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diff --git a/39732.txt b/39732.txt deleted file mode 100644 index 61a398e..0000000 --- a/39732.txt +++ /dev/null @@ -1,8060 +0,0 @@ - BUDD BOYD'S TRIUMPH - - -This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with almost -no restrictions whatsoever. You may copy it, give it away or re-use it -under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included with this -eBook or online at http://www.gutenberg.org/license. - - -Title: Budd Boyd's Triumph - or, The Boy-Firm of Fox Island - -Author: William Pendleton Chipman - -Release Date: May 18, 2012 [EBook #39732] - -Language: English - -Character set encoding: US-ASCII - - -*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK BUDD BOYD'S TRIUMPH *** - - - - -Produced by Al Haines. - - - - - -[Illustration: Cover art] - - - - - BUDD BOYD'S TRIUMPH; - - OR, - - THE BOY-FIRM OF FOX ISLAND. - - - By WILLIAM PENDLETON CHIPMAN, - - _Author of_ - - "Roy Gilbert's Search," "The Mill-Boy of the Genesee," - "The Black Forge Mills," etc., etc. - - - - - ILLUSTRATED. - - NEW YORK: - - A. L. BURT, PUBLISHER. - - - - - COPYRIGHT 1890, BY A. L. BURT. - - - - ---- - - - - -CONTENTS - - - CHAPTER I.--BUDD SEEKS EMPLOYMENT. - CHAPTER II.--A SLIGHT MISUNDERSTANDING. - CHAPTER III.--AGAINST WIND AND TIDE. - CHAPTER IV.--A NEW FRIEND. - CHAPTER V.--MR. BENTON'S WRATH. - CHAPTER VI.--THE NEW FIRM. - CHAPTER VII.--BUSINESS BOOMS. - CHAPTER VIII.--THE LOST OX-CART. - CHAPTER IX.--THE THREE INTRUDERS. - CHAPTER X.--BUDD'S STORY. - CHAPTER XI.--AN UNFORTUNATE PREDICAMENT. - CHAPTER XII.--BUDD'S TRIAL. - CHAPTER XIII.--MR. BENTON'S LITTLE GAME. - CHAPTER XIV.--TWO OPPORTUNITIES. - CHAPTER XV.--BUDD ENTRAPPED. - CHAPTER XVI.--JUDD MAKES AN IMPORTANT DISCOVERY. - CHAPTER XVII.--BUDD'S ESCAPE. - CHAPTER XVIII.--CAUGHT. - CHAPTER XIX.--MR. JOHNSON IS ASTONISHED. - CHAPTER XX.--THE CONFESSION. - CHAPTER XXI.--FATHER AND SON. - CHAPTER XXII.--AN EXCITING ADVENTURE. - CHAPTER XXIII.--A MANLY RESCUE. - CHAPTER XXIV.--THE FIRM'S PROFITS. - CHAPTER XXV.--MR. JOHNSON'S MUNIFICENCE. - THE BEAR AND THE BOMB SHELL. - AN AFTERNOON AT SAGAMORE POND. - HOW JACK WENT TIGER-HUNTING. - - ---- - - - - - BUDD BOYD'S TRIUMPH. - - - - -CHAPTER I.--BUDD SEEKS EMPLOYMENT. - - -It was a raw, cold, day in the month of March. Since early morning the -clouds had been gathering, and they now hung dark and heavy over both -land and sea. The wind, too, which had for hours been steadily -increasing in violence, now blew little short of a gale. It evidently -was going to be a terrible night, and that night was near at hand. - -No one realized this more than the young lad, who, with a small bundle -in one hand and a stout staff in the other, was walking rapidly along -the highway that runs near the west shore of Narragansett Bay. He was a -lad that would have attracted attention anywhere. Tall for his age, -which could not have been far from sixteen years, he was also of good -proportions, and walked with an ease and stride which suggested reserved -strength and muscular development. - -But it was the lad's face that was the most noticeable. Frank, open, of -singular beauty in feature and outline, there were also upon it -unmistakable evidences of intelligence, resoluteness, and honesty of -purpose. A close observer might also have detected traces of suffering -or of sorrow on it--possibly of some great burden hard to bear. - -The lad was none too warmly clad for the chilly air and piercing wind, -and now and then drew his light overcoat about him as though even his -rapid walking did not make him entirely comfortable. He also looked -eagerly ahead, like one who was watching for some signs of his -destination. He drew a sigh of relief as he reached the foot of a steep -hill, and said aloud: - -"I must be near the place, now. They said it was at the top of the -first long hill I came to, and this must be the hill." - -As he spoke he quickened his pace to a run, and soon reached the summit, -quite out of breath, but with a genial warmth in his body that he had -not experienced for some hours. - -Pausing now a moment to catch his breath, he looked about him. Dim as -was the light of the fast-falling evening, he could not help giving an -exclamation of delight at the vision he beheld. To the north and west -of him he saw the twinkling lights of several villages through which he -had already passed. To the east of him was the bay, its tossing waves -capped with white, its islands like so many dark gems on the bosom of -the angry waters. To the south there was first a stretch of land, and -then the broad expanse of the well-nigh boundless ocean. - -"It must be a beautiful place to live, and I hope to find a home here," -he remarked, as he resumed his journey. - -A few rods farther on he came to a farm-house, and turned up to its -nearest door. As he was about to knock, a man came from the barn-yard, -a little distance away, and accosted him: - -"Good-evening!" - -"Good-evening!" responded the lad. - -Then he asked: - -"Is this Mr. Benton?" - -"No; I'm Mr. Wright," answered the man, pleasantly. "Benton lives on -the next farm. You will have to turn into the next gateway and go down -the lane, as his house stands some distance from the road." - -"I was told," explained the lad, "that he wished to hire help, and I -hoped to get work there. Could you tell me what the prospect is?" - -The man had now reached the boy's side, and was looking him over with -evident curiosity. - -"Well," he replied, slowly, "I think he wants to get a young fellow for -the coming season, and hadn't hired anyone the last I knew. But I guess -you must be a stranger in these parts." - -"Yes," the lad answered, briefly; and then thanking the man for his -information he turned away. - -"I thought so," the man called after him, "else you wouldn't want to go -there to work." - -The boy scarcely gave heed to the remark then; but it was not long -before he knew by hard experience the meaning of it. - -A quarter of a mile farther on he reached a gate, and passing through -it, he hastened down the narrow lane till he came to a long, low, -dilapidated house; but in the darkness, which had by this time fallen, -he was not able to form any definite idea of his surroundings. - -A feeble light came forth from a back window, and guided by this, he -found the rear door of the building. To his knock there was a chorus of -responses. Dogs barked, children screamed, and above the din a gruff -voice shouted: - -"Come in!" - -A little disconcerted by the unusual sounds, the lad, instead of obeying -the invitation, knocked again. Then there was a heavy step across the -floor, the door swung open with a jerk, and a tall, raw-boned man, -shaggy-bearded and shock-haired, stood on the threshold. - -Eying the lad for a moment in surprise, he asked, somewhat surlily: - -"What do you want, youngster?" - -"Are you Mr. Benton?" the lad asked. - -"Yes; what of it?" the man answered, sharply. - -"I was told you wanted help, and I have called to see about it," -explained the boy. - -"Come in, then," said the man, and his tones were wonderfully modified. - -The lad now obeyed, and found himself in a large room, evidently the -kitchen and living-room all in one. There was no carpet on the floor, -and a stove, a table and a half-dozen chairs constituted its furniture. - -Two large dogs lay before the fire, growling sullenly. A woman and four -small children were seated at the table. An empty chair and an -unemptied plate showed that Mr. Benton had been eating when he was -called to the door. - -There was food enough upon the table, but its disorderly arrangement, -and the hap-hazard way in which each child was helping itself, caused -the lad to give an involuntary shudder as his host invited him to sit -down "an' take a bite while they talked over business together." - -Mr. Benton evidently meant to give his caller a most flattering -impression of his hospitality, for he heaped the lad's plate with cold -pork, brown bread, and vegetables, and even called on his wife to get -some of that "apple sass" for the young stranger. - -The boy was hungry, and the food was, after all, wholesome, and he -stowed away a quantity that surprised himself, if not his host. When -supper was eaten, Mr. Benton pushed back his chair and abruptly asked -his guest: - -"Who are ye?" - -"Budd Boyd," promptly answered the lad. - -"That's a kinder cur'us name, now ain't it?" questioned Mr. Benton. "I -dunno any Boyds round here. Where be ye from?" - -"I came from Massachusetts," replied Budd, with the air of one who had -studied his answer; but it seemed for some reason to be very -satisfactory to his questioner. - -"Any parents?" next inquired Mr. Benton. - -"My mother is dead, and my father is not keeping house now. I'm to look -out for myself," said the lad, somewhat hesitatingly. - -"I guess ye ain't used to farm work, be ye?" now inquired Mr. Benton, -doubtingly, and looking at Budd's hands, which were as white and soft as -a lady's. - -"No, sir; but I'm willing to learn," said the lad. - -"Of course ye can't expect much in the way of wages," remarked Mr. -Benton, cautiously. - -"No, not until I can do my full share of work," said Budd, -indifferently. - -A light gleamed for a moment in Mr. Benton's eyes. - -"I might give ye ten dollars a month an' board, beginnin' the fust of -the month, ye to work round for yer board till then," he ventured. - -"Very well," responded the lad; and immediately after he added: - -"I've walked a good ways to-day, and if you don't mind, I'll go to my -room." - -"Purhaps we'd better draw up a paper of agreement, an' both of us sign -it," suggested Mr. Benton, rubbing his hands vigorously together, as -though well pleased with himself and everybody else. - -"All right, if that is your custom," said Budd. "Draw up the paper, and -I'll sign it." - -After considerable effort, Mr. Benton produced the following document: - - -On this 20 day of March Budd Boyd, a miner of Mass., agres to work for -me, John Benton. He's to begin work April fust, an' work 6 munths, at -10 dollers an' bord. He's to work til the fust for his bord. If he -quits work before his time is up he's to have no pay. To this I agree. - -JOHN BENTON, on his part. - - -Budd read the paper, and could scarcely suppress a smile as he signed -his name under Mr. Benton's, and in imitation of him, added the words -"on his part" after the signature. He knew, however much importance Mr. -Benton might attach to it, that as a legal document it had no special -force. He simply set the whole act down as one of the whims of his -employer, and gave no more thought to the matter. But it was destined -to serve that gentleman's purpose, nevertheless, until taken forcibly -from him. - -Mr. Benton now showed Budd up to a back room on the second floor, and -telling him that he would call him early in the morning, bade him -good-night. - -The room the lad had entered was bare and cold. A single chair, a narrow -bedstead, a rude rack on the wall to hang his garments upon, were all it -contained. Yet it was evidently with some satisfaction that the lad -opened his bundle, hung up the few clothes it held, and prepared for -bed. As he drew the quilts over himself he murmured: - -"I don't think I ever had more uncomfortable quarters in my life, and -the outlook for the next six months, at least, is far from encouraging. -Still, I would not go back to what I have left behind for anything." - -He was tired. The rain that was now falling heavily upon the roof just -over his head acted as a sedative and lulled him to sleep. But his was -not an unbroken rest, for at times he tossed to and fro, and muttered -strange sentences. One was, "Father never did it; how could they treat -him so?" Another, "I can never face them again; no, never!" Still -another, "Thank Heaven, mother never lived to know the worst!" After -that the troubled sleeper must have had pleasanter dreams, for he -murmured the words, "Mother; father; a home at last!" From these, -however, he was rudely awakened by a gruff call: - -"Budd! Budd! get up and come out to the barn." - -Dazed, bewildered, he arose, and groped about in the darkness for his -clothing. By the time he was dressed a full consciousness of his -situation had come back to him, and with a stout heart he went out, to -begin what was to him equally new duties and a new life. - - - - -CHAPTER II.--A SLIGHT MISUNDERSTANDING. - - -It was still dark, and the rain fell in torrents as Budd opened the -kitchen door and ran hastily out to the barn, where Mrs. Benton, who was -making preparations for breakfast, had told him he would find her -husband. He noticed the kitchen time-piece as he passed through the -room, and knew it was not yet four o'clock. Early rising was evidently -one of the things to be expected in his new home. - -Reaching the barn quite drenched, Budd found Mr. Benton engaged in -feeding a dozen or more gaunt and ill-kept cows, who seized the musty -hay thrown down to them with an avidity that suggested, on their part, a -scarcity of rations. The same untidiness that marked the house was to -be seen about the barn also, which, if anything, was in a more -dilapidated condition than the former. - -"Good-morning, Mr. Benton. What can I do to assist you?" asked Budd, -pleasantly, as soon as he entered the barn. - -"Hum! I don't suppose ye can milk?" was the rather ungracious response. - -"No, sir; but I'm willing to learn," replied Budd, good-naturedly. - -"Well, I'll see 'bout that after awhile. I suppose ye might as well -begin now as any time. But fust git up on that mow an' throw down more -hay. These pesky critters eat more'n their necks are wuth," said Mr. -Benton, kicking savagely at a cow that was reaching out for the wad of -hay he was carrying by her. - -Budd obeyed with alacrity; and when that job was finished it was -followed by others, including the milking, wherein the lad proved an apt -scholar, until nearly six o'clock, when Mrs. Benton's shrill voice -summoned them to breakfast. That meal, possibly on account of Budd's -want of the good appetite he had had the night before, seemed to him -greatly inferior to his supper. The coffee was bitter and sweetened -with molasses, the johnny-cakes were burnt, and the meat and vegetables -were cold. He did his best to eat heartily of the unsavory food, -however--partly that he might not seem to his employer over-fastidious -in taste, and partly because the morning's work had taught him that he -should need all the strength he could obtain ere his day's task was -over. Stormy though it was, he felt sure Mr. Benton would find enough -for him to do. - -In fact, long before the first of April came, Budd realized fully the -force of the words Mr. Wright had shouted after him the night he stopped -there to inquire the way to Mr. Benton's. Had he really known his -employer and family, he certainly would not have been over-anxious to -have hired out to him for the season; for the dilapidated condition of -the buildings and the untidiness and disorder that marked everything -about the place were not, after all, the worst features with which Budd -had to deal. He soon found that his employer was a hard, cruel, grasping -tyrant, while his wife was a complete termagant, scolding and -fault-finding incessantly from morning until night. There was not an -animal on the place that escaped the abuse of the master, and not even -the master himself escaped the tirades of the mistress. - -Budd, by faithfully performing every task assigned him, and thus -frequently doing twice over what a lad of his age should have been -expected to do, tried to win the approval of both Mr. Benton and his -wife. He soon found this impossible, and so contented himself with -doing what he felt to be right, and cheerfully bore the scoldings that -soon became an hourly occurrence. - -It was indeed astonishing with what good nature the lad bore both the -work and the abuse put upon him. Mr. Benton attributed it to the paper -he had asked the boy to sign, and chuckled to himself at the thought -that Budd's fear of losing his wages kept him so industrious and docile. -He confidentially admitted to his wife, one day, that the lad was worth -twice what he had agreed to pay him; "only I ain't paid him nothin' as -yit," he added, with a knowing look, which his wife seemed to -understand, for she replied: - -"Now ye are up to another of yer capers, John Benton. There never was a -man on the earth meaner than ye are!" - -But Mr. Wright, who knew his neighbors well, could in no way account for -the lad's willingness to endure what he knew he must be enduring, and -finally his curiosity got the better of him; for, meeting Budd one day -as he was returning from the nearest village, he drew up his horses and -said: - -"Budd, do you know you are the profoundest example of human patience I -ever saw?" - -"No; is that so?" replied Budd, with a laugh. "What makes you think so?" - -"Well," remarked Mr. Wright, leaning on his wagon-seat and looking down -into the smiling countenance before him, "I have lived here beside John -Benton and his wife ten years, and know them well enough to be sure that -an angel direct from Heaven couldn't long stand their abuse; and yet you -have actually been there four weeks, and are still as cheerful as a lark -on one of these beautiful spring mornings. Will you just explain to me -how you manage to stand it?" - -While he was speaking a far-away look had come into the lad's eyes, and -a shudder shook his robust frame as though he saw something very -disagreeable to himself; but he answered, quietly enough: - -"Mr. Wright, there are some things in this world harder to bear than -either work or abuse, and I prefer even to live with John Benton's -family than to go back to the life I have left behind me." - -With these words Budd started up his oxen and went on, leaving Mr. -Wright to resume his journey more mystified than ever. - -On the first day of May Budd asked Mr. Benton for the previous month's -pay. - -They were at work putting in corn, and the lad's request took his -employer so by surprise that his hoe-handle dropped from his grasp. - -"Me pay ye now!" he exclaimed. "What are ye thinkin' of?" - -Then, as though another idea had come to his mind, he said, -persuasively: - -"Ye don't need no money, an' 'twill be better to have yer pay all in a -bunch. Jes' think how much 'twill be--sixty dollers, an' all yer own." - -"But I have a special use for the money," persisted Budd; "and as I have -earned it, I should think you might give it to me." - -He spoke all the more emphatically because he knew that Mr. Benton had -quite a sum of money by him, and that he could easily pay him if he -chose to do so. - -For reply, Mr. Benton put his hand into his pocket, and taking out his -wallet, opened it. From it he then took the paper of agreement that -Budd and he had signed. This he slowly spelled out, and when he had -finished, asked: - -"Does this here paper say anythin' 'bout my payin' ye every munth?" - -"No, sir," Budd reluctantly admitted. - -"But it does say, if ye quit yer work 'fore yer time is up ye are to -have no pay, doesn't it?" inquired the man, significantly. - -"Yes, sir," the lad replied, now realizing how mean and contemptible his -employer was, and what had been his real object in drawing up that -paper. - -"Well, how can I know ye are goin' to stay with me yer whole time till -it's up?" he asked, with a show of triumph in his tones. - -"Do you mean to say you don't intend to pay me anything until October?" -asked Budd, indignantly. - -"That's the agreement," replied Mr. Benton, coolly, returning the paper -to his wallet and placing it in his pocket. "If ye'll keep yer part, -I'll keep mine." - -He now picked up his hoe and resumed his work. - -For the first time since he came to the farm Budd felt an impulse to -leave his employer. It was with great difficulty indeed that he -refrained from throwing down his hoe, going to the house after his few -effects, and quitting the place forever. But he did, and went -resolutely on with his work. Fortunate for him was it, though he did -not know it then, that he did so. Later on, he could see that the -ruling of his spirit that day won for him, if not a city, certainly the -happiest results, though severe trials stood between him and their -consummation. - -That night, at as early an hour as possible, Budd sought his little -room. Closing the door carefully after him, he walked over to the rude -rack on the wall and took down his light overcoat. From an inside -pocket he took a long wallet, and from the wallet a postal card. -Addressing it with a pencil to "N. B. Johnson, Esq., No. 127 Sumner -Street, Boston, Mass.," he wrote rapidly and in tiniest characters, on -the reverse side, without giving place or date, the following words: - - -DEAR SIR:--I promised you last March to send you some money each month -until the total amount remaining due to you was paid. I have secured -work at a small compensation, but find, through a misunderstanding with -my employer, that I am not to have my pay until the six months for which -I have hired out are ended. At that time you may expect a remittance -from me. I am very sorry to make this change in my original plans, but -cannot help it, and trust you will be satisfied with this arrangement. -Truly yours, - -BUDD BOYD. - - -It was several days later, however, before Budd had an opportunity to go -up to the neighboring village. When he did go, he took care not to drop -the postal into the post-office, but handed it directly to a mail agent -upon a passing train. His reason for this act could not be easily -misunderstood. Evidently he did not care that the Mr. Johnson to whom he -had written should know his exact whereabouts. But his precaution was -unnecessary, for before the summer months had fairly come he was to see -Mr. Johnson under circumstances most trying to himself. - - - - -CHAPTER III.--AGAINST WIND AND TIDE. - - -Not a great distance north of the farm of Mr. Benton, and stretching -some distance along the shore of the bay, there is a singular formation -of sand and rocks known as "The Hummocks." A small cove lies south and -west of the formation, while the main bay stretches out to its widest -extent from the east. The only point, then, where "The Hummocks" touch -the main-land is at the north; and even this point of contact is so -narrow as to simply furnish a roadway down onto "The Hummocks" -themselves. - -Of these hummocks, for there are but two, the northern one is much the -smaller, embracing perhaps an acre of rough soil, covered with a stunted -grass, and dotted here and there with red cedars. The southern one, on -the other hand, covered like its smaller mate with a scanty vegetation -and scattered trees, broadens out so as to nearly land-lock the cove -behind it, and causes its waters to rush in or out, according to the -tide, through an exceedingly contracted passage-way at its extreme -southern end, popularly called "the narrows." The point of contact of -the southern with the northern hummock, like the northern hummock with -the main-land, is also very narrow; and to its narrowness is added -another feature: it is so low, or in more technical language it is so -nearly on a level with the high-water mark, that when there happens to -be a strong wind from either the northeast or the southeast, the waters -of the bay, on the incoming tide, will rush with great force over the -slight barrier and mingle with the waters of the cove, making an island, -for the time, of the larger and more southern hummock. - -Perhaps half or three-quarters of a mile off shore, and a little to the -northeast of these hummocks, there is an island of an irregular shape, -and a few acres in extent, that bears the name of Fox Island. The name -has belonged to it since Colonial days, but the reason therefor is -unknown, unless at some remote period some solitary animal of that -specific genus which gives the island its title may have there made its -home. - -This island had in later years, however, a more illustrious if not less -solitary inhabitant. A gentleman of some means, tired of society, or -for some reason at enmity with it, crossed over from the main-land, -erected a small house, dug a well, set out trees, planted a garden, and -built a wharf--in fact set up thereon a complete habitation. Not long, -however, did he endure his self-imposed solitude. Scarcely were his -arrangements completed when an unfortunate accident caused his death, -and the island and its improvements were left to be the home of the -sea-fowls or the temporary abode of some passing fisherman. - -This extended description has been given here because it is essential -that the reader should form some definite idea of the island and its -relation to "The Hummocks," for on and about them no small portion of -our young hero's summer was destined to be spent. - -Mr. Benton owned what is termed "a shore privilege" on the lower half of -the southern hummock, and the peculiar situation of that rocky formation -to the bay made it a valuable one, for heavy winds from any eastern or -southern quarter brought onto the beach there immense quantities of -sea-weed, so highly prized by the farmer as a fertilizer. - -During the fall and winter months previous to Budd's coming to the farm, -owing to the repeated storms there had been landed on "The Hummocks" so -large and unusual an amount of this weed that Mr. Benton had contented -himself with simply gathering it into a huge pile on the summit thereof, -above high-water mark, intending to remove it to the farm in the spring. -So it fell to Budd's lot to cart from the heap to the farm as the weed -was needed, and one day near the middle of May found him engaged in this -work. - -It was a cloudy, threatening day. The wind was from the southeast, and -blew with a freshness that promised a severe storm before the day was -over. Perhaps it was on this account that Mr. Benton had directed the -lad to engage in this particular work. He was himself obliged to be off -on business, and this was a job at which Budd could work alone, and the -weather was hardly propitious for any other undertaking. So immediately -after breakfast Budd yoked the oxen to the cart and started for his -first load. - -"There ain't over four loads more down there, an' if ye work spry ye can -git it all up by nite," Mr. Benton shouted after him as he drove off. - -The distance to "The Hummocks" from the farm was such that with the -slow-walking oxen one load for each half-day had been regarded as a -sufficient task. But Budd knew he had an early start, and he determined -to do his best to bring all the weed home that day. He therefore -quickened the pace of the oxen, and before nine o'clock had made his -first return to the farm. Unloading with haste, he immediately started -back for his second load. When he crossed from the north to the south -hummock he noticed the incoming tide was nearly across the roadway, but -thought little of it. - -On examining the heap of weed, he became convinced that by loading -heavily he could carry what remained at two loads. He therefore pitched -away until in his judgment half of the heap was upon his cart. It made -a tremendous load; but the oxen were stout, and bending their necks to -the yoke, they at Budd's command started slowly off. - -As he approached the narrow passage-way he noticed the tide had gained -rapidly, and was now sweeping over it with considerable force and depth. -Jumping upon the tongue of the cart, he urged his oxen through the -tossing waves. To his consternation the water came well up around the -oxen's backs, and had he not quickly scrambled to the top of his load he -would have got thoroughly drenched. - -The cattle, however, raised their noses as high as possible and plunged -bravely through the flood, and soon emerged on the other side with their -load unharmed. The rest of the journey home was made without -difficulty, and Budd at dinner-time had the satisfaction of knowing that -two-thirds of his appointed work was already accomplished. - -Mr. Benton had not yet arrived home, and hurrying through dinner, the -lad hastened off for his third and last load, hoping to get back to the -farm with it before his employer came. Hardly had he started, however, -when it began to rain, and as he passed down onto the first hummock the -wind was blowing with a velocity that made it almost impossible for the -oxen to stand before it. - -Slowly, however, the passage across the first hummock was made, and Budd -approached the narrow roadway leading to the other; then he stopped the -oxen in sheer amazement. In front of him was a strip of surging and -tossing water of uncertain depth, and he instinctively felt that there -was a grave risk in attempting to push through to the other side. But -he was anxious to secure his load. He had passed through safely enough -before, and he resolved to attempt the crossing now, counting on nothing -worse than a severe drenching. - -This was a grave mistake, and Budd would have realized it had he only -stopped to think that there was quite a difference between his situation -now and when he had made his successful crossing before dinner. Then he -had a loaded cart, the wind and tide were both in his favor, and the -water had not reached either its present depth or expanse. Now his cart -was empty, a significant and important fact; the wind was blowing with -greater force and directly against him; while the tide, as he would have -seen had he watched it closely, had now turned, and was rushing back -from the cove and out into the open bay with a strength almost -irresistible. - -But unmindful of these things, Budd bade his oxen go on; and though they -at first shrunk from entering the angry waters, he plied the stinging -blows of the lash until they began the passage. For a rod they went -steadily on, though the waves dashed over their backs and rushed into -the cart, wetting Budd to the knees. Then there came suddenly a huge -billow, rolling outward, that lifted the cart and oxen from the road-bed -and swept them out into the bay. - -[Illustration: Budd plied the stinging blows of the lash until suddenly -a huge billow lifted the cart and oxen from the road-bed and swept them -into the bay.] - -The moment Budd realized that the cart was afloat and the oxen were -swimming for their lives, his impulse was not to save himself, but the -unfortunate beasts that through his rashness had been brought into -danger. Springing, therefore, between them, he caught hold of the yoke -with one hand, and with the other wrenched out the iron pin that -fastened it to the tongue, and thus freed them from the cart. In the -effort, however, he lost his hold upon the yoke, and the next minute -found himself left alone, struggling with the angry billows. - -He was now forced to look out for himself, and could not watch the fate -of the oxen, even had he had an inclination to do so. Indeed, with his -water-soaked clothing, which greatly impeded his efforts, there was -already a serious question whether he would be able to reach the shore, -good swimmer though he was. With a strength born from the very sense of -the danger that overwhelmed him he turned his face toward the fast -receding shore and swam manfully for it. For a time he seemed to be -gaining, but both wind and tide were against him, and his strength was -soon exhausted. Slowly he felt himself sinking. Already the waves were -dashing over his head. He made one spasmodic effort to regain the -surface; then he had a faint consciousness of being caught by a huge -billow and hurled against some hard object, and all was blank. - - - - -CHAPTER IV.--A NEW FRIEND. - - -How long Budd remained unconscious he never exactly knew. It must have -been some hours, however, for when he recovered sufficiently to look -about him it was night; at least a darkness almost thick enough to be -felt was all around him. He could hear the wind whistling fiercely above -his head, yet he felt it not. He could hear the sound of dashing waves -but faintly, as though some distance away. He was evidently lying upon -a hard board or floor; yet to it there was a gentle, undulating motion, -like that of a boat in some sheltered harbor, or drawn, bow up, onto a -sandy beach. - -With difficulty he sat up. His clothes were heavy with water, and he -was stiff and numb from cold and exposure. He put out his right hand, -and it rested upon a short board partition; he stretched out his left -hand, and it touched a similar one, about the same distance away. Then -he knew he was in the body of his ox-cart, which had in some way become -detached from its wheels. It must have been this into which he had been -providentially thrown just as he had lost consciousness. But _where_ -was the cart-body? - -Certainly it was no longer tossed about by the angry waters of the bay. -Where, then, had it landed? He rose up, and his head came so forcibly -in contact with a heavy planking that he was thrown off his feet. -Rubbing the bruised spot tenderly, he crept along to the side of the -cart-bed and put out his hand as far as possible; but it touched -nothing. Slowly stepping ever the side, he found himself standing in a -few inches of water. Walking directly ahead a few steps, he came up -against a solid wall, that extended either way farther than he could -reach. - -He now knew that he was under some wharf, where the waves had tossed the -cart-bed. This accounted for the planking above his head, for his -hearing the whistling wind without feeling it, for the sound of the -dashing of the waves at such a distance from him, and for the heavy -darkness settled around. But _what_ wharf was it? Which way should he -go to find the opening by which he had entered? - -He straightened himself up and looked steadily first in one and then in -an opposite direction. He soon became convinced that to the left he -could see a little more clearly than to the right, and that it was from -that direction that came what little air he could feel stirring. In -that direction, then, he determined to go. - -As he advanced the water deepened, and the roof became more elevated. -Not only could he now stand erect, but the planking was higher above his -head than he could reach. Soon the stone wall ceased, and wooden piles -heavily boarded took its place. Now he saw a light space just ahead; -the wind fanned his cheek; the opening was not far off; but the water -was up to his neck, and he must swim for it. A few strokes, and he was -in the open air. It was very dark, yet not with the intenseness he had -experienced under the wharf. The wind and the rain beat fiercely upon -him. Unless some house were near, he had better return under the dock -for shelter and wait for morning. - -With the little strength that remained to him he drew himself up onto -the wharf and looked anxiously about him. As he looked, a great hope -sprung up within his heart. Not far away, and gleaming brightly through -the thick darkness, was a light. With a hoarse cry of exultation he -staggered to his feet and went toward it. Brief as the walk was, it -exhausted him. He was afraid that he would not reach the house from -whose window he now knew the light shone forth, and in his despair he -shouted: - -"Help! Help!" - -The next instant the door of the building swung open, letting out a -flood of light upon the exhausted lad, and a voice asked: - -"Who are you? Where are you?" - -"Here!" answered Budd, feebly, stretching out his hands toward the -stranger, who sprung forward and caught him just as he was falling -helplessly at his feet. - -The stranger was a youth no older nor larger than Budd himself; but he -showed that he possessed enormous strength by lifting his helpless -companion in his arms and carrying him into the house. - -Closing the door against the storm, he went to work upon Budd with a -directness and skill that showed he knew just what to do for an -exhausted person. The wet clothing was stripped off; the numbed and -chilled body was rubbed until the blood began to circulate freely -through it; dry clothing and a warm blanket were then wrapped about the -recovering lad, and he was laid upon a rude pallet of straw before the -rusty stove, in which, however, a good fire was burning. Nor did the -young stranger's attention to his unexpected guest end here. From some -unseen quarter he brought forth a tin cup, and filled it with hot coffee -from a pot on the stove. Milk and sugar were also fished out of their -hiding-places and added to the beverage; then the whole was put to -Budd's lips, with the simple comment: - -"There; drink that down, and I'll warrant you'll be kicking round here -as lively as a kitten, in a few minutes." - -Budd drained the offered cup, and then said, gratefully: - -"I don't know how I shall ever repay you for your kindness to me. I was -pretty near used up, I declare." - -The young host took the cup from his guest without a word and refilled -it. Sipping this slowly off himself, he eyed his visitor until he had -finished it; then he asked, abruptly: - -"Will you tell me how you came here, Budd Boyd?" - -"Where am I? Who are you?" asked Budd, surprised that the lad had -called him by name, and sure that he had never seen him before. - -The boy-host gave a comical shrug of his shoulders, and with a -flourishing gesture answered: - -"I am Judd Floyd, at your service. This is Fox Island, where I have for -the present taken up my solitary abode, and am monarch of all I survey. -But how came you here in all this tempest? Did you see my light -streaming far across the watery deep, and attempt to walk over? Hanged -if I wouldn't think so, from the looks of your clothes!" - -Weak as he was, Budd could not help laughing at the serio-comic air of -his companion, but as briefly as possible he related his adventure. - -"'Twas a close shave, now, wasn't it?" Judd said, with a shrill whistle, -as Budd concluded. "I don't want to try that sail, at least on that -kind of a craft, such a night as this, you bet. Lucky for you I was -here, else you might have perished from sheer exhaustion before -morning." - -Budd at once admitted this; then he asked: - -"But how is it that you knew me? And how long have you been here?" - -"Oh! I've seen you up at the village with Benton's ox-team, and -inquired your name. I couldn't help remembering it, for it sounds much -like my own. Yours is Budd Boyd, and mine is Judd Floyd. Guess we must -be sort of second-rate twins," said the irrepressible Judd with a -comical grin; and indeed the lads, in size, figure and features, were -not unlike. - -"How long have I been here?" he went on. - -"Just a week to-night, by actual count. You see, I have lived, as far -back as I can remember, in an old shanty just out of the village. Pop -got drunk as a steady business, and ma took in washing and ironing to -keep our souls and bodies together. I know now I didn't help her as much -as I ought, but she would keep me in school, and I did try to help her, -out of school hours. But last winter she got rather tired of this -world, and went where I trust she has peace and rest. She deserves -them, for she never had them here;" and the lad tried to keep back the -tears that would gather in his eyes. - -"Well, after her death pop carried on worse than ever, and so the town -authorities sent him up to the State Farm for a six-month term as an -habitual drunkard. Then the same worthy individuals that disposed of -him talked of putting me on the Poor Farm down there on Quidnessett -Neck; but I had a slight objection to the arrangement, and the next -morning I was among the missing. - -"I'd been over here before, and knew there was an old stove, a chair or -two, and some other odd pieces of furniture in the house; so I packed up -a few necessary traps at the shanty, stowed them aboard pop's old boat, -and came over here by night. Here, too, I've remained in undisputed -possession ever since." - -"How do you live?" asked Budd, with a good deal of curiosity. - -"Oh! that's easy enough," said Judd, with a laugh. "I catch fish and -dig clams. Some I eat; the rest I sell. That enables me to purchase -what groceries and provisions I may want. I was over to the village and -made some purchases early this morning. By and by, when the -watering-places open up, I can get odd jobs enough. I shall fare as -well as I have ever done, I assure you. I'm no pauper--not if I know -myself. By the way, won't you have something to eat?" - -Without waiting for Budd to answer, he drew up before the fire a large -box. On this he spread a cloth; then he brought out some cold ham, some -fresh bread, butter, cookies, poured out another cup of coffee, and -remarked: - -"I've eaten supper already, but help yourself. There's more, when this -is gone." - -Budd accepted his host's hospitality and made out a comfortable meal. - -Then Judd said: - -"I'm sorry I've no bed for you to sleep on. That old pallet is all I -brought over, but you are welcome to that. I'll roll up in a blanket -and sleep on the floor. It won't be the first time I've done it;" and -soon both boys were sound asleep. - -The next morning Budd felt quite like himself; but the storm still -raged, and he was obliged to remain quietly with his new friend. Toward -noon, however, the force of the tempest was spent, and Judd announced -his willingness to take the anxious lad over to the main-land after -dinner. - -So not far from one o'clock they embarked in Judd's boat, and a -half-hour later landed safely on "The Hummocks." Budd could find no -trace of either the oxen or the missing wheels of the cart, and with a -heavy heart he started off for Mr. Benton's. - -As Judd parted with him he remarked: - -"I say, Budd, I wouldn't be in your shoes for a good deal. There is no -knowing what old Benton will do to you for losing his cart and oxen. -You'd better go back to the island with me, and let him think you are -dead." - -"No," said Budd. "My duty is to go to him and tell him the whole story, -let the consequences be what they may, and I shall do it." - -"I always did admire pluck," replied Judd, in undisguised admiration, -"and you have it. I'd rather take your sail of last night than go back -and face the old tyrant. Only, if he kicks you off of the farm, -remember you are welcome to go pards with me on the island. It's better -than no place to lay your head." - -Thanking him for the invitation, which he knew was as genuine as it was -rough, Budd turned away and walked slowly along the roadway leading to -Mr. Benton's, wondering greatly what that cruel and grasping man would -really say and do when he learned of the serious loss he had sustained. -Doubtless the fact that he had been so long away had led Mr. Benton to -believe that he had perished. Would not his providential deliverance -from a watery grave awaken such feelings of gratitude, even in that -stony heart, that the pecuniary loss he had experienced would be -forgotten by the avaricious man? Budd hoped so; and yet it was with -terrible misgivings he went bravely on, to meet whatever fate might be -in store for him. - - - - -CHAPTER V.