diff options
| -rw-r--r-- | .gitattributes | 3 | ||||
| -rw-r--r-- | 77372-0.txt | 7020 | ||||
| -rw-r--r-- | 77372-h/77372-h.htm | 9447 | ||||
| -rw-r--r-- | 77372-h/images/cover.jpg | bin | 0 -> 505457 bytes | |||
| -rw-r--r-- | 77372-h/images/i_001.jpg | bin | 0 -> 186457 bytes | |||
| -rw-r--r-- | 77372-h/images/i_f001.jpg | bin | 0 -> 169558 bytes | |||
| -rw-r--r-- | 77372-h/images/i_p051.jpg | bin | 0 -> 168917 bytes | |||
| -rw-r--r-- | 77372-h/images/i_p079.jpg | bin | 0 -> 159290 bytes | |||
| -rw-r--r-- | 77372-h/images/i_p138.jpg | bin | 0 -> 158766 bytes | |||
| -rw-r--r-- | 77372-h/images/i_p183.jpg | bin | 0 -> 144400 bytes | |||
| -rw-r--r-- | 77372-h/images/i_p231.jpg | bin | 0 -> 151805 bytes | |||
| -rw-r--r-- | 77372-h/images/i_p275.jpg | bin | 0 -> 183880 bytes | |||
| -rw-r--r-- | LICENSE.txt | 11 | ||||
| -rw-r--r-- | README.md | 2 |
14 files changed, 16483 insertions, 0 deletions
diff --git a/.gitattributes b/.gitattributes new file mode 100644 index 0000000..6833f05 --- /dev/null +++ b/.gitattributes @@ -0,0 +1,3 @@ +* text=auto +*.txt text +*.md text diff --git a/77372-0.txt b/77372-0.txt new file mode 100644 index 0000000..c207839 --- /dev/null +++ b/77372-0.txt @@ -0,0 +1,7020 @@ +*** START OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK 77372 *** + + + + +[Illustration: Illustrated title page] + + + + + _THE LAKE SHORE SERIES._ + + BRAKE UP; + + OR, + + THE YOUNG PEACEMAKERS. + + BY + + OLIVER OPTIC, + + AUTHOR OF “YOUNG AMERICA ABROAD,” “THE ARMY AND NAVY STORIES,” + “THE WOODVILLE STORIES,” “THE BOAT-CLUB STORIES,” + “THE STARRY FLAG STORIES,” ETC. + + + BOSTON: + LEE AND SHEPARD, PUBLISHERS. + + NEW YORK: + LEE, SHEPARD AND DILLINGHAM. + + 1873. + + + + + Entered, according to Act of Congress, in the year 1870, by + + WILLIAM T. ADAMS, + + In the Clerk’s Office of the + District Court of the District of Massachusetts. + + + ELECTROTYPED AT THE + BOSTON STEREOTYPE FOUNDRY, + NO. 19 SPRING LANE. + + + + + TO + + MY YOUNG FRIEND + + _ELLIOT WILLIAM SAYWARD_ + + This Book + + IS AFFECTIONATELY DEDICATED. + + + + +_THE LAKE SHORE SERIES._ + + + 1. _THROUGH BY DAYLIGHT_; or, The Young Engineer + of the Lake Shore Railroad. + + 2. _LIGHTNING EXPRESS_; or, The Rival Academies. + + 3. _ON TIME_; or, The Young Captain of the Ucayga Steamer. + + 4. _SWITCH OFF_; or, The War of the Students. + + 5. _BRAKE UP_; or, The Young Peacemakers. + + 6. _BEAR AND FORBEAR_; or, The Young Skipper of Lake Ucayga. + + + + +PREFACE. + + +“BRAKE UP” is the fifth of THE LAKE SHORE SERIES, and was one of the +serials which appeared in Oliver Optic’s Magazine. Although the volume +contains an independent story, the same characters that appeared in +preceding issues of the series are introduced. While Captain Wolf +Penniman still remains true to his high standard of duty, Nick Von +Wolter is presented to the reader in strong contrast with the hero. +The latter, ambitious to put himself forward in the world, makes the +oft-repeated mistake of those who follow any other guide than that of +religious principle. The result to the evil-doer is but the reflection +of the world’s experience; and though all who seek and follow the True +Light may not realize the same worldly success that crowned the life of +Wolf, they are absolutely sure to attain that peace of mind which alone +is happiness here and hereafter. + +The railroad phrase “BRAKE UP” is not used in its technical sense, +but figuratively indicates how the wrong-doer should proceed when he +becomes conscious of his error; and the author hopes his young friends, +as well as those of mature years, will follow the example of the +magnate of Centreport when they find themselves on the “wrong track.” + + HARRISON SQUARE, BOSTON, + January 26, 1870. + + + + +CONTENTS. + + + CHAPTER I. PAGE + COLONEL WIMPLETON WON’T HAVE IT. 11 + + CHAPTER II. + BRAKE UP! 20 + + CHAPTER III. + MR. NICHOLAS VAN WOLTER. 31 + + CHAPTER IV. + A GLORIOUS OPPORTUNITY. 41 + + CHAPTER V. + ROMANCE AND REALITY. 52 + + CHAPTER VI. + A DISCOMFITED ASPIRANT. 63 + + CHAPTER VII. + COLONEL WIMPLETON DROPS THE REINS. 74 + + CHAPTER VIII. + SECRETS FOR TWO. 84 + + CHAPTER IX. + THE TIPSY MAGNATE. 96 + + CHAPTER X. + TOM WALTON EXPRESSES HIS OPINION. 106 + + CHAPTER XI. + A GENEROUS TIPPLER. 117 + + CHAPTER XII. + ANOTHER CALAMITY. 128 + + CHAPTER XIII. + AFTER THE ACCIDENT. 139 + + CHAPTER XIV. + “THE OCCURRENCES OF YESTERDAY.” 150 + + CHAPTER XV. + A TEMPTING OFFER. 162 + + CHAPTER XVI. + THE UCAYGA IN TROUBLE. 173 + + CHAPTER XVII. + AN ACT OF COURTESY. 185 + + CHAPTER XVIII. + THE MYSTERY OF THE CHECK. 196 + + CHAPTER XIX. + COLONEL WIMPLETON HUMILIATED. 208 + + CHAPTER XX. + A NIGHT TRIP TO HITACA. 220 + + CHAPTER XXI. + WHAT HAPPENED IN THE ROAD. 232 + + CHAPTER XXII. + SEVEN PER CENT. BONDS. 244 + + CHAPTER XXIII. + THE COMMITTEE OF CONFERENCE. 256 + + CHAPTER XXIV. + THE MAGNATES JOIN HANDS. 268 + + CHAPTER XXV. + MORE SEVEN PER CENT. BONDS. 280 + + CHAPTER XXVI. + IN HONOR OF THE RECONCILIATION. 292 + + + + +BRAKE UP; + +OR, + +THE YOUNG PEACEMAKERS. + + + + +CHAPTER I. + +COLONEL WIMPLETON WON’T HAVE IT. + + +“I won’t have it, Wolf Penniman! No, I won’t have it!” said and +repeated Colonel Wimpleton, as, with an uncertain step, he shuffled up +to the door of my state-room, on board of the Ucayga. + +The magnate of Centreport was more than usually intoxicated. For two +or three years he had kept himself well filled with rum. His face had +grown red, and toddy-blossoms had gathered upon his aquiline nose, but +he seldom manifested any of the ordinary symptoms of drunkenness. It +was not often that he reeled, or became incoherent in his speech, as on +the present occasion. If he was ever overcome by his besetting vice, +it was not in public. I had certainly never before seen him in the +condition in which he presented himself at the door of my state-room. + +I was aware that the habit of drinking was gaining upon him. I had +frequently seen him when he was affected by the liquor he had taken. +I had known him to fall asleep in company when the conversation +flagged, and I had often noticed the stupor of inebriation. He took +less interest in the steamer, and in other business enterprises in +which he was engaged, than formerly. Under the influence of his drams, +when excited, he was even more violent than when he was sober. For +years he had been the deadly enemy of Major Toppleton, the rich man of +Middleport, on the opposite side of the lake. His intemperance did not +moderate his hatred, though it deprived him of the energy to prosecute +malicious schemes against his rival. + +Three years before, Major Toppleton had completed the Lake Shore +Railroad, intended in the beginning rather as a plaything for the +students of the Toppleton Institute, and as a means of giving the young +men a knowledge of railroad business, though the idea had enlarged on +his hands, and the line had become a regular thoroughfare of travel. A +violent competition had sprung up between the two sides of the lake. +The projector of the railroad had purchased the old line of steamers, +and ran them only to Middleport, thus compelling the people of the +large and thriving town of Centreport to do all their business through +the rival place on the other side of the lake. This was more than the +choleric temper of Colonel Wimpleton could endure, and he immediately +built the large, swift, and beautiful steamer Ucayga, to run between +Centreport and the lower end of the lake, thus giving the town