
decimal. Thus, = 0.666 c = 0.6 and = 1.181818 c = 1.18.
3 11
Convert the rational number, 7.45, as the ratios of two integers in lowest terms.
Solution
Let x = 7.454545 c. Then
100x = 745.4545c Multiply both sides by 100.
and x = 7.4545c
99x = 738 Subtract.
738
x = Divide both sides by 99.
99
82 * 9
diameter = Common factor
11 * 9
82
x = Reduce to lowest terms.
11
circumference
diameter
Practice Problem 1 Repeat Example 1 for 2.132132132 c.
F igure P. 1 Definition of p
Irrational Numbers
An irrational number is a number that cannot be written as a ratio of two integers. This
2 means that its decimal representation must be nonrepeating and nonterminating. We can
1
construct such a decimal using only the digits 0 and 1 such as: 0.01001000100001. . . .
Because each group of zeros contains one more zero than the previous group, no group of
digits repeats. Other numbers such as p (pi, see Figure P.1) and 12 (the square root of 2, see
1 Figure P.2) can also be expressed as decimals that neither terminate nor repeat; so they are
Figu re P. 2 irrational numbers as well. We can obtain an approximation of an irrational number by using
4 Chapter P Basic Concepts of Algebra
an initial portion of its decimal representation. For example, we can write p 3.14159 or
12 1.41421, where the symbol is read “is approximately equal to.”
No familiar process, such as long division, is available for obtaining the decimal repre-
sentation of an irrational number. However, your calculator can provide a useful approxi-
mation for irrational numbers such as 12. (Try it!) Because a calculator displays a fixed
number of decimal places, it gives a rational approximation of an irrational number.
Recall It is usually not easy to determine whether a specific number is irrational. One helpful
fact in this regard is that the square root of any natural number that is not a perfect square
An integer is a perfect square if
it is a product a # a, where a is an
is irrational.
integer. For example, 9 = 3 # 3 is a In the next example, we prove that 12 is irrational.
perfect square.
Solution
We will show that it is impossible to write 12 as the ratio of two integers. We will assume
that 12 is a rational number and show that this assumption leads to a contradiction. This
process is called a proof by contradiction.
a
Suppose 12 is rational. Then we can write 12 = , such that a and b are integers
b
a
and b Z 0. We will assume that the ratio is in lowest terms. Then we have
b
a
12b = a Multiply both sides of 12 = by b.
b
112b22 = a 2 Square both sides.
2b 2 = a 2 Simplify.
This shows that a2 is even. Hence, a is even because the product of an odd integer and
itself is odd.
So a = 2q for some integer q. Then we have
2b 2 = a 2
or 2b 2 = 12q22 = 4q 2 Replace a with 2q.
or b 2 = 2q 2 Simplify.
So b2 is even and hence b is even.
We have shown that both a and b are even, which contradicts our assumption that the
a
ratio is in lowest terms. So our original assumption that 12 can be written as the ratio
b
a
of two integers is false. Therefore, 12 is irrational.
b
Because rational numbers have decimal representations that either terminate or repeat,
whereas irrational numbers do not have such representations, no number is both rational
and irrational.
The rational numbers together with the irrational numbers form the real numbers.
The diagram in Figure P.3 shows how various sets of numbers are related. For example,
every natural number is also a whole number, an integer, a rational number, and a real
number.
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her overwrought little frame, and burying her face in her hands on
Larry's knee, she cried very bitterly.