--MR. BENTON'S WRATH. - - -As Budd drew near to the farm of Mr. Wright he was greatly tempted to go -in and talk over with him the unfortunate predicament into which his -adventure had brought him; but he was saved that trouble, for as he got -opposite that gentleman's residence he came out and hailed the lad. - -"Hello, Budd!" he exclaimed. "You have, then, survived last night's -storm. We are glad to know it, for we had given you up for lost." - -His words re-assured Budd's troubled spirit somewhat, for he now knew -that he had been missed, and possibly searched for. Anxious, therefore, -to know just how his absence had been regarded, he went forward to meet -Mr. Wright, saying: - -"Yes, I pulled through, though at one time I did not expect to do so. -What did you think had become of me and my team?" - -"Oh, when night came and you didn't return home, Benton thought you -probably had got shut onto the lower hummock by the tide, and would be -around all right in a few hours, so he said nothing to any of us about -your prolonged absence; but this morning, when the oxen arrived home -without you or the cart, he was a little frightened, and came directly -over here for me and my man to go with him to look you up. As we went -along down to 'The Hummocks' we made inquiries about you, but could not -ascertain that you had been seen since one o'clock yesterday, when you -were on your downward trip for seaweed. Arriving at 'The Hummocks,' we -carefully searched them from one end to the other, but found no trace of -you or the cart, though we came across a sheltered spot, back of a clump -of trees, where the oxen had evidently stayed all night. The sea-weed -we saw had not been taken, and so we knew that you hadn't got across to -the lower hummock. There was but one inference--that the wind and tide -had carried you out to sea. - -"'Benton,' says I, 'the oxen, cart and lad were all taken off the -roadway by some huge billow, and the first thing the lad thought of was -to free the oxen, and they got ashore; but the cart and boy have gone no -one knows where. Just as likely as not they are lying out there under -the tossing waves. I guess we'd better go up the shore a piece, -however, and see if we can find anything of them.' So we went up the -coast as far as the village, but saw nothing of you, and could find no -one that had. Finally we gave up the search and came home. Tell me, -though, how you escaped?" - -Budd related in substance the story already familiar to the reader--not, -however, without frequent interruptions from Mr. Wright, who seemed -anxious to know more of the details, and also repeatedly declared it was -the most marvelous escape he ever heard of. At length Mr. Wright seemed -satisfied, and Budd was permitted to ask the question he cared most of -all to ask: - -"How did Mr. Benton seem to feel when he came to the conclusion that I -and the cart had been swept out to sea?" - -"Well, to tell you the truth," replied Mr. Wright, bluntly, "he seemed -to care a good deal more for the loss of the cart than he did for you. -He danced around there on the beach, cursing what he called your folly, -and telling how much the cart had cost him only last fall. I at last -got tired of his talking, and told him you were of more account than all -the carts that had been made since the world began, and that if he had a -spark of decency about him he would shut his mouth. I suggested, also, -that you would never have been lost if he hadn't set you to drawing -sea-weed on a day that he was old enough and experienced enough to know -it wasn't a safe thing to do in that particular locality, and that I -wasn't sure but he could be held accountable to the law for your death. -That scared him, so he came right off home, and was as dumb as a beast -all the way." - -"What do you think he'll do when he finds I'm alive, but the cart is -lost?" asked Budd, a little anxiously, it must be confessed. - -"Well, he ought not to say or do anything," answered Mr. Wright, with a -little show of indignation in his tones. "The body of the cart can be -towed back to 'The Hummocks,' and it is possible that the wheels and -under-gear may yet turn up. But even if they are not recovered, what -does the loss amount to compared with your safety? Still I have already -learned that you can never know what John Benton may do, and I guess I -had better be somewhere around when you tell him your story. You go on -over and face the music, and I'll follow along in time to interfere if -there is any serious trouble between you." - -Thanking Mr. Wright for his kind offer, Budd, with a much lighter heart -than he had had for twenty-four hours, went on toward home. He went -directly into the house, on arriving there, and almost frightened Mrs. -Benton to death by his sudden and unexpected appearance. He succeeded -in convincing her, however, that it was really he, and that he had -providentially been saved. Nor could he help noticing that she seemed -greatly relieved in mind to find that he was really alive and unharmed; -and taking encouragement from that fact, he went off to the barn, where -he had learned Mr. Benton was. - -The farmer was down upon his knees on the threshing-floor mending a -horse-cultivator when the lad entered and said: - -"Well, Mr. Benton, I'm back at last, and ready to report for my -prolonged absence." - -At his words Mr. Benton leaped to his feet, and for a moment seemed not -to know what to say. It was very evident that he had never expected to -see the boy again. Taking advantage of his embarrassment, Budd went on: - -"I'm glad, too, to learn that the oxen reached home unharmed. I did my -best to save them, though I nearly lost my own life doing so." - -Before he could say more Mr. Benton broke angrily in upon him: - -"But ye lost the cart, ye little rascal, an' I gin twenty-five dollers -fer it at auction only las' fall; an' I'd like to know who's goin' to -pay me fer that?" - -"I can, if it is necessary," replied Budd, swelling with indignation; -"but before I do it I shall want some one else's opinion about it other -than your own. Though I may have been a little rash in undertaking to -cross the roadbed while the tide was so high, I am in no other sense to -blame, and I would like to see anyone else do better than I did under -the circumstances;" and Budd rapidly described the trying ordeal through -which he had passed. - -"Hum!" remarked Mr. Benton, sneeringly, as the lad finished his story. -"Ye were sca't to death at a little runnin' water. If ye'd stayed in -the cart an' let the oxen alone, they'd have fetched ye an' the cart out -all rite. 'Twas all yer own fault." - -Budd's cheeks burned with resentment. - -"It was not," he emphatically declared. - -"Don't ye tell me I lie!" said Mr. Benton, savagely, picking up one of -the handles of the cultivator that had been detached from the machine -and lay upon the barn-floor near him. - -"I am sure the oxen would have drowned had I not freed them from the -cart," answered Budd, firmly, "and any reasonable person would tell you -the same thing." - -"Take that, ye young whelp!" cried Mr. Benton, raising the -cultivator-handle and bringing it down with a force sufficient to have -killed the boy had it hit him. - -Fortunately for Budd he saw the stick coming, and jumped quickly to one -side. The force of the blow fell upon the barn-floor; but Mr. Benton -immediately recovered himself and rushed down upon the lad. Seeing that -there was no alternative, Budd grappled with him, and then began a -terrible struggle for the mastery. Had the lad possessed his usual -strength he might have come off victor, for he had caught his antagonist -directly under the armpits with a powerful hug, and thus had decidedly -the advantage in his hold. But he was still weak from his trying -experience of the night before, and that more than counterbalanced the -advantage he had secured in position. - -Up and down the threshing-floor the contestants went; against stanchion -and post and door were they hurled; over and upon the heterogeneous -articles scattered about the floor they stumbled; finally Budd's foot -struck upon some unseen object that rolled under it, and he fell heavily -upon the floor, with Mr. Benton on top of him. With a shout of triumph -the angry man sat down upon the lad's breast, and with his clinched fist -began to pound him. He had struck but two blows, however, when he was -caught by the collar, dragged unceremoniously off from the prostrate -boy, and thrown with no gentle hand back against the nearest stanchion. -Then the voice of Mr. Wright was heard sternly saying: - -"Stand there, you miserable coward; and let me tell you, if you lay the -weight of your finger on that lad again I'll give you the worst -thrashing you ever had in your life!" - -At those words, Mr. Benton cowered back against the nearest mow and -remained motionless. Experience had already taught him that he could not -trifle with Peter Wright. - -Helping Budd to his feet, Mr. Wright asked: - -"Are you hurt? I was delayed longer at the house than I expected, or -this miserable wretch would not have had a chance to lay his hand upon -you. Tell me just what he has done?" - -Budd gave a fair account of the contest from beginning to end, and -declared that he was not seriously hurt, though he did not know what -might have happened but for Mr. Wright's opportune arrival. - -Mr. Benton sullenly admitted the truth of the boy's story, but whiningly -declared he had not meant to hurt him, but only to give him a wholesome -lesson, so that he wouldn't destroy any more property for him in such a -reckless manner. - -"I might believe your statement had I not caught you in the very act of -pounding him," said Mr. Wright, with emphasis; "and surely striking at -him with one of the handles of that cultivator looks almost as though -you meant to kill him. This, too, when he is not your boy, nor bound -out to you, and you had no more right to chastise him than you have to -strike me. I don't know whether the boy has any friends or not, but as -long as I am a member of the Town Council he shall be regarded as a ward -of the town, and over him we shall throw our protection and care. I -suspect you have imposed upon him ever since he has been with you. What -kind of a bargain have you made with him, anyway?" - -"I give him ten dollers a munth an' bord for six munths, which, as he -knowed nuthin' 'bout farm in' when he come, is fair pay," explained Mr. -Benton. - -"No it is not, and you know it as well as anyone. He has done a man's -work ever since he has been with you; and admitting his ignorance on -some things, fifteen dollars a month is little enough. Does he pay you?" - -This last question was addressed to Budd. - -"No, sir," he said. "You see, the night I hired out to him he drew up a -paper for me to sign, and in that, though I did not so understand it at -the time, he is to pay me only at the end of the six months. At least -that is his interpretation of the paper." - -"Benton, let me see it," demanded Mr. Wright. - -With evident reluctance Mr. Benton took the paper from his pocket-book -and handed it to his neighbor. - -Mr. Wright read it over carefully; then he deliberately tore it up, -saying: - -"The paper is worthless, for there are no witnesses; but even if there -were, it could be set aside, as you have taken an unfair advantage of -the lad. You meant to get rid of paying him anything, and I suspected -it, for it is an old trick of yours." - -Budd here explained how Mr. Benton had used the paper at the time he had -asked for his first month's pay. - -"Exactly," said Mr. Wright; "it served his purpose then, and would every -time you asked for money until he had got ready to get rid of you. Then -he would have seen to it that you quitted the farm before the six months -were up, and so refused to pay you your wages. Now admit, Benton, that -that was your game." - -Mr. Benton, thus appealed to, looked sheepish enough, but would not -admit that it had been his purpose to defraud the lad. He was afraid -that Budd might demand the amount due him and leave at once. This he -did not want the boy to do, for he preferred to have him remain, even -though he should have to pay him full wages. He was hardly prepared, -however, for Mr. Wright's next demand. - -"Here, Benton," he said, as the man was about to return his wallet to -his pocket, "before you put that away I want you to pay Budd twenty -dollars." - -"But his two months are not up yet," objected Benton. - -"Never mind, he has earned it," said Mr. Wright; and as the man, to -Budd's great astonishment, meekly handed over two ten-dollar bills, Mr. -Wright with a twinkle in his eyes added: - -"Now put another ten along with the others, Benton, for the assault you -have made upon the lad. If you don't, I'll have you arrested before -morning for assault and battery, and it will cost you twice that amount -at least." - -Mr. Benton refused; begged off; offered half the amount; but Mr. Wright -was inexorable, and the miserable man finally handed Budd another -ten-dollar bill. - -"Now," said Mr. Wright to Budd, "go to the house and pack up your -things, and get ready to go with me. I don't propose to leave you in -Benton's clutches any longer; there is no knowing what he might do to -you." - -And notwithstanding the pleadings and promises of Mr. Benton, Mr. Wright -fifteen minutes later departed, with Budd by his side. - - - - -CHAPTER VI.--THE NEW FIRM. - - -If Budd, as he walked along toward Mr. Wright's, was filled with secret -exultation at the happy turn in his affairs, it was, to say the least, -pardonable. Bruised and sore though he was from his struggle with Mr. -Benton, he had nevertheless, through the opportune interference of Mr. -Wright, come off victor. With two months' pay in his pocket, and ten -dollars more for the assault to which he had been subjected, he was not -disposed to grumble; in fact he was quite ready to forgive the miserable -man who had so ruthlessly attacked him. But there was one thing that -piqued his curiosity and led him soon to say: - -"There is something I would like to have you explain, Mr. Wright." - -"What is it?" Mr. Wright asked, pleasantly. - -"Why was Mr. Benton so docile in your presence? I should never have -believed that he would have cowered down so to any man." - -Mr. Wright laughed. - -"There are several reasons for it," he said. "Tyrants are almost always -cowards at heart, and Mr. Benton is no exception to the rule. Ten years -ago, when I came here, I was continually in trouble with him. First it -was my cattle; then my children; at last our boundary line. I caught -him one day actually setting over my fence. I remonstrated with him, -and he, in his anger, struck me with his ox-lash. Snatching it from his -hand, I whipped him until he begged for mercy. Of course he brought -suit against me, and I brought a counter-suit. I was fortunate enough -to win both cases, and the costs and fines that he had to pay amounted -to over one hundred dollars. I also had him put under heavy bonds to -keep the peace, and from that time have had no serious trouble with him. -In fact he seems to both fear and respect me. Catching him to-night in -the very act of assaulting you gave me a decided advantage; and though I -have doubtless gone beyond any real right I possessed in my dealing with -him, he was not in a condition to dispute it. You and I will have no -further trouble with him." - -But in this last assertion Mr. Wright was wrong, at least so far as Budd -was concerned. - -On reaching the house, Mr. Wright opened the door and motioned Budd to -enter, at the same time saying to his wife: - -"Here, Sarah, can you find a place for this lad for awhile? I've taken -him out of Benton's clutches," and he related to her, in substance, the -happenings at his neighbor's farm. - -"Oh, yes, I think so," the lady replied, giving Budd a hearty and -motherly welcome, which at once caused him to feel at home. - -Budd was shown to a chamber, where he deposited his bundle. Though no -larger than the one he had occupied when at Mr. Benton's, and containing -scarcely more furniture, there was nevertheless an air of comfort and -neatness about it that awakened old and sweet memories in the boy's -mind. A bright bit of carpet was on the floor, a white curtain was at -the open window, while snowy sheets and pillow-cases upon the bed -suggested sweet repose. Tears stood in the lad's eyes as he returned -down-stairs and tried to again thank Mr. Wright for the deep interest he -had shown in him, an entire stranger. - -"Well, well," said Mr. Wright, not without some emotion; "I don't know -as I deserve any special thanks for what I have done. I couldn't leave -you over there and have any peace of conscience. I don't know, any more -than you do, what the outcome of my act will be, so far as your future -is concerned. I would gladly hire you, but have now all the help I -need. You are welcome, however, to stay here until you can find a -place. With what Benton has given you, you will be just as well off -should you not get work under a month. I've no fear but what you'll do -enough to pay your board, and we will both keep an eye out for something -suitable for you to do." - -Though Budd regretted greatly that Mr. Wright could not hire him, he -gratefully accepted the arrangement proposed, and determined that his -benefactor should have no cause to complain of either his want of -gratitude or willingness to be of help. - -With this idea in mind he followed Mr. Wright out to the barn, and -helped him and his man do the chores. He seemed almost intuitively to -know what was the next thing to be done; and so pleased was Mr. Wright -with his readiness and tact that he confided to his wife, that night, -that he didn't know but they had better try and keep the lad. The very -next day, however, there was destined to come to Budd an opening which -was to change measurably his life, and prove an important link in the -solution of the mystery which was apparently hanging over him. - -He worked all the forenoon of the next day for Mr. Wright, but at that -gentleman's request went with him in the afternoon up to the village. - -"Perhaps we shall be able to find some place for you," Mr. Wright had -said as they drove off. - -Reaching the village, Mr. Wright left Budd to look out for the team -while he attended to some matters of business. As the lad sat in the -wagon holding the horses Judd Floyd came hurriedly down the street on -his way toward the wharf. He had a market-basket on his arm filled with -bundles, and had evidently been purchasing provisions to take over to -his island home. He readily espied Budd, and recognizing Mr. Wright's -team, suddenly stopped, remarking: - -"Hello! changed masters, have you? Shows your wisdom. But tell us -about it." - -Budd shook the speaker's extended hand warmly, and telling him to put -his basket into the wagon, and to get up on the seat, he gave him a -faithful account of himself from the time he had left Judd on "The -Hummocks" until he had now met him again. - -"So you are out of a job," he remarked, as Budd concluded. "Now, isn't -that jolly! You can come over to the island with me, and we'll go into -the fish and clam business together. I'll guarantee as good wages as -you were getting, and you'll be your own boss at the same time." - -"Is that so?" asked Budd, with some show of interest. - -"Of course it's so," replied Judd, with remarkable emphasis on the first -two words. "I've averaged fifty cents for every day I've been on the -island; and so can you, if you'll come. We ought to do better, for with -two we can enlarge our business many ways." - -"How's that?" asked Budd. - -Before Judd could answer, Mr. Wright came back to the wagon. That lad -eyed him a little apprehensively at first, evidently fearing lest he -might, as a member of the Town Board, call him to an account for his -sudden disappearance from the shanty near the village a few days before. -But Mr. Wright's words at once re-assured him, for he said: - -"How do you do, Judd? I'm glad to see you, and to hear so good an -account of you as Budd has given me." Then lowering his voice, so as -not to be heard by anyone passing, he added: "You need have no fear of -the Town Board, my lad, as long as you show a disposition to be -industrious and take care of yourself. We wish you every success." - -"He was just asking me to go over to the island and enter into -partnership with him," explained Budd; "he says I can make as much as I -was getting from Mr. Benton." - -"And not have half as rough an experience," Judd chimed in, with a -laugh. - -"How do you expect to make it, Judd?" Mr. Wright asked, a little -doubtingly. - -"Selling fish and clams; taking out fishing-parties; doing odd jobs at -the watering-places," answered Judd, pithily. "There's money in it." - -"Do you think so?" asked Budd of Mr. Wright. - -"There may be," he answered, musingly. "Judd knows better than I do. -Of course it is now a little late to hire out among the farmers. You -have some money as capital. I'm not sure but you could, if prudent and -industrious, do as well at this as at anything else for the summer -months." - -"Come along over to the island with me and stay to-night. If I don't -convince you this thing is practicable, then I'll set you ashore at 'The -Hummocks' in the morning, and you can go back to Mr. Wright's until you -find another job," said Judd, enthusiastically. - -Mr. Wright laughed a little. - -"Go on, Budd," he advised; "and if I can be of any help to either of -you, call on me. All success to the new firm!" - -Budd immediately leaped from the wagon, followed by Judd, and then the -two boys went hastily down to the wharf where their boat was tied. -Embarking therein, each took an oar and pulled for the island, their -minds brimful of the prospective partnership. - -It was not, however, until the island was reached and supper eaten that -the lads settled themselves for what they called their "business" talk. -The sun was just setting; the air was soft and balmy; scarcely a ripple -was on the water. Taking seats upon the rocks south of the house, and -where they could look for miles down the bay, they began the -all-important conversation. - -Budd was the first to speak. - -"Here, Judd," he said, "let us begin at the very root of things. Who -does this island belong to?" - -"Why, I believe there are two or three parties claiming it," replied -Judd. "But why do you ask? It has always been regarded as common -property. Even the fellow that built the house here paid no rent for the -island." - -"That has nothing to do with our case," interposed Budd, promptly. "We -must have a right to be here--a right we can defend against all comers. -Who are the proper parties to see about leasing the island." - -"A Mr. Fowler, who lives near Mr. Wright, and two men named Scott, over -in the western part of the town; but I don't believe they will object to -our staying here, if Mr. Wright will see them about it." - -"We will find out in the morning," Budd said, decisively, "and I'll mark -that as the first item of business to attend to. Now as to our stock in -trade. I have thirty dollars that can go in as my part of the capital. -What can you furnish?" - -Judd looked a little crestfallen, at his companion's words. - -"Why," he said, "I can't put in much. I have the boat----" - -"Which is worth how much?" interrupted Budd. - -"Perhaps ten dollars," replied his partner, with a look of -encouragement. "It's a pretty good yawl; and then I have a little over -five dollars in money; that is all." - -"No, it is not," Budd said. "How about the things over at the shanty? -They are yours, are they not?" - -"Yes; and as the shanty don't belong to pop, they ought to be moved. If -we get the island, we can bring everything over here, and set up -housekeeping in pretty decent style." - -"Exactly," went on Budd, smilingly; "and while they are yours, I shall -be having the benefit of them, and that is worth considerable. But -there is one thing you possess more valuable yet, and for which you -ought to have full allowance." - -"What do you mean?" asked Judd, in wonder. - -"Knowledge of the business," responded Budd. "I can row or sail a -boat--have been used to that all my life; but I know nothing of this -bay, its fishing or clamming-grounds, and I am almost a stranger in the -community, while you are well known. Now, I'll tell you what I'm willing -to do, though to my mind I shall have the best of the bargain. I'll put -in my thirty dollars against your boat, your household goods, and your -fuller knowledge of the grounds on which we are to operate, and we'll be -equal partners--provided, of course, we can hire the island. What do -you say?" - -Judd arose from his seat with a sparkling face and crossed over to where -his chum was sitting. - -"Here's my hand on it; and I say, Budd, you are a brick," was his rather -ambiguous but expressive answer. - -Budd had caught something of his companion's enthusiasm, and with -intense eagerness he continued: - -"Now as to our plan of operations. In this you must be the chief -adviser." - -"Thirty-five dollars in money as a basis," said Judd, slowly. "If we -only had a hundred, I would say invest in a fish-pound. As it is, we -will have to content ourselves with smaller operations at first. A -gill-net would work nicely over in 'the narrows' at the south of 'The -Hummocks,' and would cost about eight dollars. We must have that." - -"How do you work it?" inquired Budd. - -"It has large meshes, and you can stretch it right across 'the narrows,' -fastening it to stakes on either side so as to keep it upright. The -leads on the lower edge keep that down to the bottom. We will set it at -night just at the turning of the tide to go out: then whatever fish are -up the cove will come down against it, and more or less of them will get -their heads through the meshes and be caught. Six hours after, the tide -will turn, and all fish going into the cove will come up against the -opposite side, and some of them will be caught. In the morning we will -pull it, and leave it up until the next night. We ought to get as many -fish that way as we can with our hooks--perhaps more; and thus we will -have a double quantity to dispose of," exclaimed Judd. - -"Good!" exclaimed his comrade. "What next?" - -"We must put in some lobster-pots also; but those we can make, and two -dollars will buy all the necessary lumber. That will take ten dollars, -and leave us twenty-five. With that we must buy the sloop Sea Witch, -and then we can take out sailing or fishing-parties in good shape, as -well as make the wind do a large part of our work for us. It will save -lots of time and labor, as well as add to our revenue." - -"It can't be much of a boat for that money," remarked Budd. - -"You wouldn't say so, if you had seen her," declared Judd. "She is -eighteen feet long, has a small cabin, is rigged with sail and jib, and -cost just seventy-five dollars last summer. She belongs to a rich man -who spent the summer here a year ago. He had her built for his son, who -knew no more about a boat than a two-year-old child. He capsized her -one day, and nearly lost his life, and now she is for sale. Nothing is -the matter with her, except she carries too much canvas. Cut off a foot -of her mast, trim down her sail and jib, ballast her a little more -heavily, and I'll warrant her to outsail anything of her length about -here, and to be a good boat in a heavy sea also. I've examined her a -dozen times, and talked with the man that made her. He'll tell you that -it's just as I say. Of course her misfortune has prejudiced people -against her, and that is why she can be bought so low. Once get her -fixed, and we can sail her under a reef until we have earned the money -to pay for the alterations. I wouldn't take a dollar less for her than -she originally cost." - -"All right! I'm ready to accept your judgment, and we certainly will be -equipped better than I expected," remarked Budd. - -"Then we must advertise our new firm and business by posters and in the -local paper. I guess the printer will do the work for us and take his -pay in trade, for I've sold him fish several times," went on Judd. - -"Yes, we must do that," admitted his partner; "and we'll draw up our -advertisement to-night. In the morning you can set me over onto 'The -Hummocks,' and I will go up to Mr. Wright's, and consult with him about -the hiring of the island and get my things. I'll join you in the -village, where you can await my coming; and if we are successful in -getting the island, we will make the other purchases, and by night be in -readiness to begin moving your goods over here. By Monday next we can -be all equipped for business." - -"Let us keep together through all the arrangements," suggested Judd. - -"Very well," consented Budd; and they returned to the house for the -night. - -Early the next morning the young partners set out upon the various -business enterprises necessary to complete their arrangements. Mr. -Wright willingly went with them to see the owners of the island, and -they secured it at a rental of two dollars per month, and took a written -lease to that effect. The sailboat, lumber and gill-net were purchased -in rapid succession, and the matter of advertising placed in the -printer's hands. The next day the household articles were removed from -the shanty to the island and arranged in the house. Only the three -rooms on the ground floor were needed by the lads, and were settled as -kitchen, sitting-room and bedroom. That day, also, posters were -scattered about the village, and an advertisement appeared in the -columns of the village weekly, as follows: - - - NEW FIRM! NEW FIRM! - - BOYD & FLOYD. - - -We, the undersigned, would announce to the citizens of this community -that we have this day formed a partnership, to be known as Boyd & Floyd. -Our headquarters will be at Fox Island, which we have rented of the -owners. We shall have fish, oysters, clams, lobsters and scallops for -sale, each in their season. On Tuesdays and Fridays of each week we -shall be in the surrounding villages, ready to fill all orders in our -line. On the other days of the week all orders dropped in the village -post-office, Box 118, will secure prompt attention. Hotels and -boarding-houses will be supplied at wholesale rates. Sailing or -fishing-parties will be taken out in our sloop Sea Witch at reasonable -prices. This boat is to be remodeled, and made sea-worthy in every -respect. By honest dealing, fair charges, and prompt attention, we hope -to secure our share of your patronage. - - -BUDD BOYD. -JUDD FLOYD. - -Fox Island, May 20, 18--. - - -It was late on Saturday evening when the lads got back to the island -after carrying around their posters. They were very tired from their -long tramp of the day and the other work their plans had necessitated; -but they were contented, for they felt that their firm was now fully -organized and launched out upon the world. - - - - -CHAPTER VII.--BUSINESS BOOMS. - - -The cry, "Wake up, Budd! All hands ahoy!" greeted Budd's ears early -Monday morning. He opened his eyes at the command. - -The sun had not yet risen. The faint light of early dawn was coming in -through the last window of the room. Judd was out of bed and busily -dressing, and he it was who had given the call. The next moment Budd -was beside him, and they chatted away like magpies as they completed -their dressing. The whole outline for the day's work was soon laid out. - -"It will be low tide at nine o'clock, and we must have breakfast eaten -and be on our clamming-grounds at least two hours before that," Judd -said, by way of beginning the conversation. - -"And where is it you said we would go?" Budd responded. - -"Down the bay to the upper end of Plum Beach Point," was the answer. -"There hasn't been much digging there this season, and we ought to find -clams plenty and of good size. We'll dig there until the turn of the -tide; then we'll go across the bay, under the lee of Conanicut, where -there is a sunken ledge, off which, if I'm not much mistaken, I'll show -you as good fishing as you ever enjoyed." - -"What'll we be likely to catch?" Budd then inquired, just as they both -entered the kitchen and began preparations for breakfast. - -"Rock-bass, tautog, and the everywhere-present and forever-biting -sea-perch," Judd laughingly answered. - -"What about the gill-net?" - -"Oh, we'll put that in just at night, and get another run of fish -entirely different. Scup, butterfish, and succoteague, or weak-fish, -will probably be the principal kinds we shall haul then. That will give -us quite a variety for our sale to-morrow," explained Judd. - -Breakfast was eaten, a lunch packed, and lines, baskets and hoes stowed -on board the sloop by sunrise. In fact the golden orb peeped above -Conanicut, and sent a dazzling gleam down across the dancing waters, -just as the lads weighed anchor, hoisted the sails, and with a gentle -breeze from the northwest started down the bay. A half-hour later they -had run within fifty yards of Plum Beach Point, where they anchored. -Putting baskets and hoes in the yawl, which was in tow, they cast off -the painter and rowed ashore. The tide was well out. Under the click -of the hoes the clams sent up their tiny spouts of water, revealing -their hiding-places; and, throwing off their coats, the boys were soon -at work. - -For over two hours they toiled without interruption; then Judd, who had -been watching the waves for an instant, cried out: - -"Hold up, Budd! The tide has turned, and we must be off for our -fishing-grounds. First, however, we will wash and sort over these -bivalves--the large and sound ones for the trade, the small and broken -ones for bait. Here goes!" - -Suiting the action to the word, he emptied his basket in a shallow pool -close beside him. - -Budd followed his example, and with many an exclamation of delight at -the quantity they had obtained, the lads soon completed this work, and -entering the yawl pulled back to the sloop. Ten minutes later she was -tacking across the bay for the fishing-grounds, known as "Hazard's -pork-barrel." - -Budd soon found that his comrade had not over-estimated the piscatorial -possibilities of the place. Scarcely were their baited hooks cast into -the briny deep when the fish began to bite with a steadiness and greed -that would have delighted the most ambitious angler. For three hours -this continued, then suddenly all the biting ceased. - -"Our luck is over for to-day," Judd announced, pulling in his lines. -"We may as well weigh anchor and start for home." - -"We have done well, anyway," Budd said, with a touch of pride, as he -gazed at the fish they had caught. - -"We needn't be ashamed of the morning's work," put in his partner, -laconically. "We'll find a great many mornings when we won't do as -well." - -The fish had been thrown, as they were caught, into a sort of "well" -that Judd had arranged in the bow of the sloop for them, and the boys -did not overhaul them until they had reached the island. Here, however, -they were sorted and put into "cars" that were anchored just off the -wharf. - -"Twenty tautog, a dozen rock-bass and three dozen sea-perch make quite a -showing," commented Budd as the sorting was finished. "Do you suppose -we will sell all of them?" - -"Not any of the sea-perch," replied Judd. "Some of those we must eat -ourselves. There are several ways to cook them, and you won't find them -bad eating. We shall want the rest of them as bait for our -lobster-pots. All the other fish will sell, however, without trouble." - -The lads had eaten their luncheon while sailing homeward, but their -appetites were only partially appeased, and so they immediately set -about preparing what they called their "chief" meal. The fire was -kindled, and a large kettle partly filled with water fresh from the well -was put over it. Then a dozen of the larger perch were dressed, cut -into small pieces, and put into the kettle just as the water reached a -boiling-point; some potatoes, nicely peeled and sliced, were now added; -and salt, pepper, a few slices of salt pork, and an onion or two, for -seasoning, followed, and soon the delightful aroma of a fish-chowder -began to fill the kitchen. While that was cooking the table was set, -the johnny-cake baked, and the coffee made. In a little over an hour -after landing the boys had everything in readiness, and sat down to a -dinner that, as they expressed it, was "fit for a king." Good appetites -made it indeed a royal feast, and scarcely a vestige of the chowder -remained when the lads rose from the table. - -An hour or two of rest followed the clearing of the table, but just -about six o'clock the partners put the gill-net into the yawl and pulled -over to "the narrows," at the south of "The Hummocks." Before dark the -net was stretched into place, made secure to stout stakes, and the boys -were ready to return home. - -"The tide is nearly out now," remarked Judd as they were leaving, "and -so our best catch to-night will be on the incoming tide. To get the -full advantage of this place, we want first an outgoing, then an -incoming tide upon the net; but of course we have got to run our chances -on that." - -When back at the island, the day's work for the lads was by no means -done. During the evening the kitchen was turned into a workshop, and -with an old lobster-pot for a pattern, the partners began the -manufacture of their new ones. Four of these were completely finished -before they went to bed, and Judd expressed his satisfaction in the -words: - -"Four pots already done; and if, to-morrow night, we can finish four -more, we shall have eight to put in on Wednesday morning, which will -doubtless furnish us with some lobsters for our Friday trade." - -At the pulling of the gill-net the next morning there was not as large a -catch as the boys had hoped for; still what fish they did get were of -good size and of the very best quality. There were six succoteague, -weighing from two to four pounds each, one blue-fish, four scup and a -striped bass. - -Returning to the island for their other fish and the clams, the lads' -plans for the day were speedily arranged. Budd was to take the yawl and -a minor part of the stock in trade, and landing at "The Hummocks," was -to secure, if possible, a horse and wagon of the nearest farmer, and -peddle through the manufacturing villages in the western part of the -county, while Judd was to take the larger part of the stock into the -sloop and go up to the large town, a mile and a half up the bay. Each -lad had provided himself with a note-book to take orders for their -Friday trade; and wishing each other the best of success, they went -their different ways. - -Judd was the first to return to the island, arriving there about two -o'clock with nearly all of his stock disposed of, and three dollars and -twenty cents in cash in his pocket. Budd arrived an hour later, having -sold everything he had carried, but had only two dollars and ten cents -to show for his sales, as he had paid the farmer a dollar for the use of -his horse and wagon. - -Five dollars and a half was not, however, a bad showing for their first -day's sale; and greatly encouraged by the outlook, the boys discussed -further plans for the increase of their business. - -The rest of the week was given to hard work. In no sense could it be -said the lads were idle. Neither one thought of making their -undertaking a mere pleasure; it was their _business_, and as such must -have their best thought and their hardest labor. They took pride not -only in success, but it must be the very best success they could -possibly achieve. - -The eight lobster-pots were put down Wednesday morning just off -Thurston's Rocks, three miles down the bay. Each night saw a few more -made, and each day a few more put down, until there was a string of the -tiny buoys marking their whereabouts for two miles along the coast. -Fish were angled for and clams were dug; and when one place failed -others were visited, until the due quota of each had been secured. The -gill-net was hauled and reset with all the regularity of the rising and -setting sun. On Friday morning the persistent efforts of the lads had -been fairly rewarded, and with double the amount of stock they had had -on the previous Tuesday they set out, each to go his chosen route. But -the demand equaled the supply, and both boys returned to the island -without fish or bivalve. - -The firm had agreed that Saturday should be their home day--the day they -repaired their net, and traps, and pots, overhauled and fixed their -boats, and attended to such other work as was necessary to keep their -island and house in thorough order. On that night, too, they were to -cast up accounts for each week, and find their financial standing. - -The partners sat in their little sitting-room when this first casting -was made and the result of the week announced: - -"Twelve dollars and fifty-two cents above all expenses," declared Budd, -who had been appointed the book-keeper for the firm. - -"Not a bad amount for our first week," said Judd. Then with a quizzical -look he asked, "Do you want to go back to Benton's, chum?" - -"No, I guess not," replied Budd with a smile; "but haven't we enough -cash on hand now to have the alterations made in the sloop?" - -"Yes, I think so," replied his partner; "and if you are agreed, we'll -take her down to Saunderstown, Monday morning, and leave her there for -the alterations. We ought to get her again by Wednesday or Thursday, -and can spare her better the fore part of the week than the last." - -"All right," consented Judd. - -It would be altogether too long a story, however interesting it might -be, to follow the lads in their work day by day. Not every day was a -fortunate one; nor did they always sell their stock completely out. -Still, as June came in there began to be some demand for the sloop for -fishing or sailing-parties, and this helped out the revenue. There also -came occasionally an unusual haul of fish, which added no small sum of -money to their treasury. - -For instance, one June morning the lads were running down the bay to -visit their lobster-pots. All at once Budd, who was forward, called out: - -"Judd, look at this school of fish!" - -The lad addressed glanced in the direction his companion had pointed, -and the next moment had altered the course of the sloop and was running -directly for the school. When within a few rods of it he exclaimed: - -"It is as I thought; they are mackerel, and we are in luck. Get out our -lines, take off the sinkers, and tie on some bits of white rag as quick -as you can." - -In wonder, Budd obeyed the directions. Meantime Judd had brought the -sloop directly into the head of the school, and put up her helm and -lashed it. - -"Now throw over your lines, and pull in as fast as possible," were -Judd's orders. - -What sport followed! Up and down through that school, and it was an -immense one, the sloop went, the lines trolling behind. In and out were -the lines drawn and thrown until the boys' arms ached, and their backs -felt like breaking. Larger and larger grew the pile of great mackerel -on the bottom of the sloop, until the lads could literally fish no -longer. - -"Enough!" Budd cried. "I'm satisfied. Let us quit." - -His comrade was not loath to follow his suggestion. A counting revealed -the astonishing fact that over three hundred mackerel had been caught, -and they were sold that afternoon in the city of Newport, where the lads -carried them, for twenty-five dollars. - -But just about the time the summer hotels were opening a circumstance -happened that put the young partners in a position to do a larger work -than even their ambitions had anticipated. - -A few days after the surprising capture of mackerel the lads had taken a -fishing-party down to Beaver Tail. On the return, late in the -afternoon, and just as the sloop passed Dutch Island, Budd called his -chum's attention to another sloop just ahead of them that had suddenly -luffed up into the wind and nearly capsized. A moment later she fell -off before the wind, her sail flapped loosely at the mast, and then it -was seen that the man at the tiller had disappeared. - -"Has the man fallen overboard?" was Budd's startling question. - -"No," replied Judd, putting up his helm and running down toward the -other sloop. "That is Ben Taylor's boat, and he is subject to fits. He -has fallen into one, and that has let the vessel fall off before the -wind." - -A few minutes later the Sea Witch ran alongside of the drifting sloop; -and, as Judd had said, her owner was lying in her bottom, unconscious. -After a little consultation, Budd and one of the fishing-party boarded -the craft, and carrying the man into the cabin and laying him in a -berth, they put the boat before the wind and followed the Sea Witch up -the bay to Wickford, where the unfortunate man belonged. - -He was then taken to his home and a doctor summoned, who pronounced the -man alive, and under skillfully-applied restoratives he soon began to -recover. Budd waited just long enough to know the man was out of -danger; then he joined Judd at the wharf, and together they sailed off -to their island home. - -Three or four mornings later they were surprised by a visit from Mr. -Taylor himself. After thanking the lads for the part they had taken in -his rescue, he said: - -"The doctor tells me I'm liable to have these turns almost any time, and -with recurring frequency. That makes my wife opposed to my going on the -water any longer, and I've come over to see if you lads won't take my -business." - -The boys knew he was the owner of three fish-pounds at various points on -the bay, and with some eagerness they asked him his terms. - -"Well," he said slowly, "I thought if you were willing to take my pounds -off my hands, and the contract I have with city parties for the fish, -I'd give you two-thirds of the net profits. The other third ought to be -a fair percentage on the money I have invested. Then if you chaps -should want to buy the pounds right out, you shall have them for what -they cost me." - -It was altogether too good an opportunity to let pass, and the boys -promptly accepted the offer. - -They still kept the home trade they had built up, but shipped to city -parties all the fish they had exceeding the home demand, and thus found -themselves in the possession of a weekly income that they had scarcely -dreamed of. It was very plain that unless some unforeseen circumstance -came in to prevent, their business had taken a boom that would insure -them a most successful season. - - - - -CHAPTER VIII.