direct +communication with the great business centres of the nation. + +For a time the Lake Shore line had the advantage, and obtained nearly +all the through business; but the new steamer, of which I had the honor +to be captain, by making one through trip a day to Hitaca, at the upper +extremity of the lake, beating the railroad line by three quarters +of an hour, and affording better accommodation, without change from +boat to cars and from cars to boat, turned the current of travel, and +Centreport obtained a complete and decided victory over Middleport. +Of course Major Toppleton was sorely vexed at the triumph of his great +rival. He had vainly sought the means of recovering his lost prestige. +The best time he could make was four hours and a quarter, while the +steamer line accomplished the distance in three and a half. He could +regain the ground he had lost only by building a steamer like the +Ucayga, or extending his railroad through a wild region for twenty-five +miles, to the head of the lake. Either of these expedients involved +a very large outlay of money, which he was not willing to make. But +he continued to talk of doing something, and there was no end to the +agitation of the subject. + +I had certain very decided views of my own, and earnestly hoped +that the major would adopt neither of his expensive expedients. All +Middleport and all Centreport had been at war with each other for +years. Not only the major and the colonel, but their two sons, and the +two academies under their patronage, had hated and fought each other; +but now all had been reconciled except the two magnates, though the +business rivalry between the two places was not abated. But it seemed +to me that, after the two sons had become good friends and the two +Institutes had fraternized, the two magnates hated each other more +bitterly than ever. I could not help fearing that a new steamer, or an +extension of the railroad, would increase the malignant rivalry; and, +acting through Tommy Toppleton, the major’s son, and Waddie Wimpleton, +the colonel’s son, I had done what I could to keep the two lines as +they were at the opening of my present story. + +Major Toppleton had proposed to me, and I had suggested to Colonel +Wimpleton, the plan of uniting the two lines; but the magnate of +Centreport had indignantly and scornfully repudiated the proposition. +He would have nothing to do with the Toppletons. Such a union would +be a benefit to the travelling public, while it would afford a +remunerative business to each line. It would reduce the time from +Hitaca to Ucayga three quarters of an hour, and make an end of all +the ill feeling engendered by the competition. The one purpose of my +existence, at this time, was to accomplish this union. I hoped and +prayed for some happy circumstance that would reconcile the great men. +I was even daring enough to attempt to contrive a plan by which this +blessed result might be attained; but I had not been able to devise any +expedient which appeared hopeful enough to be attempted. + +Colonel Wimpleton was more than usually intoxicated when he presented +himself at the door of my state-room. As he spoke he staggered into +the apartment, and dropped heavily into a chair. It was mortifying and +disgusting even to me to see him in this condition; but how much more +so to his family! I pitied his wife, I pitied Waddie, and I pitied +Minnie Wimpleton, the oldest daughter of the magnate; indeed, I pitied +all who were connected with him; for if he was a terrible man when +sober, he was vastly more terrible when intoxicated. Though he had +occasionally found fault with me since I had been in charge of the +steamer, he never indulged in anything which could be called abuse. On +the other hand, if anybody could be said to have any influence over +him, I had a very little. It was by my plans, and through my direct +agency, that the steamer had won the victory over the rival line. +I had always treated him with respect, and even with “distinguished +consideration,” but at the same time I maintained my independence. The +colonel knew that the moment he cast me off, the major was ready to +take me up, and restore me to my old position on the railroad. Perhaps +it is not exactly modest for me to state these things, but it would be +mere affectation for me to ignore them. + +“I won’t have it!” repeated Colonel Wimpleton, with greater emphasis, +as he dropped into the chair in my state-room. + +“What, sir?” I inquired. + +“I say I won’t have it,” he replied, fixing a kind of vacant stare upon +the floor. + +I concluded that what he would not have related to the steamer, +and I was prepared to receive the rebuke he had apparently come to +administer. I could think of nothing I had done to deserve censure. +The Ucayga had made all her trips with clock-work regularity. We had +been “on time;” and except when the days were too short, we had put +her “through by daylight.” The pleasure season was just opening, and +we were carrying crowds of passengers. Certainly everything seemed to +be lovely, and I was not conscious of deserving a rebuke. But in my +relations with the colonel I often received what I did not deserve. I +was tolerably intimate in the family of Major Toppleton. Tommy, now +thoroughly reformed, was one of my best friends. He was grateful to me +because I had assisted in saving him from the wrath of Jed Trotwood, +and as he still had a great influence over his father, he always +insured me a welcome at the Toppleton mansion. + +Grace Toppleton was very kindly disposed towards me; and being eighteen +now, I am willing to confess that I believed her to be the prettiest +and the dearest girl in the whole world. I had become very particular +in regard to my dress, and my mother often declared that she was afraid +I should yet be a dandy, I was so particular to wear good clothes, and +to have my neck-tie nicely adjusted. But, then, I was the commander of +the Ucayga, and it was a part of my duty to make myself agreeable to +the passengers, including many elegant and accomplished ladies. Yet +I could not conceal from myself the truth that I cared more for the +opinion of Grace than of all others. For her I wore the good clothes; +for her I was particular about my neck-tie; and for her I brushed my +hair till every individual lock had found its most graceful position. +By continued perseverance in shaving my upper lip, I had coaxed a +tolerable mustache into being, which, I fondly believed, not only +overcame the juvenility of my appearance, but added a manly feature to +my face. + +I was very much interested in Grace, as I had been from the first +moment I saw her. Indeed, this interest had grown upon me in a manner +which I need not stop to explain. I acknowledged to myself that I +had “intentions” in regard to her, though I could not help feeling +that they were very presumptuous in me, who had neither a great name +nor a great family to boast of. I had never said anything to Grace +about these intentions, but I flattered myself that she was not +wholly indifferent towards me. Her father did not seem to notice my +attentions, but I was afraid he would. As this was the thought always +nearest to my heart, it occurred to me, as the tipsy colonel sat +looking at the floor in my state-room, that my devotion to Grace was +what he would not have. + + + + +CHAPTER II + +BRAKE UP! + + +I looked at Colonel Wimpleton, as he sat gazing, with a stupid stare, +upon the floor of the state-room. I began to feel some trepidation +lest my relations with the family of Major Toppleton were to be +criticised and censured. But true to the instincts of all young men +in my situation, I was ready to die rather than yield the breadth of +a hair in my devotion to Grace. The magnates might quarrel as much +as suited their imperial pleasure, but I would neither be coaxed nor +driven into the feud. I was resolved to be discharged from my pleasant +and lucrative position rather than have my agreeable relations with the +Toppletons suspended. + +“Wolf, I won’t have it!” exclaimed the colonel, suddenly, as he stamped +his foot upon the floor, after a silence which enabled me to review my +previous conduct for months. + +“What, sir?” I inquired again. + +But the tipsy magnate did not condescend to reply to my question. +He contracted the muscles of his face into a maudlin expression of +indignation, and continued to brood over the evil which disturbed him. + +“You must go with me, Wolf,” said he, after another long pause. + +“Where, sir?” + +“Over to Middleport.