“It is best,” thought Larry, “to let her have her cry out.” Besides he
was not sure enough of his own voice to try to comfort her, so he
just stroked the auburn hair gently with his strong hand, and said
not a word. Meanwhile another old friend had come upon the scene,
and stood staring at Larry and Courage with a world of questioning
in his eyes. He seemed to have his doubts at first as to the
advisability of coming nearer. He discovered, it was evident, that
there was trouble in the air. That he was greatly interested, and fully
expected to be confided in sooner or later, was also evident from the
beseeching way in which he would put his head on one side and
then on the other, looking up to Larry, as much as to say, “When are
you going to tell me what it is all about?” But never a word from
Larry and never a glance from Courage, till at last such ignominious
treatment was no longer to be borne, and walking slowly up, he also
laid his head upon Larry's knee. Courage felt something cold against
her cheek and started up to find a pair of wonderfully expressive
eyes raised beseechingly to hers. “Oh, Bruce, old fellow,” she cried,
“I forgot all about you,” and then, flinging her arms about his neck,
she literally dried her tears on his beautiful silky coat. But Bruce
would not long be content with mere passive acceptance of
affection, and in another second rather rudely shook himself free
from her grasp, and began springing upon her, so that she had to
jump to her feet and cry, “Down, Bruce,” three or four times before
he would mind her; but Bruce was satisfied. Things could not have
come to such a terrible pass if it took no more than that to make
Courage seem her old self again, and finally, concluding that she
really said “Down, Bruce,” quite as though she meant it, he decided
to give his long legs a good run, and call on an old collie friend of his
who picked up a living on Pier 17. Never, however, had visit of
sympathetic friend proved as timely as this call of Bruce's. With what
infinite tact had he first sympathized with and then tried to cheer his
little friend! And he had succeeded, for both Larry and Courage now
found themselves able to talk calmly of all that had happened, and
of what had best be done.
“So you would like to come on the lighter with me for the
summer,” said Larry somewhat doubtfully, after they had been
conferring for some time together, and yet with his old face
brightening at the thought.
Courage simply nodded her head in the affirmative, but her eyes
said, “Oh, wouldn't I, Larry,” as plainly as words.
“And Mary Duff thinks it would be all right, too?”
“The very best thing for the summer, Larry.”
“Well then, bless your heart, you shall come; but how about next
winter? Why, then I suppose I shall have to send you away to a
school somewhere.”
Courage shrugged her shoulders rather ruefully.
“Perhaps,” she said; “but next winter's a long way off.”
“That's so,” said Larry, every whit as glad of the fact as was
Courage herself. “And you said,” he continued, “that Mary Duff is
going to care for that little lame Joe of John Osborne's.”
“Yes,” Courage answered, “though Mr. Osborne can't afford to pay
her anything, as papa did for me; but she says she doesn't mind; if
she only has her home and her board she can manage, and that it's
just her life to care for motherless little children that need her.”
“Ah! but that Mary Duff's a good woman,” said Larry, and Courage
mutely shook her head from side to side, as though it were quite
hopeless to so much as attempt to tell how very good she was.
After awhile Larry went down to the boat to give some directions
to his cabin-boy, Dick, and Courage went with him. When that was
completed, a long shrill whistle brought Bruce bounding from some
mysterious quarter, and the three started up the dock. The
'longshoremen were just quitting work as they neared them, and
Larry paused to have a word with Big Bob and the other men whom
he knew, Courage keeping fast hold of his hand all the while.
“Now she's got him she don't mean to let him go,” said one of the
men as they passed on.
“I'd like to be in Larry's shoes, then,” muttered Big Bob, who led
rather a lonely life of it, and would have been only too glad to have
had such a little girl as Courage confided to his keeping.
CHAPTER IV.—MISS JULIA.
I
t was “high noon” in New York, as our English cousins say, but
in a wider sense than our English cousins use it. Not only was it
twelve by the clock, with the sun high in the heavens, flooding
the streets with brilliant sunshine, but the whole city apparently was
in the highest spirits. The sidewalks were alive with gayly dressed
people, gayly liveried carriages rolled up and down the avenue,
violets and lilacs were for sale at the flower-stands, and the children
were out in crowds for an airing.
Here a little group of them, with unspeakable longing in their
hearts, surrounded a grimy man who had snow-white puppies for
sale; there another and larger group watched a wonderful ship in a
glass case, riding angular green waves which rose and fell with the
regularity of a pendulum, and some of them furtively glanced up
now and then, with eyes full of astonished admiration, to the gray-
bearded man who claims the honor of the invention.