--THE LOST OX-CART. - - -It is Saturday, the seventeenth of June, and therefore just four weeks -since the new firm was fairly organized. The partners still use this -day of the week for their special home duties. Let us, then, cross over -to the island, take a peep at them, and see how they prosper. - -As our visit is through the mind only, we will go to the house first. -The windows and doors are open, and the balmy air of the early summer is -circulating through the rooms with its life-giving and purifying powers. -This suggests that the lads cannot be far away, though we do not find -them within the building. They will not, however, object to our -_mental_ inspection of the premises, and therefore we may safely enter. - -This room is the kitchen, reaching across the whole width of the house, -and occupying what may be termed the west end of the structure. We -notice that the carpetless floor is still damp, where it has been -scrubbed to snowy whiteness; the stove shines with its glossy blackness; -pots, kettles, dishes, chairs and table are all in place, and an air of -exquisite neatness pervades the room. - -Passing to our right we enter the sitting-room, not so large as the -kitchen, and occupying the southeast corner of the house. There is a -carpet on the floor--the only one Judd's mother possessed. A small -table stands in the center of the room, and on it rests a lamp, a paper -or two, and some books. A few cane-seated chairs, an old-fashioned and -roomy lounge, and curtains at the two windows, complete the furnishings. - -Back of the sitting-room is the bedroom, just large enough to contain -the bedstead, the washstand, the bureau and two chairs. One thing, -however, attracts our special attention. The bed is not a mere -collection of blankets, thrown together and never disturbed. On the -contrary, it would rival the thriftiest housewife's for its plump -feather-bed, its white sheets and pillow-cases, and the neatness with -which it is made. All the rooms, in fact, have by their neat appearance -disclosed to us what we have already suspected--the lads have here _a -home_, and not a mere abiding-place. - -As we leave the house by the kitchen door we find just at the western -end of the building a huge pile of stove-wood; and north of this, -between the house and well, a small garden-patch, already green with its -vegetables. Judd had begun this before Budd came; then it was enlarged -somewhat, and now promises to be an important item toward their support. - -Trusting the reader is not tired with this lengthy description, and -assuring him it is really necessary for the better understanding of the -chapters that are immediately to follow, we will go on with our story. - -Taking the well-beaten path running west from the kitchen door we are -soon at the wharf, where we find the young partners busily at work. -Judd is repairing one of their pound-nets, which he has spread out upon -the grass just back of the dock. The hole is a large one, for a ten-foot -shark went through the pound the morning before, letting out no one -knows how many fish, and compelling the lads to take up the net for -extensive repairs; but they know this is a circumstance they must -occasionally look for, and Judd's cheery whistle, as he works, shows -that he has met with no special discouragement in the mishap. - -Budd is on board the sloop, which is anchored a little north of the -wharf and within its shelter, scrubbing down her deck. Before a great -while he finishes, and jumping into the yawl, sculls it rapidly to the -shore. As he passes the outer end of the dock he pauses a moment and -bends down to look underneath it. Then he brings the boat up into the -opening, and catching hold of the top planking calls out: - -"I say, Judd, I'm going under here to take a look at the cart-bed. I -meant before this time to have taken it across to 'The Hummocks,' where -Mr. Benton could get it. Perhaps I can do it to-day." - -"Hold on a few minutes," responded Judd, looking over to where his -partner was, "and I'll go with you. You'll need help, and a lantern -also. Go to the house and get that, and a stout rope; by that time I'll -be through here." - -Budd secured the yawl and went on to the house. Meantime Judd's needle -flew swiftly in and out, and when his chum arrived with the necessary -articles the last stitch in the seine had been taken. - -Entering the boat, the lads pushed slowly in under the wharf, and soon -came to the cart-bed which had brought Budd so providentially over to -the island. It had been partly filled with sand by the tides, and was -covered with a green slime; but the boys were dressed for dirty work, -and soon got the unwieldy body in a condition to launch. Then hitching -the rope to it, they fastened the other end to the yawl and slowly rowed -out, dragging the cart-bed after them. - -They now took it on shore, and with sand and broom and water scoured it -until thoroughly clean; then they again fastened it to the yawl and -started for "The Hummocks." It was a long pull and a hard one, but at -length their task was accomplished, and the cart-body was safely landed -on the north hummock and dragged up above high-water mark. - -"There," said Budd, panting with his exertions; "I wish I could find the -under-gear, and then I could return the whole vehicle to its owner, safe -and sound." - -"Possibly we might find it if we searched for it," replied Judd, walking -down to the roadway between "The Hummocks" and where his comrade had -been swept off. Turning about, he looked off toward the island. -"There," he said, with a wave of his hand--"a straight line from here -touches the open end of the dock. Along that line somewhere you were -thrown into the cart-bed, probably as it came to the surface; and -beneath that spot, or somewhere near it, lies the wheels. How far off -shore were you when that happened?" - -"I can't tell," answered Budd. "It seemed to me a terrible long -distance, and yet it may not have been. If we only had a water-glass we -might row over to the island from this point, examining the bottom of -the bay the whole distance." - -"What is a water-glass?" asked his chum, with interest. - -"I think I can make one," replied Budd, with energy. "You want a board -tube about eighteen inches deep, with a glass set in at one end. You -then put your face at the other and put the glass end a little beneath -the surface, and the bottom of the sea for some distance around can be -seen." - -"We'll make one right away and try it," declared Judd, with enthusiasm. -"If it works well, we can use it for a good many purposes. There is an -eight-by-ten pane of glass over at the house. Is that large enough?" - -"I think so--come on," responded his companion; and the next moment the -yawl was on its way back to the island with a speed that fairly made the -water foam at its bow. - -It took but a half-hour to make the glass. Four boards of the requisite -length were nailed together, forming a tube of just the size to take in -the pane of glass at one end. A half-inch inside of this end a row of -tacks were driven nearly to their head; then the glass was carefully -dropped down until it rested upon them. Another row of tacks driven -just outside of the glass completed the arrangement for holding it in -place, and the instrument was finished. It now only remained to try it, -and Budd ran down to the yawl, followed by his chum. They pushed the -boat forty or fifty feet off shore, and put the water-glass to its test. -To their delight it proved a perfect success, and through it the tiniest -objects on the sea-bottom were clearly discernible. - -"We had better go over to the point where the cart was swept off into -the bay, to begin our search. Doubtless the under-gear is nearer that -shore than this," suggested Budd. - -His companion made no objection, and for the second time that morning -they crossed to "The Hummocks." - -Once opposite the road-bed, Judd took both oars and backed water slowly -toward the wharf on the island, while Budd sat in the stern of the yawl, -and with his head in the tube watched the bottom of the bay. - -Rod after rod was gone over, when Budd suddenly removed his head from -the tube with an exclamation of surprise. - -"I say, Judd, the bottom here is covered solid with scallops, and the -bed seems to extend as far as I can see in either direction." - -"Let me see," answered Judd, pulling in his oars and joining his -companion at the stern of the boat. - -Taking the glass, he examined the sea-bottom for some minutes intently. - -"It is as you say," he exclaimed, joyfully. "Let us see if we can find -the size of the bed. Row, if you will, to the south, while I watch." - -Budd good-naturedly took the oars and pulled in the direction indicated. -He had gone about fifty feet when Judd motioned him to stop. - -"The bed ends here," he explained, removing his head from the glass. -"Now row slowly east." - -Budd did as directed for ten or twelve rods; then Judd again motioned -him to stop. - -"That is the width of the bed," he explained. "Now row north." - -Again the boat shot in that direction, and for a long distance, until -Judd shouted: - -"Hurrah!" - -"What is it?" asked Budd, excitedly. - -"That ends the bed; and did you ever see such a one before? It must be -all of two hundred feet in width and four or five hundred in length, and -that means bushels of scallops and many a dollar for us when the law is -off in September." - -Budd needed no further explanation from his partner. He had heard him -say again and again that they must keep a sharp lookout for the beds of -these valuable bivalves, and here was a tremendous one right almost at -their island. He, too, joined in his companion's hurrah. - -"I guess the glass has paid for its construction already," he commented, -joining his chum at the stern. - -Almost unconsciously he took the glass and looked through it. The yawl -had drifted a little to the right of the place where Judd had given his -hurrah, and was almost directly in line of the island's wharf. Budd -looked but an instant, then he sprung to his feet and swung his hat. - -"Judd," was his astonishing declaration, "those cart-wheels are just -below us, and at the very north-east corner of the scallop-bed. The -sea-bottom goes off suddenly, and the wheels are down the bank, and the -tongue is almost upright in the water!" - -"You don't say so!" cried Judd, no less elated than his comrade. Then -suddenly he added: "That explains, too, chum, how the cart-bed was -thrown off, and it must have been somewhere near here you were tossed -within it." - -"Yes," assented Budd; "but how are we going to get the gear on shore?" - -"Let me take a look at it," said Judd. - -It took a moment or two to locate the under-gear, and then Judd examined -the sea-bottom carefully. He finally arose from the examination with the -air of one who had come to a decision. - -"Give me that rope," he said. - -Budd handed him the rope that had been used to drag the cart-bed over to -"The Hummocks." - -Making a running-noose in one end, Judd lowered it into the water, at -the same time directing Budd to hold the yawl steady. Again and again -he seemed to get his rope in the position he desired, but it slipped -away. Finally he gave a quick jerk, and then a cry of exultation. - -"My noose has caught over the tongue and back of the iron clevis, and no -power can pull it away. Let us see now if we can start the wheels." - -He fastened the rope at the stern of the yawl and took one oar. Budd -took the other, and together they pulled with all their strength; but -the wheels did not move. After several fruitless attempts to start the -ponderous under-gear the lads gave it up, and looked around for some -other way of accomplishing their purpose. - -"If it was not so far off shore," remarked Budd, "we could run our rope -in there and hitch a pair of oxen to it, and then I guess the wheels -would have to come." - -"What the oxen can't do our sloop can," said Judd with animation. - -"What is that?" asked Budd. - -"Furnish us with power," was the reply. "See--the wind is rising. By -afternoon we will have a strong breeze from the southwest. We'll come -down here with the sloop, make fast, and take our first tack to the -northeast; that will haul the wheels out from the sand in which they are -imbedded. Then we'll make a tack due west and run the wheels just as -near inshore as we can with the sloop; after that we can use the yawl to -finish the work." - -A piece of board that lay in the bottom of the yawl was fastened as a -buoy to the rope, and then the lads returned to the island, to wait -until the rising wind had reached a sufficient velocity to warrant their -undertaking. - -It was not far from three o'clock that afternoon when they boarded the -sloop and ran down to their improvised buoy. Another rope was fastened -to that which had already been attached to the cart-tongue, and this, -after its other end had been made secure to the stern of the sloop, was -coiled in such a way that it would easily pay out as the boat ran off -before the stiff breeze. - -As soon as all was in readiness the head of the Sea Witch was brought -round before the wind and her full sails spread. Away she went like an -arrow, and the rope uncoiled with a swiftness that made the lads brace -themselves for the shock they knew would immediately come. But it was -not so much of a shock as they had anticipated. The rope suddenly -stiffened, there was a quick jerk, and then the sloop kept on her -course, her speed somewhat diminished by the load she was evidently -towing behind her. - -"We have started them," the boys cried simultaneously; and then Judd, -who was at the helm, brought the sloop around on her downward tack. - -With no apparent difficulty the Sea Witch dragged her load, and skirting -the shore, she was run down until nearly opposite the smaller hummock. -Then she was anchored, and with the yawl the lads completed the work of -landing the under-gear. Then they dragged the wheels up to the -cart-bed, and the long-separated parts were once more united. - -"Now," said Budd, as he gazed at the restored vehicle, "I believe I will -go up to the next farm and get a yoke of oxen, and surprise Mr. Benton -by bringing it home. That will end the business, and I shall have a -great load off my mind." - -"While you go up for the oxen, I'll take the sloop back to the island -and return in the yawl," said Judd. "I want to go with you and hear -what the old man will say." - -Budd got the oxen and yoked them to the tongue. The iron pin that he had -so hastily pulled out at the time he had been swept away was gone, and -he was obliged to make a wooden one before he could secure the yoke. He -had barely got it done when Judd returned, and they drove off for Mr. -Benton's. - -They found him at home, on their arrival, and he came quickly out to see -his long-lost cart. The rays of the sun had nearly dried its exterior, -and it scarcely looked the worse for its hard usage. Over and over the -man examined the vehicle, but said not a word until Budd took off the -oxen. Then his eye caught sight of the wooden tongue pin, and he asked, -sharply: - -"Where's the iron pin that was in there when you lost the cart?" - -"On the sea-bottom, I suppose," answered Budd. "You didn't expect me to -hang on to it, did you?" - -"No," said the man, slowly, "but I should 'a' thought ye'd 'a' got me -another." - -"How much will one cost?" asked Budd, in disgust. - -"As much as a quarter," replied Mr. Benton. - -"Here it is," said Budd, handing that amount to him, "and I hope you are -now satisfied?" - -"Yes, unless"--rather hesitatingly--"unless ye've a mind to pay me fer -the time it has been gone." - -"I won't pay you a single cent for it! I haven't used your cart!" -responded Budd, out of all patience. - -The lads then turned and left the man, who had in no way thanked them -for restoring his cart, nor seemed to appreciate the toil they had -undergone for its restoration. - -It was night before the boys had returned the borrowed oxen to their -owner, paid for their use, and reached their boat. Almost out of -patience with themselves for having neglected some of their own work to -render a favor to an ungrateful man, they embarked and rowed rapidly for -the island. Reaching the wharf a few minutes later, they secured the -boat and started for the house. Suddenly Judd caught his companion's -arm, saying: - -"What light is that?" - -Only a few rods off shore, and coming directly for the island, was a -light. Soon it was near enough for the lads to distinguish, even in the -darkness, a boat containing three men, one of whom was in the bow, and -held a lighted lantern in his hand. As the boat reached the shore they -heard this man distinctly saying: - -"This is the island, and the house is a few rods in that direction. -We'll find a good shelter for the night, and may perhaps find it worth -our while to keep quietly here for some time." - -Budd drew his chum back into the shadow of an adjacent tree and -whispered: - -"Let us find out who they are before me make ourselves known." - -Then the two lads crept carefully along the western shore of the island -until opposite the house; then they crossed their garden-patch and -concealed themselves behind the huge wood-pile, waiting for the -new-comers to approach, and wondering what purpose had brought them to -the island. - - - - -CHAPTER IX.--THE THREE INTRUDERS. - - -The lads did not have long to wait. Scarcely had they recovered breath -from their rapid running when the three intruders appeared. The one in -advance carried the lantern, and all carried gripsacks. - -"They have come to stay," whispered Budd. - -Then he asked, softly: - -"Are the doors locked, Judd?" - -"Yes, and windows fastened," was the answer, given in the same low -whisper. "I fortunately attended to that when I came over with the -sloop." - -The men reached the house and tried the kitchen door, but it withstood -their most vigorous blows. - -"I don't understand this," remarked the man with the lantern. "You -could get in easily enough when I was over here early in the spring." - -"Perhaps some one is living here now," suggested one of his companions, -cautiously. "There is a wood-pile just beyond the corner." - -"So there is," assented the first speaker, holding up his lantern so -that its rays fell on the heap; "but if there is anyone here, I should -have thought our knocking would have aroused him." - -"It may be some fisherman who has not yet come home," remarked the third -man. - -"We'll try a window," said the leader; and he stepped to the one just at -the left of the door. - -"It is also fastened," he added, after trying it, "but it is with a -stick just above it. Tom, hand me your cutter, and I'll take out a -glass and remove the stick." - -The man addressed opened his gripsack. For a moment the listening lads -heard the ring of metallic tools striking together; then the searcher -seemed to find what he wanted, and handed his companion the instrument -he had asked for. - -There was now heard for an instant a sharp scratching sound, followed by -a jingle of glass, and then the window was raised up. - -"We can get in now," remarked the one who had opened the window; and -tossing in his gripsack, he sprung in after it, followed by his -companions. - -Budd and his partner rose and crept under the window, listening eagerly -yet apprehensively for the next words the men should speak, for they now -suspected the character of their visitors, and knew it would go hard -with them if they were discovered. - -"Some one does live here, boys, sure enough. These things weren't here -at all a few months ago," said the leader, a moment later. - -"Well, whoever they are, evidently they are not here just now, and we'll -look around. Perhaps we'll find something worth taking, even if we have -to leave," said the man who had been called Tom. - -As his voice reached the listening boys, Budd caught Judd's arm -convulsively. - -"I believe I know that man," he whispered into his astonished comrade's -ear. - -"All right," was the response of the other men to Tom's suggestion, and -they passed on into the sitting-room. - -Budd nudged his chum, crept around to the east end of the house, and -stood up by the sitting room window. The curtain was lowered, but not -quite far enough to reach the sill, and through this narrow opening he -gave a quick look at the three men. Then he pulled Judd, who had -followed him, back into the shadow of the building and said, hoarsely: - -"It is as I thought. The man they call Tom is Thomas H. Bagsley, who -worked in the same office with my father for several years, and he is as -big a rascal as there is outside of prison-walls. If I only had him in -my power I'd wring a confession out of him that would change my whole -future life;" and there was a bitterness in the lad's words that was -akin to hatred. - -As though to substantiate Budd's declaration, a singular thing happened -within the house. There came a sharp exclamation that led the boys to -again look through the window into the room. The man called Tom stood -by the center-table, with Budd's Bible open in his hand, staring at the -fly-leaf, and it was he from whom the exclamation had come. - -"What's the matter?" asked his companions. - -"I want you to read that name," he said savagely to them; and looking -over his shoulder they read: - -"Budd Boyd. From his mother, Mary Boyd." - -"Well, what of it?" asked one of the men. - -"He's the son of Henry Boyd," answered Tom, shrilly. "I knew he'd left -Boston, but didn't suppose he had come down this way. We'd better leave -before he gets his eyes on me." - -"Why?" asked the same man who had spoken before. - -"Because," answered the leader of the trio, "Tom played a little trick -that sent the father to prison, where he is to-day, and he is afraid the -son will take revenge on him should he catch sight of him." - -Tom swore a fearful oath. - -"Not if I know myself," he replied, fiercely. "Let me see the son, and -I'll serve him worse than the father. All I fear is he may see me and -recognize me; then the little job we contemplate will have to be given -over. He'd set the authorities to watching us, and the sooner we got -out the neighborhood the better." - -"Hadn't we better keep watch here till the lad returns, and then drop -him off the island?" suggested the leader, coolly. - -"Yes, if we were sure he was alone," answered Tom, readily. "But I -don't believe he is. Likely as not there is a family living here, and -they may have gone over to one of the villages for something, and when -the moon is up will return. Before that time we must be gone." - -"Well, perhaps you are right," the leader answered. "We can row over to -Hope Island and make a stay there over Sunday, or until we have formed -our plans. I believe there is no one there as yet." - -"That is old Johnson's summer residence, isn't it?" asked Tom. - -"Yes. Are you afraid of him, too?" - -"No more than I am of the boy. In fact, I'd like to ransack the house -over there, if the way is clear to do so." - -"All right; we'll go over there pretty soon, then. But let us first see -what there is for us here. Jed had better run down by the boat, -however, and keep watch, while you and I pick up the things." - -Jed departed, at his leader's suggestion, and the two lads deemed it -wise for them to keep out of his way, and so worked cautiously back to -the west side of the island, where they could embark upon their boat at -the first evidence of their being discovered by the intruders. - -As they sat down near the wharf Judd said, in low tones: - -"I wish we had some way to scare those fellows off before they make a -very extended search of the house. I'm afraid they may find our money." - -Before Budd could answer there was a sound of steps coming down the path -toward the wharf. It was evidently one of the robbers, but he came only -a short distance. - -"Jed! Jed!" he called in low but distinct tones. "We have found just -the jolliest supper! Come on up and help us eat it." - -Jed, who was down by his boat, immediately joined the speaker, and the -two went hurriedly back to the house. - -"I wish we had something to eat, too," commented Judd, as the two men -disappeared. "I confess, after working as we did this afternoon, I'm -hungry." - -"We'll have something in a few minutes, and those fellows will leave the -house a good deal quicker than they got into it--see if they don't," -answered Budd. "You just stay right here a few minutes;" and then he -ran down the wharf, jumped into the yawl, and sculled quietly over to -the sloop. - -It was not over five minutes before he returned with an old gun, that -had belonged to Judd's father, and which the boys kept on the sloop, -having an occasional use for it, as they went about the bay, to shoot -sea-fowl with, or the more voracious denizens of the sea. - -"Come on!" he said to Judd; and again the boys approached the house. - -Taking their station once more behind the wood-pile, Budd called out, in -stern tones: - -"Hello, Judd! There is some one in the house! Hurry up with the gun!" - -A great commotion in the house instantly followed his words. The -robbers evidently were at the kitchen-table eating when he cried out, -and each grabbing up his gripsack, sprung for the window. As they -tumbled, one over the other, out onto the ground, Budd raised the gun -and fired one barrel into the air. - -Not a sound save that of running followed the report, and it was -apparent that the intruders were making the best time possible for their -boat. The two boys followed them to the shore, and Budd again fired -into the air as the light craft swiftly disappeared in the -darkness--not, however, until there had been two or three quick flashes -from the boat, followed by sharp reports, and some pistol-balls had -whistled harmlessly above the lads' heads. - -Hurrying back to the house, the boys made a careful examination of their -rooms. In the bedroom and sitting-room nothing had been disturbed; and -in the kitchen the broken window, the lighted lantern, and the -partially-eaten food upon the table, were the only evidences of the -robbers' visit. - -Somewhat excited, and very watchful lest the intruders should return, -the boys ate their long-delayed supper, and then entered the -sitting-room. Budd sat down by the center-table and took up the Bible -that had caused the robber Tom so much surprise. His face flushed -greatly, and he seemed deeply moved by the emotions with which he was -struggling. At length he said: - -"Judd, you heard enough from Thomas Bagsley's lips to-night to prove he -was the man I had declared him to be. You also heard him allude to my -father. In justice to that father's memory, and also that you may know -who I am and how I came to be here, I will now tell you what I have -never before disclosed to a single person." - -With these words Budd began a story which explained the mystery that had -hung over him ever since he had appeared in that neighborhood, and -revealed the tremendous burden that was weighing down his young life. - - - - -CHAPTER X.--BUDD'S STORY. - - -Said he, "My father's name is Henry Boyd, and my mother's, Mary Boyd, -and my home until last March was in Boston, Mass. Father and mother had -been brought up in the western part of that State, and were married -there, but soon after my birth they removed to Boston, and father -entered the store of N. B. Johnson, the wholesale dry goods dealer on -Sumner Street." - -"He's the man who has spent the last summer or two on Hope Island," -interrupted Judd, "and the one Bagsley called old Johnson." - -"Yes," assented Budd; "though I did not know, until he alluded to it -to-night, that it was down this way that Mr. Johnson spent his summers. - -"To go on with my story, however. Father slowly worked his way up from -one position to another until he was Mr. Johnson's confidential clerk, -and held that position until last fall. Of course his salary was a -comfortable one, and we lived nicely out in the Roxbury suburbs. I was -kept constantly in school, and as I seemed interested in my studies -father determined that I should have a college education, and with that -aim in view I last September entered the Boston Latin School. - -"How little we know what is before us," continued Budd after a momentary -pause. "Had anyone then told me what I was to pass through in less than -a year I should have thought it simply impossible. In order to have you -understand what is to follow I must, however, go back a little in my -explanation. - -"When I was about twelve years old, mother began to show signs of a -decline. She had had a fever, and never fully recovered. Still, as she -was able to be around most of the time and direct our one servant in the -care of the house, I, at least, thought but little about it. Not so -with father, however. Always thoughtful of others rather than of -himself, he watched mother with an ever-increasing anxiety until a year -ago last spring. Mother then contracted a severe cold, and it was soon -only too apparent that she had entered the first stages of a quick -consumption. - -"All that summer she grew worse, and last October she was so feeble her -physician declared that the only hope of saving her life was to take her -immediately to a warmer climate for the winter. Father determined that -this should be done, but how he was to accomplish it he did not know. -Mother was too feeble to go without him and a woman attendant. The fall -drive at the store had begun, and father could not well be spared. -Then, too, there was the expense that would necessarily follow. This -was an important item; for though father had always had good pay, he -had, on account of his heavy expenses, saved scarcely anything. - -"Father spoke to Mr. Johnson about a leave of absence, and he -reluctantly consented that father should be gone long enough to take -mother to Florida and arrange for her comfort there. The woman who was -taking care of her consented to go and stay there with her; and much as -father and mother hated to be separated, this seemed the only thing that -could be done. Father had about two hundred dollars on hand, and deemed -this enough to meet the expenses of taking mother down to Deland, the -place where they had decided to go. He then intended to send mother -money each month, or as it should be needed. - -"So our house was given up. The goods were stored. A boarding-place -was secured for me, and on the first of the next week father and mother -were to start. I shall never forget that last evening we all spent -together," and Budd's voice grew husky. "It was at a friend's of the -family, where mother had been temporarily removed while the household -goods were being packed and stored. We were alone in mother's room, and -it almost seems as if mother knew she should never see me again, except -for the brief moment I should say good-by to her at the depot the -following morning. So she told me her last wishes, and gave me her -blessing. - -"While we sat there a knock came at the door, and mother's nurse -entered. - -"'Here, Mr. Boyd,' she said, 'is a letter for you. It has just been left -at the door.' - -"Father took it, and noticing the firm-name on the corner of the -envelope, tore it open with some misgiving. It proved, however, to be a -great cause for rejoicing to us all, and no one dreamed that it was -otherwise than authentic. Written on the regular firm note-paper, and -with the firm-heading, it ran: - - -BOSTON, Mass., Oct. 15, 18--. - -MR. HENRY BOYD: - -_Dear Sir_--Possibly my reluctance to allow you a leave of absence may -have led you to believe I do not sympathize with you in your wife's -illness; but as a proof that I do, and also as a token of my -appreciation of your long and faithful service, I inclose a check for -five hundred ($500) dollars. Trusting you will return to us at the -earliest possible moment, and that your wife's sojourn in a warmer -climate may completely restore her to health, - -I remain, yours truly, - N. B. JOHNSON. - - -"Now, father had seen more or less of Mr. Johnson's writing every day -for years, and the quaint, cramped penmanship of the letter, with the -familiar signature at the close, seemed identically those that were also -upon the check. That was the regular firm-check also, and the number -and perforation were in strict accordance with the firm-usages, and -therefore father, with a grateful heart, wrote a note of thanks, and -gave it to me to mail to Mr. Johnson as I went back to my -boarding-place. With joyful hearts, too--joyful in spite of mother's -feebleness--father and mother set out at an early hour the next morning -for the South. They had taken this unexpected generosity of Mr. Johnson -as a good omen, and neither had any suspicion that a cloud was gathering -above their heads that would soon mean death to one and an incarceration -in prison-walls for the other. - -"In New York father was known, and he thought it wiser to cash his check -there than wait until he got farther South; so the next morning he -delayed one train, and at the opening of the bank where he was -acquainted presented his check for payment. The money was handed him -without any hesitation, and two hours later he, with his little party, -had resumed the journey. - -"At Richmond, Charleston and Jacksonville they made brief stops, that -mother might rest, and it was not until the following week that they -arrived at their destination. Imagine, now, father's surprise, when he -registered at the hotel in Deland, to have an officer immediately step -forward and arrest him for forgery and theft. As soon as father -recovered his composure he demanded a full explanation of the outrage, -and at whose instigation the charges had been made. He was completely -overwhelmed when told that it was Mr. Johnson, and that he was charged -not only with the forging of the check, but also with taking a thousand -dollars in cash from the office safe. - -"Father sent for a lawyer and consulted with him, hoping to arrange the -affair in some way so that mother would have no knowledge of it, and -having arranged for her comfort, he would then return to Boston and face -the charges, sure that he could prove them false. But father was a -stranger. No one was ready to offer bail for him, and the officer -clamored for his immediate requisition. There seemed but one -alternative. Mother must be told, and father return immediately to -Boston. - -"When mother was told, the shock seemed to give her new strength, and -she declared she would not leave father while he was in trouble. The -whole party started on their return, therefore, with the officer. In -New York mother was taken with a hemorrhage, brought on, the doctors -said, by excitement and overdoing, and in six hours she was a corpse. - -"I saw the account of father's arrest in that morning's paper, and a few -hours later got a telegram from father announcing mother's death, and -that night met him at the depot and took charge of the corpse, while the -officer took father to jail. - -"The weeks that followed I cannot tell you of," continued Budd, after a -paroxysm of sobs. "Mother was buried, and father's trial came. Some -friends had rallied about him, good counsel was secured, and we hoped -confidently for his acquittal. Father told his story just as it was, -but Mr. Johnson declared he never either wrote the letter or sent the -check; and Bagsley, who had been an under-clerk in the office, and had -succeeded to father's position, produced bits of paper that he declared -he had found hid in the office, on which there had evidently been -constant practice to imitate the firm-name. This testimony, together -with the known facts that father needed the money, and was the only -clerk in the office that at that time had access to the safe and -check-book, convicted him. His story, and the drawing of the check and -the sending of it to the house, were declared to be simply plans on his -part to cover his crimes in mother's and his friends' eyes, and account -to them for the extra money he possessed, until he got safely out of the -State. The thousand dollars that had disappeared from the safe he was -supposed to have concealed. At the end, those who had claimed to be -friends deserted him, and Mr. Johnson was openly complimented on the -promptness with which he had acted. The Judge who presided at the trial -seemed to have caught the popular belief, for he, when pronouncing the -sentences, said: - -"'Had the prisoner confessed his guilt and thrown himself upon the mercy -of the Court, he might have received the Court's clemency, since they -were his first offenses. His obdurateness, however, compels me to make -the sentences correspondingly harsh. I therefore sentence him on the -first charge to seven years, and on the second charge to five years, at -hard labor in the State's prison; the second sentence to begin when the -first has ended.' - -"It was last January when this took place. From that time I knew not a -happy hour until I left the city. Our former friends refused to receive -me at their homes; school-mates treated me coldly or met me with sneers; -even the lady with whom I boarded told me I must leave. I at length -determined to seek a home where I was not known. - -"The lawyer who had defended father at his trial seemed friendly, and to -him I went. From him I learned that father had returned to Mr. Johnson -the five hundred dollars he had got on the forged check, and that he had -told Mr. Johnson if he ever lived to get out of prison he should pay the -other thousand. 'You believe I have taken it,' he had said, 'and I will -not allow myself to rest until you at least are convinced that I have -not a cent that belongs to you.' The lawyer also added that father's -own money had paid the expenses South and return, and also mother's -funeral expenses, but that he had received no compensation for his -services. - -"Through him I therefore disposed of all the household goods, selling -even my own, father's and mother's watches; in fact, everything that -would sell. After paying the lawyer in full, and all other bills, I -found I had five hundred and four dollars and seventy-five cents. - -"I took five hundred of this and went to Mr. Johnson's office. He was -not in, and I sat down to await his coming. Bagsley was at the desk -father had occupied so long, and he scowled darkly at me. I had always -felt that he could tell all about the forged check and the thousand -dollars if he were willing to do so, and I fixed my eyes steadily upon -him. He grew uneasy at my fixed gaze, and evidently would have spoken -to me had not the presence of the other clerks prevented. - -"Mr. Johnson soon came in, and though he seemed annoyed to see me, did -not refuse my request to see him privately. Once in his inner office, I -took out the money I had brought and handed it to him. - -"'I pay this money, Mr. Johnson,' I said, 'not because father ever took -a dollar from you, but because you believe he did. This five hundred -makes an even thousand. The other five hundred I will pay as soon as I -can earn it. Will you give me a receipt for this?'" - -Without a word he filled out the receipt, but on handing it to me he -said, not unkindly: - -"'Will you tell me who did take it? If I knew I had wronged your father -I would not leave a stone unturned until I had made him full amends.' - -"'Of course I have my suspicions,' I replied, 'but it is another thing -to prove them.' - -"'Do you mean Bagsley?' he asked, lowering his voice and tapping -thoughtfully on the desk with his fingers. - -"'Mr. Johnson,' I suddenly cried, a light flashing in upon my mind, 'did -you, the morning father started South, get a note from him thanking you -for the check?' and as he shook his head in reply, I went on: 'Well, the -night before, I mailed one to you. Who opened your mail that morning?' - -"'Bagsley,' he replied; 'but how did he get access to the safe, and what -could have been his motive in so cruelly wronging your father, if -guilty?' - -"'I don't know any more than you,' I answered, turning to go. As I laid -my hand upon the office door it opened, and Bagsley appeared. By the -look of rage on his face as he glanced at me I knew he had been -listening to our conversation. He walked over to Mr. Johnson with a -handful of papers he wanted him to sign, and I departed. - -"Going back to the place where I was stopping, I remained all night, and -early the next morning took my pack and started out of the city. I had -so little money I had decided to walk to Providence, looking for work -all the way. Barely had I turned the first street corner when I ran -into Bagsley. He at once recognized me, and catching me by the arm, -hissed out the words: - -"'You young rascal! I've a good mind to throttle you; and I will if you -ever come about the office again telling stories about me!' Then he -shook me and hurled me from him with a force that sent me into the -nearest gutter. - -"Thoroughly angered by the treatment I had received, I sprung to my feet -and foolishly said: - -"'Bagsley, it was you who forged that check and sent it to father to -cover your theft of the thousand dollars, and I'll prove it yet!' - -"He came toward me, his eyes flashing with a murderous light and his -fists clinched. I expected ah encounter with him that would only end in -serious injury to one or the other of us, and braced myself for it. But -just then he caught sight of a gentleman coming down the street, and -shaking his fist in my face, he muttered: - -"'The next time I meet you I'll kill you!' and then he turned the corner -and disappeared. - -"I now know by his words here to-night that he has been looking for me, -and thus found out that I had left the city. His presence here -indicates also that he has been discharged for some reason from Mr. -Johnson's employ, and is allied with a gang of burglars. This only -strengthens my belief that he is guilty of the crimes for which my -father is now in prison. - -"As to my tramp, it was a long and severe one. I reached Providence -finally without money and no prospect of work. Every effort there to -secure a job failed, and I continued my tramp. In the village over here -I heard of Benton, and that he wanted a lad about my age. It was cold, -a storm threatened, I was hungry, and had nowhere to lay my head. His -offer I was at the time thankful to accept, and began my work for him." - -"Does your father know where you are?" asked Judd, as his partner -finished and bowed his head upon the table to conceal the emotions the -narrating of his story had awakened. - -"I went to see him before I paid Mr. Johnson," Budd replied without -raising his head, "and had his approval of my course. After I hired out -to Mr. Benton I sent a brief line to him explaining that I had found -work. I did not give my address, for I was afraid if I got a letter -from the prison my story might come out, and I should have to seek a -home in some other place. I tell you, Judd, it's a heavy burden I -carry--one that will blight my whole life, and that has already, as you -see, changed my whole future." - -"Yes, Budd, I know it," replied his companion; "and yet you know, and -your father knows, he is innocent, while I know my father is everything -that the people of this community may care to call him. Your mother was -confident of your father's innocence, and died before she knew of his -imprisonment, while my mother all her married life had the burden of -knowing she was married to a brute. Surely there is much yet for you to -be thankful for, and perhaps Bagsley's presence here means that you are -yet to prove his guilt and set your father free. Some light has been -thrown on the matter by this incident of to-night." - -"You are right, Judd, and I will take heart at your words. The darkest -hour seems to have passed, and light has begun to come. I am pleasantly -situated, and can soon send Mr. Johnson a payment on the last five -hundred dollars. In some way, too, Bagsley may be led to confess the -part he has played, and then father can go free, and here I'll have a -home to which he can come until we plan for the future. But whatever -comes, and whatever plans are made, there will always be a place for -you. Brief as the time has been since I knew you, I love you like a -brother." - -"We will be brothers," Judd declared. "Through thick and thin we'll -stand by each other;" and with a hearty shake of the hands the lads went -to bed, and were soon asleep. - -And neither one for a single moment supposed that before the coming week -was over a darker cloud and a heavier burden would fall upon Budd's -heart, and that Judd's declaration would have a severe test. - - - - -CHAPTER XI.