--No, I won’t have it! I’ll put a stop to it!” + +“I really don’t understand you, Colonel Wimpleton,” I pleaded. + +“You don’t understand it, Wolf? Yes, you do understand it, Wolf. You +know all about it.” + +“What, sir?” + +“What, sir!” sneered the colonel, fixing a stare of drunken ire upon +me. “You must go with me, Wolf.” + +“But the boat must start in less than an hour,” I added, consulting my +watch. + +“I don’t care for the boat. This thing is of more consequence than the +boat, Wolf.” + +“What thing, sir?” + +“Boys musn’t be men till they are old enough to be men, Wolf,” +protested the great man. “Come with me.” + +He rose with some difficulty from the chair, and tottered towards the +door. + +“Where am I to go, sir?” I asked. + +“Over to the other side of the lake.” + +“But the boat--” + +“Don’t say any more to me about the boat, Wolf. Van Wolter can run the +boat as well as you can. Come along with me.” + +“Very well, sir; I will tell Mr. Van Wolter that I shall not go down +the lake with him.” + +When I had seen the mate, I returned to my state-room, where the +colonel had again seated himself. I kept a tumbler and a pitcher of ice +water in the room, and as I went to take a drink, I found the glass +smelled strongly of liquor. The magnate had a bottle in his pocket, +and had taken another dram. I did not like to go with him while he was +in his present condition, and evidently growing worse, but I could not +refuse without creating a tempest. + +“Courting!” ejaculated the colonel, as I put on my cap. “I won’t have +it.” + +“I don’t understand you, sir,” I replied, startled by the suggestive +word he had used. + +“You’ll understand it very soon, Wolf, for I won’t have it. Come with +me.” + +What could the great man mean? Did he apply that word to my relations +with Grace Toppleton? I was not willing to have them called by +so vulgar a term. He rose from the chair, and bolted out of the +state-room, for he could not now maintain a steady gait. I followed +him to the gangway, where the boat I had ordered was waiting for us. +Van Wolter winked at me as I passed him, and seemed to regard the +drunkenness of the magnate as a good joke, instead of the most serious +thing in the world. With the assistance of the mate and myself, the +colonel succeeded in depositing himself in the boat without falling +into the lake, and the men landed us at Middleport. + +Bracing up his nerves to their utmost tension, the great man walked +up the wharf to the railroad station, whence he dropped into a chair, +overcome by his exertions to act like a sober man. The last dram +imbibed had not yet produced its full effect, and I hoped, in the +stupor of intoxication, he would forget his mission, whatever it was. +People looked at him, smiled, winked, and sneered, as he sat in the +waiting-room, and it was very disagreeable to me to be obliged to be +his companion. There is no knowing what a tipsy man may do, and I was +fearful that he would place me in a still more embarrassing position. +The vulgar expression he had used--“courting”--indicated that there was +a lady in the affair. I suspected that he meant to proceed to the house +of Major Toppleton; but I was determined not to go there with him, for +such a step would imply that he intended to meddle with my affair. + +“No, I won’t have it, Wolf! Now go and see where they have gone,” said +the colonel, after he had sat a few moments. + +“See where who have gone, sir?” I inquired. + +“Why, Tom Toppleton and Waddie.” + +“I know where they have gone.” + +“Where?” he demanded, jerking up his head suddenly. + +“Down to the Horse Shoe, sir.” + +“I suppose you know all about it.” + +“They have gone to select a camp for the regiment--that’s all.” + +“No, sir! That’s not all, Wolf! You know very well that’s not all.” + +“At least, that’s all I know about it,” I pleaded. + +“Now, where’s Grace Toppleton? That’s what I want to know,” said he, +savagely. + +“I don’t know where she is,” I replied, not pleased to have her name +connected with the matter, whatever it might prove to be. + +“You go and find out where she is--that’s what I want you to do. Don’t +talk to me! I tell you I won’t have it.” + +“I will ascertain where she is,” I replied, not unwilling to call at +the house of the major, where I might see her. + +“Go, and don’t stop long.” + +I did go, and I did not stop long. Grace was not at home. She had gone +to the Horse Shoe in the same boat with Tommy, where he was to meet +Waddie. I reported this intelligence to the colonel. + +“That is just what I supposed!” exclaimed he, springing to his feet. “I +won’t have it. Get two tickets, Wolf, and take me to the Horse Shoe.” + +“I will, sir.” + +“Courting!” snuffed the colonel. + +“Who, sir?” + +“In love.” + +“Who, sir?” + +“I won’t have it! No, I won’t.” + +By this time I began to believe that I was not the object of his +suspicion; but I was very anxious to know who was implicated in this +grave charge of “courting,” or of being in love. I knew that Nick Van +Wolter, the mate’s son, had gone down to the Horse Shoe with Waddie, +in the Raven; and now it appeared that Tommy and Grace had also gone. +My present information assured me that Grace was the only young lady +of the party, and if any “courting” was meditated, it was plain to +me, from the nature of the circumstances, that she must be one of the +parties. + +I confess that I began to feel very uneasy when the possibility of the +occasion dawned upon me. Grace, so far as I knew, was the only lady in +the party. If any one was in love with her, who could it be? Certainly +it was not Tommy; and it was almost as certain that it could not be +Nick Van Wolter, though the latter was a very conceited young man, +with assurance enough to fall in love with one so much his superior as +Grace. But if it was Nick, why should the colonel trouble himself about +the matter? I was satisfied that it could not be Nick. Then it must be +Waddie. + +My blood seemed to grow cold in my veins as the only reasonable +explanation of the problem was forced upon my mind. Such an event would +inflame the magnate of Centreport to wrath, for he could conceive of no +more terrible calamity than an alliance by marriage between the rival +families. I was shocked and confounded. Yet I was reasonable enough +to believe that it was the most natural thing in the world for Waddie +to fall in love with Grace. She was beautiful and winning beyond any +words