But notwithstanding it was Saturday, with half the world bent on a
holiday, and schools as a rule at a discount, there was one school
over on the West side that threw open its doors to an eager
company of scholars. It was a school where the children came
because they loved to come, and no wonder. You had only to see the
teachers to understand it. They were lovely-looking girls, with their
bright, wide-awake faces and becoming, well-fitting dresses;
enthusiastic, earnest girls, thoroughly abreast of the times,
interested in everything, and fond of all that is high and ennobling—
working in the sewing school this afternoon, attractive matinées
notwithstanding, and talking it over in some bright circle this
evening; girls, the very sight of whom must somehow have done
good to the very dullest little maids upon their roll books. But queen
among even this peerless company reigned “Miss Julia,” the
superintendent, or whatever the proper name may be for the head
teacher. She was lovely to look at, and lovely in spirit, and beyond
that it is useless to attempt description, so impossible is it to put into
words the indefinable charm that won every one to her. But with the
bright May Saturday, about which we are writing, the afternoon for
closing the school had come, and there was a wistful expression on
the faces of many of the children. Not that they were exactly
anxious to stitch on and on through the spring-time, when every
healthy little body loves out-of-door life and lots of it, but no sewing
school meant no Miss Julia; so, with reason, they looked less glad
than sorry.
Miss Julia, as was her custom, had started in abundance of time
from her old-fashioned home in Washington Square, but not too
early, it seemed, to find at a corner near the chapel where the
school was held, half a dozen little girls already on the look-out. As
soon as they spied her they flocked down the street to meet her, and
then with her in their midst flocked back again. Presently, in twos
and threes, the young teachers began to arrive, and soon it was
time to open the school and to settle down to the last day's lesson.
Courage Masterson happened to be in Miss Julia's own class, and
was ordinarily a most apt little scholar; but on this particular
Saturday her thoughts seemed to be everywhere rather than on her
work; indeed, she had to rip out almost every stitch taken, until Miss
Julia wondered what could have happened. Afterward, when the
children had said their good-byes and gone home, and the teachers,
with the exception of Miss Julia, had all left the building, Courage,
who had been standing unnoticed in one corner, rushed up to her,
burying her red-brown curls in the folds of her dress and sobbing fit
to break her heart.
“Why, Courage, dear, what is the matter?” and Miss Julia, sitting
down on one of the benches, drew Courage into her lap. “I was
afraid all the lesson that something had gone wrong. Poor child!
have you some new sorrow to bear?”
“No, Miss Julia; I am going to do just what I want to do most; I
am going to live on a boat; but, oh! I can't bear to go away from
you and Mary Duff.”
“Going away, and to live on a boat! why, how is that, Courage?”
and then as Courage explained all the plans, and how she was to
spend the whole summer out on the bay with “Larry, the goodest
man that ever was,” her sad little face gradually grew bright again.
“Look here,” said Miss Julia, after they had been talking a long
while together, “I am sure”—and then she paused and looked
Courage over quite carefully—- “yes, I am sure I have something
that will be just the thing for you now that you are to be so much on
the water; wait here for a moment,” and going into a little room that
opened from the chapel, she immediately returned with something
in her hands that made Courage open her eyes for wonder. It was a
beautiful astrachan-trimmed blue coat, with a wide-brimmed hat to
match. They had belonged to a little niece of Miss Julia's—a little
niece who no longer had need for any earth-made garment, and so
here they were in Miss Julia's hands awaiting some new child-
ownership.
She had already thought of Courage Masterson as one to whom
they would prove not only useful but becoming, and yet had feared
to excite the envy of the other children. But if Courage was going
away, that settled it; she should have them; for in that case her less
fortunate little sisters need never be the wiser. So Miss Julia gladly
held them up to view, for she dearly loved little Courage, while
Courage, incredulous, exclaimed: “For me? Oh, Miss Julia!” and
proceeded to don the coat and hat with the alacrity of a little maid
appreciative of their special prettiness. Then what did the little witch
do but run post-haste to the rear of the chapel, mount the high and
slippery organ-bench, and have a peep into the mirror above it. Miss
Julia could not keep from smiling, but said, as she came running
back: “It does look nicely on you, Courage, but you must not let it
make you vain, darling.”