--AN UNFORTUNATE PREDICAMENT. - - -The young partners on the following day talked over the adventure they -had had with the burglars, and decided to say nothing about the affair -to any one else for the present. - -"Those fellows are up to some crime," Budd had declared, "and possibly, -if we say nothing about their visit here, but keep a careful watch up -and down the bay, we may discover what it is and bring them to justice. - -"Once get Bagsley into jail charged with some crime, and he may be -willing to acknowledge his guilt respecting the one of which my father -has been convicted. Especially may this be so if he should be able to -lighten his sentence on the later charge by a confession of the first; -and if we are the means of his and his companions' arrest, we may have -the power to bring about such an arrangement. Then my father's release -is certain." - -To all of which Judd agreed, and from that day the lads became a -self-appointed vigilance committee patrolling the bay. - -On both the following Monday and Tuesday mornings, when the lads came to -haul their nets at the three pounds, they were delighted to find in each -the largest catches of fish they had yet made; and it was nearly dark on -Tuesday evening as they got into their sloop at the village wharf, after -shipping off the large excess of fish they had had over the demand of -the home trade. - -As Budd cast off the last rope and stepped forward to hoist the sails of -the Sea Witch, preparatory to a departure for the island, a gentleman -came hurriedly to the dock and called out: - -"Hello, there, boys; hold on a moment. I want to see you!" - -Judd threw the man a rope, and the sloop was refastened to the wharf. - -"Are you Boyd & Floyd of Fox Island?" the stranger asked. - -"Yes, sir," replied the lads. - -"And you sometimes take out sailing-parties, do you not?" was the next -inquiry; and again the young partners responded in the affirmative. - -"I am Mr. Dane," continued the gentleman, "and am over here with a party -of friends, and we wish you to take us across the bay to Bristol -to-morrow. Can you do it?" - -"Do you wish to be simply taken over, or over and back?" asked Budd, as -spokesman for the firm. - -"Just landed there. We are from that side, and thought, instead of -going around by either Newport or Providence, we would get you to set us -over," explained Mr. Dane. - -"What time do you wish to go, and how many are there in the party?" -asked Budd, with a prompt business air. - -"Six, with myself; and we would prefer not to go until afternoon, -leaving here, say, about two o'clock." - -Budd consulted with his partner; then he said: - -"Yes, we can take you over." - -"What are the charges?" inquired Mr. Dane, as though the proposed trip -depended greatly upon them. - -"Three dollars for the party," answered Budd. - -"That is fifty cents each, and is much less than it will cost us to go -around," Mr. Dane commented to himself. - -Then he said to the boys: - -"All right; we'll give it." - -"One of us will be here at the appointed hour, if a suitable day for the -trip," said Budd, casting off the fastenings of the sloop for the second -time; and a moment later she was gliding down the harbor. - -By half-past one o'clock the next day the lads had got their regular -work so well in hand that Judd could easily finish the balance by night, -and Budd entered the Sea Witch and sailed over to the village. - -The weather was delightful, and the breeze a strong one, so he tied up -at the village wharf five minutes before the appointed hour. But the -party he was to take over the bay was as prompt as himself, and before -the town clock had struck two all were on board, and the sloop had begun -the passage. - -The wind was a southerly one, and running out by the lighthouse, Budd -took his first tack directly for the lower end of Prudence Island. When -he reached that, and threw around his tiller for his second tack, it -brought the wind almost directly astern, and he ran straight for Bristol -harbor, where he safely landed his passengers in less than two hours. - -The party were delighted with the trip, and promptly paid the amount -that had been agreed upon. As they turned away from the landing, Mr. -Dane handed Budd one of his business cards, saying: - -"You see, I'm in the grocery business just up the street here. Whenever -over this way, give us a call." - -Budd thanked the gentleman and put the card in his pocket, scarcely -realizing how soon it was to prove serviceable. Then he said, -laughingly: - -"We are in want of some groceries at the island. I guess I'll go up to -your store, and see if I can trade better there than at our village. It -will enable me, also, to go directly home from here." - -"Come on; I go by there on my way to the house, and will see that you -are fairly treated," said Mr. Dane, in reply. - -A few rods up the street they came to the store, and Mr. Dane himself -waited upon Budd, and made a generous reduction, as the lad paid for the -things. - -Returning to the boat as soon as his purchases were made, Budd cast off -the lines and began his return passage. The wind, blowing as it did -strongly from a southern quarter, compelled him to take quite a -different course from the one taken when he had come over. - -Once out of Mount Hope Bay, he ran for the north of Prudence Island. -Passing that on his left, he tacked down by Patience Island toward the -mouth of the Potowomot River, on the main shore. His third tack, to the -southeast, brought him under the lee of Hope Island, and from there he -expected to make his last tack directly for home. - -As he came up under Hope Island, however, he recalled the words of Tom -Bagsley on the previous Saturday evening about this island being Mr. -Johnson's summer residence; and remembering, also, that Tom and his -companions had left Fox Island intending to make Hope Island their -rendezvous for a few days, a strong desire took possession of him to -land on the island and see if the burglars were still there, or had -ransacked the house and left. - -Like an inspiration the thought came to him that here might be his -chance to bring a charge against his enemy. If the house had indeed -been robbed, his own and Judd's testimony as to the declaration they had -heard from the robbers' lips surely ought to be sufficient to warrant -their arrest for the deed. He resolved, then, to land and make an -investigation; and if he found traces of the crime, as he felt sure he -would, then he would report to Mr. Johnson at once. - -He knew he was running some danger of discovery by a man who would not -hesitate to take his life, but he believed the risk was very slight. If -the house had been robbed, he argued, then the men had already departed. -He believed this all the more strongly because it was quite time for Mr. -Johnson to come to the island for the summer; and the men, also knowing -this, would not be apt to make a long sojourn there. So he ran in as -close to the island as possible and anchored the sloop. Then, jumping -into the yawl, he went on shore, and climbing up the steep bank, started -boldly across the fields toward the house. - -He would have hesitated long before doing this, however, had he been -aware that Mr. Johnson had only that morning come to the island, -bringing some men with him, to arrange for his summer sojourn; and -finding that the house had indeed been robbed, and believing, from -unmistakable evidences, that a gang of men were making the house a place -of rendezvous, he had left everything just as it had been found, and was -lying in wait with his men for the burglars' return. - -Unconscious of all this, Budd went directly on to the house, and found -the shutters torn off from one window and the window open. Listening a -moment, and hearing no sound of anyone within the house, he leaped into -the window and began his search of the rooms. - -On every side were the signs of the robbers' presence. The table was -covered with unwashed dishes, beds had been slept in, and drawers and -closets torn open. Budd of course could not tell what had been carried -off, but he felt sure that many things had been taken. - -From down-stairs he went upstairs, and wandered through room after room -until convinced that the burglars had left no part of the house -unvisited; then he retraced his steps to the window by which he had -entered. - -Exulting in his heart at the discovery he had made, for he believed it -was one link in the chain toward his father's freedom, and utterly -unconscious of any danger to himself, he put his feet out of the window -and lowered himself to the ground. - -Then he heard hurried steps behind him, and a loud shout close at hand; -but before he could turn about and face the unseen danger strong hands -seized him and a stern voice said: - -"So it is you, you young rascal, that has been robbing me, and this is -the place you have got, but cannot send me any money until fall! Not -until you sell the articles you have stolen, I suppose!" - -Full of consternation, and wondering how he could explain the awkward -predicament in which he found himself, Budd turned and stood face to -face with Mr. Johnson. - - - - -CHAPTER XII.--BUDD'S TRIAL. - - -For a moment Budd stood before the angry man abashed, and not knowing -what to say. Then the consciousness of his innocence of any wrong came -to his rescue, and he quietly said: - -"Mr. Johnson, I have not robbed your house, nor have I ever been on the -island before to-day. If you will permit me to explain, I will tell you -how I came to be here." - -"None of your lies to me!" angrily answered Mr. Johnson. "Your father -tried that when he robbed me, and now you want to make use of the same -trick! But whatever story you have got to tell you may tell in the -court-room, as he did; and, like him, you'll find it won't save you from -prison-walls;" and he checked every effort of Budd to speak. - -"Bring a rope here," he said to one of his men, "and bind this fellow's -arms behind his back, and get ready to go with me over to the west -shore. I shall want your testimony to corroborate mine, that we found -the young rascal in the house. The rest of you can now put the house in -order." - -"How shall we go over to the main-land?" asked the man, after he had -finished tying Budd's arms. - -"We'll go in the prisoner's boat," replied Mr. Johnson, "and Bill, here, -can come over after us to-morrow noon. We can't swear out a warrant and -have the boy tried before that time." - -With Budd between them, the two men now proceeded down to the shore -where the yawl was lying, and pushing her off, Went on board the sloop. - -Scarcely had Mr. Johnson got on board the Sea Witch, however, when he -noticed the bundles Budd had put on board at Bristol, and he directed -his man to examine them. - -"They contain a ham, some crackers, cheese and sugar," he reported. - -"There is another proof of your guilt!" said Mr. Johnson, sternly, to -Budd. "You had brought along your provisions for another sojourn at the -house." - -"Then why did I not carry them up there?" retorted Budd. - -Mr. Johnson was at first puzzled for an answer, but at length said: - -"You must have had accomplices, and it may be you only stopped at the -house while on your way to your present rendezvous to see what else you -could find." - -"But I had nothing when I got out of the window," replied Budd. - -Then he added, earnestly: - -"If you will just let me explain, Mr. Johnson, you will see that I had -good reason for being on your island." - -"Very likely," said Mr. Johnson, with a sarcasm that stung the lad to -the quick. "But there is just one chance I'll give you. If you will -tell where the rest of your gang is, and help us to capture them, I'll -do my best to save you; otherwise the law must take its course." - -"How can I, when I have no accomplices and have not robbed you?" asked -Budd, out of patience with the obstinacy of the angry man. - -"The saying that 'A lie well stuck to is as good as the truth' won't -apply in your case, at least," remarked Mr. Johnson, with rising anger; -and for the remainder of the passage he in no way addressed his -prisoner. - -Arriving at the village which Budd had left only five hours before under -such happy circumstances, Mr. Johnson left him on the boat, with the -hired man to look out for him, while he went in search of the proper -authorities to perfect the lad's arrest. He had no difficulty in finding -the officers, and at eight o'clock Budd had been put into the village -lock-up, with his preliminary trial before the local justice assigned -for ten o'clock the next day. - -But Budd was in no sense desponding; his head was never clearer, nor had -he ever thought more rapidly or planned better to meet a grave -emergency. He was growing older and wiser very fast. He knew, moreover, -what were his rights. - -"Mr. Avery," he had said to the constable, as he was about to leave him -for the night, "I want Mr. John Benton and Peter Wright subpoenaed to -appear as witnesses for me in the morning. I also want a messenger sent -over to Fox Island for Judd Floyd. Mr. Ben Taylor will go, and my boat, -as you know, is at the wharf. Please hurry this part of my request, for -I have got to send Judd over to Bristol before my trial. Of course I -will pay all necessary expenses." - -Mr. Avery promised to attend to these matters, and evidently did so at -once, for at nine o'clock he appeared again with Judd Floyd, and also -announced that the two witnesses named had had due notice to appear at -the trial. - -As soon as Judd and he were left alone Budd took Mr. Dane's card from -his pocket, and asked his chum if he would go over to Bristol for that -gentleman and bring him over as a witness. - -"I shall prove," he said, "that I have never been on Hope Island before -this afternoon, and that will clear me from the charge brought against -me; for Mr. Johnson has not put into his warrant that I robbed the house -to-day, as he knew such a charge could not be sustained, but that I -committed the burglary some time between the 1st of April (when he was -last on there) and to-day. - -"I shall, of course, depend upon you as the principal witness as to my -residing on Fox Island. - -"Mr. Wright and Mr. Benton can testify as to where I was previous to my -joining you, and Mr. Dane can testify that I did not go to Hope Island -while with him; that I bought my provisions there for our use on Fox -Island; and that I did not leave there until after four o'clock to-day. -Perhaps it is not really necessary to have Mr. Dane's testimony, but I -had rather he would be here, and you can tell him that I will pay his -expenses, and also pay him for his time." - -"I'll bring him back, sure," promised Judd, rising to go. - -Then he drew near to Budd and whispered: - -"Shall you allude to the visit of Bagsley and his gang to Fox Island, -and what they said about Hope Island? That will be an important item, -but it will give them the clew we are trying to follow up." - -"No, it won't be necessary to mention that. At the worst they can only -bind me over to a higher court, and before that trial can come off I -believe we shall have found Bagsley, and that will clear me. I don't see -how, after I have proved I was never on the island before to-day, they -can hold me a single moment." - -Judd held the same opinion, and hurried off to carry out his partner's -request. - -At ten o'clock the next morning the little village court-room was -crowded, for criminal trials were a novelty then, and Budd's case had -awakened a good deal of curiosity. - -The Trial Justice was a little, fussy man, knowing far more about his -grocery store down the street than he did about law; but he had put on a -pompous air, and tried to manifest a dignity equal to the important -occasion. - -Mr. Johnson and man were there, and with them the one lawyer the village -afforded as Prosecuting Attorney. It looked as though Mr. Johnson was -afraid he could not prove his case, and had sought all the possible help -he at that short notice could obtain. - -Budd's witnesses were all there also, Judd and Mr. Dane having arrived -an hour before, and Mr. Benton and Mr. Wright having come in as the -court was called. - -Budd was his own lawyer, and from his smiling face one would have -thought he felt fully able to cope with the attorney for the -prosecution. - -When the charge was read, the lad in loud, clear tones, answered "Not -guilty," and the trial began. - -Mr. Johnson was the first witness, and he stated briefly the condition -in which he had found his house on arriving there the morning before, -and how he had laid in wait for the return of the burglars. He described -Budd's appearance, his entrance to the house, and his capture. As he -ended his testimony, the lawyer, evidently having been previously -instructed, asked: - -"Have you ever seen the prisoner previous to the time of his capture?" - -"Yes," replied Mr. Johnson. "I have known him, and his father before -him, for years." - -"Where is his father?" asked the lawyer. - -"I object to that question," cried Budd, jumping to his feet, his cheeks -all aflame with indignation. - -Before the Justice could give his ruling the answer had been given, loud -and clear: - -"In the Massachusetts State Prison, serving out a twelve years' sentence -for forgery and theft." - -Budd sunk back in his chair sick at heart, and almost in despair. The -mischief had been done, and the crowd knew the dread secret he had so -long hid within his own bosom. He felt for a moment that he would have -been glad to have had the prison-walls close around him, too, shutting -him from the gaze of all eyes. - -Nor was the answer lost in its influence on the Justice. - -"I think," he said, slowly, "that anything that throws light on the -prisoner's previous life or training will be in order here. It will -help the Court to decide whether he would have been likely to commit the -crime with which he is charged;" and the man tried to conceal the -curiosity which was already beaming from his face. - -Without further interruption Mr. Johnson told his side of the story, -with which the reader is already familiar, and left the stand, having -given Justice and audience alike the impression that Mr. Boyd was a most -hardened criminal, and that the son was already following in his -father's footsteps. - -His hired man then took the stand, and corroborated his employer's -testimony respecting the burglary and the capture of the prisoner. Then -the prosecution rested its case. - -While Mr. Johnson was telling about Budd's father the lad sat with head -bowed, and appeared to no longer care what became of himself; but just -before the hired man finished his testimony Judd leaned over and -whispered in his comrade's ear: - -"For your father's sake, make a defense." - -He could not have whispered more effective words. Budd at once raised -his head and proudly faced the Court, and when the prosecution had done -he rose quickly to his feet. - -"The charge with which I am accused," he said, taking the paper up, -"reads that I entered Mr. Johnson's house some time between April 1st -and yesterday, June 20th. It does not specify any charge for yesterday -at all, as I forced no entrance into the house, nor took anything away. -I shall, then, prove to this Court that previous to yesterday I had -never been upon Hope Island. I will also tell why I went there." - -With these words he called Mr. Benton as his first witness. Mr. Wright -followed, and then Judd Floyd and Mr. Dane came in the order named. - -All swore positively that if the prisoner had been upon Hope Island -during the specific time each was called to testify to, they would -certainly have known it. - -Judd, realizing that his partner's liberty depended largely upon his -testimony, with note-book in hand told where, from day to day, he and -Budd had been, and what they had done. The testimony was absolute, and -should have been conclusive. - -Budd then had himself put under oath, and testified that though he knew -Hope Island was Mr. Johnson's summer residence, no thought had ever come -to him to visit it until the previous afternoon, when he found himself -near the island. - -"I then felt," he continued, "a curiosity to see the place, and landing, -went, as they have testified, boldly across the fields, because I had -nothing to be ashamed of. Finding a window open, I at once concluded -that burglars had been there, and I went in to see to what extent the -property had been injured, and it was my purpose to report to Mr. -Johnson at once the crime that had been committed. Now I would like Mr. -Johnson to be put upon the stand, that I may ask him a few questions." - -Mr. Johnson, with evident reluctance, took the witness-chair for his -cross-examination. - -"How long had my father worked for you previous to the crime he is said -to have committed?" - -"Fifteen or sixteen years," was the reply. - -"Why did you keep him so long in your employ?" Budd now asked. - -"I object," said the Prosecuting Attorney. - -"Your Honor," said Budd, "the prosecution have tried to injure my -character to-day by telling about my father. They have told only evil. -I wish now to show there is some good." - -"I don't know as Mr. Johnson is obliged to answer these questions," said -the Justice, nodding blandly to the wealthy man, "but he may, if he -chooses." - -"I decline to answer," said Mr. Johnson, after consulting with his -attorney. - -"I will ask the witness one other question--one with reference to -myself--with the Court's permission," said Budd. - -"Have I not, Mr. Johnson, paid you a portion of the money you claim my -father took from you?" - -"I decline to answer that question also," replied Mr. Johnson, noticing -that his attorney shook his head negatively. - -"May I then put in this paper as testimony?" asked Budd, taking a slip -from his pocket and extending it toward the Justice. "It is Mr. -Johnson's receipt for five hundred dollars that I paid him last March." - -"I hardly think it would be proper," said the Justice, looking toward -Mr. Johnson for his approval of the ruling. - -"I then rest my case," said Budd, shortly, and with some show of -indignation. - -The Prosecuting Attorney now began his argument. He dwelt mainly upon -the facts that Budd had been found where he ought not to have been, and -that Judd Floyd, as his partner, was of course interested in acquitting -the prisoner. Though that witness had shown where he and the accused -were in the daytime since May 20th, he had failed to show where they -were in the _nights_, and the burglary had doubtless been committed in -the night time; burglaries usually were. He concluded by reminding the -Justice that it was not for him to find the prisoner guilty; but if, in -his judgment, he thought there was a _probability_ of his guilt, it was -his duty to bind him over to a higher court. - -Budd, already aware that the Justice seemed to favor the prosecution, -simply stated in his argument for the defense what he had proved by his -witnesses, and that that acquitted him of the special charge included in -the warrant. He alluded to the general good character he had borne -since he came into the neighborhood, and concluded with the words: - -"I am innocent of the crime with which I am accused. My father is also -innocent of the crime for which he is in prison to-day. One link in the -chain of establishing his innocence I have already discovered. Whatever -may be the decision of the Court to-day respecting myself, as sure as -there is a just God in Heaven, a few weeks more will see every shadow of -disgrace swept away from our names." - -So positive were the lad's tones, so triumphant his gestures, so -confident his looks, that many of the audience were thrilled as though -they heard a voice of prophecy--a prophecy soon to be fulfilled. - -The Justice may himself have felt, somewhat, the influence of the lad's -declaration, for he gathered up his papers with an unsteady hand, and -looked uneasily about the room and into the upturned faces waiting for -his decision. The stillness grew oppressive. Finally the eye of the -Justice rested upon Mr. Johnson, who was gazing expectantly up into the -little man's face, and the great and wealthy man's wish became the law -of the baser one's soul: - -"I think," he said, speaking sharply and looking directly at Mr. -Johnson, "there is sufficient probability of the prisoner's guilt to -warrant my binding him over to the higher court, which meets at the -county seat in November." - -Then, to Budd: - -"I'll fix your bond at one thousand dollars, and unless you can furnish -a bondsman I will have to commit you to the county jail to await your -trial." - - - - -CHAPTER XIII.--MR. BENTON'S LITTLE GAME. - - -Budd was partially prepared for the Trial Justice's decision, as it was -but the natural result of the bias he had shown in his rulings; but the -excessive amount of the bond astonished him and filled him with alarm. -He had thought, in case he was bound over to the higher court, the bond -would be fixed at a few hundred dollars, and that some of his or Judd's -friends would be willing to become surety for so small an amount; but -when the Justice named the sum of one thousand dollars he felt there was -but one alternative--he must go to jail. - -His alarm at the prospect was not due so much to the fact that he shrunk -from confinement in the jail as that the confinement would defeat his -whole plans. Just as he had some hope of proving his father's -innocence, and of rescuing him from an unjust imprisonment, his hopes -were to be ruthlessly crushed, his purpose thwarted, and he himself -stigmatized as a criminal. It was with difficultly that he could -restrain the hot tears that were struggling to flow. - -The Justice had been rapidly filling out a paper since he had rendered -his decision, and now he looked up: - -"Your bond is ready," he said. "Whom do you name for bondsman?" - -"I have none," faltered the lad, "unless some gentleman here will give -bond for me." - -Mr. Wright, who sat near the boy, felt that this touching appeal was -meant for him, and at once there began a struggle in his heart. He had -always liked Budd. So far as he knew, Budd had always been perfectly -honorable; and he could not help thinking the lad had established his -innocence beyond a shadow of a doubt. Still Mr. Johnson's testimony as -to the father's character had had its influence upon him, and he was not -quite sure it would be just wise to become the boy's bondsman. While he -hesitated, he and the others in the court-room were surprised to hear a -voice say: - -"I'll sign his bond." - -The speaker was Mr. Benton, and that gentleman walked forward to the -Justice's stand and deliberately wrote his name across the paper. - -"I guess that'll stand the law," he remarked; and before Budd could even -thank him he strode from the court-room, as though ashamed of his act. - -No sooner had he disappeared than Mr. Wright walked up to the Justice's -desk, saying, quietly: - -"Put my name on the bond also. Two bondsmen are better than one;" and -he wrote his name under that of Mr. Benton's. - -Then, crossing over to Budd's side, he shook hands with him, remarking: - -"Mr. Benton got the start of me; but I have shown my good-will, all the -same. Shall we go, now?" - -Budd thought, by his look more than his words, that he desired to see -him alone, and so followed him out of the court-room. - -When they reached the street, Mr. Wright took Budd by the arm and led -him away from the throng that was pouring out of the building, and said: - -"Look out for Mr. Benton. His name on your bond to-day means mischief. -I don't know what game he is about to play, but by putting my own there -I hope to baffle him." - -Before Budd could express his surprise at Mr. Wright's words they were -joined by Judd and Mr. Dane. That gentleman shook hands with the -released lad and said: - -"Had I been known to the Justice I should have offered myself for your -bondsman, though you should never have needed one. How in the world -that thick-headed Justice could have given such a decision is a mystery -to me. I----" - -But what the speaker was to have said was cut short by a nudge from -Judd. - -Mr. Johnson and the Justice were passing, and that his words had been -heard was only too evident by Mr. Johnson's frown and the Justice's -ridiculous action. - -"I fine you ten dollars for contempt of court," he said, angrily, -stopping and facing Mr. Dane. - -"I believe your court is adjourned, and I am on the public highway, -expressing my private opinion to friends," replied Mr. Dane, coolly. -"But I am not surprised at your want of judgment. It is only on a par -with that you showed in the court-room, and suggests the fact that this -town is sadly in need of at least one new Justice." - -A laugh from the gathering crowd sent the hot blood to the Justice's -face, and catching some idea of the foolish position into which he had -allowed himself to be drawn by his anger, he hurried off down the -street. - -"Will you return to Bristol at once?" Budd asked. "If so, we will -arrange to take you over." - -"No," replied Mr. Dane; "I have business in Providence, and will go -round that way. Good-by;" and refusing to take the slightest -compensation for coming over as a witness, he shook hands with Mr. -Wright and the lads and departed. - -Budd spoke a few words in a low tone to his partner; then he said to Mr. -Wright: - -"Can you go over to the island with us? There is something special we -wish to talk over with you." - -"My man is down here with me, and can drive the team along to 'The -Hummocks' and wait for me there, if you will put me ashore after this -matter is talked over," answered Mr. Wright. - -The lads consented to that arrangement gladly, and a few minutes later, -with Mr. Wright on board the sloop with them, they sailed for home. - -As soon as they were a short distance off shore, Budd left his partner -to look out for the boat, and in low tones told Mr. Wright the true -story of his father's trial and imprisonment. He then related Judd's -and his own experience with Bagsley and his companions, and stated that -this was the real purpose that called him over to Hope Island. - -"Why didn't you tell this in the court-room? It would have acquitted -you," said Mr. Wright, in astonishment. - -"Because the burglars are still around here contemplating some more -daring crime, and we are watching for them, and hope to cause their -arrest," explained Budd, going on to relate how he believed this would -react in his father's favor. - -"What we want of you," continued Budd, "is to come over to the island -and see the window, with its cut pane, and the lantern the burglars left -behind, so that you can testify as to these facts at the trial before -the higher court." - -A few moments later the island was reached, and Mr. Wright was taken -from point to point, the whole story of that night's experience was told -anew, and the evidence of it exhibited. - -"I wish you all success in your plans," Mr. Wright said, as he got into -the yawl to be taken over to "The Hummocks," where they could see his -team was already waiting. "But don't run into any danger; and as soon -as you locate the rascals, notify the authorities without waiting for -them to commit any other crime. Their visit here and over at Hope -Island is enough to send them up for a long term of years." - -As he parted with them on the main shore he said to Budd: - -"I ought to tell you that for a few minutes I hesitated about becoming -your bondsman, and Mr. Benton's act led me to a decision. I now -thoroughly believe in your and your father's innocence, and shall stand -by you, whatever comes. Only, look out for Mr. Benton." - -"What does he mean?" asked Judd, as the sloop started down the bay to -visit the pounds, which the incidents of the morning had till then -prevented. - -"He is sure Mr. Benton did not sign my bond from any good motive; and I -confess it does seem queer, come to think of it. What do you suppose he -is up to?" - -"I don't know any more than you do," responded his chum; "but, like Mr. -Wright, I distrust him. And there is one thing you may be sure of. If -he is up to any game he will show himself very soon; he isn't going to -give you time to run away and make him pay that thousand dollars. You -see, he don't know Mr. Wright signed the bond also, for he had left the -court-room before that was done." - -"That's so," said Budd, thoughtfully; "and I think, with you, we shall -hear from him before a great while, if his act sprung from any sinister -motive." - -"There is your man," Judd announced a few hours later, as they -approached their wharf; and Mr. Benton was indeed sitting on the dock, -awaiting their coming. - -"How are you, boys, and what luck with your fish?" he remarked -pleasantly, as they came ashore. - -The young partners responded good-naturedly, and he watched them as they -sorted and put their fish into the "cars." - -"My, what a large one!" he exclaimed, as Budd picked up a six-pound -mackerel, and was about to toss it into the proper "car." - -"Would you like it?" asked the lad; and as Mr. Benton gave assent he -tossed it into the man's boat, which had been fastened near by. - -"Have you been here long waiting for us?" Judd asked, with a wink at his -chum. - -"Well, yes," responded Mr. Benton. "I come over here 'bout as soon as I -could after I went home from the village; but you'd gone." - -"We hadn't been to the pounds to-day, and so hurried off to them," -explained Budd. - -"I thought that was it," said Mr. Benton, following the lads on to the -house. - -"Come in and take supper with us," said Budd. - -"I don't know but I will, seeing I have a little business with ye." - -Judd gave his partner a significant look. - -Supper was soon ready, and they sat down at the table. Mr. Benton -showed that whatever his business with them was he had not lost his -appetite, and a half-hour elapsed before the meal was finished. Then -Budd led the way into the sitting-room, and showing Mr. Benton to a -chair, ventured to hasten matters by asking: - -"What is your business, Mr. Benton?" - -"Ahem! ahem!" said he, as though clearing his throat from some -impediment. "I signed yer bond fer ye to-day, Budd, or else ye'd now be -on yer way to Kingston jail. Hev ye thought o' that?" - -"Do you really think so?" responded Budd, and waiting for Mr. Benton to -go on. - -"Yes, ye would," said the man, shortly; "an' ye know it, well as I do." - -"It was very good of you," said the boy, meaningly. - -"An' I thought, as I'd done ye the favor, ye might pay me back that -thirty dollers that don't belong to ye," said the miser, coming to the -point of his business with Budd. - -"Why should I? It belonged to me, not to you," Budd retorted. - -"No it don't, either. Ye have quit work, an' 'cordin' to the barg'in it -never did belong to ye." - -"What will you do if I don't pay it?" asked Budd, as though yielding. - -"I'll go an' cancel the bond, an' have ye in jail 'fore mornin'," he -said, savagely. - -"And if I do pay it you will cancel the bond, just the same, and land me -in jail. Confess, now, that's your game," remarked Budd, seeing through -Mr. Benton's purpose. - -The man twisted in his chair. - -"Ye'd better pay it," he finally said. - -"Not one cent," replied Budd, decidedly. - -"Then I'll go to the village right off an' cancel the bond, an' bring -down the officer," declared Mr. Benton, grabbing up his hat and starting -for the door. - -With a laugh Budd and his partner followed the man to his boat. - -He got into it and rowed off a rod or two from the shore; then he paused -and said: - -"Ye'd better change yer mind, Budd." - -"How do you know I'll be here when you get back?" asked Budd, -mischievously. "I can take the sloop and be miles away from here before -you get to the village." - -"Judd, ye hold on to him!" cried the man in alarm; "I command ye in the -name o' the law to do so!" - -Judd laughed, and catching the spirit of mischief Budd had displayed, -asked: - -"What'll you give me, if I do?" - -"A doller," said Mr. Benton, with some hesitation. - -"Oh! Budd will give me more than that to let him go," replied Judd, -"and you will have the thousand dollars to pay!" - -"I'll give ye five dollers," cried Mr. Benton, in alarm. - -"Budd will give ten to go free," was the answer. - -"I'll give ye 'leven," said the man, desperately; and in his eagerness -he rowed back inshore. - -"Where's the money? It must be cash down," said Judd, seriously. - -"I left my money at home 'fore I come down here," explained the man, -"fer I didn't know what ye fellers might do; but I'll pay ye to-morrow." - -Before Judd could make answer, Budd, pitying the man, said: - -"I promise not to go away before morning, Mr. Benton. But even if you go -to the village, no officer will return with you, for after you left Mr. -Wright also signed my bond." - -Mr. Benton gave an exclamation of anger. - -"He's always interferin' with me," he said; "but I'll go up an' see if -it's as you say. Remember yer promise now," and he rowed off toward the -village. - -He found, on arriving there, that Budd had told the truth, but succeeded -in getting his own name released after much persuasion; and realizing -that his little game had been completely baffled, he started sullenly -for home. - -As he passed Fox Island his anger was again aroused, and he exclaimed, -bitterly: - -"'Twas all owin' to Wright's meddlin', an' that's what made Budd so -lively. I wish I could get hold of su'thin' o' his; he'd not see it -ag'in till he paid me them thirty dollers." - -His eye just then caught the outline of the boys' sloop through the -darkness. - -"I have it!" exclaimed he. "I'll take their boats;" and without -thinking that his act was theft he rowed quietly in to the island. - -Five minutes later he sailed off in the sloop, having the yawl and his -own boat in tow. - -Going down the bay a mile, he ran the boats into a secluded bay adjacent -to his own land, and then tramping up to his house for chains and -padlocks, he fastened them all securely. Then he tramped up the hill to -his house chuckling to himself: - -"I've not only got twice the value o' them thirty dollers, but I've -taken away every means for the boys to leave the island." - - - - -CHAPTER XIV.--TWO OPPORTUNITIES. - - -When Mr. Benton, in his chuckling, had declared that he had taken away -every means the young firm had for reaching the main shore, he -overlooked two important facts: first, that the island at its nearest -point was not over a half-mile from the main-land; and, second, that -there was an abundance of material on the island from which to construct -a temporary float, even were there not other ways of effecting a -landing. - -Now the events of the previous chapter, it will be remembered, occurred -on a Thursday; consequently the next day was Friday, and the young -firm's greatest salesday of all the week. The trial and the incidents -antecedent to it had greatly hindered the lads' work, also; and when -they retired at an early hour on Thursday night, therefore, it was with -a determination to be up the next morning long before their usual time, -which was in no sense late. - -There was, moreover, a special reason for the boys to be up early this -particular morning, for a telegram the day before had brought an order -for an extra supply of fish to be shipped that morning by the earliest -train to the city. That train left at six o'clock, and the fish must be -packed and at the depot before that hour. So it happened that the lads -were up at a little past three o'clock, and breakfast was eaten and they -were out at the wharf before four. - -Immediately after their first exclamations of surprise at the -disappearance of the boats Judd asked: - -"Who do you suppose has taken them, chum?" - -"One of two parties," responded Budd, promptly; "either Bagsley and his -gang, or Mr. Benton." - -"It makes a vast difference to us which," remarked Judd, with his -favorite whistle. "How are we going to find out which party it was?" - -"By using a little reason, first of all things," said Budd, with a -smile. "There are some things that make it improbable that it was -Bagsley and his companions. To have taken the boats they must have been -prowling around here before last night, and that isn't likely, for with -our sharp lookout we would have discovered some trace of them. Again, -if it were him and his crew, they must have discovered that you were my -only companion here, and they would have done something more serious -than simply to take the boats. I don't say that these are positive -proofs that they are not the ones who have taken the boats, but they -make it look at least improbable. Then, again, if it were those -fellows, they have carried out 'the little job' they talked of, and used -the boats as a means of escape. If we don't hear within a few hours of -some burglary near at hand, I shall feel conclusively that they are not -guilty of this act." - -"You think, then, that Benton has done it?" inquired Judd. "What could -have been his object?" - -"Just this," replied his partner, earnestly: "He left the house angry -that he had been baffled in his purpose. Coming down by the wharf, -here, he thought of the boats, and has taken them, either to hold them -until I pay him the thirty dollars he has asked for, or by shutting us -on the island and hindering our work he hopes to find a partial revenge -for his disappointment." - -"But don't he know it was a theft?" asked Judd, hotly. - -"He probably don't call it so, and may not really mean to keep the -boats; but the law will put that interpretation upon his act, and that -gives us a great opportunity." - -"What do you mean?" asked Judd, a little mystified. - -"To have him arrested, and, even if we do not push the matter to the -end, frighten him so thoroughly he will let us alone after this;" and -Budd went on to explain that this had been Mr. Wright's way of dealing -with the man. - -"But before we can do this we will have to get ashore, and then our fish -must be at the depot before six o'clock," said Judd, dryly. - -"I know it," assented his comrade, "and we must stop this talk and go -ashore. Once on shore, you must go to the village and get Ben Taylor's -boat for the day and come back here. Meanwhile I will go down along the -shore, and see if Mr. Benton has taken the boats down to that little -cove adjacent to his farm. I'll try and be back at 'The Hummocks,' so -you can pick me up as you come down with the boat. It is about four -o'clock, now, and by five we must be back here; then, by stirring -lively, we can get the fish packed and down to the depot in time for the -train." - -"You talk just as though we could go right over to the main shore -without the slightest trouble," said Judd, laughingly. "Are you going -to walk over?" - -"No," said Budd, briefly; "but I'm going to put my clothes into our -smallest tub, and pushing that ahead of me, swim over. We could, of -course, make a raft, but we haven't the time for it;" and Budd ran back -to the house, appearing again in a moment with the tub. - -He found his companion already undressing, and not three minutes had -elapsed before both boys, pushing the tub before them, were swimming for -the nearest point of the main shore. They were equally good swimmers, -and in about fifteen minutes reached the point, and dressing, each -hurried off his appointed way. - -Budd's way was down across "The Hummocks" to "the narrows," which he was -obliged to swim; but as the distance was short, he managed to do it -carrying his clothes in a bundle on his head. Dressing again, he ran -along the shore to the cove he had mentioned, and laughed aloud when he -came to the boats so securely padlocked. - -"My dear Mr. Benton," he said, mockingly, as he started back up the bay, -"had you hitched them with a tow-line I would not have disturbed them. -You will yourself be glad to bring them back before the day is over." - -He re-swam "the narrows," and reached the point of land opposite the -island before Judd had returned. But he had not long to wait; and when -he had taken a seat in Mr. Taylor's yawl with his partner, under their -united strokes the light boat sped through the water like a racer. With -quick and dexterous hands the fish were packed, and ten minutes before -the appointed hour the box was landed at the railroad station. - -Budd had told his chum, as soon as he had rejoined him, of the discovery -he had made, and so the young partners went directly from the depot to -the house of the proper officer for swearing out a warrant against Mr. -Benton, and in half an hour Mr. Avery, the constable, was driving toward -that gentleman's residence with the warrant in his pocket. - -Arriving at the farm a little past seven o'clock, he was told that Mr. -Benton had gone down to the shore. He followed him down there, and -found the unsuspecting man standing by the stolen boats. - -"Good-morning, Mr. Benton," he said. "You have quite a collection of -craft here. Isn't that Boyd & Floyd's sloop and yawl?" - -It seems almost incredible that Mr. Benton did not even now suspect the -officer's errand, or the nature of his own act; and realizing this, Mr. -Avery enjoyed the situation immensely. - -"Well, yes," assented the farmer. "Ye see, Budd owes me, an' I thought -I'd take his sloop until he paid me." - -"But running off in the night with another person's property is not a -legal way to collect one's debts," said the officer, dryly, "and I am -obliged to arrest you for stealing those boats. You will hardly deny -the theft now, since your own confession;" and the officer took out his -warrant. - -Mr. Benton fairly shook with excitement and rage. - -"Me 'rested!" he cried. "Who's dared to do it?" - -"I have," remarked the officer, quietly; "and you can come along with me -without fuss or I'll put these on you;" and he took a pair of iron -bracelets from his pocket. - -For the first time comprehending the real situation into which his -thoughtless act of the night before had brought him, the man turned pale -and stammered out the words: - -"But I didn't really mean to keep the boats. I only took them to bring -Budd to terms, an' then I was goin' to let him have them ag'in." - -"It looks as though you did mean to keep them; you certainly have -secured them very thoroughly," responded the officer, significantly. -"But as to your real motive, you can settle that with the Court. But I -cannot stop here talking with you. Would you like to go to the house -and change your clothes before you go with me, Mr. Benton?" - -"Go where with you--up to the village?" asked he, quickly. - -"No; I've got to take you to the county jail. Your offense, owing to the -amount you have taken, is made returnable to the Court of Common Pleas, -and that does not sit until September. I shall have to take you to the -jail until the time for your trial," explained Mr. Avery. - -Dazed and overwhelmed at the prospect before him, Mr. Benton followed -the officer back to the house. - -"See here," he said, as they reached the threshold and a sudden hope -came to him, "can't I settle this with the boys? I don't want to go to -jail. I've no one to look out for things, it's a'most hayin' time, and -I want to be here to home. I'll take the boats right back, if ye say -so." - -"You will have to see the lads for yourself," said Mr. Avery, shortly. - -"Can't you take me where they are an' let me talk it over with them?" he -asked, eagerly. - -"Yes, if you will pay for it," consented Mr. Avery. "My orders were to -arrest you and carry you to jail, and that is all the law will allow me -to collect fees for; but if you will pay me for my time, I'm willing to -ride around with you all day." - -"How much will ye charge?" asked Mr. Benton, cautiously. - -"Thirty cents an hour," said the officer, looking at his watch. - -It was a hard thing for the grasping man to do, but he finally -consented; and taking him into his buggy, Mr. Avery drove off in search -of the boys. - -Judd was found in the village, but would consent to no settlement until -his partner was found. There was little prospect of finding Budd until -he returned from his peddling trip, and Mr. Benton groaned more and more -as the hours ran by and he knew it was adding to the amount he should -have to pay the officer. But he soon found that amount was but a trifle -compared with what he should have to pay before the young firm consented -to his release. - -About two o'clock Budd came back to the village, where he had agreed to -meet Judd in anticipation of the very event for which his presence was -now desired. The lads had time to talk the matter over before they saw -Mr. Benton, and when he appeared they were ready to state their terms. - -After listening to Mr. Benton's proposition to return the boats, Budd, -as spokesman for the firm, replied: - -"Mr. Benton's act not only caused us a great deal of personal annoyance, -but it interfered with our business arrangements. Again, we do not know -how soon he may annoy us in some other way. We propose to make this -affair a good lesson to him, and we will therefore settle it on three -conditions: - -"First, that he shall return the boats unharmed to our dock at the -island. - -"Second, that he pay all costs that have accrued on account of his -arrest. - -"Third, that he pay us twenty-five dollars for the annoyance and -business delays he has caused, and give bonds for his future good -behavior. - -"These are the only conditions on which we will settle, and he can -accept them or stand his trial in court." - -After a great deal of protestation Mr. Benton agreed to all but the -giving of bonds for his good behavior, and as he solemnly promised to -let them alone in the future, the lads yielded. The money was paid to -them, the costs were settled, the boats returned before night, and the -young firm withdrew their complaint. - -"You have completely silenced one of your enemies, Budd," remarked Judd, -that evening. "Now, if only some opportunity will come for you to bring -Bagsley into a spot where you can dictate your terms, your triumph will -be complete." - -"I hope it may," was the response. - -That opportunity was nearer at hand than either of the lads thought, for -on the following Monday the whole community was startled by learning -that the most daring robbery ever committed in that vicinity had taken -place some time between the hours of twelve o'clock on Saturday night -and six o'clock on Monday morning. A jeweler's store on the main street -of the village had during that time been entered and completely gutted. -Watches, gold and silverware, jewelry and precious stones, had been -carried away to the amount of over five thousand dollars. - -The store ran back from the main street to a narrow alley. A window -opening on this alley had been forced, the safe blown open, and all the -stock of any real value carried off. The work had evidently been done -by experts, and they had disappeared without leaving a single trace -behind them. - -Budd learned of the robbery about ten o'clock on Monday morning. He had -gone over to the village in the sloop to make a deposit of money and -checks at the bank, for the young firm had reached the dignity of having -a bank account, and while in the banking-rooms had his attention called -to a poster which had already appeared about the village. It read: - - - $1,500 REWARD. - -One thousand dollars will be paid for the arrest and conviction of the -burglars who entered our store some time between the hours of twelve -o'clock on Saturday night, June 24th, and six o'clock on Monday morning, -June 26th. Five hundred dollars additional will be given for the return -of the goods that were carried off, or ten per cent. of that amount for -each thousand dollars worth of goods restored. - -Respectfully, - CLAPP & ST. JOHN. - - -After inquiring of the bank-teller more of the particulars respecting -the robbery, Budd went around to the store and made a careful -examination of the premises. He found the shutter of the window had -been opened by forcing some powerful instrument under the iron bar that -ran across the outside, and thus prying the bar out of its socket. Then -a pane of glass had been cut out as neatly and deftly as the one over at -the island. The fastening of the window had in this way been reached, -and the window shoved up. As soon as Budd had noticed these details he -left the building and started down toward his boat. - -"That was the work of Bagsley and his gang," he murmured, "and our -opportunity, if we can only find them, has come." - - - - -CHAPTER XV.