of mine to express. He was socially her equal, which I was not. +Distressed as I was, I could offer no objection to the idea. + +I procured two tickets for Grass Springs, and assisted the colonel into +the rear car. He still persisted that he would not “have it,” talked +wild, foolish, and angry, by turns, till the stupor of his last dram +overcame him, and he dropped asleep, much to my satisfaction, for I was +disgusted with his speech. Besides, I did not feel like talking with +any one. I had experienced a terrible blow. I had lost Grace Toppleton. +I had mistaken her kindness to me for a more tender sentiment, and +I felt like lying down on the bottom of the lake in deep water, or +emigrating to some distant and unknown region. + +The cars stopped a moment at Spangleport. Major Toppleton had built a +bridge over the outlet of the lake, so that the train ran into Ucayga, +thus gaining time enough to allow the stops at the two towns on the +route. The dummy also made two trips a day to Grass Springs, so that +the people along the line were better accommodated than ever before. +About half way between Spangleport and the Springs, the engineer +whistled furiously, and the train began to brake up rather sharply. + +“What’s the matter, Wolf?” said the colonel, awaking with a start. + +“I don’t know, sir; perhaps a cow is on the track.” + +“Go ahead and see,” said he, thrusting his hand into his breast pocket, +where he must have kept his bottle. + +I obeyed him, and as I opened the forward door, I saw him drinking +from his flask. I had walked through three cars, when the train +stopped. As I had supposed, an obstinate cow had placed herself on +the track, and not having the fear of locomotives before her, refused +to budge till the fireman drove her off by pelting her with coal. The +train started again, and I did not hurry back to the colonel; but when +I reached the rear of the last car, he was not there. I was alarmed, +and immediately looked through the train for him. I could not find him. +The passengers had not observed him. I was afraid he had fallen off, +and I hastened to find the conductor. + +He was in the forward car. I stated the case to him, and begged him to +run back a little way. After many objections he consented, and gave +the order. A brakeman was sent to the rear platform, but the conductor +detained me to tell me the consequences that might follow the delay. +I promised to help him out on some other occasion when he was behind +time, by inducing the conductors on the great line to wait for him. +I hastened back to the rear platform, but before I could reach it, I +heard the whistle to brake up. On reaching the end of the car, I saw a +sight which froze my blood. Colonel Wimpleton lay on the track between +the rails, apparently unable to save himself. + +The brakeman had pulled the connecting line, and was jamming down the +brake with all his might; but it was still a problem whether the train +could be stopped in season to avoid running over him. I rushed to the +assistance of the man, and the brake creaked under our united efforts. +Fortunately the signal from the engine had been prompt, and the train +was stopped, but only a few feet from the tipsy magnate, who shook his +fist at the car as it came near. + +“Did ye mean to run over me?” said he; and it was evident that his last +dram had nearly finished him. + + * * * * * + +[We intended to let Wolf tell his own story, but we are obliged to take +the pen out of his hand, for a time, to relate certain incidents of +which he was not a witness. Nicholas Van Wolter is no scholar; and if +he were, we could not trust him to narrate the matter of the succeeding +chapters, for we fear he would suppress the truth, and introduce too +much of his own personal vanity.] + +[Illustration: BRAKE UP!] + + + + +CHAPTER III. + +MR. NICHOLAS VAN WOLTER. + + +Mr. Nick Van Wolter, a young gentleman of eighteen, and the oldest son +of the mate of the Ucayga, was dressing himself with extraordinary care +on the morning preceding the incidents of the last chapter. He was very +little like his father, who was a plain, honest, straightforward man, +and very much like his mother, who was a vain, aspiring, ambitious +woman. The mate was willing to do his duty faithfully and patiently, +and let the future take care of itself, though he was not without a +reasonable ambition to distinguish himself, and make his fortune. His +wife thought the world, and particularly Colonel Wimpleton, had wronged +and defrauded her husband out of money and position. She had high hopes +of Nick, for he was of an aspiring nature, and did not believe that he +had yet found his true sphere. + +Nick had brushed his hair with remarkable precision; he had carefully +laid each individual hair of his downy mustache; and he was now +engaged in the difficult and trying operation of tying his cravat. +He had donned his Sunday clothes, though it was Monday, and though +he was going in the Raven, which was the name of Waddie Wimpleton’s +new sail-boat. The fact that Miss Minnie Wimpleton was to be one of +the party may explain the reason of all the extra pains the young man +bestowed upon himself. Miss Wimpleton was certainly a very beautiful +girl, though this need not have made any difference with Nick, who had +only been invited to help work the Raven, for Waddie had a lame arm, +wrenched at the shoulder in playing base ball. + +It would be difficult to describe the precise social or business +position of Nick Van Wolter. He had worked on the steamer as a deck +hand, and as a waiter in the cabin; but he had become disgusted with +both of these places. They were beneath his dignity, and below his +sphere. He had obtained a place in a store in Centreport, where his +father’s family resided; but sweeping out, working in the cellars, and +carrying bundles were so far beneath his aspirations that he had also +abandoned the store. He now appeared to be “waiting for something to +turn up.” He wanted to be the clerk of the Ucayga, as a stepping-stone +to a higher place; but the present incumbent obstinately persisted +in retaining the situation. He was devoted, mind, heart, and soul, +to Waddie Wimpleton, through whom he expected finally to accomplish +his purpose. He was willing to “toady” to the great man’s son, to bow +down before him, and cling to the skirts of his garments. When Waddie, +therefore, in his partially disabled condition, needed assistance in +the boat, Nick was available for the service, and had gladly accepted +the invitation. + +Nick labored heavily at the neck-tie, and his ambitious mother stood in +the middle of the floor, watching with interest the effect produced by +various experiments. Bow knots, square knots, and sailor’s knots were +successively tried and successively discarded, until it was evident +that the cravat would be worn out before it could be adjusted. But at +last Mrs. Van Wolter interfered, and insisted that a simple crossing +of the ends of the tie, fastened by a large breast-pin, which was +borrowed from the mate’s wardrobe, gave the most stunning effect. She +was satisfied, and Nick could devise nothing better, though he was not +wholly pleased. + +“Now, let me put this moss-rose on the lapel of your coat,” said the +devoted mother. “If Miss Wimpleton thinks it is a pretty one, or makes +any remark about it, be sure you make her a present of it.” + +“I don’t think she cares anything about me,” replied Nick, as he +glanced at the looking-glass