“Was it vain to want to see how it looked?”
“No, Courage; I don't believe it was.”
“I'm glad I did see just once, though, because, Miss Julia, I guess
it will not do for me to have it,” and Courage reluctantly began to
unfasten the pretty buttons.
“Not do for you to have it! Why, Courage dear, what do you
mean?”
“It is so bright-looking, Miss Julia. Even this curly black stuff
doesn't darken it much (admiringly smoothing the astrachan
trimming with both little hands), and one of the girls said to-day in
the class that 'orphans as had any heart always wore black.' At any
rate, she said she shouldn't think if I had loved my father very much
I'd wear a gay ribbon like this in my hair,” whereupon Courage
produced a crumpled red bow from the recesses of a pocket to
which it had been summarily banished; “So, of course, Miss Julia, it
would be dreadful to wear a blue coat like this. It's queer Mary Duff
never told me about orphans wearing black always.”
“But they do not always wear it, Courage. It seems sad to me to
see a child in black, and I think Mary Duff did just right in not
putting you into mourning.”
“Into mourning?” queried Courage.
“Yes; into black dresses, I mean, because some one had died.”
Courage looked critically at Miss Julia, noticing for the first time
that her dress was black, and that even the little pin at her throat
was black, too.
“Why, Miss Julia,” she said, her voice fairly trembling with the
surprise of the discovery, “you are in mourning!”
“Yes, Courage.”
“And did somebody die, Miss Julia?”
“Some one I loved very much.”
“Long ago?” and Courage came close to the low bench, and
lovingly laid her hand upon Miss Julia's shoulder.
“Yes, very long ago.”
“Not your father or mother, was it?”
“No, darling.”
“And you mind still?” ruefully shaking her head from side to side.
“Yes, Courage; I shall always mind, as you call it, but I am no
longer miserable and unhappy—that is, not very often, and one
reason is that all you little girls here in the school have grown so
dear to me. But about the coat; you must surely keep it. I scarcely
believe your father would like to have seen his little girl all in black;
and besides, black does not seem to belong with that brave little
name of yours.”
Courage stood gazing into Miss Julia's face with a puzzled look in
her eyes, as though facing the troublesome question. Then suddenly
diving again into her spacious pocket—a feature to be relied upon in
connection with Mary Duffs dressmaking—and evidently discovering
what she sought, she said, eagerly: “Miss Julia, will you wait here a
moment?”
“Certainly, dear; but what are you up to?” Courage, however, had
no time to explain, and with the blue coat flying out behind her,
darted from the chapel, across the street, into a little thread-and-
needle store, and was back again in a flash, carrying a thin flimsy
package. Hastily unwrapping it, she disclosed a yard of black ribbon,
which she thrust into Miss Julia's hands.
“What is this for, Courage?”
In her excitement Courage simply extended her left arm with a
“Tie it round, please,” indicating the place with her right hand. Miss
Julia wonderingly did as she was bid.
“You tie a lovely bow,” said Courage, twisting her neck to get a
look at it. “You know why I have it, don't you?” Miss Julia looked
doubtful. “It's my mourning for papa. I have seen soldiers with
something black tied round their arms because some other soldier
had died, haven't you?”
“Oh, that is it,” said Miss Julia, very tenderly.
“Yes, that is it; and now you see I don't mind how bright the coat
is—the little bow tells how I miss him. Will you just take a stitch in it,
please, so that it will stay on all summer?”
So Miss Julia reopened her little sewing-bag, and the stitches were
taken, and a few moments later Courage was on her way home,
proud enough of the beautiful coat and hat, and eager to show them
to Mary Duff, and yet sad at heart, too, for she had said good-bye to
“Miss Julia.”
CHAPTER V.—SYLVIA.
T
here had been a week of active preparation, and now
everything was ready, and Mary Duff and Courage, seated on
a new little rope-bound trunk, were waiting for Larry to come.
The house looked sadly forlorn and empty, for Mary had sold most of
the furniture, that the money it brought might be put in the bank for
Courage, and the only thing yet to be done was to hand over the
keys to the new tenant expecting to take possession on the morrow.