--BUDD ENTRAPPED. - - -Just before Budd reached the wharf he noticed another poster tacked up -on the side of a storehouse, and paused to read it, that he might be -sure of the terms under which the reward was offered. - -As he stood there a well-dressed stranger came up behind him, and also -paused to read the notice. - -"That is quite a reward," he remarked, after reading it; "a nice little -sum for some one to earn. Do you know whether any particular persons are -suspected of the crime?" - -"They are simply believed to have been experts," answered Budd. - -"It was a neat job, that's a fact," said the man, complacently. - -Then as Budd turned away he asked, politely: - -"Do you know of any one about the wharf here who has boats to let?" - -"I have a sloop," replied Budd, "that I use to take out -sailing-parties." - -"Is it near here? Could I see it?" asked the man, looking Budd -carefully over from head to foot. - -The lad led the way down to the dock and pointed out the Sea Witch. - -"She would do nicely," said the man, jumping into her and examining her -cabin. "Is she a fast sailer?" - -"Nothing of her size on this bay can overhaul her," replied Budd, with a -touch of pride. - -"Indeed!" remarked the man, with apparent satisfaction. "What do you -ask a day for her use?" - -"We never let her except myself or my partner go with her," explained -Budd, "and our prices depend on the party and the time we are gone." - -"Which of course is a very nice way to arrange it, I'm sure," said the -stranger. - -"Well, to come to business. My name is Wilson--Thomas Kortright -Wilson--a direct descendant of James Wilson, of Philadelphia, one of the -Signers of the Declaration of Independence, and once a Judge of the -United States Supreme Court. Doubtless you have heard of him;" and Mr. -Wilson said this with an air and tone that implied "You are very -ignorant if you have not." - -Budd modestly admitted that he had heard of that distinguished -gentleman, and then his companion went on: - -"I am camping out with a party of friends upon Patience Island. We have -been there a week, but we can stand it no longer. It is horribly -lonesome there; not a house on the island, not a solitary person there -but ourselves. There is no gunning or fishing worth speaking of, and -this morning the boys voted for a change, and sent me over here to hire -a boat to take us and our camping outfit to Block Island, so I rowed -over in that boat," and Mr. Wilson here pointed to a small skiff a few -rods below the wharf, "and walked up the street till I met you. It is -wonderful good fortune that I should have run in with you at once. Now, -what will you ask to move our camp?" - -"How many are there in your party, and how much of an outfit have you?" -asked Budd. - -"There are five of us, and we have only a few traps; you can carry -everything at one trip," said Mr. Wilson, briskly. - -"I ought to have five dollars," Budd declared: "and I shall have to go -home before I can make the trip." - -"Well, can you go right after dinner?" asked the stranger. - -"Yes, at one o'clock I'll be here," said the lad. - -"All right; we'll give you your price. Meantime, where can I get a good -dinner?" - -Budd gave him directions how to find the leading hotel, and then cast -off the fastenings of the sloop and sped away for the island. - -Promptly at one o'clock he was at the village, and as he took Mr. Wilson -on board he asked if he should run down and take the gentleman's skiff -in tow; for, expecting to do this, he had left his own yawl with Judd. - -"No, never mind that; it isn't worth taking with us," replied Mr. -Wilson. - -Budd thought it a little strange, but had not the slightest suspicion -that the skiff was not the property of the stranger, and that his story -about crossing over in it that morning was a sheer fabrication. - -There was another statement in the man's story that would have seemed -very strange to Budd had he only thought of it. He had stated that he -and his party had been camping out on Patience Island for a week; yet -the island was small, and Budd had himself been down by it but five days -before, and at that time there was no sign of a camping-party upon it. -But utterly unconscious of the man's falsehoods, the lad sailed straight -on into what was destined to be the most trying experience through which -he had yet passed. - -The gentleman chatted away pleasantly as he sat by Budd in the stern of -the sloop. He asked questions about the islands and the main-land they -were passing. He wanted to know how long before they would reach -Patience Island, and how long it would take to run out to Block Island -with that breeze. He assured Budd his companions would have everything -packed on their arrival, and there would be no unnecessary delay in -starting on their long trip. - -As they neared the island of their destination he informed the lad that -the camp had been on the east side, and on running around the south end, -Budd saw, no great distance away, the place of the encampment. It was -true the tent was down, and the boxes and bags were piled close by the -shore, but this was just as Mr. Wilson had said it would be; and when -four men came out from behind a large rock, and walked down to the heap -of stuff, Budd said: - -"They are ready and waiting for us, it seems, Mr. Wilson; but I can't -get in to the shore with the sloop, and how will you get your goods on -board? You ought to have brought your skiff." - -"They have a boat, a better one; that's why I left the other," said he; -"but run in as close as you can and anchor, and I'll tell them to load -up and come on board." - -Not a shadow of the coming evil was as yet apparent to the unsuspicious -boy. Giving his whole attention to his sloop, he only cast the merest -glance at the men on shore until he had anchored. At liberty now, -however, he looked steadily at the men, to whom Mr. Wilson was already -shouting. Then he gave a sharp cry of alarm, and drawing his -pocket-knife he sprung forward to cut the anchor-cable. His words were: - -"Gracious! There is Bagsley, and you are the robbers!" - -But quick as he was, Mr. Wilson was quicker. Springing upon the lad, he -bore him down upon the forward deck and called loudly for help. Two of -the men on shore jumped into a yawl that lay hidden behind a projecting -rock, and without stopping to load their stuff pushed out to the sloop. -One of the men was Bagsley himself, and when he had assisted Mr. Wilson -in tying the lad, hand and foot, he gave a look at him, and then with a -terrible oath exclaimed: - -"It is Budd Boyd! Where did you run in with him?" - -Mr. Wilson briefly explained how he had hired the boy, not supposing for -an instant that he knew any of the gang. "But," he went on, "the moment -the lad caught sight of you he called your name, and said we were the -robbers. He then tried to cut the anchor-cable, but I spoiled that -little game. The question is, what shall we do with him?" - -"Tie a big stone to his neck and to his feet and drop him overboard," -answered Bagsley. "I told him I'd kill him the next time I saw him. -He'll be sure to give us away, too, if we let him go, and our only -safety is to put him out of the way." - -Budd, as he lay bound only a few feet away, shuddered at the coolness -with which the villain said these words, and felt that his very moments -were numbered. To his surprise, however, the man who had come off from -the shore with Bagsley, and whom he recognized as the leader of the gang -when they were at Fox Island, said: - -"No, there is to be no murder, boys, as long as we can get along without -it. Put the boy into the yawl and take him ashore. We'll change our -plans, and put him where he cannot give any alarm until we are out of -all danger." - -Wilson and Bagsley lifted the lad into the boat, and the captain -following them, they rowed ashore. - -A hurried consultation was now held, but in such low tones that Budd -could only catch here and there a word. He was able to recognize, -however, in one of the two men who had remained on the island while the -captain and Bagsley came to Wilson's help, the third man of the trio -that had been at his home. The other man, like Wilson, was a stranger, -and had evidently joined the gang since the time of that visitation. -After awhile he caught the words of the leader of the party: - -"I tell you, boys, that is the only safe way for us to do. As we'll fix -the lad, he can't get away for a day or two, perhaps longer, and by that -time we will be where he cannot harm us." - -"If he ever gets away he'll mark me for this affair, and will leave no -stone unturned till I'm found," said Bagsley, moodily. - -"I think even you will be satisfied with the way we'll fix him," laughed -the leader. "Untie his feet, get another rope, and bring him on." - -Bagsley obeyed with alacrity, and the captain led the way over into the -center of the island where a small depression in the surface cut off all -view of the bay. A tree stood very near the lowest point of the hollow, -and standing Budd up against the trunk of this, the captain, with -Bagsley's help, tied him so firmly to it that there seemed no -possibility of his untying himself. - -[Illustration: The captain with Bagsley's help tied Budd so firmly to -the tree that there seemed no possibility of his untying himself.] - -"There, Bagsley," the leader now said, stepping off a few feet to view -the lad, "he is where he can see no one, and no one can see him. He may -possibly attract the attention of some passing boat by hallooing, but it -is a mere chance. He may possibly untie himself after awhile, but that, -too, is a mere possibility. His friends, searching for him, will go to -Block Island first; and if, after awhile, they think of coming here, -they may be in time to rescue him, and they may not. Still you and I -don't know that he will die here, and our consciences need not be -troubled with any thoughts of his murder, for we know, and can make oath -to it, that we left him here alive and in good health; only, his -opportunities for locomotion are exceedingly limited." - -With this heartless remark the two villains walked slowly away, leaving -Budd to his uncertain fate. - - - - -CHAPTER XVI.--JUDD MAKES AN IMPORTANT DISCOVERY. - - -An hour or so after Budd had sailed away from Fox Island to meet Mr. -Wilson at the village and go on the prearranged trip, Judd got into the -yawl and started down the bay to visit the fish-pounds. Some impulse -came to him, as he rowed along, to first visit (though it was contrary -to their usual way of doing) the pound over on the shore of Conanicut -Island. Just before reaching it he happened to glance up the bay, and -saw the Sea Witch tacking down toward him. - -"Budd will get down along here before I leave the pound," he remarked to -himself, "and I'll hail him and find out what time he expects to get -back to-night." - -Then he rowed leisurely on to the pound and began his work. It was no -easy job to handle the seine alone; and for those readers who are not -familiar with this fish-trap, so common to the New England coast, we -will accompany Judd in his task. - -It is low tide, and thus the very best time for the work, as the net is -now fully exposed to view, and can therefore be the more readily -examined for any breaks, and all foreign substances that have collected -in its meshes can be the more easily discovered and removed. The -various times of day, then, at which the young firm have heretofore been -represented as visiting the pounds were not a mere matter of choice on -their part, but were the times that the ebbing tide had made it best to -do so, and it is the same reason that has brought Judd here just at this -hour. - -He rows in to the first stake, just a few feet below low-water mark, -where his leader begins. Slowly along this he works his way toward the -pound, five hundred feet off shore. He sees that every stake is still -firm, and that the net is stretched tautly between the posts; that the -sinkers are still holding its lower edge down to the bottom of the bay, -and that its upper edge is properly attached to the top of each stake. - -Here and there he pulls away a bunch of seaweed, or some floating log or -plank that the tide has brought up against the net, and which, if -allowed to remain there, might under a heavy sea do great damage to the -leader. By and by he has reached the great circular pound or trap, -which, like a tremendous basin, rounds out each way from his lead-line; -and now the hard work begins. Round and round the basin he goes, -pulling here and pulling there, all the while drawing the great purse -into a smaller circumference, and nearer to the surface. The splashing -and boiling water within, here and there the flash of a fin, and then a -tremendous surge to the right or the left, as the case may be, tell of -the fish imprisoned in the seine. - -More than once Judd wishes for his partner's strong arm to help him; -more than once the struggling mass of fish pull back into the deep all -the slack seine, compelling the lad to do his work over again; but at -last he is successful, and the fish are bagged into a corner of the net, -and held there so firmly that there is no possible escape. The -scoop-net is now brought into play, and rapidly the fish are dipped up -and emptied down into the bottom of the yawl. When the last one has -been removed the great purse-net is again lowered into the water, and -the openings at each side of the leader, wide at the outer edge, but -extremely narrow at the inner, are properly adjusted, and the work for -that day is over--unless, indeed, some huge rent in the meshes of the -seine compel it to be loosened from its stakes and carried ashore for -extensive repairs. - -This time there is no rent, and Judd has about got the net into its -place, when, glancing up, he sees that the next tack of the Sea Witch -will bring her down near him. Adjusting the net here and there, he -waits for her approach. Ten minutes later she is evidently as near to -him as she is coming, for her tiller is thrown about, and slowly she -swings around for the next tack. He raises his hands to his mouth, like -a trumpet, and is about to utter a prolonged whoop, to attract Budd's -attention; but no sound issues from his lips. Instead, he drops his -hands, catches hold of the net, pulls his yawl rapidly around to the -leader, and then works along it toward the shore. - -Why is this sudden change? Because, as the sail of the Sea Witch swung -slowly around for the reverse tack, he saw Budd was not on board. Nor -was this all. In three of those passengers he recognized Bagsley and -his two companions when at Fox Island eight or ten days before, and like -a flash it comes to him that Budd is a prisoner, and the robbers are -running away with the sloop. - -As he works his way to the shore he watches the sloop furtively, to be -sure that his action has not awakened any suspicion on the part of the -men in her; but he knows there is little danger of this, for though he -recognizes them, they are not likely to think that he, who is at work so -innocently there by that fish-trap, is the other owner of the boat, and -has already divined their purpose. - -Not too fast, so as not to specially attract their attention, he goes -along the leader, stopping just an instant now and then in mere pretense -to adjust the netting. But the moment their tack has taken the sloop so -far across the bay that his movements cannot be readily discerned, he -suddenly becomes the very embodiment of activity and purpose. - -Two or three vigorous pulls send the yawl inshore, where it is promptly -secured beyond the reach of a rising tide, for Judd has no idea just -when he will come to claim it again. Even the fish are forgotten as the -boy runs rapidly up the west slope of the island to the nearest -farm-house; and he gives a cry of joy, as he reaches it, to find the -farmer, with whom he is slightly acquainted, just driving his horse and -wagon out of the yard. - -"Are you going down to Jamestown Ferry, Mr. Niles?" he eagerly asks. - -"Yes, jump in," replies the kind-hearted farmer. - -Judd waits for no second invitation, but springing into the wagon, he -points off to the west bay, saying: - -"Do you see that sloop over under the west shore, Mr. Niles?" - -"Yes," replies he, "and it looks like yours." - -"It is; and a gang of fellows are running off with her, and I wish you -would get me to the ferry about as quick as you can. I want to get over -to Newport, hire a tug, and head them off before they reach Beaver Tail, -if possible. I'll pay you whatever you ask for driving me down there," -was Judd's surprising statement. - -The interest of the farmer was at once awakened. - -"Sho', now, you don't say so!" he exclaimed. "Lor'! I'll get you there -for the next boat over to the city, and won't ask you anything, either. -I just hope you'll get them;" and the farmer plied his whip to the horse -with a force that sent him tearing down the island at a rate that must -have been a source of astonishment to the usually sedate animal. - -He kept his promise, too, and drove on to the ferry wharf just in time -for Judd to jump on the already moving boat as she left on her half-past -three o'clock trip. At four o'clock, therefore, he was in the city, and -running up to Thames Street, he hurried around to the wharf of the -Providence and Newport Steamboat Company, where he had noticed that a -tug with her steam up was lying. - -As he turned off from the street onto the passageway leading to the -wharf he saw just ahead of him Mr. Avery, the constable. Quickening his -pace to a run, Judd overtook him. - -"Mr. Avery," he exclaimed, "where are you going?" - -"Home on the next boat," replied Mr. Avery, shaking hands with the lad, -"and while I was waiting for the boat I walked around here. But did you -wish to see me for anything special?" - -Drawing him to one side, Judd in a low voice told him of the discovery -he had made, and what he had come to the city for. - -"Now," he said, "I want you to come along with me, if we can agree as to -the division of the reward." - -"Budd, you say, is in their clutches, and he certainly deserves one -share; you ought to have a second for your discovery; and I a third, for -going with you, chartering the tug, running a risk of the capture, and -assuming the legal responsibility of the arrest. How does that strike -you?" asked Mr. Avery, with the tones of a man who wanted to do the fair -thing. - -"Agreed; and we have no time to lose," responded Judd. "There is a tug -right below here with her steam up." - -Two minutes later the officer and lad stood on the dock looking down -into a neat and trim tug, named the Thetis. - -"Ho! ho!" exclaimed Mr. Avery as he read her name. "I know her captain, -and I wonder where he is." - -"Right here, Avery," exclaimed a voice behind them. "What do you wish?" - -They turned to see a great six-footer coming toward them, and as he -reached the dock he went on: - -"I thought it was you, Avery, as I came down the street behind you. How -are you all at home?" - -"Very well, Captain Bradley," replied Mr. Avery. - -Then he introduced Judd, and proceeded to state his business. - -The stalwart captain pulled his beard vigorously as the officer told his -story, and then he said, heartily: - -"I'm your man, Avery. Steam is up, and we can be off in five minutes. -If we don't catch the rascals you are to give me twenty dollars; if we -do, make it one hundred." - -Mr. Avery, after consulting with Judd, agreed to this, and then he -suggested putting on a number of extra men. - -"Well, of course I will, if you want them," said the captain; "but I -have three men beside myself, and I'm good for any two of those rascals. -You and the boy make six in all. We have two guns and two revolvers on -board, and if you will wait five minutes I'll borrow a couple more;" and -as Mr. Avery nodded his approval, he disappeared around the corner of an -adjacent building. - -In the specified time he returned with revolvers and a Winchester rifle. - -"I happened to think that this," holding out the rifle, "was up here in -an office, and brought it along also," he exclaimed. "It may come handy -if we have to back off and take the robbers at long range." - -But while this large collection of deadly weapons may have been wise it -was hardly necessary, as the sequel will prove. - -It was not far from half-past four o'clock when the tug left the wharf. -She steamed rapidly around the lighthouse, and down by Fort Adams to the -mouth the of bay. - -Mr. Avery and Judd stood on her bow, looking eagerly off toward the -great expanse of ocean opening up to their view. Both were confident -that if the burglars had ever intended to go over to Block Island their -plan would be changed on discovering that Budd knew them. The question -of greatest moment to them, then, was, had the Sea Witch, on leaving the -bay, gone to the east or to the west? for they were sure she had already -had time enough to reach the open sea. Their hope was, and to this end -the tug was pushed rapidly forward, that they might reach Beaver Tail -before the sloop had entirely disappeared. - -"Do you suppose they have carried Budd off as a prisoner?" asked Judd of -Mr. Avery as they stood there together. - -He asked the question with much anxiety, for there had been a growing -fear at his heart that a worse calamity might have befallen his chum. - -"It depends largely upon how he came to fall into their hands," said Mr. -Avery, slowly. "If they have watched for him, and purposely enticed him -away, the probabilities are that he is on board the sloop, and that they -will dispose of him in such a way that he cannot be traced. By your -tale, this Bagsley is equal to so serious a crime. On the other hand, -if that Wilson hired him ignorantly, and not until they reached the -island, where his companions were, was it known who he really was, then -I am inclined to think they have left him on the island, but bound in -such a way that he cannot escape until rescued by his friends. This -would give them ample time to get out of the way with their booty before -he could give an alarm, and is probably the thing they have done. But -we cannot really tell until we overhaul them. - -"If I were asked to give my idea of the burglars' plans from beginning -to end," the officer went on with a smile, "it would be about this: -Wilson, and the other robber you did not know, have been the forerunners -of the other men, and have doubtless hung about the village for some -time, locating the store and planning for the robbery. Bagsley and his -gang came to Fox Island intending to make that a rendezvous until their -confederates notified them everything was ready; but finding that was -inhabited, they went to Hope Island and robbed Mr. Johnson's house of -all that they needed to make a camping outfit, and have been all the -time on Patience Island, waiting for their allies' message. When it -came, they dropped over to the village, gutted the store, and returned -with one of their confederates to Patience Island, while the other, -Wilson, remained behind to see what effect the robbery had on the -community, and what efforts were put forth to find the criminals. If, -in his judgment, it seemed best to leave the neighborhood, he was to -hire a boat to take them as a camping-party over to Block Island, where -they would have quietly separated and sought places of safety. - -"When Wilson appeared, however, bringing a lad who knew one of their -number, they were forced to plan differently, and so they ran away with -the sloop, intending doubtless to go to some quiet nook up or down the -coast, scuttle her, and then disappear without leaving a clew as to the -direction they had gone. But here we are, rounding out into the ocean; -and now where is your boat?" - -Anxiously Judd scanned the surface of the water to the westward. -Numerous sails of all sizes were discernible as far as Point Judith, but -not one of them, he was sure, could be the Sea Witch. If the burglars -had gone in that direction they had already disappeared around the -distant point. But to have sailed that way would have been against a -strong southwest wind, necessitating constant tacking, and as fast a -sailer as the sloop was, Judd was confident she had not had time enough -to accomplish that feat. He therefore turned at once, and hopefully, to -scan the eastern horizon. His look was but for a moment; then he -exclaimed, triumphantly: - -"There she is, Mr. Avery." - -He pointed out a small sloop about two miles away, which was sailing due -east. - -"Has the captain a glass?" he then asked; "though without one I am quite -positive she is the sloop," he added, quickly. - -A glass was brought him, and adjusting it to his eye, he looked long and -anxiously at the retreating boat. - -"One, two, three, four," he counted, slowly. "Ah! yes, there is the -fifth man 'way forward; and the color and rig of the vessel make it sure -she is the Sea Witch." - -Captain Bradley stood beside him, and at his words gave the requisite -orders for the course of the tug to be changed. Fresh fuel was thrown -on her fires, and with full steam on she bounded off toward the distant -sloop at a high rate of speed. - - - - -CHAPTER XVII.--BUDD'S ESCAPE. - - -As Budd watched the retreating forms of the robbers, so unceremoniously -abandoning him on Patience Island, he was very far from being disposed -to grumble at his fate. On the other hand, he felt extremely grateful; -for his condition, deplorable as it was, was a great deal better than he -had expected it would be when he found he had fallen into Bagsley hands. -He was, as the captain of the robber-gang had declared, alive and in -good health, and he knew he could hold out until his absence should -alarm Judd and send him to his rescue, even if he could not free -himself. But of this latter he did not yet despair; for while lying in -the yawl, waiting for the decision of the burglars as to what should be -done with him, he had found he could slightly work his wrists in the -cords that bound them, and he hoped, after some effort, to get them -free. But lest the men should at the last moment of their departure -take a notion to revisit him, he decided to make no effort in this -direction until sure he was alone. - -Around about him he could see the evidences of an encampment, and he -quickly concluded that this had been the rendezvous of Bagsley and his -companions since robbing Mr. Johnson's house on Hope Island. Their tent -could not have been seen by anyone passing up or down the bay, and so -they ran very little risk of discovery, while they were sufficiently -near the scene of their robbery to easily communicate with their -confederates, for such he now knew Wilson and the other strangers to be. -But it was not until later that Budd learned that Mr. Johnson's house -had been made to furnish the principal essentials of the burglars' -camping outfit. - -Budd now wondered which way the villains would go with the sloop, for he -felt sure the Block Island plan had been abandoned. If they went down -the bay, Judd, whom he knew was at the fish-pounds, would be likely to -see them, and a great hope came to the bound lad that his partner might -recognize the fleeing robbers; for he then knew Judd would at once -suspect their plans and try to capture them. This hope now became his -inspiration and his prayer. - -But he did not mean for a single instant to give up his own efforts to -escape and to warn the proper authorities of his discovery; for Budd was -not thinking so much of the reward that had been offered for the -apprehension of the burglars as he was of the bringing of them to -justice, and thus securing a hold upon Bagsley. Still, first in his -thoughts was the releasing of his father and the vindication of his -name. - -He had been bound with his hands in front of him, tied simply at the -wrists. He had been secured to the tree by wrappings of the cord from -his feet to his shoulders, and the knot that held the cord was on the -opposite side of the tree. His first effort was, then, to slip the rope -from his wrists. This he accomplished after quite a struggle, that -bruised and lacerated his arms and hands until they bled. - -His next effort was to raise his arms up out from the wrappings of the -cord that bound him to the tree. First the right, then the left arm was -released, and to Budd's satisfaction he found their release loosened the -cord so that he could move himself a little in his wrappings. Had he -only had his jackknife, the question of release would have been decided -in a moment; but this he had lost in his struggle with Wilson on the -sloop's deck. He must, then, find some other way to remove the rope. - -The ground where the tree stood was uneven, being higher where he was -than on the opposite side of the tree. Could he not, then, work slowly -about the tree inside of his wrappings until he could with his right -hand reach the knot that secured the rope? He knew it must be slow -work, and he must be sure the rope did not turn with him, or else his -efforts would be in vain. He determined to make the attempt. - -First he strained his wrappings to their fullest extent, and then, -before they could slip back against him, he made a sudden hitch to the -right. He thought he gained a trifle, and thus encouraged, he tried -again. Once, twice, ten, fifty times he repeated the effort, and then -he knew he had gained. Objects had been brought into vision that he had -not seen when first bound to the tree; objects he had seen were now lost -to view. - -All that afternoon, with frequent intervals of rest, he kept up his -struggle, and just at dark he found he could touch the end of the rope -that formed the knot, and a thrill of joy filled his heart. A few -minutes later he was able to take a full, strong hold upon this end of -the rope, and from that moment his progress was accelerated. Then, -tired, aching in every bone, with his coat worn thread-bare by its -constant rubbing against the tree, he at length reached a place where he -could use both hands upon the knot and untie it. To unwind the -wrappings was now but a few minutes' work, and somewhere about six hours -after he had been fastened to the tree he found himself free again. - -It was, however, too dark for him to attempt to leave the island, or to -search out a way to leave it; and so, crawling under the shelter of the -great rock from behind which the robbers had first appeared that -afternoon, he, without supper and without covering, laid himself down to -sleep. - -It was a restless, wakeful sleep, and with the very first show of -morning light Budd was astir. He first ran up and down the shore until -his quickened blood brought warmth to his chilled body; for though it -was summer weather, there had been a dampness and low temperature in the -sea air sufficient to make him uncomfortable. Then he sought along the -beach for some signs of shell-fish, and soon found clinging to the rocks -some yellow mussels. Though not the most delicious of bivalves he -managed to swallow a dozen or two of them, and their sharp, peppery -taste served as a stimulant. A drink of brackish water from a tiny -stream trickling down a rock into the sea completed his breakfast. - -As the sun rose, Budd's spirits rose with it, and he searched the island -completely around for some log or plank, on which he could venture to -leave the island. He was not successful in his search, however, and -finally came back to his starting-point empty-handed. - -"I've got to swim for it," he commented, "and if I do that, Prudence -Island should be my landing-place. Once there, I can get food, and -doubtless a boat to take me over to the west shore." - -With these words he walked along to the south-east point of the island, -and looked across to its nearest and larger neighbor. - -"It would not be much of a swim if I had a decent breakfast to work -upon," he said to himself; "but I shall have to wait until I get over -there before I get it. - -"I presume I might wait awhile, and some boat would come along and take -me off," he went on, gazing up and down the bay. "But the quickest way -is to depend on myself, and it is time I was going, if I am going to put -any one on Bagsley's track. I wonder where Judd is, and if he has -started to look me up?" - -There was no one to answer his question, and he did not stop long to -deliberate. - -Taking off his clothes, he wrapped them in as small a bundle as -possible, and tying them together with his suspenders he fastened them -on top of his head. He then entered the water, and swam slowly across -the narrow channel that separated him from Prudence Island. He was -quite used up when he crawled out on the beach and began to dress -himself. Then he walked down along the narrow neck of land that is at -the north end of the island until he came to a farm-house, where he -stopped and asked for food. - -He simply told the farmer that he had got left on Patience Island, and -had remained there all night; that he had with the coming morning swam -across to that island, and would like, first, some food, and then to -secure a boat to take him across to the main shore. The farmer at once -asked him into breakfast, which was already upon the table, but told him -he would have to go farther down the island to obtain a boat. - -Budd accepted the kind invitation, and ate with relish the food put -before him; and if the greatest compliment that can be paid a housewife -is to show an appreciation of her cookery, then that farmer's wife -received from Budd that morning a stupendous compliment. - -He had a little money with him, and on leaving he offered to pay his -host for the breakfast; but the man refused. - -"I may be in the same box some day," he remarked, "and it I'm not, some -one else may be whom you can help. So just pass the favor on to him." - -Budd readily promised to do this, and with a hearty "Thank you" for his -entertainment, hurried down the shore. - -His breakfast had given him new strength, his bath in the cool salt -water had soothed his bruised and aching body, and he felt equal to -almost his usual amount of work. When, therefore, he stopped at the -house where he had been told he could secure a boat and received the -reply: - -"I can let you have a boat, but you will have to row yourself over, and -bring back the boat at your earliest convenience, for we are too busy to -spare a single hand," he accepted the offer. - -The farmer accompanied him down to the shore, and showing him which boat -he was to take, cautioned him about being sure to return it. Budd -assured the man that he need have no fears on that score; but he little -knew how soon he was to return it. - -Shoving off the boat, he embarked upon it and rowed rapidly out into the -bay. Hope Island was plainly visible to the west, and he shaped his -course so as to pass the south end of it, for he had no desire to visit -Mr. Johnson again. Yet he of his own accord was in an hour to land -there and hold a remarkable interview with that gentleman. So little is -it that we really know what we shall do from hour to hour. - -Half the distance between the two islands had been accomplished, and -Budd had a clear, uninterrupted view down between Prudence and Conanicut -Islands into the east bay. His first glance in that direction filled -him with sheer amazement, for just emerging from the east passage, and -coming directly toward him, was a sloop, and even at that distance he -had no difficulty in recognizing her as the Sea Witch. He could see but -two persons upon her, and yet there might be more in the cabin. Was it -the burglars returning to carry out some forgotten or newly-formed -purpose, and should he flee from them as for his life? Or had Judd, as -he had hoped and prayed, rescued the sloop from the robbers' hands, and -was he now coming to look for his missing chum? - -These were questions Budd could not answer, and with a deep misgiving he -turned the bow of his boat and rowed directly for Hope Island, believing -that it was preferable to meet Mr. Johnson and his hot displeasure to -falling again into the hands of Bagsley and his gang. - -But before he had rowed half the distance necessary to reach the island -the sloop had come up before the morning breeze with a rapidity to be in -hailing distance. Then there rang out from her three such yells as only -Judd could give; and full of surprise and joy, Budd turned about his -boat and went down to meet her. - - - - -CHAPTER XVIII.