to observe the effect of the rose. + +“Well, I don’t suppose she does; but you must make her care for you. If +you have any wit at all, you can make yourself useful and agreeable. +Why, look at Wolf Penniman. They do say that he and Grace Toppleton are +good friends, at the very least. Wolf is smart; he knows what he is +about.” + +“So do I know what I am about,” retorted Nick, repelling what appeared +to him to be an insinuation that he did _not_ know what he was about. +“If there is any such thing as getting on the right side of Minnie +Wimpleton, you will find me there.” + +“I hope so. You ought to be as high up in the world as Wolf Penniman. +You are a better looking fellow,” added the fond mother, gazing with +admiration at the form and features of her son. “If you are not as +smart as he, it is because you have never put yourself forward, and it +is high time for you to begin. There’s Wolf, captain of the Ucayga, +while you can’t even be clerk. It’s a shame. I know your father ought +to be captain of that steamer, for he has really run the boat, while +Wolf has had all the credit of it. But I can’t get your father to do +anything about it.” + +“Father is his own master,” said Nick, with something like malice in +his tones. + +“I know he is. If he would hear to me, he would be captain of the +steamer, and you would be clerk. Only to think of it! Your father, who +has been a steamboat man all the days of his life, acting as mate to a +boy, a mere snipper-snapper, who don’t know any more about managing a +steamboat than I do! It’s a shame! I can’t bear to think of it!” + +“Don’t, then.” + +“Well, if your father won’t do anything for the family, you must, +Nicholas. Waddie is your best friend; and, if you can only make an +impression upon Miss Minnie, your fortune will be made, for I don’t +believe the colonel will live a great many years. He is soaked in rum +all the time.” + +“If I only get the chance, mother, I shall show Minnie who and what I +am. She is very gentle and kind to me, and all I want is an opportunity +to lay myself out before her.” + +“If you don’t find the chance, make it, Nicholas--make it.” + +Nick was thoughtful at this suggestion. It seemed to be a new idea to +him. He had devoted no inconsiderable portion of his valuable time to +the reading of exciting romances, and he was confident that if he could +obtain the opportunity to save Miss Minnie from a watery grave, rescue +her from a burning house, or stay the mad flight of her runaway horse, +just as she was about to be dashed to pieces over a yawning precipice, +doing the noble deed at the imminent peril of his own life, the prize +would be won. The proud daughter of a noble house would be filled with +admiration and gratitude, and would, of course, fall in love with him, +and the third part of Colonel Wimpleton’s millions would drop into his +lap. The last chapter of the romance would end in the unutterable +bliss of the noble hero and the beautiful heroine. This was about the +idea Nick had of “a chance to lay himself out before her.” He wanted +such a chance, and his mother, doubtless without exactly comprehending +her son’s views, had suggested that he should make the chance. The +thought was worthy of consideration. + +“Your father is too tame and spiritless to do anything for the family. +You must do it for him, Nicholas,” added Mrs. Van Wolter. + +“I’m willing to do what I can,” meekly responded the hopeful son. + +“If you do, your father shall be captain of the steamer; you shall be +clerk, and in good time the husband of Miss Minnie.” + +“What do you mean, mother? You don’t expect me to make father +captain--do you?” + +“Well, well; we won’t talk about that now,” answered the mother, +evasively. “We must use circumstances for our own advantage.” + +Mrs. Van Wolter appeared to be a bold schemer, and even Nick was +astonished at the magnitude of her ideas. He was looking for a +brilliant future, and to his mind there was no reason why Wolf +Penniman should monopolize all the honors and all the emoluments of the +high positions. He put on his hat, and left the house. He was rather +anxious to know by what means his mother expected to promote the mate +to the captaincy, and to make him the clerk of the steamer; but his +present business was in relation to Minnie Wimpleton, and he hastened +to the pier where the Raven was moored. + +Nick was only a tolerable boatman; and he was not conceited in regard +to his ability to manage a sail-boat. He was willing to take lessons of +Waddie, who had no superior. Indeed, he yielded the palm in everything +to the young magnate. He hoisted the mainsail, and put everything in +order about the boat. By the time he had finished the preparations for +the trip, Waddie and his sister appeared. The young gentleman had his +arm in a sling, and the young lady, in the estimation of Nick, was +radiant with loveliness. + +“Good morning, Mr. Van Wolter,” said Minnie, as she arrived at the pier. + +There was a twinkle in her eye, and one would have judged there was +no little mischief in her composition. She glanced at the elaborate +toilet, and particularly at the huge breast-pin in the cravat of the +aspiring Nick. Perhaps she was vain enough to suspect that all this +extra preparation had been made for her sake. + +“Good morning, Miss Wimpleton,” replied Nick, removing his hat with an +extensive flourish, probably to afford the wealthy little divinity an +opportunity to see how nicely his hair was parted, oiled, and brushed. +“May I have the pleasure of assisting you on board the Raven?” + +“Will it be a pleasure, Mr. Van Wolter?” said she, mischievously, as +she extended her gloved hand to him. + +“A very great pleasure indeed, Miss Wimpleton,” he replied, as he +eagerly took the offered hand, his heart beating like the throes of an +earthquake, under the delicious sensations of the moment. + +He handed her to a seat in the standing-room, touched his hat, and +bowed, as if to thank her for the unexpected honor she had conferred +upon him. + +“Cast off, and run up the jib, Nick,” said Waddie, impatiently. “We +are going to have a shower to-day, and we must get up to Grass Springs +before it comes on.” + +“A shower, Waddie?” added Minnie. + +“It looks like one.” + +“I don’t want to go if it is to be rainy.” + +“Only a shower. The cabin will keep you as dry as your own room,” +answered Waddie. “There is a good breeze, and we shall be down there in +a couple of hours.” + +“It will spoil Nick’s new clothes,” laughed the sprightly miss. + +“Don’t you tease the simpleton,” whispered Waddie. + +“I can’t help it. I enjoy it hugely,” she replied. + +“There goes the Belle,” added Waddie, pointing to Wolf’s boat, which +Tommy Toppleton had chartered for the occasion, as she shot out from +the wharf at Middleport. “Now for a race!” + +Nick ran up the jib, and, as the Raven took the breeze, he seated +himself opposite Miss Minnie, to feast his eyes upon her “matchless +loveliness.” + + + + +CHAPTER IV. + +A GLORIOUS OPPORTUNITY. + + +The boat-builder at Hitaca had promised Waddie he should have a boat +that would beat the Belle, or any other craft of her inches on the +lake. He had evidently kept his word, though the respective merits of +the two boats had not yet been fairly tested; but, in building for +speed, he had not built for safety. The Raven was too narrow for her +length, and it was apparent that she was very crank. However, Waddie +did not care how crank she was, if she was only fast. He was