Mary had intentionally arranged matters in just this fashion. It was
not going to be an easy thing to say good-bye to the little girl she
had so lovingly cared for since her babyhood, and she knew well
enough that to come back alone to the old home would half break
her heart; therefore she had wisely planned that it should be “good-
bye” to Courage and “how do you do” to little lame Joe in as nearly
the same breath as possible.
At last there came a knock at the door, and Courage bounded to
open it. Bruce, unmannerly fellow, crowded in first, and after Bruce,
Larry, and after Larry—what? who? A most remarkable-looking
object, with tight curling hair braided fine as a rope into six funny
little pig-tails, with skin but a shade lighter than her coal-black eyes,
and with a stiffly starched pink calico skirt standing out at much the
same angle as the pig-tails. Mary Duff apparently was not in the
least surprised at this apparition, but Courage stared in wide-eyed
wonder. “Oh, isn't she funny?” were the words that sprang to her
lips, but too considerate to give them utterance, she simply asked,
“Who is she, Larry?”
“This is Sylvia,” said Larry; “Sylvia, this is Miss Courage,”
whereupon Sylvia gave a little backward kick with one foot, which
she meant to have rank as a bow.
“And who is Sylvia?” in a friendly voice that went straight to
Sylvia's heart.
“She's to be company for you on the lighter, Courage, and a little
maid of all work besides.”
“Spesh'ly I'se to wash up,” Sylvia volunteered, beaming from ear
to ear.
“What do you mean?” asked Courage, with considerable dignity,
seeming to realize at a bound the relation of mistress and maid.
“Mean dat on boats dere's allers heaps an' heaps to wash up—
pots an' kittles an' dishes an' lan' knows what—an' dat me's de one
dat's gwine do it. A-washin' of demselves is all de washin' dat's
'spected of dose little lily white han's, Miss Courage, case de Cap'n
say so—didn't yer, Cap'n?” whereupon Sylvia gave a marvellous little
pirouette on one foot, that made pigtails and skirt describe a larger
circle than ever.
“Yes, that's what I said,” answered Larry, rather taken aback by
this performance, and wondering if he had gotten more than he had
bargained for in this sable little specimen, chosen somewhat at
random from the half dozen presented for his inspection at an
asylum the day before. But Courage had no fears, and saw in
anticipation delightful opportunities for no end of fun, and, when it
should be needed, for a little patronizing discipline. Meanwhile
Bruce, who seemed unquestionably worried as to what sort of a
move was pending, had made his way out of doors, and taken up his
stand near the boy who stood in waiting with a hand-cart, ready to
carry the trunk to the boat. When at last the trunk was in the cart,
with Sylvia's bundle atop of it, and it became evident that the little
party were actually on their way to the lighter, his delight knew no
bounds, and he flew round and round after his tail, as a relief to his
exuberant feelings.
Courage kept tight hold of Mary Duff's hand all the way. Of course
it was going to be lovely out on the water all summer, and with
Larry; but oh, how she wished Mary was to be there too! But that
always seemed to be the way somehow—something very nice and
something very sad along with it. Glancing ahead to Sylvia, who,
with a jolly little swing of her own, was trotting along at the side of
the cart, steadying her bundle with a very black hand, Courage
wondered if she had found it so too, and resolved some day to ask
her.
The good-byes were said rather hurriedly at the last. Mary Duff
first went down into the cabin with Courage and helped to unpack
her trunk. Then, when finally there was nothing more for her to do,
there was just a good hard hug and two or three very hard kisses,
and then you might have seen a familiar figure disappearing around
the nearest corner of the dock, and Mary Duff was gone. As soon as
she was out of sight she stopped a moment and wiped the tears
from her eyes with a corner of her shawl, for they were fairly
blinding her, and then hurried right on to the little cripple, to whom
her coming was to prove the very most blessed thing that had ever
happened. As for Courage, she went to her own little room and had
a good cry there, and though neither of them knew of the other's
tears, the skies soon looked clearer to them both. But there was one
pair of eyes in which tears were not for a moment to be thought of.