--CAUGHT. - - -It was in truth the Sea Witch, and in order to understand how she -appeared off Hope Island so early that morning we must go back a few -hours in our story. - -We left Judd and Mr. Avery standing upon the forward deck of the tug -Thetis not far from five o'clock the evening before. The tug was off -Beaver Tail, and had just sighted and begun her chase after the -retreating sloop. The wind was a strong one from the southwest, and the -Sea Witch was so rapid a sailer that at six o'clock the tug, though -running at a high rate of speed, had not gained over a half-mile upon -her. At seven o'clock they were still a mile apart, and it was now -evident that before the tug could overhaul her darkness would have -closed around. - -Lest the suspicion of the burglars might be aroused, Mr. Avery had -requested Captain Bradley to keep the tug a point or two off of the -exact course of the sloop; so it happened that while the Sea Witch was -steadily working up toward the east shore of Buzzard's Bay the Thetis -was on a course that would have carried her into Vineyard Sound. But -Cuttyhunk Island was now just ahead, and the tug must soon alter her -course or she would lose sight of the sloop. - -Captain Bradley was about to give the necessary orders to effect this -change, when a movement on the part of the Sea Witch caused him to alter -his purpose. Her helm had been thrown up, and swinging to the right, -she ran directly into Chuttyhunk Island. - -"The rascals are going to hold on there to-night," said the captain as -he watched the sloop's course, "or else hold up to a later hour, and -then run into the main shore and separate. But whatever their purpose, -we have got them. I know like a book the cove they have entered, and -we'll keep up the east side of the island and land some one to watch -their movements. Before morning I'll promise to bag the whole gang." - -A few minutes after the Thetis ran in under the east shore of Cuttyhunk, -and a boat landed the captain, Mr. Avery and Judd. Slowly and -cautiously, under the lead of the stalwart captain, they made their way -across to the west side. Here they found a little cove, and close -inshore, and sheltered by its curving arms, lay the Sea Witch at anchor. -A light was in her cabin, and a boat with two men in it was just pushing -off from her side. - -"We are just in time, and may learn something to our advantage," -whispered the captain, as he drew his companions back into the shelter -of a clump of trees. - -The boat from the sloop landed almost directly opposite the concealed -men, and the two robbers jumped out and pulled it farther up the beach. - -"There," said one, "that will stay there until we come back. The -captain said we would find the water down here to the right. Take the -bucket and come on." - -The man addressed took a pail from the boat and followed the speaker -down the shore. - -"That proves that the leader of the gang is acquainted with this cove, -and their coming here was intentional," remarked Captain Bradley in an -undertone as the men disappeared. "Fifty yards to the south is a small -spring, but a man must have been here before to know of it. So much -then we have learned, and we may get some more important facts out of -these fellows before they go back to the sloop." - -Soon the men came back to their boat, one bringing the bucket of water, -and the other an armful of dead sticks he had gathered up. Putting -their burdens into the boat, they sat down upon the bow, filled their -pipes, and lighting them began to smoke, evidently in no hurry to -depart. - -"I say, Tom," said one of them in a moment, "do you suppose we are going -to get out of this scrape all right?" and there was apprehension in his -voice. - -"Oh! I think so," carelessly answered the other. "I see no reason to -believe we are even suspected; and to-morrow we will run down in the -neighborhood of Hyannis, wait until after dark, then scuttle the sloop, -and separate. From different stations in that vicinity we can work into -Boston, and once there, dispose of the booty, divide up, and be off to -some other part of the country for another job. It's a good, stiff haul -we've made this time; a cool thousand apiece." - -"That is Bagsley," Judd said to his companions in a suppressed whisper. - -The burglars finished their smoke without any further conversation that -was of special value to the listeners, and then pushed off the boat and -went back to the sloop. - -As soon as they were out of hearing Judd turned to Captain Bradley and -asked: - -"Couldn't we bring your yawl across to this cove, captain?" - -"I think so. What then?" he asked, with interest. - -"Well, then let us go back to the tug and give your men orders to bring -her around to this side of the island, and lie in wait off the southern -point of the cove. Then we will return to the shore in the yawl, bring -it over here, and wait until the burglars are quiet for the night. At -the proper time we will go silently off to the sloop, shut down her -hatch, give the tug the signal to come on, and boat and men are ours." - -Mr. Avery and the captain discussed the plan at some length. It would -involve hard work, but would offer two special advantages: They would -approach the sloop from a quarter that danger would be the least -suspected, and hence the chances of success would be materially -strengthened. Again, in case of discovery, a force would be on both the -sea and the land side of the Sea Witch, and the burglars would be less -likely to escape. With a little change in the details, Judd's -suggestion was adopted. - -The captain went back to the tug and gave orders for her to go around to -the other side of the island; he then returned to the shore, and under -the united efforts of the trio the yawl was carried over to the cove and -safely launched there. Then the lad was sent down to the southern point -to watch for the arrival of the tug. When a light was flashed three -times in succession from her starboard quarter he was to know that she -was in readiness and waiting only for a return signal to steam down into -the cove. Going back with this information to Mr. Avery and Captain -Bradley, the boat was then to be shoved off and the visit to the sloop -made. - -Judd reached the point safely and began his watch. A half-hour passed, -and then through the darkness he saw the light of the tug for a brief -moment as she rounded the southern end of Cuttyhunk and came due north. -She came slowly, that as little sound as possible might escape her, and -another half-hour elapsed before he received the signal. Then every -light about the vessel suddenly went out, and the most watchful observer -would not have suspected she was lying in wait there. - -Rising from the ground, Judd swiftly but noiselessly went along the -shore toward the place where his companions were waiting for his return. -He had nearly reached the spot where he thought the boat ought to be, -when a dark form rose up suddenly before him. - -"Captain," he exclaimed, in a low tone. - -"Yes," was the reply, and Captain Bradley stepped along to his side. "I -thought you were long in coming," he then explained, "and so had started -to look you up." - -"Has there been any movement on the part of the burglars?" the lad -asked, as they now went on to the boat, where they found Mr. Avery. - -"None," replied the captain. "We occasionally hear sounds of laughter, -and think they are all in the cabin, and the question arises whether we -had better go off at once or wait until all is quiet on the sloop." - -"They will be likely to set a watch later," said Judd quickly. "If we -can run off now and get under the starboard side of the sloop without -being discovered, I will agree to shut down the hatch and fasten it -before a single one can escape. We shall then have them at a -disadvantage, and can compel them to come out one by one, and disarm and -bind them." - -"Well, we will try it," was the decision of his companions, and the boat -was pushed off and slowly sculled by Captain Bradley toward the sloop. - -Mr. Avery sat amidships, while Judd occupied the extreme bow. All had -their revolvers in readiness and were alert for the very first -indication that they had been discovered. - -Silently the boat approached the sloop, which swung bow toward it. In -and under the shadow cast even in the darkness by her bow the yawl -swiftly shot, and then stopped. The voices of the burglars could be -distinctly heard, and they were evidently making the night ring with -their songs and laughter. Sounds of drinking and feasting suggested, -also, that they were still at their supper. No one was on deck, and no -thought of capture had apparently come to the robbers' minds. - -Again the yawl moved silently forward, and paused under the starboard -quarter of the sloop, and just adjacent to her cabin. Judd knew his -time for action had come, and he arose and braced himself for it. - -The opening into the cabin was for convenience and ventilation made in -two parts--one upright, the other horizontal. The upright portion was a -door, and swung upon hinges from the starboard side of the cabin toward -its larboard end. The horizontal part was a sliding hatch at the top of -the cabin, and to close it, it had to be shoved toward the stern-end of -the cabin, directly over the upright, where it fastened down into its -place with an iron clamp. Both swinging door and sliding hatch were -made of solid wood, and when closed and fastened could not easily be -opened from the inside of the cabin. - -All this Judd knew; and he was, moreover, at the one point where he -could reach both parts that were to be closed without himself being -seen. For a brief moment he steadied himself on the bow of the yawl; -then laying one hand on the rail of the sloop, he jumped lightly on -board. His weight swayed the craft somewhat, but before the burglars, -surprised at the sudden lurch, could spring even to their feet, he had -reached the opening. In an instant his left hand swung-to the upright -door and his right hand shoved the slide into place; down came the clamp -with a jerk; the iron bar was thrust into the socket, and all was secure -before the burglars had recovered from their first shock of surprise. - -Loud curses now followed, and heavy blows were struck upon the closed -door. Then a voice cried: - -"Open that hatch, or we'll fire through it!" and the click of a revolver -was heard. - -"Two can play at that game, my hearties," rang out the voice of the -stalwart captain as he sprung on board, followed by Mr. Avery. - -Then he drew his revolver and fired twice in the air. It was the signal -for the tug to approach. - -These movements on the part of the captors were not without their effect -on the imprisoned men. A silence suddenly fell upon them, broken at -length by the leader of the gang asking: - -"Who are you, and what do you mean by closing us up in here? You will -find it is a joke we will not stand." - -"And you will find it is no joke at all," responded Mr. Avery, promptly. -"I am an officer in pursuit of you on three or four charges, the last -and least of which is running away with this sloop. We have a tug close -at hand, and outnumber you in men and weapons, as well as in the -advantage of situation. So I advise you to keep perfectly quiet." - -The sound of the approaching tug was plainly discernible, to confirm his -words, and silence again fell on the discomfited burglars. - -"We are in Massachusetts waters; how dare you trouble us?" one of the -men, after awhile, called out. - -"I believe a man has a right to his property wherever he finds it," -responded Mr. Avery, coolly; "and one of the owners of this sloop is on -board now. We are just going to hitch on to the craft, at his request, -and tow her home. It is your misfortune to be in her just at this time, -but we cannot stop now to let you get off. As to your arrest, we'll see -to that when we are in Rhode Island waters." - -The tug had now come alongside of the captured vessel, and her anchor -was weighed and she was lashed to the larger boat, so that a passage -from one to the other could be easily made. Then the word was given, -and the Thetis steamed rapidly off on her return. - -When out so far from land that any escape of the prisoners was -impossible, the door of the sloop's cabin was unfastened, and the men -were ordered out one lay one. Bagsley and the leader of the gang showed -a little disposition to fight at first, but when their three comrades -yielded they evidently thought discretion the better part of valor, and -sullenly obeyed. - -Each one, as he came out, was disarmed and bound; then all were returned -to the cabin of the sloop. Bagsley, when he first caught sight of Judd -Floyd, seemed to think that he was Budd Boyd, but learned his mistake at -once when he was questioned as to Budd's whereabouts, and angrily -refused to tell. One of his companions, however, revealed that the lad -had been left bound on Patience Island, and Mr. Avery consented, at -Judd's urgent request, to visit the island early in the morning and -release Budd. - -At midnight, or a little after, the Thetis was in Newport. A strong -guard was placed over the captured men, and Mr. Avery and Judd took -possession of two of the tug's bunks, and slept soundly until early -morning. Then a breakfast was furnished the prisoners one by one, after -which they were again bound securely and replaced in the cabin of the -sloop. Mr. Avery drew his check for one hundred dollars and gave it to -Captain Bradley; then he and Judd entered the sloop and set sail for -Patience Island. - -As they came out of the east passage they saw a boat with a single -occupant crossing over from Prudence Island toward the south end of -Hope, and the moment it turned and was pulled rapidly for the latter -Judd suspected who the occupant was. When a little nearer, he was sure -it was Budd, whom he was seeking, and who had in some way escaped from -his bonds; so he sent forth the three yells that he knew his partner -would recognize, and which caused him to turn about, and with both -surprise and joy come on to meet the approaching sloop; a surprise and -joy that was destined to merge into a feeling of triumph when he learned -what and whom the sloop contained. - - - - -CHAPTER XIX.--MR. JOHNSON IS ASTONISHED. - - -The Sea Witch was luffed up into the wind as Budd came alongside, and in -another moment he had leaped on board of her, and was shaking hands with -his chum and with the constable. A single glance through the open door -of the cabin now revealed to him the prisoners, and too full of -happiness at the sudden revelation to speak, he turned toward Judd an -inquiring look. - -"Yes," he said proudly, at once interpreting his partner's look, and -understanding something of his feelings, "we have got the burglars, -their booty, and all their traps." - -"Tell me about it," Budd managed to say. - -"No, your story comes first," remonstrated Judd. - -So Budd began with his meeting of Mr. Wilson at the village the -afternoon before, and told all he had passed through until he had run in -with the sloop. When he had done, Judd and Mr. Avery together gave him -a full account of the chase and capture of the burglars from the moment -that Judd had discovered them running away with the Sea Witch. - -Then Judd said: - -"We were on our way up to Patience Island to release you, after which we -were going into Hope Island to notify Mr. Johnson of the burglars' -capture. Mr. Avery thinks much of the camping stuff they have was taken -from his house, and that he may wish to bring action against them -simultaneously with Clapp & St. John. Now that we have met you, -however, we are saved the trip up to Patience, and we will go directly -over to Hope Island." - -"Run over to Prudence and let me return this boat first," said Budd. "I -don't need it now, and it will save a trip over here on purpose to bring -it." - -"So it will," assented Judd; and the sloop was headed in that direction. - -The farmer was surprised to have his boat returned within a half-hour of -the time it had been taken, but opened his eyes in wider astonishment -when Mr. Avery, who was acquainted with him, gave him a full account of -Budd's experiences and showed him the prisoners. - -The run across to Hope Island was made in less than another half-hour, -and Budd, at the request of his companions, who knew he had special -reasons for seeing Mr. Johnson, landed and went up toward that -gentleman's residence. - -As he approached the building he could not help noticing the changes -that had taken place since he was there scarcely a week before. The -shutters were off of the house, windows were open, lawns were mown, -chairs and settees were out on the veranda, and everywhere there were -signs of occupancy. - -Walking boldly up to the front door, Budd rang the bell. A servant -answered his ring, and the lad politely asked her if Mr. Johnson was at -home. - -"Yes, sir," she replied; and then, evidently thinking from the boy's -appearance he was looking for work, she added, "but he has all the help -he desires." - -Budd smiled a little. - -"I do not wish work, but desire to see Mr. Johnson on important -business," he replied, with a marked emphasis on the next to the last -word. - -"Who shall I tell him wishes to see him?" the girl asked, doubtfully. - -"A gentleman," answered Budd, fearing to give his own name, and thus be -refused an interview with the man he sought. - -The girl hesitatingly showed Budd into the reception-room and went off -to call her master. - -With some doubts as to the reception he should receive, but elated at -the revelations he had to make, the lad arose to meet Mr. Johnson as he -entered. Before he could speak a word, however, he was recognized, and -the gentleman exclaimed, angrily: - -"Budd Boyd! How dare you enter my house, sir?" - -"I have business with you, Mr. Johnson," Budd replied gravely, and with -dignity. - -Something in his quiet tones and self-possessed manner soothed Mr. -Johnson's anger, and he asked, shortly: - -"What is it?" - -"May I sit down, sir? I have several most astonishing revelations to -make," said Budd, noticing the impression he had made. - -Mr. Johnson without a word motioned the boy to a chair, and taking one -near by, waited for him to speak. - -"Do you remember the conversation I had with you about Thomas H. -Bagsley, when in your office last March?" Budd now asked. - -"I do," said the gentleman addressed, briefly and haughtily. - -"You may remember that as I left your office he entered, making it -evident that he had been listening to our conversation," continued the -lad. - -"What makes you think so?" asked Mr. Johnson with a start, and for the -first time beginning to show an interest in the conversation. - -"Because of his own words and threats to me the next morning," responded -Budd; and he rapidly described the altercation that then occurred. - -"I immediately left the city," he went on, "and did not see Bagsley -again until a week ago last Saturday evening. But meanwhile he left -your employ." - -"Yes," assented Mr. Johnson, "he was thoroughly incompetent for his -duties; and, then"--he hesitated a moment, but eventually finished his -sentence--"and, then, I felt I could not trust him." - -"Your fears were well grounded," said Budd, with a little secret -exultation over Mr. Johnson's admission. - -Then he described the visit of Bagsley and his two companions to Fox -Island, and the statements and declarations he and his partner had -overheard. - -"It was this visit to our island, Mr. Johnson, that sent me over to your -island last Wednesday, when I was so unfortunate as to place myself in -your hands and be arrested as the party who had robbed your house," he -added. - -"That does nicely for a story," replied Mr. Johnson, incredulously; "but -if true, why didn't you at once tell me, or make it known at least at -your trial? It looks altogether like an ingenious attempt on your and -your partner's part to get me to withdraw my charge against you." - -Budd laughed. - -"I admit it, sir," he said; "but if you remember, I did beg you to hear -my story, and had you consented I should have told you all this at that -time. In the court I did not wish to tell it, for I had another purpose -in mind;" and he rapidly explained to Mr. Johnson what he hoped to -achieve from Bagsley's arrest, and that he was fearful, if he had -disclosed what he did know about his enemy and his gang at the time of -his own trial, it would have been premature and would have thwarted his -purpose. - -Mr. Johnson listened respectfully, but at the close of Budd's lengthy -explanation declared he was not yet convinced of the truth of the lad's -statements. - -"I am not through," said Budd with another laugh, for he knew the proofs -of the truth of all his declarations were not many rods away. "You have -heard of the extensive robbery of Clapp & St. John's store over at the -village?" he now asked. - -"Yes, I heard of it last evening," Mr. Johnson admitted. - -"That robbery was committed by Bagsley and his gang, and they robbed -your house here," said Budd, quietly. - -"How do you know? Where are the proofs of your statement?" cried Mr. -Johnson, springing excitedly to his feet. "Prove that to me, and I will -withdraw my case against you before sunset!" and he walked up and down -the room like a man about to receive some unpleasant revelation. - -"And try with me to secure Bagsley's confession of the crime he -committed, and for which my father is now in prison?" asked Budd, with -scarcely a less show of excitement. - -Mr. Johnson paused in front of the lad and looked at him sharply for a -minute; but the lad did not flinch under his gaze. - -"Yes," he then said, firmly; "I promise that, also. Prove to me those -two things--that the robbery here and the one in the village were alike -committed by a gang of burglars of which Bagsley is one, and I shall -believe he was capable--yes, guilty--of the crime your father stands -charged with to-day; for, mark, I now admit that there are reasons to -believe that he did, at the time that act was committed, know the -combination to my safe, and thus had free access to my money and my -check-book. - -"I now confess to you that I let my copy of the combination-number lie -overnight on my private office desk, and though it was lying there -undisturbed the next morning, Bagsley may have seen it. This is why I -have distrusted him. - -"It has also been a secret that has accused me every time I thought of -your father and of you. I could not bear to think I had sent an -innocent person to prison, and a part of my severity to you has grown -out of the fact that if you were proved to be of a thievish disposition -it would seem to substantiate, in a measure at least, your father's -guilt. It was at least quieting to my conscience to have it prove so, -and for this I doubtless have too strongly worked against you. - -"So I say, only prove your statements, and instead of your enemy I am -your friend, and I pledge you that I will try to undo all the wrong I -have done your father and yourself," and there was an earnestness and -sincerity in his tones that convinced Budd that he meant just what he -said. - -"Mr. Johnson," he exclaimed, "get your hat and come with me." - -"Where?" he asked. - -"Down to your dock. My sloop, the Sea Witch, is there, and on board are -the five burglars, their booty from the store and from your house, -guarded by Mr. Avery, the constable, and my partner, Judd Floyd." - -Mr. Johnson looked at the lad for an instant as though he doubted his -sanity; then he led the way into the hall, took his hat and a stout cane -from the rack, and replied: - -"I'm ready." - -As they walked down to the wharf, Budd rapidly related the principal -events connected with the finding and capture of the burglars, and -exhibited his own lacerated wrists as proof of the part he had borne in -the affair. - -"I'm just astonished! I'm just astonished!" was Mr. Johnson's -ejaculation during this recital. - -They reached the sloop, and Mr. Johnson looked with his own eyes upon -Bagsley and his confederates. He even overhauled and identified much -among their traps as having been taken from his house. - -He then had Mr. Avery and the lads recount to him again the whole story -of the robbers' capture. He also listened respectfully to Mr. Avery's -suggestion that he should come over to the village, and identifying -there his property, swear out a warrant against the men, that a double -charge might be sustained against them. - -"I will do it," he replied. "I will come over immediately." - -He spoke to Bagsley, expressing regret at having found him such a -criminal, but received only curses in return. - -At length he seemed to be satisfied with his own investigations, and -with the story he had heard. - -Laying his hand on Budd's head he said, solemnly: - -"I never meant to wrong you at all, my dear lad. I never meant to send -your innocent father, for I feel instinctively now he is innocent, to -prison. I never meant to hasten your invalid mother's death. Tell me -you forgive me, lad, for unless you do I can never forgive myself." - -Tears streamed down Budd's cheeks, and with them went much of the anger -he had cherished toward the speaker. - -"I believe you," he said; "only, leave no stone unturned to set my -father free and to put him right in the eyes of the world, and I freely -forgive you all the suffering and unhappiness you have unintentionally -caused me." - -"I solemnly promise it; and believe me there is yet happiness for both -father and son," said Mr. Johnson fervently; and wiping his own eyes, he -went ashore, to complete his arrangements for visiting the village. - -And Budd, with a joy he could not tell, assisted his chum in getting the -sloop ready for the passage over to the main land, where their arrival -with their prisoners was to create a profound sensation, and win for -himself and partner not only the offered reward, but friends and fame. - - - - -CHAPTER XX.--THE CONFESSION. - - -"The burglars are captured!" "They are now in the lock-up!" "Avery, -the constable, and those boys of Fox Island, brought them here in the -Sea Witch!" "They say every dollar's worth of the stolen goods is -recovered!" "The examination is at two o'clock this afternoon!" - -These and a hundred other similar exclamations ran along the streets of -the village, were repeated in shop and store and house, discussed on the -street-corners, and carried out into the surrounding country, within two -hours after the sloop had tied up at the public wharf. - -And yet very little was really known, for on arriving at the dock Mr. -Avery had left the sloop and prisoners in charge of the two lads while -he went quietly up the street and sought an interview with Clapp & St. -John, the jewelers. The immediate outcome of that interview was that -two closely-covered carriages were driven down to the wharf, and the -prisoners were hastily put into these and driven rapidly up to the -lock-up, where they were quickly incarcerated. Almost as quickly, a -huge express wagon went down to the dock, and bags, gripsacks and -bundles, containing the robbers' booty and traps, were transferred from -the sloop to the waiting vehicle, covered with a large sail-cloth, and -driven off to Clapp & St. John's place of business, where they were -safely stored. Then warrants were sworn out in rapid succession by -Clapp & St. John, by Mr. Johnson, for he had arrived at the village -almost as soon as the Sea Witch, and by the lads themselves, against the -criminals. - -Just what the specific charges were, and how the burglars had been -found, was not generally known; but enough had been seen by the -inhabitants of that staid community to excite their curiosity, and to -set their tongues a-wagging with a velocity that in any other bodily -member would have been absolutely dangerous. - -So it happened that when the hour of the burglars' examination came a -crowd had gathered in the court-room that filled it to its utmost -capacity, and a larger crowd was in the court-yard and the adjacent -street. Through this assembly the prisoners were with great difficulty -taken, and their trial began. - -But if the eager audience were expecting any special developments they -were doomed to disappointment, for when the warrant charging the -prisoners with feloniously entering and robbing Clapp & St. John's store -was read, each burglar in his turn waived examination, and was bound -over, without bonds, to the higher court. - -Something of a surprise swept over the audience, however, when the -prisoners were again arraigned and a second warrant was read, charging -them with the burglary of Mr. Johnson's house on Hope Island. To this, -as in the first instance, the accused responded by waiving an -examination, and were again bound over, without bonds, to the next term -of the superior court. - -Many of the audience evidently thought this ended the judicial -proceedings, and they arose to leave the room. The prisoners, too, -apparently thought the same, for they turned toward the officers who -were guarding them as though expecting to be immediately taken away. - -But for the third time they were called to the bar, and a deathlike -stillness fell upon the throng as a third warrant was read, charging -three of the prisoners with having forcibly entered, with the intent of -robbing, the house on Fox Island, on Saturday night, June 17th. Then -there was a hurried consultation between the leader of the gang, who had -given the name of Brill, and Bagsley and the third man of the party who -was accused of this crime, and who answered to the name of Hawkins. - -The result of the consultation was that the three men for the third time -waived an examination, and for the third time were bound over to the -higher court. - -As though getting impatient with the whole proceedings, the Justice -immediately called the five men to the bar to listen to the reading of a -fourth warrant, which charged the entire party with "having taken the -sloop Sea Witch, with force of arms, from her lawful owner, and having, -with great detriment to said owner's bodily health and disadvantage to -his property and business, run off with the same." With hopeless faces -and sinking hearts the prisoners no longer waived an examination but -pleaded guilty to the charge, and, as on the three former charges, were -bound over to the superior court. - -While the audience was slowly dispersing, the papers for the commitment -of the prisoners to the county jail were filled out by the presiding -Justice, and then, under a strong guard, they were taken out to the -waiting carriages and driven rapidly off toward the county-seat. Before -sunset this had been reached, and the criminals placed in separate cells -within the strong walls of the jail. - -Mr. Johnson and Budd had both agreed that it would be wiser to postpone -their interview with Bagsley until he had been committed to jail and -knew the full consequences of the criminal acts with which he and his -confederates had been charged. They hoped, too, that his solitary -confinement might subdue his resentful spirit to such an extent that he -would be willing to listen to the proposition they had to make. They -therefore arranged to go up to Kingston together early in the coming -week for the interview, on which their hopes so largely centered. But -unknown to them a series of circumstances were already beginning to work -in their behalf. - -The first step in the series began right in the court-room. While the -audience was dispersing and the Justice was filling out the -commitment-papers the prisoners were huddled close together within the -court-room railing. The officers allowed them to converse together, -thinking, doubtless, it would be the last time they could do so for a -number of weeks, if not for a number of years. Brill, the leader of the -gang, changed his position a little so as to bring him beside Bagsley, -and then he said, in a low tone: - -"It is a hard outlook for us, Tom." - -"Yes," his companion replied, gloomily. - -"It can't be less than twenty years on all the charges," continued -Brill, cautiously, lest his words should be overheard by the attending -officers. - -"Do you think so?" asked Bagsley. - -"Yes, unless you can work on the sympathies of old Johnson and that boy -to let us off on some of the charges," remarked the leader, -significantly. - -"What do you mean? They are more bitter against me than all the rest of -you," responded Bagsley, with some irritation in his tones. - -"Yes, and for cause; but suppose you remove that cause?" said Brill, -pointedly. - -"And get myself in a worse scrape," snapped Bagsley. - -"Not necessarily; you can put your conditions, and help yourself and the -rest of us," was the hasty reply; for the papers were now completed, and -the officers were handcuffing the prisoners together previous to leading -them from the room. - -Enough had been said, however, to excite in Bagsley's heart a hope he -would not be slow to follow up. - -The next step in the series of circumstances working favorably for the -fulfillment of Budd's purpose occurred the next day, way off among the -hills of New Hampshire. Bagsley, it will be remembered, was known, and -however it may have been with his companions, he was not able to conceal -his identity under a false name. The newspapers, therefore, recording -the capture of the burglars, gave his name in full; and one of those -papers went into the boyhood home of the unfortunate man, carrying -dismay to his aged father and mother still abiding there. The name was -that of their only son, from whom they had not heard in long months, and -of whose career they had for a long time had misgiving. - -So the aged father sat down, and with trembling hand wrote to the keeper -of the jail asking for further particulars as to the robbery, and a -complete identification, if possible, of the prisoner who bore his son's -name. This letter in due time reached the jailer, and was at once taken -to Bagsley's cell. He bore up bravely under the words the father had -penned, but when he read at the bottom of the sheet a single line in the -mother's handwriting--that line reading "If you are our Tommy, let us -know at once, and we'll come to you and spare no expense to save -you"--he broke completely down. The memory of his mother--of her love, -that had ever stood ready to shield him--had touched his heart. He was -not as hardened as he himself had thought, and a desire to see his -mother once more before the prison-walls closed upon him for long years, -and to hear from her own lips that she forgave her wayward boy, led him -to answer his father's letter. - -So the third and last step in this chain of circumstances began when his -letter, two days later, reached the little mountain village. Closing up -their little home, the aged father and mother drew from the savings bank -their small hoard of hard-earned money and set out for the place of -their son's incarceration. Everyone they met seemed to understand that -some heavy affliction had fallen upon the gray-haired couple, and with -kind words and willing hands they were helped on their way, and on the -Monday following the arrest of the criminals they reached the door of -the Kingston jail and asked to see their boy. - -Without delay they were taken to Bagsley's cell, and then ensued an -interview too sacred but for the angels of heaven to have witnessed. In -humble contrition the penitent man disclosed to his broken-hearted -parents the whole story of his criminal life, and acknowledged that -there was no possible escape from long years of confinement unless Mr. -Johnson and Budd Boyd could be persuaded to withdraw their charges -against him. So the next morning the father started off to find the lad -and the gentleman who held so much of his son's fate in their hands, and -met them on their way up to the county-seat to hold an interview with -his son. Under these circumstances it was not hard to effect an -agreement, and Bagsley consented to make a full and complete vindication -of Henry Boyd if Mr. Johnson's charge and the two charges of Boyd & -Floyd against him and his associates were withdrawn. This was what both -Mr. Johnson and Budd were willing to do, and the confession of such -vital importance to two persons at least--Budd and his father--was duly -drawn up and signed. - -It stated in substance that Bagsley, on entering Mr. Johnson's employ, -had been detected in light pilfering by Mr. Boyd, but upon his making -full restitution and promising to never be guilty of such an act again -Mr. Boyd had consented to keep the matter from Mr. Johnson. Instead of -being grateful to Mr. Boyd for thus shielding him from Mr. Johnson's -anger, Bagsley had resolved to have his revenge for what he termed -Boyd's unwarranted interference with that which was none of his -business. The opportunity came when Mr. Johnson carelessly left the -combination-number of the safe upon his private desk. Making a copy of -it, Bagsley had taken the thousand dollars for himself, and forged the -check and sent it with the accompanying letter to Mr. Boyd's house just -as he was about to start for the South with his invalid wife. He had -opened and destroyed the letter of thanks that Mr. Boyd had sent Mr. -Johnson upon receiving the check, and the result of his plans had been -exactly what he had anticipated. Mr. Boyd was arrested, tried and -convicted of the two crimes, forgery and theft, while he who had really -committed the acts had been unsuspected. - -The confession went on to state that Bagsley had overheard all that -passed between Budd and Mr. Johnson in the private office, and believing -that Budd was working to prove his guilt he had assaulted him on the -next day. Not content with this, he had sought for the lad repeatedly -to frighten him into silence, but at length learned he had left the -city. - -His connection with the criminals had come about in a perfectly natural -way through the dissipated habits he had formed. When in a -gambling-saloon one night he had run in with Brill, who, finding that -Bagsley had plenty of money, accused him of having taken the thousand -dollars for which Henry Boyd had been arrested. Bagsley at first denied -this, but being unable to account for the money in any other way, he -finally admitted it. - -From that hour Brill had a hold upon him, and led him from one crime to -another until the series of crimes for which he and his companions had -now been arrested. - -There was a particularity of detail throughout the whole confession that -evinced its truth, and with the document in his pocket Mr. Johnson took -the first train for Boston, to place in the hands of the Governor and -his Council, the matter of Henry Boyd's pardon for a crime he had never -committed; while Budd drove off home, to immediately write and send to -his father a letter giving a full account of the events that had -transpired in the last few days, and setting forth the prospect of -his--the father's--release, as soon as the legal steps necessary for it -could be complied with. - -As we shall now lose sight of Bagsley in our story, it may be stated -here that he and his companions in crime were duly arraigned for the -burglary of Clapp & St. John's jewelry store, at the November term of -the superior court, and knowing that the evidence of their guilt was -absolute, they thought it wiser to plead guilty and throw themselves -upon the mercy of the Court. The other charges were not brought up -against them, but they were known, and without doubt had much to do with -the heavy sentence that was pronounced upon them, namely--ten years each -at hard labor in the State Penitentiary. - -The reward offered for their arrest and conviction was in due time paid -over to Mr. Avery and the two lads. Mr. Avery, finding the part he had -played in the affair had obtained for him a popularity that was destined -to give him the office of County Sheriff at the next election, -magnanimously insisted that the hundred dollars paid the captain of the -tug should come out of his portion of the reward alone; so that the -young firm received an even thousand dollars as their compensation for -the trying experiences they had undergone in discovering and bringing to -justice the gang of criminals. - -But a full month before this money was paid over, an event happened that -to Budd at least far transcended any amount of pecuniary gain. It was -the reception, through the post-office, of a large official document -from the Governor of Massachusetts, announcing the full pardon and -ordering the immediate release of Henry Boyd. Along with it came a -personal note from the Governor pleasantly suggesting that the son, who -had so thoroughly believed in and worked for the establishment of the -father's innocence, should be the one to first carry the good news to -the pardoned man. - - - - -CHAPTER XXI.--FATHER AND SON. - - -The weeks that had elapsed between the confession of Bagsley and the -reception of the important document from the Governor of Massachusetts -had hung heavily on Budd's hands. He chafed under the legal -technicalities that seemed to be constantly arising to delay a result -that he knew was inevitable, and which he thought ought to come -immediately. Still his hope sustained him, and with his partner he -attended strictly to the work in which they were engaged. - -Business, too, accumulated upon their hands. The notoriety they had -achieved in capturing the burglars had made it quite the thing to -patronize the young firm, and from every side there poured into them an -increase of trade. The summer hotels along the bay found it quite to -their interest to announce that the fish upon their tables came directly -from the pounds of Boyd & Floyd. Sailing and fishing-parties sought -eagerly for the services of the lads and their sloop Sea Witch, that had -such a romantic history. So night and day the young firm were busy, and -their bank account grew apace. - -But there was another work during these weeks that claimed Budd's -attention. Believing that his father would prefer to come back to the -island with him, and make a temporary home there until their plans for -the future could be arranged, he spent all his spare moments in making -his island home more attractive. - -Mr. Johnson had on the day he had accompanied the lad up to the county -jail returned to him the five hundred dollars he had paid that gentleman -the previous March, and, along with that sum, its accumulated interest. -A portion of this money Budd now spent for carpets and furniture. - -The bedroom down-stairs, and which he and Judd had always occupied, was -refurnished expressly for Mr. Boyd. The furniture which had been in -there was carried upstairs, where a room was fixed for the lads. -Another room upstairs was also furnished with a bedroom set, and it was -Budd himself who gave a reason for doing it: - -"It is for your father, Judd, when he comes from the State Farm. We'll -bring him over here, where he'll be away from temptation, and try and -make a man of him;" and Judd thanked his chum for the suggestion with -glistening eyes. - -Other arrangements were also made about the house and grounds, in which -Budd was ably seconded by his partner, and on the October morning that -the Governor's pardon came everything was in readiness for Mr. Boyd's -coming. - -That afternoon's train carried Budd to Boston. He arrived in the city -too late to visit the prison that day, but having expected this, he was -in no sense disappointed. In fact he had come to the city at this time -purposely, for he had a few items of business to transact before he -visited his father, and they could be attended to while he waited for -the coming morning, which at the earliest possible hour he had -determined should see his father's liberation. These items of business -are of interest to us, and so we will follow him as he attends to them. - -Hastening through to Washington Street with the pace of one who knew -just where he was going, he hurried down that street until he reached a -large tailoring establishment. Entering this, he asked for the -proprietor, and was immediately shown to the private office. -Introducing himself with the air of one who was expected, he asked: - -"You have, of course, received and filled my order?" - -"Yes sir," said the gentleman, pleasantly, and pointing to a handsome -valise and a large package at one side of the office. "In that valise -you will find shirts, collars, underwear, stockings, neckties, and a -medium suit of clothing. In the package is a handsome overcoat, a fine -Prince Albert suit, hat, shoes--in fact a complete outfit, and good -enough for any man. They will be sent to your hotel at the appointed -hour to-morrow, and we guarantee the fit, if your measures were -correct." - -Budd thanked him, and then asked: - -"Was the check I forwarded with the order sufficiently large in amount -to pay for everything?" - -"Yes, and a little to spare. Here is the receipted bill and change that -the cashier sent here in anticipation of your coming. I had the bundles -brought here also, in case you should care to examine them." - -"No, sir; I rely upon your judgment," replied the lad. "You may send -the packages to me to-night, however, at the United States Hotel;" and -he took his leave. - -He now walked down to the hotel he had named, and registering his name, -was shown to a room. - -Before the supper-hour the packages had arrived from the tailoring -establishment, and were at his request sent up to his room. He now -examined their contents, and his face glowed with satisfaction as he saw -how well his orders had been executed. - -"Father need not be ashamed to call on the Governor himself with those -clothes on," he said softly to himself, not knowing they would be put to -that use. - -When his supper was eaten he left the hotel and walked briskly off -toward the business quarter of the city again, and reaching the office -of a well-known daily paper, he entered and asked for the managing -editor. On the assurance that his business was important he was shown -up to that worthy's sanctum. - -With no hesitation he told who he was, and the object of his visit to -Boston. - -"My wish," he continued, "is to have your paper to-morrow kindly notice -my father's return to public life; and if you believe in his innocence, -do your part toward the vindication of his good name. I ask that you -will give as conspicuous a place in your paper to his release as you did -to his trial and conviction, and am willing to pay you for the space." - -The editor laughed a little. - -"You show your appreciation of the value of the press as a molder of -public sentiment," he then said. "But, my dear boy, Mr. Johnson has -preceded you in this request. The first page of every daily in this -city, to-morrow, will notice your father's release, and every editorial -page will comment upon and welcome his return to public life. - -"Why shouldn't we?" he added, bluntly. "Mr. Johnson has paid handsomely -for it. He certainly is leaving no stone unturned to restore your -father to his old standing in the community. From the hour of Bagsley's -confession, for he telegraphed the fact here at once, he has seen to it -that every step toward your father's release has been duly noticed by -the public press." - -Then the man, with a few inquiries as to Mr. Boyd's plans after his -release, dismissed his young visitor. - -"I have no more offices to visit, then," Budd remarked on reaching the -street, "thanks to Mr. Johnson. I'll buy a copy of every paper -to-morrow, however, so father can see just what they do say." - -He now turned his steps toward the quarter of the city where he had -formerly lived, and walked slowly over the familiar ground. Then he -went around by the school he had last attended, and gazed up at the -windows of the room where he used to sit. His thoughts now turned -toward his former acquaintances and friends, and he felt a little -pardonable exultation as he remembered how, at every breakfast-table of -the city, on the following morning, his father's innocence would be -discussed. - -"I am not sure," he admitted to himself, as he walked back toward his -hotel, "but that I should be glad to come back here and take up the old -life--if," he added, after a brief pause, "Judd could only come with -me." - -And though he did not know it then, that very thing was to eventually -happen. - -Not far from half-past eight o'clock the next morning Budd put his -packages into a hack, and entering it, gave the order to the driver: - -"Go over to the State Prison in Charlestown." - -With a peculiar look at his young passenger the driver mounted his box -and drove