skilful +enough himself to keep her right side up. + +Tom Walton was sailing the Belle, and Tommy Toppleton and Grace were +passengers. Though the trip to the Horse Shoe was for another purpose, +the race between the two boats could not well be avoided. Waddie was +anxious to have the point settled, and as Tom Walton, the regular +skipper of the Belle, was on board, the race commenced without a +challenge, or any other preparations. The Belle waited until the Raven +came out from the wharf, and they met in the middle of the lake, where +the two parties exchanged salutations. + +“I’m afraid we shall have some bad weather,” said Tom Walton, as he +glanced at the black clouds which were piling up in the south-west. + +“We shall get to the Horse Shoe before that shower comes up,” replied +Waddie, as he put his helm up, and the Raven filled away on her course. + +“Let her slide!” shouted Tom Walton, who was not yet quite ready to +believe that the new boat could beat the Belle. + +“So we are to have a race, Waddie,” said his sister, as the Belle +shaped her course for the Horse Shoe. + +“Yes; and I’m going to beat the Belle all to pieces,” answered Waddie, +in high excitement, as the two boats, now side by side, began to spin +furiously through the water, the spray curling over their bows, as they +bent down before the lively breeze. + +“But you will drown us all, Waddie!” exclaimed Minnie, as the Raven +careened under a flaw till the gunwale was nearly submerged. + +“There is not the least danger while Mr. Wimpleton is at the helm. He +is the most skilful boatman on the lake,” interposed Nick. + +“But I don’t like such furious sailing as this,” added Minnie, as half +a bucket of spray dashed upon the half deck forward of her. + +“Don’t be alarmed, Minnie,” said Waddie, gently. “She is doing +beautifully, and we are gaining on the Belle. I wish my arm was not so +lame. It bothers me.” + +“I cannot steer as well as you can, Waddie; but I will do the best I +can,” added Nick. + +“If we were on the other tack I could do it very well; but I don’t like +to sit on the lee side to steer. We are beating her,” continued Waddie, +when the Raven was a length ahead of her rival. + +“But you will certainly drown us, Waddie!” cried Minnie, as the boat +went down on the lee side to her washboard. + +“If you will permit me to sit on the same side with you, Miss +Wimpleton, I can relieve her a little,” suggested Nick, as he rose from +his place. + +“Certainly, Mr. Van Wolter. Don’t be so polite as to drown me.” + +Nick took a seat on the weather side, where he should have gone before. +He again assured his fair companion that there was no danger, though +he was really not so confident on this point as he pretended to be. He +certainly was not afraid himself; on the contrary, he rather wished +the boat would upset, and thus afford him the coveted opportunity to +save Miss Wimpleton from the “watery grave.” He could swim like a fish, +and Waddie was so disabled that he could do no more than help himself. +But the two boats dashed on, and the Raven did not go over. She soon +ran away from the Belle, though it was done at the expense of a severe +trial to Miss Minnie’s nerves. + +“Take in the jib, Nick,” said Waddie. “The point is settled. The Raven +is the fastest boat on the lake.” + +The willing assistant obeyed this order, and the boat went along a +little steadier, much to the satisfaction of the young lady passenger. + +“I hope you have not injured your coat, Mr. Van Wolter,” said she, as +he resumed his seat. + +“Not at all, though it would be of no consequence if I had,” replied +Nick. + +“I think it would. When a young gentleman has a really elegant +appearance, it breaks my heart to see it disturbed.” + +“Your heart is very tender, Miss Wimpleton.” + +“Like all ladies’ hearts.” + +Nick sighed. + +Minnie laughed. + +“What a beautiful breast-pin you wear, Mr. Van Wolter!” + +“Do you like it?” + +“I think it is lovely.” + +Nick put his hands up to take it out of the cravat, in order to make +her a present of it; but he happened to remember, in season to save it, +that it was the rose, and not the breast-pin, he was to give her, if +she admired it. She did not allude to the flower, and all opportunities +seemed to elude his grasp. It was provoking that the Raven would not +upset, and afford him a chance to do a gallant deed. He thought Miss +Minnie was in a very agreeable frame of mind. She spoke very kindly +to him, and smiled with the utmost sweetness; for his vanity did not +permit him to realize that she was making fun of him. If an opportunity +could only be presented for him to do a big thing,--to tear her from +the jaws of death,--all would be well with him, and, he was conceited +enough to believe, with her also. + +Waddie came about, and threw the boat up into the wind, to wait for the +Belle. The Raven had fully justified her builder’s promise, and the +owner was satisfied. Tom Walton was nettled at his signal defeat. He +could not quite understand it; so he did just what other smart boatmen +do under similar circumstances--he declared that it was not the right +breeze for the Belle. She was a heavy-weather boat, and he should like +to catch the Raven out when it blew a fresh breeze. He would either +beat her or drown her. + +Waddie thought they had a pretty stiff breeze, but he would be happy to +accommodate Tom on his own terms. The two boats sailed along together +towards their destination. Waddie’s shoulder troubled him, after the +exercise he had taken, and he gave up the helm to Nick. The wind had +gradually subsided until it was a dead calm off the South Shoe. The +great black clouds had been travelling steadily towards the zenith, +till the sun was obscured, and the aspect of the weather was decidedly +threatening. Waddie looked at the rolling black clouds, and declared +there was wind in them. + +“What do you mean by that, Waddie?” asked Minnie, anxiously. + +“We may have a squall,” replied he, coolly. + +“A squall!” exclaimed she, terrified by the word. “Do let us get +ashore.” + +“A squall is nothing, if you only mind your eye,” added the young +boatman, lightly. + +“But I am afraid of squalls,” persisted Minnie. “Can’t we go on shore?” + +“Not very conveniently, as the shore is half a mile distant, and there +is not a breath of wind. Don’t be alarmed, Minnie. I have been out in +twenty squalls, and really there is nothing to fear, if the boat is +well handled.” + +“Look out for a squall!” shouted Tom Walton from the Belle, which had +fallen astern as the breeze died out. + +“Ay, ay!” replied Waddie. “I see it.” + +A squall! After all, there might be a chance for Nick to do a great +deed in behalf of the fair passenger. It was evident enough that +the Raven would go over with the slightest excuse for doing so. As +Waddie said nothing about it, he did not deem it incumbent upon him to +suggest the propriety of taking in sail. His mother told him to “make a +chance.” It was wicked to do so, and perhaps it was involuntarily that +he put several half hitches in the mainsheet, as he made it fast to the +cleat. + +“If we can get a puff or two of wind, we can run up to the South Shoe, +and anchor,” said Waddie. + +“It’s coming!” shouted Tom Walton, whose quick eye had already +discovered the approach of the squall. + +“Yes, there it comes,” added Waddie, quietly. “I’ll take the helm, +Nick; you may go forward and stand by the halyards.” + +“I will,” replied Nick. + +“Don’t let go till I tell you,” continued