Tears! with the great orphan asylum left behind and all the delights
of life on that beautiful boat opening out before her? No indeed! Let
Miss Courage have her little cry out if she must, but for Sylvia, a face
wreathed in smiles so broad as to develop not unfrequently into an
audible chuckle. And so while Courage was trying to get herself in
hand, for she did not want Larry to know how badly she felt, Sylvia,
acting under orders, was as busy as could be, setting the table in
the cabin, and making supper ready in the tiny kitchen.
When Courage again came on deck, the lighter had cleared the
wharf and was well out upon the river. Larry was at the helm, and
she made her way straight to him and slipped her hand in his, as
much as to say, “I'm yours now, you know, Larry,” and Larry gave it
a tight little squeeze, as much as to say, “Yes, I know you are, dear,”
and they understood each other perfectly, though not a word was
spoken.
“Don't you think I had better call you uncle or something instead
of just Larry?” said Courage after she had stood silently at his side
for ever so many minutes.
“Why?” asked Larry, amused at the suggestion.
“Oh, because it doesn't seem right for a child like me to call you
by your first name. I should have thought that they would have
taught me different.”
“Oh, bless your heart, Courage! nobody taught you what to call
me..You just took up 'Larry' of yourself in the cutest sort of a way,
and before you could say half-a-dozen words to your name, and now
to tack an uncle on to it after all these years would sound mighty
queer, and I shouldn't like it.”
“Well, then, we'll just let it be Larry always,” and indeed Courage
herself was more than willing to have things remain as they were. As
for Sylvia, she soon decided that her one form of address for Larry
should be “my Cap'n,” for was he not in very truth her captain by
grace of his choice of her from among all the other little colored
orphans whom he might have taken? Indeed, Sylvia fairly seemed to
revel in the two-lettered personal pronoun, for if there is a Saxon
word for which the average institution child has comparatively little
use it is that word my. Where children are cared for by the
hundreds, my and me and mine and all that savors of the individual
are almost perforce lost sight of. No wonder, then, when Sylvia said
“my Cap'n,” it was in a tone implying a most happy sense of
ownership, and as though it stood for the “my father” and “my
mother” and all the other “mys” of more fortunate little children.
At last Sylvia's supper was ready, and before announcing the fact,
she stood a moment, arms akimbo, taking a critical survey of her
labors. Then, convinced that nothing had been forgotten, she
cleared the cabin stairs at a bound, and beckoning to Larry and
Courage, called out excitedly, “Come 'long dis minute, please, 'fore it
all gets cold.”
Larry, who had many misgivings as to the result of his protegee's
first efforts, was greatly surprised on reaching the cabin to find a
most tempting little table spread out before them, but it was hard to
tell whether surprise or indignation gained the mastery In the eyes
of astonished Courage. That the table looked most attractive no one
could for a moment deny, but what most largely contributed thereto
was a glorious bunch of scarlet geraniums, to compass which Sylvia
had literally stripped a double row of plants standing in the cabin
window of every flower. These plants had been Mary Duff's special
pride for several seasons, and she herself had carefully
superintended their transportation in a wheelbarrow to the lighter
the day before.
I
t took such a very little while for Courage to feel perfectly
contented and at home on the boat, that she was more than
half inclined to take herself to task for a state of things which
would seem to imply disloyalty to Mary Duff. As for Sylvia, she felt at
home from the very first minute, and was constantly brimming over
with delight. Nor was Larry far below the general level of happiness,
for work seemed almost play with Courage ever at his side. As for
Larry's boy, Dick, of a naturally mournful turn of mind, he too
seemed carried along, quite in spite of himself, on the tide of
prevailing high spirits. On more than one occasion he was known to
laugh outright at some of Sylvia's remarkable performances, though
always, it must be confessed, in deprecatory fashion, as though
conscious of a perceptible loss of dignity. And who would not have
been happy in that free, independent life they were leading! To be
sure, there were discomforts. Sometimes, when the lighter was tied
to a steaming Wharf all day, the sun would beat mercilessly down
upon them, but then they could always look forward to the cool
evening-out upon the water; and so happily it seemed to be in
everything—a hundred delights to offset each discomfort. Even for
Larry and Dick, when work was hardest and weather warmest, there
was a sure prospect of the yellow pitcher of iced tea, which Courage
never failed to bring midway in the long morning, and then at the
end of the day the leisurely, comfortable dinner, for they were quite
aristocratic in their tastes, this little boat's company.