away. A half-hour or so later he stopped at the massive -entrance of the institution named, and Budd alighted. Requesting the -hackman to remain until his return, he took up his bundles and went into -the warden's office. - -Upon showing the official document of the Governor to the clerk in -waiting he politely requested Budd to take a seat while he went to call -his superior officer. The warden soon entered, and telling Budd he had -expected him, he led the way into the prison building. Down one -corridor and into another they went, the heart of the lad beating loudly -as he drew nearer to the father he had not seen for months. Suddenly -the warden stopped before a cell and unlocked the door. - -"You may enter and break the news to your father," he said to Budd in a -low voice. "A little later I will send a man for you, and you and your -father can come down to the office, where there is a dressing-room which -he can use to get ready for his departure." - -With these words he motioned the lad to enter the cell; then he gently -closed the door, without locking it, and hurried away, leaving father -and son alone. Surely nothing ever became him better. - -As Budd entered the cell, his father arose from the stool on which he -was sitting, and with a glad cry came toward him. The next instant they -were in each other's arms, and sobbing on each other's shoulders. But -the tears they shed were tears of joy, for Mr. Boyd had rightly -conjectured that his son's presence meant his immediate release, and -though not entirely unexpected, yet it still came with sufficient -suddenness to move him to tears. - -Soon they both grew calmer, and then Budd produced the Governor's -pardon, and related to his father the story of its coming, and the -Governor's suggestion that had accompanied it. He then produced a -half-dozen morning papers, and pointed out to his father the flaming -announcements of his release, and the editorial notes of welcome that -signaled his return to public life. - -"You need not be ashamed to go anywhere in the city, father," the lad -exclaimed, triumphantly; "and I have brought you clothing fit for a -king. A home is ready for you, too, where you can rest awhile and plan -for the future. There is the man's step outside, now, who has been sent -up for us; so come." - -Leaning proudly on the arm of his boy, who had accomplished so much, Mr. -Boyd walked down to the office, where the warden kindly greeted him, and -the few details essential to his release were attended to. Then he was -shown into an adjacent dressing-room where the packages Budd had brought -had already been carried, and from this he emerged a half-hour later -looking, as the happy boy declared, "Just like his own father." - -Budd now took up the valise that contained Mr. Boyd's spare clothing, -and telling his father the carriage was in waiting, started for the -door. - -"One moment, Mr. Boyd," the warden said. "Here is a note the Governor -has sent here for you." - -In surprise, Mr. Boyd took the note and hastily opened it. There was -but a brief line. - - -EXECUTIVE MANSION, October 5th. - -_Mr. Henry Boyd and Son:_--You are both requested to dine with me at two -o'clock this afternoon, where you will meet some old and some new -friends. - -THE GOVERNOR. - - -It was with emotions no words can express that both father and son -entered their carriage and were driven off to their hotel. Never had -the sun shone so brightly; never had the autumn foliage looked half so -beautiful; never had the old, familiar streets and buildings seemed so -dear. In their very happiness they were silent until nearly to their -destination; then Mr. Boyd broke the silence by saying, tremulously: - -"Oh, Budd! if your mother only knew of my vindication! If she had only -lived to see this day!" - -"She does know of it," replied Budd, simply. - -"I believe it; and, like myself, she is proud of her boy;" and Mr. Boyd -looked lovingly down into the face of his son. - -The dinner at the Executive mansion was a simple affair, the Governor -seeming to understand Mr. Boyd's feelings in this respect. There were -there the members of the Executive Council; the Judge who had presided -at Mr. Boyd's trial; Mr. Johnson; Mr. Boyd's lawyer, and a half-dozen -prominent business men that Mr. Boyd had been accustomed to meet in -other days. They all congratulated him warmly upon his established -innocence, and assured him of their friendship and help when he had -decided upon his future business plans. - -He thanked them all for their expressions of kindness, but added, with -evident pride: - -"My son has a home for me, and there I will go for the present." - -At four o'clock he and Budd left the city; at five they were in -Providence, and at six they were at their village depot, where they were -met by Judd. Ten minutes later they were on the Sea Witch, bound for -the island. - -As they reached their own wharf Mr. Boyd stepped out of the boat and -looked around him. Then he said tenderly, almost reverently: - -"This is your home, Budd, and my home, now--inexpressibly dear, because -of what my boy has here proved himself to be." - -Later on, and when reclining in an easy-chair beside the sitting-room -fire, he heard in detail the experiences through which the lads had -passed. The young partners sat where he could look them both full in the -face. Possibly their strong likeness to each other may have suggested -the question, for he abruptly asked: - -"Judd, what is your father's name?" - -"Silas Torr Floyd," answered the wondering boy. - -"And your mother's?" - -"Helen Budd, before she was married," replied Judd. "That is one reason -why I thought Budd's name so funny when I first heard it." - -"You are, then, cousins," was Mr. Boyd's astonishing declaration. - -"How do you make that out, sir?" the lads exclaimed in one breath. - -"My wife and your mother, Judd, were sisters," explained Mr. Boyd. -"They were married about the same time, and used to joke each other -about one having married a Boyd and the other a Floyd. When Budd was -born his mother gave him her surname for his Christian name; and when, a -few weeks later, Judd was born, his mother laughingly gave him the -Christian name he bears, saying she would make it as near like Budd's as -possible. - -"We soon separated, I moving into Boston, and Judd's father going West. -For a time we kept up a correspondence, but it grew less and less -frequent, and finally entirely ceased. But your parents must have -returned East, Judd, and I cannot understand why they did not -communicate with me, unless your mother's pride was such that she did -not wish us to know her husband had become a drunkard." - -"I think that is it," said Judd, thoughtfully; "for whenever I asked -about her relatives, she never would tell me anything about them." - -The newly-discovered relationship was discussed for a time, and facts -and dates were brought forward to substantiate it. Then Judd said, with -much the same grimace he had used months before: - -"I told you some time ago, Budd, that we were second-rate twins, and now -it has turned out that we are first-rate cousins!" - - - - -CHAPTER XXII.--AN EXCITING ADVENTURE. - - -"Good morning, father! Would you like to go with us to the fish-traps, -or will you remain here and rest?" - -It was the morning after Mr. Boyd's arrival at the island, and as yet -barely six o'clock. Budd had come to the door of his father's room, and -finding him awake had thus accosted him. - -Mr. Boyd looked up at his boy with a cheerful smile. - -"Good morning, Budd!" he responded. "You are around early here, aren't -you? Well, I like to see promptness and industry in any one; and as an -encouragement, if not an example, to you and Judd, I'll go right along -with you. How soon shall I be ready?" - -"Breakfast will be on the table in ten minutes, and in course of a -half-hour we must be off," answered Budd. "Is there anything I can do -for you, father?" - -There was manifest affection in the lad's tones as he asked this -question, and his face beamed with an irrepressible joy. The great -purpose of his heart had been accomplished; his father was not only at -liberty, but with him, and he had nothing more to ask. - -"No, my son," replied Mr. Boyd, with no less show of affection; "I'll be -with you presently." - -Budd went back to the kitchen and assisted Judd in the few preparations -necessary to complete the breakfast, and when Mr. Boyd joined the lads a -few minutes later all was in readiness for them to sit down to the -table; and within the prescribed half-hour the meal had been dispatched -and all were on board the Sea Witch. - -Her moorings were speedily cast off, and with a strong southeast wind to -contend against she tacked down the bay. The first run carried her -close under the west shore of the bay, and just before she was put about -for her second tack, Budd, who was forward, noticed a large flat-boat -coming out from a small cove right ahead of them. A single glance -showed him that the one sail of the boat was furled, and that his old -employer, Mr. Benton, was pulling her along against the stiff breeze -with an enormous pair of sweeps. - -"Where did Mr. Benton get that boat, and what is he doing with her, -Judd?" he asked. - -"All I know about it," replied Judd, eying the clumsy craft, "is that he -had her down on Plum Beach, yesterday, loading her with sand. Where he -got her I can't say. Perhaps he knocked her together himself; I should -judge so, from her build. She won't stand a rough sea long, though; and -unless he hurries around with his load to-day, she'll go down under him, -I'm thinking." - -"Are we going to have a storm right away?" asked Mr. Boyd, looking up at -the mackerel-sky. - -"Yes, sir," replied Judd, promptly. "When the wind blows as fresh as -this from the southeast, it won't take over six hours to bring a regular -gale. That's one reason we have hurried off to the traps so early this -morning. I'll agree to show you all the rough weather you'll care to -see before we get back to the island;" and the lad spoke with a -positiveness that gave a convincing force to all his words. - -On account of the strong head-wind the lads had thought it best to first -work down along the west shore and visit the two traps on that side of -the bay, and then, with the breeze on their starboard, run over to their -trap under Canonicut Island. This would give them, also, a stern-breeze -for their return home. - -In carrying out this plan they ran on their third tack close enough to -Mr. Benton to hail him. - -"Good-morning, Mr. Benton," Budd cried out. "Shall we take you in tow -and leave you at the beach?" - -He made the offer, for he had noticed that the old man was making but -slow progress against the head-wind. A surly refusal of the offered -help was, however, the only answer he received. It was quite evident -that Mr. Benton, while he had steadily let the young partners alone -since his last encounter with them, had never forgiven them for the -advantage they had then gained. - -A few minutes after passing Mr. Benton the first fish-trap was reached, -and the lads soon emptied it of its "catch" with all the quickness and -dexterity for which they were noted. Mr. Boyd assisted them somewhat, -but laughingly declared that "he would have to serve a regular -apprenticeship at the business before he could hope to compete with -them." - -"Oh! you would learn how to do it sooner than you think," remarked Budd, -giving the huge net a vigorous pull that sent it slowly back to its -place. "I was as great a novice at the work as you are when Judd took me -into partnership; but I soon caught the knack, and rather like the -business now." - -"He proved an apt scholar, and has outstripped his teacher," put in -Judd, laughingly. "I sometimes find it hard work to keep up my end with -him. But we are ready now, I believe, to work down to the lower trap." - -The anchor of the sloop was raised, and her sails adjusted for the brief -run around Plum Beach Point to the other fish-pound. As she passed -along the sandy shore, on which the huge breakers were rolling with a -constantly increasing power, the boys noticed that Mr. Benton had -already beached his boat, and had commenced to load her with sand. - -"He ought to know better than to put a flat-bottomed boat on there with -the wind from this quarter," observed Judd, sagely. "If the wind -increases, as I think it will, she'll pound to pieces there in no time; -and even if he's lucky enough to get her off before that happens, he -can't get up into his cove with her to-day." - -"Why not?" asked Mr. Boyd, with some show of interest. - -"Because she has no keel or center-board, and can't hold herself for a -moment against the wind. Just as sure as he clears the point with her -the wind will drive her straight ahead for our island, or by the west -end of it, on to the 'The Hummocks.' See if it don't turn out as I tell -you." - -"You are right," Budd quietly assented--"unless, as you suggested, -before she goes down under him. That sand is heavy, and if he only puts -on a half-load, it will sink her well down into the water. A rough sea -may flood her, and between the water and the sand she will surely sink. -Possibly he will think of this, and be wise enough to leave her where -she is at the risk of her being stove up." - -"I don't think so," went on Judd, quickly. "The first board that starts -off of her will make him think she is going to pieces right there, and -to save her he will try to get her off shore, and that means no chance -for the boat, and only half a chance for himself." - -"Cannot you run in near enough to warn him of his danger?" asked Mr. -Boyd. "Perhaps, if he came right off the beach now, and before the gale -comes on, he could save himself and the boat, too." - -"Little will he care for our warning," replied Judd; "but then we can -give it, all the same. Go forward, Budd, and shout to him;" and he put -up the helm and ran the sloop in as near the beach as he felt it was -safe to go. - -"Mr. Benton," shouted Budd, "your boat will soon pound to pieces there; -and if you delay long about putting off shore there will be great risk -about your getting into your cove. The wind is increasing every minute, -and will soon blow a gale." - -The old man turned slowly around and looked off toward the sloop. - -"I'll 'tend to my bizness, if ye'll 'tend to your'n," he curtly replied. - -"What did I tell you?" said Judd, as the sloop slowly swung off toward -the fish-pound, now no great distance away. "He'll stay there for his -load, whatever happens. He don't propose to have either Budd or me give -him advice." - -Before Mr. Boyd could make any reply there came a sharp cry from Budd, -who was still on the bow of the sloop. - -"Quick, Judd, or our trap will be destroyed! There is a porpoise in it, -and he has already noticed our approach." - -"We can't save the net!" exclaimed Judd, springing to his feet, and -looking at the huge cetacean that had raised his head above the surface -of the water, and within the inclosure of the seine. "He will go -through it like a shot! Our only hope is to save the fish!" - -"Perhaps I can get him," cried Budd, running aft and drawing the yawl -close up to the sloop. - -The next moment he had leaped into it, and casting off the painter, he -sculled rapidly toward the pound. - -As he reached the upper side of the trap, the porpoise made a quick -lunge against the opposite side; but the stout netting and firmly-driven -stakes withstood its effort to break through. Seeing his opportunity, -Budd pulled in his oar and caught up an old harpoon that lay in the -bottom of the yawl, and which was kept there to be used upon the sharks -that frequently entered the traps. - -It was but the work of a moment to fasten the weapon to the bow-line of -the yawl, and then Budd threw it with all his strength at the struggling -monster. The sharp point struck the porpoise near the center of its -back, and penetrated through the thick hide to the depth of several -inches. - -"Hurrah! I've got him!" shouted Budd, seizing hold of the bow-line and -beginning to haul it in. - -Scarcely were the words out of his mouth when the rope was jerked from -his hand with a force that sent him over backward in the yawl. Then he -heard a crash, and a moment after felt the boat moving through the water -a terrific rate of speed. - -Crawling up onto his knees and grasping hold of the sides of the yawl, -he looked about him. The cetacean had cleared itself from the trap and -was going down the bay with the boat in tow. Already the sloop was -several rods in the rear, and Judd was shouting to Budd to cut the rope -that fastened the yawl to the harpoon, so firmly imbedded in the -porpoise's back. - -[Illustration: Grasping hold of the sides of the yawl Budd saw that the -porpoise was going down the bay at a terrific rate of speed, with the -boat in tow.] - -Holding on to the yawl with one hand, Budd took his jack-knife from his -pocket with the other and opened it with his teeth. He then crept along -to the bow of the boat and raised his hand to sever the line. That -moment there was a movement on the part of his singular steed that led -him to change his mind. The cetacean turned and ran obliquely for the -shore, and hoping to yet secure the monster, Budd refrained from cutting -the rope. - -"Look out for the net, first, then come on and pick me up," he shouted -back to Judd. "I'll cut the line at the first show of danger." - -The wind evidently carried his words back to his companions with -sufficient distinctness to be comprehended, for they at once returned to -the pound, beyond which they had already passed in pursuing the fleeing -yawl, and Budd was left to continue his wild ride unattended. - -To state the exact truth, the lad was immensely enjoying the peculiar -situation in which he found himself. As long as the porpoise kept at -the surface of the water he knew he was safe, and he watched its -movements sharply, so as to cut the bow-line the moment he dived. - -But no such movement was to be detected. As though stricken with panic, -and bent on suicide, the cetacean fled onward until opposite the huge -cliff on the west shore of the bay known as Thurston's Rocks, and then -it turned and ran directly inshore. - -"It is sure death to go in there," muttered Budd at this movement of his -steed, "and I don't propose to go on to that cliff with you." - -With knife raised he waited until the porpoise was within a few rods of -the shore; then with a quick stroke he severed the rope, and dropping -the knife, seized his oars. By a vigorous use of these he staid the -impetus of the yawl and turned its bow into the wind. Before he had -accomplished this, however, the cetacean had dashed headlong upon the -cliff, and now tossed helplessly upon the surface of the water. - -For a few minutes Budd held the yawl in check, and watched his huge -victim. He did not dare go nearer to the cliff, for he knew the waves -were dashing upon it with a force that would crush the boat as though -but a cockle-shell, and yet he longed to secure his prey. - -He ran his eyes along the rocks. Just beyond the place where the -porpoise lay was a shelving ledge, upon which he knew he could get if -once on shore, and from the ledge he believed he could reach the rope -that was fastened to the cetacean. But where could he land? - -Above him, a dozen rods or so, was the old tumbled-down wharf of the -long-disused "North Ferry." Rowing slowly up toward this, he was able -to bring in the yawl against the north, and hence the sheltered, side. - -Securing the boat against any possible escape, he ran quickly down the -shore. Once opposite the shelving rock, he with difficulty descended to -the water's edge, and regardless of wet feet and wet arms soon caught -hold of the rope which the dashing waves brought within his reach. He -found also, to his delight, that the rope was long enough to be carried -around the trunk of a red cedar that grew out of a crevice in the cliff -just above high-water mark. - -Having securely fastened the line, Budd stood on the ledge a few -minutes, watching the motionless porpoise. The rising tide lifted it -upon the ledge quite near him, and the rope slackened somewhat as it was -relieved of the cetacean's weight. - -"I'll take another half-hitch around the harpoon, and drive that deeper -into the porpoise; then he can't get away, and we'll come and get him -after the storm is over," Budd thought. - -Carrying out his thought, he made the half-hitch about the harpoon with -the slackened rope; then he seized hold of the protruding weapon and -pressed it down into the motionless body of the cetacean with all his -strength. - -The next moment the monster, which had apparently only been stunned by -its dash upon the cliff, and was now revived by the terrible thrust of -the lance into its vitals, gave a sudden and tremendous plunge, which -snapped the cord by which it was fastened to the cedar as though it was -but tow, and lad and cetacean together rolled off from the rocks into -the angry waters. - - - - -CHAPTER XXIII.--A MANLY RESCUE. - - -Fortunately for Budd, he was thrown by the terrible lunge of the -porpoise more than ten feet out into the dashing waves, and he had the -presence of mind, the moment he rose to the surface of the water, to -strike boldly off shore. In this way he soon placed himself beyond any -fear of being dashed back upon the rocks. - -He could see, also, that the sloop had already left the fish-trap and -was bearing down toward him, but was yet a long distance away. He -resolved, therefore, to swim up to the old wharf where he had left the -yawl. - -Burdened as he was with his water-soaked clothing, it is doubtful that -he could have done this, short as the distance was, had not both wind -and tide been in his favor. As it was, he only reached the yawl after a -hard struggle, and crawled into it quite out of breath. - -When the sloop, from which he had, ever since his sudden and unexpected -bath, been watched with anxiety, came in near the wharf, however, he was -sufficiently recovered to pull slowly off to her. - -"Are you hurt, Budd?" Mr. Boyd asked, anxiously, as he helped the lad on -board. - -"Oh! no," Budd replied, with a laugh--"a little uncomfortable from my -cold bath and tired with my long swim in the rough sea is all; soon as I -put on dry clothing I shall be all right." - -"How came you to fall off of the cliff?" asked Judd, hardly able to -suppress his merriment at the ridiculous figure his chum presented in -his dripping clothing. "We were too far off to see just how it -happened." - -"I'll tell you as soon as I have changed these duds for something more -comfortable," replied Budd, good-naturedly, and descending to the cabin, -where he knew there were some old clothes kept for just such an -emergency as that into which his adventure with the porpoise had brought -him. - -He was soon, with his father's help, comfortably clad, and back onto the -deck of the sloop. With a good deal of _eclat_ he then related all the -details of his adventure, ending with the wish that he might have -secured the cetacean. - -"We can get him, for there he is," said Judd. - -While Budd had been telling his story, the sloop had been slowly brought -down opposite the cliff, and, as Judd had declared, the porpoise was -still lying at its base. The thrust that Budd had given it just before -his involuntary bath had evidently been a fatal one, for the water all -about the cetacean was dyed with blood, and though the monster -struggled, it was but feebly. - -"How would you get him?" asked Budd, quickly, watching the porpoise in -its dying struggles. - -"If your father will look out for the sloop I'll get you to set me -ashore at the wharf," explained Judd. "I'll take a coil of rope and the -boat-hook with me, and I don't believe but what I can in some way fasten -a line on to the fellow and throw the other end off here to you, for as -soon as you have landed me you will want to row back here with the yawl. -After picking up the end of the line you want to carry it on board the -sloop, and then return to the wharf for me. Meantime your father can -run up along the shore with the sloop, towing the porpoise after her, -and when we have got back on board we'll find some way to take the -fellow on to the island with us." - -"But is he worth all that trouble?" asked Mr. Boyd. - -"Oh, yes," both lads quickly answered. "What oil we shall get out of -him will more than pay for our trouble and the damage he has done to the -fish-trap." - -Judd's plan was therefore carried out in every important detail. The -lad succeeded in hooking up the piece of rope still remaining on the -harpoon, and to this spliced one end of the coil he had carried with -him. He then threw the balance of the rope off to his waiting partner, -and the work of attaching it to the stern of the sloop was speedily -done. - -Then, when back on the sloop, Judd skillfully passed a stout rope -through the strong jaws of the cetacean, and brought him close up under -the stern of the vessel and alongside of the yawl; then, with both in -tow, the Sea Witch rapidly filled away for the opposite side of the bay. - -The wind had already increased to such violence that before the passage -across was fully made it was found necessary to take a large reef in the -mainsail of the sloop; and the waves were rolling so high that, but for -the fact that the fish-trap was directly under the lee of Canonicut -Island, it could not have been attended to. - -Indeed, Mr. Boyd thought it wiser to remain in the sloop while the lads -drew and reset the net from the yawl, and when their task was finished, -and they had returned to the Sea Witch, he remarked: - -"You told me I would see all the rough weather I cared to before our -return home, Judd, and I freely confess you were right. I shall be glad -when we reach the island." - -"That will be in a very short time, now," responded Judd, as he assisted -his chum in getting the sloop ready for her home trip. "We shan't have -to carry anything but our jib, either." - -The speed with which the sloop darted off before the heavy wind -warranted his assertion. Their course led them near enough to Plum -Beach Point for them to see that Mr. Benton had filled his flatboat with -sand, and was now trying to work the craft off around the point. - -He had one of his huge sweeps braced against the side of the boat, and -thus pushed it off shore, while he, step by step, worked it along toward -the extreme end of the sandy beach. His object was clear. If he could -only get the craft around the point, it was evidently his intention to -embark upon it and attempt to run up the bay. - -The rapidity with which the Sea Witch was running soon carried her -occupants out of sight of the man and brought them near their island -home. Fortunately their wharf was at the northwest end of the island, -and thus in a measure sheltered from the high sea, if not from the sweep -of the wind, and they made their landing in safety. - -The sloop was moored in the most sheltered nook the island afforded, the -fish, porpoise and yawl were brought on shore, and all was in readiness -for the trio to seek the shelter of the house. Bracing themselves -against the strong, piercing wind, they started along the path that led -to their dwelling, when a sudden call from Judd, who was in the rear, -caused his companions to stop. - -"Look!" the lad exclaimed; "Benton has actually got his boat around the -point, and is now driving helplessly before the gale!" - -Budd and his father looked off in the direction that Judd had indicated, -and saw that his declaration was only too true. A mile or so away was -the flatboat, sunk nearly to her gunwales in the water, while her one -sail flapped loosely in the wind. Mr. Benton was making no attempt to -guide the craft, but stood near the swaying mast, clutching it, -evidently in sheer desperation. One look told the horrified spectators -what had happened. The boat had sprung a leak, and was settling beneath -the angry waves. - -Mr. Boyd and the lads watched anxiously the boat's progress. A few -minutes later it had arrived near enough for them to distinguish Mr. -Benton's face, as he clung, pale and terrified, to the slender mast. -Certainly he now realized the danger he was in, and knew that he was -powerless to avert it. - -Three minutes more and the boat would reach the island, for which it was -directly coming. Would it keep afloat so long? No! for at that instant -a powerful gust of wind swept down upon it, causing it to tremble from -stem to stern. For a moment the ill-fated craft seemed to try to shake -off the blow, and then, as a tremendous wave dashed over it, it -careened, struggled to right itself, then sunk beneath the dashing -waves. - -Through the heavy rain that now began to fall, the anxious watchers -looked for the unfortunate man, and they soon discovered him battling -with the angry sea. Another moment and Budd had sprung into the yawl -that was moored at the wharf, and before he could be prevented had -seized the oars and was pulling off toward the struggling man. - -The wind was against him, and the boat was tossed like a bit of cork -upon the waves; still he slowly approached the spot where he had last -seen his old employer. It was evidently a hard struggle, but with bare -head and resolute face the heroic lad pulled on. At length he reached -Mr. Benton, and with great difficulty drew him into the little boat. - -The wind lulled for an instant, and, laying his exhausted companion down -in the yawl, Budd took advantage of the circumstance and turned the -tossing boat for the island. - -Half the distance, under his vigorous stroke, was gained, when the wind -swept down in greater fury upon him. It is seldom such a gust of wind -is experienced in northern latitudes. Trees were overturned, the water -was dashed high in the air, and even houses were unroofed by that -terrible blast. - -When it had passed, Mr. Boyd and Judd arose from the ground to which -they had fallen and looked for the yawl. It lay capsized a few rods -away, while Budd, with one arm supporting the unconscious form of Mr. -Benton, was struggling to reach the shore. But his strength soon -failed, and the huge waves rolled within the reach of the waiting man -and boy--for both had rushed into the angry waters--two unconscious -forms. - -As soon as possible, first Budd, and then Mr. Benton, was carried into -the house, and with haste their wet clothing was removed, and their cold -limbs chafed until the returning warmth told that their sluggish blood -was again in circulation, and their lives were spared. - -Then a fire was built, blankets warmed, and coffee made. Wrapped up in -one, and thoroughly dosed with the other, the man and boy were then put -in bed, and were soon quietly sleeping. - -It was night when Mr. Benton aroused and found Judd sitting by his -bedside. - -"How came I here?" he asked. - -"Well, I suppose the chief reason you are here," replied Judd, bluntly, -"is because Budd, at the risk of his own life, went off in the yawl -after you;" and he then briefly told the story of the man's rescue. - -"Budd is all right, then?" the man asked, with some show of feeling. - -"Yes, his father is with him; and when I was in there, a short time ago, -he was sleeping nicely," answered Judd, shortly. - -Mr. Benton said no more, and after taking the food and warm drink Judd -brought him, he soon went to sleep again. - -It was morning when he awoke and found his clothes nicely dried by his -bedside. Dressing himself, he went out to the kitchen, where he found -Mr. Boyd and the two lads. Budd, with the exception of a little -paleness, seemed quite like himself. - -Mr. Benton made no allusion to his rescue whatever, and the inmates of -the house did not speak of it. After breakfast, however, the man turned -to Judd and asked if he could be set ashore. - -"Not while it storms so," replied Judd, in surprise. "A small boat -couldn't live in this sea, and even with the sloop there would be a -grave risk. You will have to wait until the storm is over, Mr. Benton." - -The man made no reply, but Budd asked: - -"Did the yawl come ashore all right?" - -"It was stove up a little before I could get out and attend to it," -replied Judd; "but we can fix it easily as soon as the weather will -permit." - -There was no cessation of the storm until night, and on account of the -needful repairs to the yawl, Mr. Benton was obliged to remain on the -island until another morning. - -During the whole time he in no way mentioned the great risk Budd had -undergone in his behalf, but just before his departure on the second -morning he remarked: - -"I 'spose ye don't hate me no longer, Budd?" - -"I have never hated you, Mr. Benton," Budd promptly replied. - -"I dunno as ye have," he assented; "ye don't act as though ye did, -anyway, an' I'll be friends, if ye will." - -Budd shook the hand which was offered him, and without another word Mr. -Benton took his departure. Knowing the man as he did, the lad was almost -surprised that he should have shown as much feeling as he had; but he -was greatly surprised at what soon followed. - -Meeting Mr. Wright a few days later, that gentleman accosted him with -the question: - -"I say, Budd, what have you been doing to Mr. Benton?" - -"Nothing bad, I hope," responded the boy, with a laugh. - -"I guess not, either," said Mr. Wright; "but I tell you I was taken -aback when he came over to my house the other day and actually asked my -forgiveness for whatever wrong he had done me, and promised to be a good -neighbor from this time forward. Little by little I got the whole story -of how you rescued him, and then I knew the cause of the change in him. -I tell you, the day of the impossible hasn't come yet." - -And Budd thought so a few days later when he received from Mr. Benton -himself a fine gold watch as a token of gratitude for the noble favor he -had done him. - -On one of the inside cases was Budd's name, and the date of his brave -act. The outside cases were plain, with a single exception. The upper -lid was engraved with an olive-leaf--emblematic of the peace that was -now fully assured between the lad and himself. - -"Who would have thought the old miser would have been so generous!" -exclaimed Judd, as he looked the watch over. - -"Or possessed so much poetic sentiment," added Mr. Boyd, laughingly. - -"He must have had some good in him, with all his faults, or ho would -never have so quickly changed," said Budd, thoughtfully. - -A declaration his companions readily accepted. - - - - -CHAPTER XXIV.--THE FIRM'S PROFITS. - - -The story now moves forward a few weeks. It is November, and -Thanksgiving is close at hand. The fishing season is also nearly over. -In fact the business of the young firm has for some time been -principally the shipping of oysters to the neighboring towns and cities. -Not that they had beds of these delicious bivalves, but had made -arrangements with the owner of an extensive plat a a few miles up the -bay to market the oysters on shares. - -Into all the work of the young partners Mr. Boyd had entered with zest; -and under the healthful exercise and invigorating sea-air his usually -slender frame grew strong, his muscles toughened perceptibly, and so -hearty an appetite was created that he himself laughingly declared he -had never eaten so in his life, and he guessed it never would be -satisfied. - -There was another inmate of the island home now, also. One day Judd had -taken a trip up to the State Farm, and when he returned his father came -with him, sober and in his right mind. He at first seemed somewhat -ashamed to meet Mr. Boyd, who had known him in the days of his early -manhood, and before the accursed habit of drink had become fastened upon -him; but his brother-in-law met him so kindly, and seemed so thoroughly -interested in his reformation, that he, too, began to take heart, and -said: - -"If I can only keep away from the sight and smell of the abominable -stuff, perhaps I can be a man." - -So he remained for the most part upon the island. He was particularly -skillful in cutting out oysters, and this soon became his recognized -part of the young firm's business. - -There had been frequent talks between the inmates of the island home as -to what they should do as the winter months came on. Delightful as the -place was for the warmer months of the year, it was too bleak for a -winter abode. Then, too, there would soon be but little work in which -they could engage. But as the weather still remained mild and pleasant, -no definite plan was agreed upon; in fact they were all loath to leave a -spot that for many reasons had become inexpressibly dear to them. - -So the week before Thanksgiving came, and found them still at the -island. The work for the day was over, and they had gathered, as was -their custom, about the cozy sitting-room fire. The two fathers were -reading, while the boys were busy with their accounts. - -"There are nearly one hundred dollars out in small bills that we shall -have to collect before we can tell just what our season's work is going -to amount to," Budd said in a low tone to his partner. - -"Well, you call off the names and amounts, and I will fill out the -statements, and we'll send them out at once," Judd responded, drawing a -small writing-desk toward him. - -For an hour or longer the lads were engaged in this work; but it was at -length finished, and the account-books were put away. - -"I'll tell you, Judd, what I want to do before we leave here," Budd now -said. - -"What is it?" his partner asked, with interest. - -"Go off for a good long sail; make a day of pleasure of it. For months -we have had nothing but business, and I should really like to put a -dinner on board the sloop, and fuel, so we can make our tea or coffee, -and all of us go off for a day's cruise." - -"Where would you go?" inquired Judd, laughingly. "There are very few -places around here that you have not visited." - -"Oh! go just where we took a notion to go," Budd replied. "The -enjoyable part of the trip would be in not having a definite place fixed -before we started." - -"Well, if to-morrow should prove as pleasant as to-day has been, you -couldn't choose a better time for going," went on his chum. "Father and -Uncle Henry, what do you think of Budd's idea?" - -All four were soon busy discussing the suggestion, and they went to -their rooms with the understanding that if the morrow proved a fine day -the trip should be undertaken. - -The lads were up early, and found the day was promising to be all that -they could ask. The preparations were rapidly made, therefore, and at -nine o'clock all necessary provisions had been stowed on board the sloop -and they were ready to embark. - -"Here, Budd; we are to go where you take a notion to go, so you can take -the helm," cried out Judd, hurrying to cast off the sloop's fastenings -and to hoist her jib and sail. - -Budd took the assigned place, and turned the bow of the Sea Witch down -the bay. The wind was from the northwest, and they went along at a good -rate of speed. - -Arriving at the mouth of the bay, Budd turned the sloop to the west and -ran in close to the shore, so as to have a good view of the Pier, whose -hotels and cottages, closed for the season, made it seem like a deserted -city. On they went until Point Judith was reached; then Budd put up the -helm and ran directly out to sea. - -The north light of Block Island was passed on the left, and along the -west shore of that gem of the sea the boat sped. At the southern end -the sloop was turned to the east, and it was evident that Budd was going -to run around the island. It was now after twelve o'clock, and Judd -asked: - -"Shall you land for dinner, Budd, or shall I get it ready in the cabin?" - -"We are not going to land anywhere until we touch our own dock," said -Budd, in high glee. "I came out for a sail, and I'm going to have it. -You can get dinner ready when you like." - -Judd went into the cabin, built a fire in the tiny stove, and soon the -fragrant odor of coffee filled the air. After awhile he announced -dinner, and Mr. Boyd and Mr. Floyd went down to partake of it. - -Budd, left alone on deck, and, as he afterward said, taken with a freak, -put the sloop about again and ran off to sea. Those at dinner thought -little of it until they felt the sloop suddenly heave up into the wind -and heard Budd call out: - -"Here, Judd, quick; I want you." - -They all jumped to their feet and rushed out of the cabin. The sloop -was miles off the southeast of Block Island, which looked like a mere -cloud at the northwest. Her sails flapped idly in the wind, her helm -was lashed, and Budd, with the scoop-net in band, was trying to reach -several large bunches of grayish matter that were tossing a few feet -away upon the waves. - -"What is it?" asked Judd, coming to Budd's assistance, and letting the -sloop off a little so she would swing nearer to the object his partner -was endeavoring to reach. - -"I don't know," answered Budd, catching the largest bunch in his net and -drawing it on board, "but I'll soon find out." - -But the more he examined the object, the more puzzled he was. While -grayish in color at a distance, on close inspection it proved to be -variegated, like marble. It also had a fatty, oily appearance, but was -solid to the touch, and when rubbed gave forth a peculiar sweet, earthy -odor. - -"What do you call it, father?" he at length asked. - -"It is evidently a fatty matter of some kind, but I cannot tell its -precise nature," Mr. Boyd replied. - -Mr. Floyd, however, with a sparkle in his eye, said: - -"My opinion is, lad, that you had better get the rest of it, for if I -mistake not you have found a treasure." - -As he spoke he took from his pocket a knife and cut off a thin slice of -the matter, and applied a lighted match to it. It flashed almost like -powder, and the sweet odor was strongly noticeable. - -"I thought so," he said, "though I never saw any of the stuff but once -before, and then only a tiny piece. It's ambergris, and it's worth -dollars and dollars a pound." - -"I've read about it," said Budd, quickly. "It is a substance that forms -in the intestines of the whale, and is occasionally found floating on -the sea or thrown upon the shore. They use it in the manufacture of -perfumery and cordials; and as Uncle Silas says, it is very valuable. -Here, Judd, help me to get the rest of it." - -Elated at their discovery, the boys worked the sloop down near the other -pieces, and gathered them all up. There were a half dozen in all, the -largest being the one that Budd had first secured, while one or two were -comparatively small in size. - -"How many pounds do you think there are of it, Uncle Silas?" asked Budd, -when all had been secured. - -"Nigh on to thirty pounds, I reckon," he said, lifting the pieces one by -one. - -"It is the biggest haul, then, we have made this season," remarked Judd, -with open eyes. - -"I rather think so," was Budd's emphatic response. - -The ambergris was placed in a tub the lads had on board and taken down -into the cabin. Then the sloop resumed her cruise, which was now in the -direction of the Brenton Reef lightship. From there she went up through -the east passage to Newport, where, contrary to Budd's declaration a few -hours before, a landing was made. - -In the lad's opinion, circumstances sometimes justified an alteration in -one's plans, and he was anxious to ascertain if the substance he had -found was really the commercial ambergris it was thought to be. So the -stop was made, and with a small piece of the substance in hand he went -up to a large drug store, and submitted it to the inspection of the -proprietor. - -The apothecary, after looking at the substance attentively, went into a -back room. He was gone so long that Budd began to get impatient; but -he, on returning, explained his long absence in these words: - -"I have subjected this to every known test, and it proves genuine. Have -you much of it? And where did you find it?" - -Budd gave a full account of his finding the substance, and stated how -much he believed he had. Then he ventured to ask its value. - -"It is seldom, in these waters, that so much is found," replied the -druggist, "though there was a parallel case with yours a few summers ago -on the shore of Cape Cod. As to the amount you will receive for it, -that depends on the supply on hand at this time, far the larger portion -of this material now used in the country being imported. No retail -druggist would want to buy a hundredth part of what you have. But I'll -tell you what I am willing to do. We, as you may know, have a branch -house in New York City. If you are a mind to leave your find with me, I -will try and dispose of it for you." - -"What would you ask for your trouble?" asked Budd. - -"Well," said the man, smilingly, "I think we ought to have five per -cent. of the net amount received." - -"I'll go down and consult with my partner in the find," said the lad, -"and if we decide to accept the offer we will bring it right up here." - -"Very well," the druggist replied. - -A consultation with Judd and the two fathers was immediately held, and -the result was the lads took the ambergris up to the store. On reaching -there it was weighed and found to fall a little short of the lads' -expectations, as there were but twenty-six and one-half pounds of it. - -"Not a bad find, I assure you," said the proprietor of the store, -filling out a receipt for the substance, which he handed to the boys. -"In about a week you may expect a check from me, and I will guarantee it -will exceed two thousand dollars." - -It came within four days, however, and was drawn for the amount of two -thousand five hundred and seventeen dollars and fifty cents, the -ambergris having sold readily for one hundred dollars a pound; and the -druggist, having deducted his five per cent, commission, remitted the -balance to the lads. - -"Not a bad sum for deposit, chum," remarked Budd complacently, as he -looked the check over. "Now, if we can finish collecting our bills, we -can draw a balance-sheet on Thanksgiving-day and see what our profits -for the season have been." - -Though the inmates of the Fox Island house had received an urgent -invitation to spend Thanksgiving with Mr. Johnson in Boston they had -declined, preferring to spend it at their own home. - -When the day came, it found the affairs of the young firm practically -closed up for the season. The pound-nets had been taken up, cleaned, and -returned to Mr. Taylor, the owner. Crates and cars and traps were -stored in an unused room over the kitchen. Bills were collected, and -all expenses paid. The balance-sheet of the firm was drawn, and after -dinner it was read and discussed with much pride and interest on the -part of the young partners. - -"Our receipts have been as follows," and Budd read this to his attentive -listeners: - - From the fish-pounds, . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $331.27 - From fish secured in other ways, . . . . . . . . . . . . 39.74 - From clams, lobsters, scallops and oysters, . . . . . . 195.20 - From sailing and fishing-parties, . . . . . . . . . . . 115.00 - From Mr. Benton, as a compensation for taking our boats, 25.00 - Our part of Clapp & St. John's reward, . . . . . . . . . 1,000.00 - Sale of ambergris, . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2,517.50 - ---------- - Making a total of . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $4,223.71 - Our total expenses have been . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 263.19 - ---------- - Leaving a net balance of . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $3,960.52 - -"This gives to each partner the handsome income of $1,980.26. Hurrah!" -and the lad waved high in the air the balance-sheet he had been reading. - -"But what pleases me," said Judd, "is that without the unexpected -amounts that have come from the reward and the remarkable find, we have -had a profitable season. Take the profits of our business alone, and we -have the nice sum of four hundred and forty-three dollars and two cents, -or over two hundred dollars apiece for the season. That is a better -average than I promised you when you came here, Budd." - -"Yes, indeed," replied Budd, warmly. - -Then he said to his father: - -"Of course I have drawn something for personal expenses, and so has -Judd; but on looking over our bank account we find we have on deposit -nearly thirty-seven hundred dollars; so Judd has authorized me to say -that if you would like to have that amount to go into business with, you -are welcome to it. With what you have left of the money Mr. Johnson -refunded, you would have a capital larger than a good many men have -started with." - -"I thank you kindly for the offer," said Mr. Boyd with much feeling, -"and in a few days we will see what had better be done. I have enjoyed -staying here very much, and have gained a good deal of strength from -this life; but I am beginning to feel I ought to be doing something more -remunerative, before a great while. You--and Judd, too--however much -you like the business you have engaged in, are capable of something -better, and ought to be in some good school. Perhaps we can arrange the -matter so that a portion of this money can be used for your immediate -expenses in this direction, while I, with the balance, enter business -life again. I have a feeling I should prefer a small business by myself -than to accept a clerkship under another;" and Mr. Boyd dropped his head -upon his hand in deep thought. - -At about the same hour Mr. Johnson sat in his library in his palatial -residence in Boston, thinking no less deeply. After awhile he -exclaimed, aloud: - -"I will do it!" - -Then he took up his pen and wrote a brief note. Placing it in an -envelope, he addressed it to Mr. Boyd, and ringing the bell, he gave it -to the servant who answered his ring, saying: - -"Have John carry that out to the nearest box." - -Brief as that note was, it was destined to change, and for the better, -the plans that were slowly forming in Mr. Boyd's mind for not only -himself but the other dwellers in that island home. - - - - -CHAPTER XXV.--MR. JOHNSON'S MUNIFICENCE. - - -On the following Saturday the two lads went over to the village, their -principal errand being to secure a boarding-place for themselves and -fathers, for it had been decided to leave the island the coming week. -Then Mr. Boyd was going on to Boston to see about entering business, and -also about putting the boys into some good school. Mr. Floyd had asked -that his brother-in-law would so arrange the business that work might be -found for him. - -"I don't care so much for wages," he had explained, "as to be near you -and the lads. I want you all to help me watch myself." - -The young partners soon found a boarding-house where they could obtain a -parlor and two sleeping-rooms, with board, at what seemed to them a -reasonable figure, and promising to give their decision early the next -week they left the house. On their way back to the sloop they stepped -into the post-office for their mail, and were handed a letter for Mr. -Boyd. - -"It is from Mr. Johnson," said Budd, as he glanced at the address. "I -wonder what he wants of father?" - -"Nothing bad, you can be sure," replied Judd. "The day has gone by for -either you or your father to fear anything from that source. I am not -sure but the greatest of your triumphs has been to win him for a -friend." - -"He certainly is a friend now," Budd admitted, his heart going out -strongly toward the man he had once counted his enemy; but he little -thought what the outcome of that letter was to be. - -"I presume we are taking our last sail for months, at least, in our -sloop," he remarked, as they took their places in the boat and sailed -off down the harbor. "She seems like a near friend to me, and I shall -be sorry when we leave her." - -"So shall I," assented Judd; "but still I confess I am glad we are going -on with our schooling. I had hoped for nothing, however, quite as grand -as we probably shall have;" and there was more truth in his words then -he himself knew. - -They were still discussing the plans they hoped to realize when they -reached the island. Mr. Boyd was at the wharf, and immediately opened -the letter Budd gave him. - -"Hold on!" he a moment later cried out, as Budd was about to take the -sloop to her anchorage. "This letter has laid in the office ever since -yesterday noon. Mr. Johnson simply says he is coming down to-night to -remain over Sunday with us, and wants you to meet him at the six o'clock -train. One of you will have to go back to the village after him." - -"We will both go," replied Judd; "there is nothing else to do." - -So the sloop was put in readiness for the return trip to the village. - -Whatever Mr. Johnson's coming meant he in no way disclosed to the lads -as they met him at the depot. He greeted then; cordially, but seemed -anxious to reach the island, and was unusually silent and preoccupied in -mind the whole way over. - -His meeting of Mr. Boyd at the wharf was warm, almost affectionate, and -in a way indicated his purpose in making this visit. - -"My dear Henry," he said, grasping Mr. Boyd's hand, "I have found I -cannot get along without you, and so have come to make you an important -proposal--important to me, at least, if not to you." - -Mr. Boyd led the way up to the house, while the lads secured the boat -for the night. Supper was on the table, and as soon as the boys came in -all sat down to eat it. When it was finished, Mr. Boyd, turning to Mr. -Johnson, asked: - -"Did you wish to see me alone, sir?" - -"No; all of you are more or less interested in what I have to say, and I -will wait until the boys have cleared away the table and can join us in -the sitting-room." - -Curiosity to know just what was coming hastened the lads' movements, and -in a very few minutes all were seated about the fire, and Mr. Johnson -began: - -"Henry, I want to ask, first of all, if you have really forgiven me the -part that I innocently played in securing your imprisonment? This boy -has," and he laid his hand on Budd's head; "but I have thought you, who -were the greatest sufferer, still held a little resentment against me. -Is it not so?" - -"I have always thought my years of faithfulness to you ought to have -counted for something when I was accused of forgery, but you seemed to -jump at once to the conclusion that I must be guilty, and so you would -in no way admit that my explanation might be the true one," Mr. Boyd -replied. - -Then he went on, with marked hesitation: - -"I don't think I have felt just right toward you since then--not, -perhaps, as I ought to feel. Your mistake may have been a natural one; -still you seemed to me to be too hasty in your judgment." - -"So I was," admitted Mr. Johnson, frankly; "and the same fault led me to -misjudge your boy also. But, Henry, I have learned my lesson well, I -believe, and you hold a higher place in my estimation now than ever -before, while this boy has my heart." - -He paused a moment, visibly affected by his own words, then went rapidly -on: - -"Henry, I am getting to be an old man, my business is getting larger -than I can manage, and since you have been away from me I see how much -you were the real head of the whole concern. I have come, therefore, to -ask you to show your forgiveness of the wrong I have done you by coming -back to me, not as my confidential clerk, but as my equal partner in the -new firm of Johnson & Boyd, the whole business to be under your direct -management and care. In fact, Henry, the papers are all here ready for -your signature. You can look them over and see if the conditions are -satisfactory before you give your answer. But I trust you will find it -in your heart to accept my offer." - -He took from his pocket a package of papers and handed them over to Mr. -Boyd, who took them mechanically, for he seemed completely overwhelmed -at Mr. Johnson's magnificent offer. - -"Now, my lads," said Mr. Johnson, turning to Budd and Judd, "I have a -proposition to make you. I have no children, as you know, and my great -house in the city needs some young life. I have watched and admired the -industry and uprightness you boys have this summer displayed. But you -ought to do something better than the work you have been doing, however -honorable that may be. You want first the school and then the college; -after that the business or professional life. I invite you, then, to -come to my home as my boys, to be educated as my sons, and to be my -heirs. Do not think I mean by this a separation from your fathers; we -will find a place in the house for them, for there can be found work at -the store for Mr. Floyd, and thus you can all be where you can see each -other every day. What I want is to have you with me, so that your fresh -young lives will enliven mine, and teach me how to soften the hard, -stern heart that has twice led me to commit acts I must to my dying day -regret;" and now the tears ran down the old man's cheeks unhindered. - -This was but the opening of the great plan that had entered Mr. -Johnson's heart and mind as he sat alone in his library on Thanksgiving -evening and exclaimed: - -"I will do it!" - -Little by little he unfolded all his hopes concerning the lads in whom -he had become so interested; step by step he made known what he wanted -to do for the middle-aged men, one of whom he had so cruelly wronged; -until, as they listened, his hearers became bewildered with the man's -large-heartedness and munificence. - -But Mr. Johnson's purpose was accomplished, for he left the island -Monday morning accompanied by Mr. Boyd, and the lads and Mr. Floyd were -to follow as soon as the house could be closed up and the household -matters adjusted. - -This was quite an undertaking, however, since everything was to be -disposed of but the Sea Witch, for it was now evident that the young -firm of Fox Island had closed up their business for good, and the young -partners were to enter upon an altogether different career. Still, the -same elements of character--patience, industry, energy and quickness to -know and use an opportunity--which had made the firm a success, we may -be sure would mark their new career. - -That it was these elements that had largely contributed to the lads' -success is clearly apparent; for those who succeeded to their business -under even more favorable auspices soon abandoned it, and to-day only -the tumble-down wharf, the half-filled cellar-way, and the moss-grown -well, mark the place where Budd and his partner had their island home. - -But they, grown now to manhood, and busy with the cares of their -professional lives, think often of the summer when first they met, and -talk over the experiences under which they learned some of their most -valuable lessons and triumphed over burdens that seemed too great to -bear. - - ---- - - - - -THE BEAR AND THE BOMB SHELL. - - -During the early months of the California gold fever the brig Janet -entered the harbor of San Francisco. Her freight was intended to supply -the wants of the diggers, and it was the most extraordinary cargo that -was ever put into the hold of any seagoing vessel, except, indeed, those -vessels which sailed to California at this particular time. - -There were pickaxes and shovels, powder and boots, needles and coffee, -spikes and tea, horseshoes and tobacco; there were wooden houses ready -to be put up; canvas tents and mattresses; there were jackknives, -hatchets, revolvers, rifles, socks, books, hats, clothes, barrels of -flour, soap, coal, towels, sugar, potatoes, grindstones, locks, quack -medicines, old periodicals, cheap watches, buttons, cotton, glass, tape, -bottles, jewsharps, nails, rubbers; and everything else that the -imaginative mind of a wild speculator could possibly think of as being -likely to sell to a young and rich but destitute community. - -Whether the speculation was successful or not, is no business of ours. -My business is with Tom Allan, the cabin boy of the Janet. - -The Janet took out about fifty passengers on their way to the gold -diggings. Allan was a stout lad of about seventeen. When he left home -he had no idea of digging gold, but the talk of the passengers on the -way out fairly turned the heads of the crew of the Janet, and even of -the officers, so that when the brig reached San Francisco, and the -passengers landed, the entire crew, together with the cook, the second -mate, and even the first mate, landed with them. - -The captain was left alone with the cabin boy. The captain was in -despair. He couldn't get anybody to unload his vessel. He couldn't get -any crew to take her away. And so the end of it was that Allan yielded -to the universal feeling and took his departure from the ship. - -For about a year he led a queer kind of a life. He worked at various -diggings without much success, until at length he got possession of a -claim all to himself, in a remote locality, which he proceeded to work -at with desperate determination. - -He erected a little hut, and made himself as comfortable as possible, -and set to work vigorously, and soon found, to his great delight, that -the claim was one of unusual richness. - -At last, then, after more than a year of adverse fortune, he saw his way -to success. - -One day he was hard at work. He had found a rich vein of quartz in -which the gold was very plentiful, so much so, indeed, that it was -possible for him to extract it by his own clumsy tools without having -recourse to a crushing mill. - -He had that day been drilling a hole to make ready for a blast, and was -working away diligently with his drill. The hole was just finished, -when suddenly he was startled by a deep and formidable growl close -behind him. - -So great was the shock of this unexpected interruption, that the drill -dropped from his hands, and he turned around in horror. That horror was -increased by the sight that he saw. For there, not a dozen yards away, -was a monstrous grizzly bear--one of the largest of his species, -crouching low, and regarding him with eyes that gleamed like coals of -fire. - -One look was enough. The next instant, without stopping to take a -second glance, Allan darted off with the mad speed of one who is running -for life, while the huge bear came springing after him. - -Such a race as that, if prolonged, could have had but one termination; -and this Allan knew but too well. - -As he ran, therefore, he looked all around to see if there was any -chance of escape. But there was none whatever. There was no high cliff -up which he might climb--no narrow crevice in the rocks where he might -seek shelter. - -The country was a barren one, with rocks of different sizes scattered -about, here and there. Among these there did not appear anything that -offered a hope of escape from the ravening monster that pursued him. - -At last, as he looked despairingly around, he saw one thing which -offered a faint prospect of escape. It was an enormous granite boulder -which arose in the midst of the plain, surrounded by smaller boulders. - -This one was about thirty feet high, and its sides were smooth and -convex. In front of this grew a slender tree, and Allan thought that if -he could climb the tree, he might be able to get upon the boulder and -set his enemy at defiance. - -There was no time to lose, so he at once acted upon this idea. He -rushed to the tree, seizing it with the grasp of despair, and by -vigorous exertions climbed to the top. - -Here he was on a level with the top of the granite boulder, and was -able, by a violent effort, to get upon it. The top of the boulder was -flat, and it had been roughened and scarred and worn by the storms of -centuries, so that Allan found a firm foothold. - -The moment that he reached this place of refuge he turned to look at his -enemy. - -The grizzly bear was close behind him, and as Allan turned he beheld him -grasping the tree and trying to climb. But the tree was too slender for -the enormous limbs of the bear. He could not grasp it firmly. As the -bear began to perceive this, he growled wrathfully and ominously, and -finally desisted from the attempt. - -But he did not desist from his pursuit. On the contrary he drew back a -few feet, and sitting on his hind quarters, he regarded Allan with a -look of grim and patient watchfulness that was terrible to encounter. - -On finding that the bear could not climb the tree, Allan experienced a -feeling of relief so great that his fear and despair departed. He -accordingly looked down calmly upon his enemy, and expected that in a -short time he would give up his pursuit and go away. But the bear did -nothing of the kind. As long as Allan looked at him, he looked at -Allan, and showed a power of patient watchfulness that was in the -highest degree creditable to his bearship, but in the last degree -distressing to Allan. - -Hours passed, and Allan gave up all ideas of escape for that night. He -therefore prepared to pass the night as best he could. After all it was -not uncomfortable. The rock was hard, it is true, but Allan's -California life had habituated him to hard beds, so that he could sleep -even here. And sleep he did. Slumber came over him after sunset, and -he slept on as only a California miner can, until some time after -sunrise. - -On awaking his first thoughts were about his enemy. Slowly and -cautiously he raised his head and looked down. That one short glance -was enough. For there, in the same place, lay the grizzly bear, with -his head upraised in such a way that his fierce, keen eyes encountered -those of Allan as he looked anxiously down. At this sight Allan sank -back, and a feeling of utter despair came over him. - -He was both hungry and thirsty. His bones also were sore from a sleep -on this rough resting place, and the misery of his confinement affected -his mind. But what could he do? Again and again the question occurred, -What could he do? - -In his despair there at last came to him one idea which held out to him -a chance of escape. It was a very original idea, and could only have -occurred to one like him in his last extremity. - -He had no arms, but he had his horn full of blasting powder, and in his -pockets he had also his blasting fuse. He had matches also. - -Now, though he had no firearms, yet in these he had the material by -which firearms gave all their efficiency. Necessity is the mother of -invention, and so Allan's dire necessity roused all the inventive -faculty of his mind. - -It was a plan which could only be tried once. If it failed he was lost; -if it succeeded he was saved. He could not wait; so he at once prepared -to put his plan in execution. - -He took his powder-horn, filled as it was with blasting powder, and in -this he inserted a piece of blasting fuse. - -It thus became a bomb shell, roughly made, it is true, yet none the less -effective for all that. Then he took off his shirt, and tearing it up -into small ribbons, he formed a long line. Fastening this to the horn -he lighted the fuse, and then slowly lowered it. - -At this extraordinary proceeding, all the well-known curiosity of the -bear was aroused. He watched the horn solemnly, as it descended, and -then as it came low down, he walked up to it and smelled it. - -The smell of the burning fuse was offensive, and he expressed his -disgust by a low growl. - -At last the horn lay on the ground. - -The bear was both puzzled and offended. He put his nose close down to -it, and snuffed again and again at the butt of the horn. From above -Allan watched with a quick-beating heart. - -Suddenly there rang out a tremendous explosion, and a great cloud of -smoke rolled up, hiding everything from view. Allan peered cautiously -through this, but could see nothing for a long time. - -But though nothing met his eyes, his ears were aware of a chaos of -sounds--fierce growls of rage and pain--howls, shrieks and yells, all of -which proved plainly that very severe damage had been done to somebody. - -At last the smoke cleared away, and then Allan saw the bear. From his -head, and breast, and forepaws the hair was all singed off; the skin was -blackened to the hue of soot; his fiery eyes gleamed no more; they were -tight shut, and with growls of agony the monster rushed frantically -about, tossing, and jumping, and rolling over and over. The explosion -had blinded him, and the fierce animal, in his blindness, presented a -spectacle that was terrible to witness. - -In his wild leaps and tumbles he went about in all directions, not -knowing where. His agony had driven from him all thoughts of his late -enemy. - -Allan now sprang to the tree and quickly descended. He ran to his hut -and seized his rifle and revolver. Then he hurried back. The bear was -still writhing and rolling about in his blindness. One well directed -shot, however, put an end to the monster's sufferings. - -Allan did not care about remaining much longer in this place, but soon -after he returned to San Francisco, bringing with him a sufficient -amount of gold to satisfy his wishes, and with this he brought the skin -of the grizzly bear. - - ---- - - - - -AN AFTERNOON AT SAGAMORE POND. - - -It was about the middle of March. We were fishing up at the Sagamore -Pond--Rod Nichols and myself; fishing through the ice for pickerel. - -When the country in this part of Maine was first settled, the Sagamore, -as well as all the other ponds and lakes, abounded with lake trout, or, -as they were then called, _togue_ trout--great, broad-backed fellows, -weighing from twelve to twenty pounds. But it was foolishly supposed by -the early settlers that it would be better to have pickerel instead, of -trout in these waters. So pickerel were put into nearly every pond and -lake in this section. They are the most voracious of fish, very strong -and savage, and soon destroyed the trout. - -Those of the Sagamore are larger than the pickerel in most of the ponds. -It takes a strong line to get them out of the water. Through a hole in -the ice this is more easily done; but it is no small job to cut such a -hole when the ice is two feet thick. Rod and I were an hour and a half -hacking ours with a hatchet, that afternoon. - -It was not far from the shore--eight or ten rods, perhaps--but between -us and the bank there was a wide, open place, worn away, or thawed, by a -"springhole" along the shore. The afternoon sunbeams, falling on the -glass-bright surface, were reflected under the ice, and lighted up the -water as far out as where we had made our hole. We could thus see all -that was going on under us, though the water was nearly twenty feet -deep. - -We had fished in this place before, and knew how to take advantage of -this clear water, for it's always pleasant to see what one's about. It -is fully half the sport to see the fish biting. - -After skimming our hole, we dropped in a hook baited with a _shiner_--we -had a jug full of them--and waited for a bite; watched and waited -patiently and confidently, but it didn't come. Not a fish could be seen -in all the clear depths beneath. This was unusual, as well as vexatious, -for the Sagamore was known to be well stocked with pickerel, and they -generally took the hook readily. But an hour passed without so much as -a nibble at our bait. - -It was a fine, sunny afternoon. Everything was still. There was not -even the cawing of crows to be heard. Presently, looking across to the -shore, we saw a large black creature watching us from an old pine stump, -that was some four or five rods from the water. - -"Fisher-cat, isn't it?" said Rod. - -It did look like one, certainly. It was black, and about the same size. - -"Suppose he'd show fight if we should go round there?" continued Rod, -looking leisurely for the hatchet. - -Poor success fishing had made him a little pugnacious, I suppose; and a -scrimmage with a fisher-cat, or carcajoe, when you can get one to face -about, isn't bad fun for those who enjoy such sport, and are willing to -run the risk of getting scratched and bitten. - -In explanation, I should say that the "fisher-cat" is a member of the -weasel family. Naturalists call it the _Mustela Canadensis_, or Canada -weasel; a pretty big weasel, to be sure. Hunters and trappers hate it -most heartily, for it will follow them all day on their rounds, taking -the bait out of their traps as fast as they can set them. - -Well, if we could not catch any pickerel, perhaps a little fracas with -Mr. Snarly-face, over there, would be the next best thing; and I was -just drawing up my line, when there came a heavy tug at the bait, nearly -jerking the line from my hands. There was not only one tug, but a series -of tugs and rushes to and fro, making the water fairly boil in the hole. - -I had hooked a big one, and he was testing the line to the utmost, and -rasping it across the sharp edges of the ice. Holding it steadily, -however, the struggle gradually ceased, and looking down into the water, -we saw a noble fellow, slowly waving his fins on the sand, at the bottom -of the pond. - -"Isn't he a thumper!" exclaimed Rod. "Five or six pounds, certain! -Fish enough for one day." - -He had become pretty docile, and I had drawn him up within six or seven -feet of the surface, when, with a sudden plunge, a long, dark animal -darted through the water, and seizing the fish, passed out of sight -under the ice, like a black streak. I pulled sharply at the line, once, -twice--then it snapped. - -Here was a surprise. - -"What on earth was that?" cried Rod. - -But there was nothing further to be seen. A few bubbles came struggling -up through the water, but the creature had gone, and so had the fish. - -"It couldn't have been that fisher-cat," said Rod. - -"No, indeed! Who ever heard of a fisher-cat, or any other cat, swimming -ten rods under water!" - -"But he is gone from the stump." - -"Well, let him go. That wasn't him." - -"What was it, then?" - -That was a question easier asked than answered. We were fairly "stuck," -as Rod expressed it, and stood staring into the hole. Suddenly there -was a wavy motion, deep down, below the surface, and we saw the creature -shoot back, by the hole, with the fish in his mouth. We had just a dim, -refractive glimpse, and he had passed, going toward the shore. We looked -in that direction, and a few seconds after, saw a flat, black head pop -up a moment into sight from the open water, and, then it disappeared. We -watched for some minutes, but it did not come up again. - -"Rather a strange performance, anyhow," muttered Rod. - -"But let's go round to the shore, and see if we can find the fisher." - -Going to the shore, we saw that the bank shelved off abruptly into deep -water; and in one place it was worn smooth, and was icy, as if some -animal had been sliding from it down into the pond. Other than this -there were no traces. - -So, first cutting a couple of stout clubs, we went to the pine stump, -where we had seen what we had taken for a fisher. He was gone; but we -discovered a hole in the top of the stump, that went down under the -ground, and looking into it saw a broad, black muzzle, and a pair of -wicked little eyes gleaming up at us. - -"Hollo!" cried Rod, "here he is;" thrusting in his stick. The head -vanished. - -"But that's no fisher; their noses do not look like that. It was too -big and _blunt_. I'll tell you what," exclaimed he suddenly; "it's an -otter! That was one out in the pond, too. Did you ever see one?" - -"No." - -"Nor I; but I've heard old Hughy Olives tell about them; and that's just -what this is." - -"What about them? Will they fight much?" - -"Fight when cornered, Hughy says, like young tigers, too. Dogs are no -match for them. But their fur's valuable." - -"That's so. We must get this one if we can." - -"There may be more than one. They live two and three together, -sometimes, Hughy said, in burrows, opening under water. This couldn't -be the one that stole our fish, either. It might have been though; for -this hole probably leads out into the water, under the bank. Let's see -if it doesn't." - -We ran to the edge and looked over. The water was six or seven feet -deep. - -"Stamp on the ground," said I. - -Rod did so; and a moment after I saw a long, slim animal glide out from -under the bank and dart off beneath the ice--then another. - -"Yes, here he is; two of them." - -They didn't come up in the open water, but must have gone off under the -ice. I suppose there were air-holes through it, where they came up to -breathe. - -They were otters; no doubt of it. But how to catch them; that was the -next question. - -"Hughy spoke of setting traps for them," said Rod. - -"So we can! Your father's old bear-trap! Set it down under the bank -here, where their burrow opens out into the water." - -"Agreed." - -And home we went after the trap. It was nearly three miles, but we were -soon there, and took the trap from the garret, where it had been resting -for a dozen years. It was heavy, and must have weighed sixty or seventy -pounds. But we hung it on a pole, and resting the ends of the pole on -our shoulders, started for the pond; and a fine sweat it gave us before -we reached our destination. - -The next thing was to set it. The springs were so rusty and stiff that -we had to use a lever to bend them, and we came near getting caught in -it once or twice; but it was set properly at last, and _sinking_ it at -the entrance of the burrow we chained it to an old root. - -This done, we filled in stones, and stopped the hole in the stump at the -upper end of the den, to prevent the otters from getting out there. -Then we went home, for it was considerably after sunset. We had our trap -on their doorstep, as Rod said; they could neither go in nor out without -climbing over it. - -The next afternoon we went to see what success attended our efforts. -There was nothing stirring about the stump, and creeping cautiously down -the bank, we looked over. The trap had been sprung and drawn up into -the burrow, partly out of sight. Pulling it out by the chain, sure -enough, there was a long, sleek, black fellow in it fast by one of his -chubby legs. But he was quite dead--drowned. - -The great weight of the trap had prevented his coming to the surface. -And although an otter can remain under water for nearly two minutes, yet -at the end of that time he must come to the surface, like any -air-breathing animal, or be suffocated. - -We were jubilant. Taking him out, we carefully replaced the trap in its -old position and went home with our game, where, calling in the -assistance and advice of old Hughy, we proceeded to take off the skin -according to standard rules. - -The fur was of a light brown color, thickly interspersed with black -hairs, which gives the animal at a little distance the appearance of -being wholly black. The ears were small and far apart, and the feet -short and webbed like a goose. The entire length of the animal, -including its tail, was nearly five feet; but Hughy thought this one -rather above the average size. - -The next day we caught another otter--a smaller one; and about a -fortnight after, a third met his fate in the jaws of the old trap. - -We received twelve dollars apiece for these skins, and felt very well -satisfied with oar afternoon's sport at the Sagamore. - - ---- - - - - -HOW JACK WENT TIGER-HUNTING. - - -Jack was reading Du Chaillu. He spent a good deal more time that night -over Du Chaillu than over his Latin. - -His mother and Bessy were seated by the fire, and presently he came over -and turned his back to the grate, putting his hands behind him, with a -swaggering way he had. - -"I've got an idea, mother!" he said. - -"I'm glad of that." said Bessy, under her breath. Mrs. Leigh shook her -head at her. - -"Well, my son?" - -"Du Chaillu's in this country, you know?" Jack's face was red, and his -voice like a trumpet, from excitement. - -"I believe he is." - -"Oh, I know it, ma'am! I saw in the paper he was lecturing in New York. -And he's going back to Africa next fall. And I--I've made up my mind to -go with him!" - -Bessy stared. - -"To Africa?" said Mrs. Leigh, folding her hem. - -"Yes, mother." Jack was a little damped to find his views received so -quietly. - -"That is, with your permission. But you see all through this book he is -inviting the boys to go. He was but a lad when he killed his first -lion. He says nothing would delight him more than to take some fine -courageous fellow into the jungle, and teach him how to trap elephants -and hunt tigers. Oh, if I could wing a tiger with my gun!" - -"Will you thread my needle, Bessy? I think if you wait, you will be a -better shot in a year or two, probably, Jack." - -"You think I couldn't stand it," blustered Jack. "Why, I've got muscles -on me like iron. I tell you, nothing would please me better than -footing it through the jungle for months, eating leopard and monkey -steaks, and fighting gorillas. Those negroes were poor stuff for -hunters, I think! Used to give out in a week or two. So did Du Chaillu. -Why, I could go on for months, and never complain." - -"Who was that whining over his grammar, awhile ago?" asked his sister. - -"That's a very different matter," stammered Jack angrily. "What kind of -sense is there in _amaba--bis--bus_! That's stuff! If I had a chance -with my gun now, at a lion, say-- - -"If you cannot conquer nouns and verbs, Jack," said Mrs. Leigh, "I am -not afraid for the wild beasts." - -"As for Bess, she needn't laugh," growled Jack. "What does a girl know, -with her curls, and paniers, and folderols? She never even read Du -Chaillu;" and he stamped into the dining-room and began to kick off his -boots. - -"You should not tease your brother, Bessy." - -Bessy laughed. She was a fat, pretty, good-tempered girl, very fond of -Jack and just as fond of squabbling with him. - -"He is such a fellow to brag, mamma. Now I know he'll be at it again. -There he comes." - -Jack came in and leaned with his elbows on the table, watching his -mother and thinking. - -"Now Du Chaillu and those fellows," he broke out, "had a way of skulking -behind trees and shooting at animals from ambush. I don't approve of -that. I would not do that. The way to meet a wild beast is to fix your -eye on him boldly. Look him straight in the eye. What are you laughing -at, Bess? I tell you scientific men say there's nothing like the power -of the human eye. Then when I had him fixed, I'd take aim deliberately -and fire. I'd have him at an advantage, you see. Mother, there's a -fire! I hear the bells!" - -"Yes." - -"Can I go? Just to see where it is? Only to the corner? I won't go a -step beyond the corner, I promise you." - -"Very well, Jack, I trust you." - -Jack's word, when he gave it, was as good as his oath, and although the -street was quite dark, yet as they lived in a quiet part of the city his -mother saw him go without fear. - -There was a good deal of noise and confusion outside. An engine ran -past and men shouting; but in half an hour Mrs. Leigh and Bessy heard -Jack coming leisurely up the steps, whistling and talking. - -"Here, sir! Wheet! wheet! This way. In with you. Gracious, mother, -how dark this hall is! Why don't Ann? Wheet--wheet! There!" opening -the back door, "stay there till morning." He shut and locked the door -again and came into the parlor. - -"'Twasn't much of a fire--near two miles off--somewhere about the -Northern mills." - -"There was great confusion," said Mrs. Leigh. - -"There always is. Now if I was the captain of a fire company, I'd -manage differently. I'd say to this man, go here, and to that man, go -there, and they should not dare to utter a word. Then the fires would -be put out." - -"Who was that in the hall, Jack?" inquired Bessy. - -"A big dog; a most tremendous fellow. He came running alongside of me -on the street, and turned up the steps as I did. Somebody's lost him, I -suppose. I put him in the yard till daylight, and then I can see him -and look up his owner." - -"Was he a pretty dog?" said Bess eagerly. - -"How could I tell? I told you I didn't see him. As he brushed by me, I -felt that he was a strapping fellow. The hall's as dark as pitch." - -"You didn't fix him with your eye, then?" - -Jack said nothing, but lighted his candle and went to bed. - -The next morning he was awakened by a thumping at the door, and in -rushed Bessy, wild with excitement, the morning newspaper in her hand. - -"O, Jack, listen to this!" jumping on the bed and beginning to read -breathlessly: - - -"ESCAPE OF WILD ANIMALS.--The fire of last night communicated with the -stables where the animals connected with Drivers' Menagerie were stored -for the winter, and several of them escaped. They were promptly pursued -and captured, with the exception of the Bengal tiger, that was last seen -making its way toward the southern part of the city. At the hour of our -going to press no traces have been found of the animal." - - -Bessy laid down the paper. Her eyes were set deeper in her head than -usual, and they burned like coals. "Jack!" she gasped, "what do you -think?" - -Jack's face, and neck, and very ears were scarlet. He stammered, and did -not seem nearly so tumultuous as usual. - -"I think it's in our back yard," he said, at last. "I wish you'd get out -of this, Bessy. I'll--I'll get up and call a policeman." - -"A policeman! What on earth can he do with a tiger?" cried Bessy, in -discomfiture. "Why, I thought for sure, Jack, you'd fix him with your -eye; or wing him. Sha'n't I bring you your gun to wing him?" - -"Perhaps I will," said Jack loftily. "But I must be dressed first." - -Bessy went out, but stood just outside of the door, trembling and -quaking, her hand on the knob. Her mother had gone out early. Usually -she had very little dependence on Jack, or his bravery, but anything in -the shape of man or boy is a comfort to a frightened woman, and all of -Jack's boasting came back soothingly now to Bessy. In half a minute -Jack had scrambled into his clothes and was out. - -"Have you seen it? Where is it?" - -"It's in the coal-shed; in the darkest end. Ann's got the back doors -tight locked and bolted, and she's up in bed with the pillow over her -head. There's your gun, Jack." - -Jack took the gun, and still in his stocking feet, went on tiptoe to -reconnoiter. From the second-story window he saw that the yard was -quite clear. Just by the house stood the coal-shed, dingy and dirty -enough at ordinary times, but now covered with the mystery and horror of -an African jungle. - -"You think it's in there, do you?" he said, under his breath. - -"Oh, Ann heard it! Such a horrible roar! Up in the very back part. -How will you get at it to shoot it?" - -"I'll call in the police as soon as I'm sure it's the tiger. If it was -in the jungle I'd face it. But such animals are always doubly furious -for being confined." - -"There's a knot hole in the shed. You can peep, Jack. He won't see -you." - -But Jack was growing unaccountably pale, and his teeth were chattering. -"I'd--I'd rather not open the door--on your account, Bess. He might run -in." - -"Fire your gun and he'll dash out into the yard!" cried Bess, not -knowing whether to laugh or cry, in her excitement. "Good gracious! -what will the girls say at school when they hear we've had a real tiger -in our shed. If you'd only shoot him, and we'd have him stuffed." - -"I mean to shoot when he comes out." - -But Jack's fingers shook so as he adjusted the trigger that one would -have thought he had the palsy. - -"I'll tell you what to do!" shouted Bessy, clapping her hands. "I'll go -down to the kitchen window, and throw a bone out in front of the -shed-door, and when he rushes out for it, you look if it's the tiger or -not." - -"Very well." - -"Unless you'd rather throw the bone," hesitated Bessy, her heart giving -way. - -"There's not the least danger for you, Bessy. And I'm a better judge of -tigers. I'm more familiar with their habits than you." - -Off went Bessy, and finding a half-eaten roast of beef in the pantry, -she opened the kitchen window, her heart choking her as she did it, and -flung it out with all her strength. There was a rush from the shed, but -Bessy had closed the shutters and was flying up the stairs. Halfway up -stood Jack, pale and breathless. - -"Was it the tiger?" - -"Yes." - -"Oh, Jack!" Bessy clasped her hands. "Is he--is he big?" - -"Oh, he's a monster. His eyes are like coals of fire." Jack jerked out -the words as he dashed down the stairs and out of the front door, -shouting, "Police! police!" - -One can easily guess what followed then. When Mrs. Leigh came home from -market, a dense crowd packed the street for half a square from her -house, on the outskirts of which skirmished women, with babies in their -arms, boys open-mouthed, and cart-men cracking their whips, whose horses -stood waiting in a crowd at the corner. In front of the door stood one -of the vans of the menagerie. Wild cries of "The tiger!" "The lion!" -resounded from side to side, and every time the door opened the crowd -fell back, expecting him to charge on them. Way was made for Mrs. -Leigh. Everybody looked at her with respect. - -"He's in your house, ma'am." - -"It was your son that discovered him." - -Mrs. Leigh hurried in, terrified at the thought of what might have -befallen her children. The house was filled with men. Policemen were -in full force to keep order. The keepers from the menagerie had a net -suspended over the door of the shed, to catch the tiger when it should -rush out. Half a dozen men stood with guns ready pointed, in case he -should attack them. - -"But don't fire, unless in case of absolute necessity," pleaded the -keeper. "Consider the cost, gentlemen. That beast is worth, as he -stands, two thousand dollars." - -"What's your two thousand dollars to us?" growled one of the men, -cocking his gun. "Consider our lives." - -Nobody as yet had seen the tiger but Jack, who stood in an upper window, -the observed of all observers. - -The keepers went on with their preparations. It was their plan to shoot -into the shed, over the tiger's head, and when he charged on them, -capture him in the net. - -"Let every man take care of himself," said the keeper. "Fire if we do -not secure him. Are you ready, men?" - -The men, with pale faces, lowered the net. "All right!" - -"Look out, then. One, two, three!" - -"Bang!" went the pistol over the beast's head. There was a moment's -pause, and then a fierce dash and a shriek from the people, caught up -and echoed by the crowd outside. The men tugged at their net and -caught-- - -"Brown's big yellow dog!" shouted the policemen. - -"Where's that young coward that fooled us?" The keepers raged and the -crowd cheered. - -But Jack had hidden away with his shame and could not be found. 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