Waddie. “It may not come +here, and a capful of wind will take us to the shore.” + +“Say when you are ready,” added Nick, as he stationed himself on the +half deck. + +The tempest drove down the lake, piling up great billows before it, +stirring up the sleet and spray in its path, till the shore was hid +from the gaze of the voyagers. + +“Look out for it!” roared Tom Walton, whose voice could scarcely be +heard above the noise of the wind and waters. + +He had lowered the mainsail of the Belle half way down, so that the +light puffs which came before the squall drove her almost up to the +spot where the Raven lay motionless on the still waters. + +“Let go the halyards!” shouted Waddie, sharply. “Be lively about it! +The squall is upon us!” + +“Down with your mainsail!” cried Tom, as the blast swept down upon the +Raven. “Let go your sheet!” + +By this time the Belle’s mainsail was down, with a couple of stops +on to secure it to the boom. Waddie had already, with his single +serviceable hand, sprung to the quarter to let go the sheet. The +half hitches which Nick had put in the rope bothered him, and his +fingers seemed to be all thumbs. The wind began to swell the sail, and +increased the difficulty of the operation, while Nick seemed to be +having no little trouble in detaching the halyards. + +“Let go! Down with the mainsail!” cried Waddie, furiously. + +“Ay, ay!” replied Nick, as he let go the halyards; but he was just half +a second too late. + +The squall struck the sail, and the Raven toppled over as easily as +though she had been built for the express purpose of upsetting. In an +instant Miss Minnie was floundering in the mad waves, and screaming for +help. The glorious opportunity to do a noble deed, for which Nick had +so devotedly hoped, had come. Waddie was thrown into the water, but he +clung to the boom with his uninjured arm. + +Unfortunately for Nick, his legs were tangled in the halyards of the +sail. The Raven’s ballast shifted, and she rolled over till she lay +bottom upwards on the waves. Nick was drawn under water by the action +of the boat; but he quickly freed his legs from the rope, and coming +up, clung to the hull till he could ascertain the position of Miss +Minnie, who was still struggling in the waves some distance from the +boat. + +He was too late. The circumstances mocked him again. The squall was +subsiding, and Tommy Toppleton, like a true knight, had leaped into the +water the instant he saw Minnie’s condition, and was swimming towards +her. The glorious opportunity was lost. + +[Illustration: A LOST OPPORTUNITY.] + + + + +CHAPTER V. + +ROMANCE AND REALITY. + + +The squall was very brief in its duration, lasting hardly a minute; +but it was immediately followed by torrents of rain. Tommy Toppleton +was a strong swimmer, and having but a short distance to make, he soon +reached the spot where Minnie was vainly struggling. She was nearly +exhausted by the violence of her useless efforts, when Tommy grasped +her in his arms, and lifted her head above the water. Half a minute +later, the Belle came to his assistance, and Tom Walton drew the +sufferer into the boat. + +Mr. Nicholas Van Wolter was disgusted, and highly indignant that +Tommy Toppleton should venture to perform the noble part which he had +assigned to himself. All his brilliant prospects were imperilled, for +not only had Nick lost the prestige of saving the fair being himself, +but another had won it. The admiration, gratitude, and love which +the rescue was to secure for him, had been wrested from him by the +venturesome Tommy. His Sunday clothes had been wet for nothing, and +he was even willing to believe that he had come nearer being drowned +himself than any other member of the party. + +The gallant Tommy was hastily assisted into the Belle, and Tom Walton +headed her towards the wreck of the Raven, where Waddie and Nick were +relieved from their uncomfortable situation. Minnie was in the little +cuddy forward, with Grace Toppleton, who had retired to its friendly +shelter before the squall came on. Strange as it may seem, these young +ladies were hardly acquainted with each other, for the relations +between their respective families had prevented them from meeting, +except by accident. Once, since Tommy and Waddie had buried the +hatchet, their sisters had been together for a few moments, and for the +first time in their lives had spoken to each other. But Grace was all +kindness and attention, and did all that the circumstances would admit +for the comfort of Minnie. + +“How is Minnie?” demanded Waddie, anxiously, as soon as he was helped +into the boat. + +“She is doing very well, I think,” replied Tommy. “She was not in the +water more than a couple of minutes, and her clothing buoyed her up so +that she did not go down at all.” + +“You are a noble fellow, Tommy. You saved her life, and I shall always +be grateful to you,” added Waddie, grasping the hand of the hero. + +“There wasn’t any need of jumping overboard--not a bit,” interposed Tom +Walton, with his good-natured grin. + +“I don’t know that there was any need of it, but it seemed to me just +as though something ought to be done at once,” replied Tommy. “Our +sails were down, and I was afraid she would sink before we could get to +her in the boat.” + +“You did just what you thought was right, Tommy,” added Tom Walton. +“You were just as noble as George Washington himself; but, if you had +taken the other oar, and helped me work the boat, we could have reached +Miss Wimpleton just as quick, if not a little quicker, than you could +swim to her.” + +The skipper of the Belle was a very practical young man. Perhaps his +education had been neglected, for he had never read a romance in his +life, and was utterly unable to appreciate the sublime heights to which +Nick soared. + +“If there was no need of jumping overboard, I am sorry I did it,” said +Tommy, laughing. “I did not suppose you could move the boat without +hoisting the mainsail, and my idea was, that the young lady would drown +before the Belle could be started. But Miss Wimpleton is safe, and we +need not trouble ourselves any more about the matter.” + +“You did first rate, Tommy,” replied Tom Walton; “but I hate to see +a fellow risk his life when there isn’t any need of it. That’s all I +wanted to say.” + +“By the great horn spoon, Tommy, you did the biggest thing a fellow +ever did,” said Waddie, with great enthusiasm. + +“That’s so,” added Tom Walton. “He risked his life. I think just as +much of the act as any of you, I want you to understand; but there +wasn’t any need of it.” + +“I did what I thought was best,” repeated Tommy. “We won’t say anything +more about it now. What shall we do?” + +“We will run over to Grass Springs, and the girls can dry themselves at +the hotel,” suggested Waddie. + +“Good! Run for Grass Springs, Tom,” said Tommy Toppleton. + +“All right,” answered the skipper, as he hoisted his mainsail; and in a +few moments the Belle was headed towards the place indicated. + +The rain continued to pour down in torrents, and Tom Walton, who had +not been overboard, was just as wet as those who had been. Grace, in +the cabin, was the only dry one of the party. But the boys had been so +often ducked that they did not heed it. Under the gentle ministrations +of Grace, Minnie recovered from the terror of the accident, and +regained her self-possession. + +“Your brother is a noble fellow,” said she. “I am sure I should have +sunk in another instant, if he had not