No noon dinner for them, with Larry in workaday clothes and the
stove in the tiny kitchen piping its hottest at precisely the hour when
its services could best be dispensed with, but a leisurely seven-
o'clock dinner, with the lighter anchored off shore, and when, as a
rule, Dick also had had time to “tidy up,” and could share the meal
with them. And in this, you see, they were not aristocratic at all.
Even little black Sylvia had a seat at one side of the table, which she
occupied as continuously as her culinary duties would admit.
One night, when Larry stood talking to a friend on the wharf,
Courage and Sylvia overheard him say, “They're a darned competent
little pair, I can tell you.” Now, of course, this was rather
questionable English for a respectable old man like Larry, but he
intended it for the highest sort of praise, and the children could
hardly help being pleased.
“Larry oughtn't to use such words,” said Courage.
“But den I specs he only mean dat we jes' knows how to do
tings,” said Sylvia apologetically; and as that was exactly what Larry
did mean, we must forgive him the over-expressive word; besides
they were, in point of fact, the most competent pair imaginable.
Early every morning, when near the city, Dick would bring the
lighter alongside a wharf, and Courage and Sylvia would set off for
the nearest market, Sylvia carrying a basket, and always wearing a
square of bright plaid gingham knotted round her head. There was
no remembrance for her of father or of mother, or of much that
would have proved dear to her warm little heart, but tucked away in
a corner of her memory were faint recollections of a Southern fish
market, with the red snapper sparkling in the morning sunlight, and
the old mammies, in bandana turbans, busy about their master's
marketing; and as though to make the best of this shadowy
recollection, Sylvia insisted upon the turban accompaniment to the
basket.
Then, after the marketing, came the early breakfast; and after
that, for Courage, the many nameless duties of every housekeeper,
whether big or little; and for Sylvia the homelier tasks of daily
recurrence; but fortunately she did not deem them homely. Why
should she, when pretty Miss Sylvester, as perfect a lady as could be,
herself had taught her how to do them, every one? Nor was this
work, so dignified by the manner and method of teaching,
performed in silence. Every household task had its appropriate little
song, and the occasions were rare on which Sylvia did not make use
of them.=
``"Washing dishes, washing dishes, suds are hot, suds are hot,
``Work away briskly, work away briskly, do not stop, do not
stop,"=
was the refrain that would greet the ear first thing after breakfast,
followed by=
```"First the glasses, rinse them well, rinse them well,
```If you do them nicely, all can tell, all can tell,"=
and so on ad infinitum.
Then, after everything had been gotten into “ship-shape”
condition, came the mending, of which there seemed to be an
unending supply. Tarry and Dick were certainly very hard on their
clothes, and when, once a week, Dick brought the heaping basketful
aboard from the washer-woman, who lived at the Battery, Courage
and Sylvia knew that needles and thimbles would need to be
brought into active requisition.
Then, in odd hours, there was studying and reading, and
whenever they could manage it, a little visit to be paid to Mary Duff.
In addition to all this, Courage had taken upon herself one other
duty, for big, fifteen-year-old Dick did not so much as know his
letters. He one day blushingly confessed the fact to Courage, who
indeed had long suspected it, with tears in his honest blue eyes.
Dick's mother—for that is what she was, though most unworthy of
the name—had shoved him out of the place he called home when he
was just a mere slip of a lad, and since then it had been all he could
manage simply to make a living for himself, with never a moment for
schooling. But a happier day had dawned. No sooner was Courage
assured of his benighted condition than she won his everlasting
gratitude by setting about to mend it. Their first need, of course,
was a primer, and they immediately found one ready to the hand, or
rather to the eye, for it could not be treated after the fashion of
ordinary primers.
There were only seven letters in it, five capitals and two small
ones, and the large letters were fully ten feet high. It did not even
commence with an A, but C came first, and then R; then another R,
followed by a little o and a a little f; and after that a large N and a
large J. Indeed, C. R. R. of N. J. was all there was to it, for the
letters were painted on a depot roof that happened to be in full sight
on the evening when Dick commenced his lessons. And so Dick
finally mastered the entire alphabet by the aid of the great signs in
the harbor, and do you think they ever rendered half such worthy
service?
This, then, was the story of the uneventful days as they dawned
one after the other, until at last May yielding place to June, and June
to July, Saturday, the first day of August, came in by the calendar,
ran through its midsummer hours, and then sank to rest in the
cradle of a wonderful sunset. It was such a sunset as sometimes
glorifies the bay and the river, and will not be overlooked. Long rays
of gold and crimson shot athwart even the narrowest and darkest
cross streets of the city, compelling every one who had eyes to see
and feet to walk upon to come out and enjoy its beauty; while a
blaze of light, falling full upon the myriad windows of Brooklyn
Heights, suggested the marvellous golden city of the Revelation. Full
in the wake of all this glory, and just to the southeast of Bedloe's
Island, Larry had moored the lighter. It was a favorite anchorage
with all the little boat's company.
“And I guess we've done it before,” added Dick; “the boy from the
island there said it would be the last time we'd be 'lowed to do it.”
“And it ought to be,” for Larry was thoroughly out of patience with
himself; “we'll show 'em we meant to obey orders anyway. Let go
her anchor, Dick,” and then in a moment the big sail, that had been
furled for the night, was spread to the wind once more, and the
Courage Masterson was running out upon the bay, that she might
swing in again and anchor at the proper distance from the island.
“What's up, I wonder,” said Sylvia, starting to her feet when she
felt the lighter in motion. “Oh, I know; Dick's told Larry we were
anchored too near,” and she settled down again in the most
comfortable position imaginable, on the rug beside Courage.
“Tell me, Sylvia, what is your other name?” Courage asked after a
little pause; “I've been meaning to ask you this ever so long. I think
it was on the medal, but I do not remember it.”
“Sylvester,” said Sylvia complacently, smoothing out her gingham
apron. “Sylvy Sylvester; dose two names hitch togedder putty tol'ble,
don't dey, Miss Courage?”
“Yes, they go beautifully together; that's why you're named Sylvia,
of course.”
Sylvia shook her head. “No, dat's why I'se named Sylvester.”
Courage looked puzzled. “I'se named arter Miss Sylvester, one ob de
Kitchen Garden ladies.”
“But, Sylvia, children can only have their first names given to
them; they're born to their last names.”
“Dis chile wa'nt, Miss Courage; leastways nobody didn't know at
de 'sylum what name I was bawn to, cep'n jes' Sylvy, so I picked
mine out mysel'. One day I went to Miss Sylvester an' sez, kind o'
mischievous, 'How do yer like yer namesake?' 'Ain't got none, Sylvy,'
sez she. 'Yes you hab,' I done told her. 'It's ten year old an' its black,
but I hope yer don't mind, 'case it's me.' An' she didn't mind a bit,
jes' as I knowed she wouldn't, and she sez some beautiful 'things
'bout as I mus' 'allers be a honor to the name, an' arter dat she
gimme two books, wid Sylvy Sylvester wrote into 'em, from her
everlastin' friend an' well-wisher, Mary Sylvester. Youse done seen
dose two books on my table, Miss Courage. One's called—” but the
sentence was not finished. Something happened just then that made
both children spring to their feet and hold their breath for fear of
what was coming. A few minutes before they had noticed that one
of the large Sandy Hook boats seemed to be bearing down upon
them, and that to all appearances they were directly in her track.
But their faith in Larry was supreme. He would surely manage to get
out of the way in time, but alas! they were mistaken, for the great
boat came looming up like a mountain beside them, and in another