come to my assistance.” + +“I am very glad Tommy was able to help you,” replied Grace. + +“I want to see him, and thank him for what he did,” added Minnie. + +“I will call him.” + +Tommy came at the summons, dripping like an eel just from his native +element. + +“Miss Wimpleton wishes to see you,” said Grace, as he crawled into the +cabin. + +“I do, Mr. Toppleton. I must thank you for saving my life. I shall +remember you with gratitude as long as I live.” + +“O, not at all, Miss Wimpleton. I only did what I thought was right, +and I hope you won’t feel under any obligations to me,” replied Tommy, +lightly. + +“But I do feel under very great obligations to you, for I value my life +very highly. I should certainly have been drowned if you had not come +when you did.” + +“Tom Walton says there was not the least need of my jumping overboard,” +laughed the hero of the hour. + +“I don’t care what Tom Walton says; I shall always feel that I owe my +life to you.” + +“O, no! Not quite so bad as that. Tom would have saved you in half a +minute more, if I hadn’t.” + +“You need not try to disparage what you have done; and if Tom Walton or +anybody else does so, I shall hate him as long as I live.” + +“Nick Van Wolter says he was just going to swim to you when he saw me +close beside you; so you could not have drowned.” + +“Well, I am so thankful I owe my life to you, instead of Nick!” +exclaimed Minnie, with a candor which did not pause to consider the +possible consequences of such an admission. + +“I am very much obliged to you for your good opinion, Miss Wimpleton. +I’m sure you don’t inherit the family rancor.” + +“Indeed, I do not! I used to hate all the Toppletons; but Waddie says +you are a splendid fellow, though he did not find it out till since he +made up with you.” + +“I am very much obliged to him,” answered Tommy. “I know I used to be +a pretty hard boy; but I have been trying to do better, and I am sure +your good opinion will be a great encouragement to me.” + +“I don’t know that my good opinion will do you much good; but I shall +always think of you as a noble fellow, who risked his own life to save +mine.” + +“I can only try to merit your esteem and regard,” replied Tommy, as he +gazed with an unwonted interest at the fair face and graceful form of +Minnie. + +“I don’t think I shall ever dare to get into a boat again,” added she, +with something like a shudder. “At least, I shall not unless I know you +are near, Mr. Toppleton.” + +“I don’t exactly understand how the Raven was upset. Waddie is one of +the best skippers on the lake,” replied Tommy. + +“He has a lame arm, you know.” + +“That boat went over very easy.” + +“I certainly will never get into that boat again. Where are we going +now?” + +“Over to the hotel at Grass Springs. You can dry yourself there, and +then we will have some dinner,” answered Tommy, as he left the cabin. + +“Your brother is a real nice young man,” said Minnie, as the subject of +her remark disappeared. + +“I think so myself, though he was not always so. Now he is kind and +obliging to me, and to all the family. He would do anything for us, and +never speaks a rude word, or does an ugly thing.” + +“It’s just so with Waddie. Isn’t it strange what a change has come over +both of them?” + +“Very strange, indeed; but what a blessed change it is! A year ago, +Tommy would not even let me go in a boat with him, though I am very +fond of sailing.” + +“It was just so with Waddie. Now he invites me very often, though +he has had the Raven only a few days. I hope he will have a safer +boat. Do you know how my brother happened to become such a good boy?” +inquired Minnie, suddenly raising her head and gazing earnestly at her +companion, as though a new idea had flashed upon her mind. “I’ll tell +you. It was Captain Wolf Penniman that did it. Pooh! you needn’t blush, +Miss Toppleton.” + +“I was not aware that I did blush,” added Grace, with some confusion. + +“They say he is very fond of you.” + +“He is a very good friend of mine.” + +“I knew it,” said Minnie, archly. “What does your father say about it?” + +“My father?” + +“Yes.” + +“About what?” + +“About Wolf, of course.” + +“He thinks very highly of him, and is grateful to him for his kindness +to Tommy when he was sick.” + +“But what does he say about you and Wolf?” + +“About Wolf and me! Why, nothing, of course,” replied Grace, evidently +astonished at the remark. + +“How dull you are!” laughed Minnie. “Everybody says Wolf is in love +with you, and that you are not indifferent towards him.” + +“Why, I never thought of any such thing!” exclaimed Grace. “We are very +good friends--that’s all.” + +“Well, I suppose that’s enough.” + +“Wolf was always very kind and very polite to me, and I think he is a +very good and a very smart young man. I never had any other thought in +regard to him.” + +“How people do talk!” + +“Why, I’m only sixteen years old!” + +“Sweet sixteen!” + +“I don’t think boys and girls of our age ought to meddle with such +matters.” + +“Don’t you?” + +“Indeed I don’t!” + +“Does Wolf think so?” + +“I don’t know; but I’m certain that he never spoke of such things to +me.” + +“Perhaps he will one of these days, when the time comes.” + +It was plain that Minnie had devoted more attention to a certain class +of subjects than Grace had; but then she was nearly a year older. It +was a question with her whether Major Toppleton would permit the young +steamboat captain to entangle the affections of his daughter; for he +could hardly permit her to become the wife of a common mechanic’s +son, even though he was the commander of a lake steamer. But, however +different the views of the two young ladies in regard to these trying +subjects, they were rapidly becoming the most devoted friends. + +When the Belle reached the shore at Grass Springs, Tommy had made up +his mind that Minnie was one of the prettiest girls he had ever seen, +and he wondered that he had not discovered the fact before, for he had +occasionally met her since the healing of the rupture between himself +and her brother. Tommy was not quite eighteen, but he was progressive +in his ideas. + + + + +CHAPTER VI. + +A DISCOMFITED ASPIRANT. + + +“What next?” asked Waddie Wimpleton, when the Belle was made fast to +the wharf at Grass Springs. + +“I will get a carriage to convey the ladies to the hotel,” proposed +Tommy. “And, while they are drying their clothes, we will go back and +pick up the Raven.” + +“That will do it,” replied Waddie. “We can order dinner at the same +time. The sun is coming out, and we shall all be dry enough by the time +we return.” + +Tommy soon procured a covered vehicle, and handed Miss Minnie to a seat +within it. He appeared to be much interested in the young lady, and Mr. +Nicholas Van Wolter watched him with a keen eye. It was natural enough +that he should be so, and equally natural that the young lady should +smile sweetly upon him, as she certainly did. According to Nick’s +theory, the parties were already in love; and, in his own heart, he +abused the stars that had deprived him of the glorious opportunity +which he had supposed was within his grasp. He had “made the chance,” +in the language of his ambitious mother, but another had gathered the +fruit. He was sorely disappointed and disheartened at his ill luck. He +had beaten the bush, but Tommy Toppleton had caught the game. + +Nothing could rob him of the satisfaction of remembering that Minnie +had smiled upon him, had spoken kindly to him, and had hinted at her +admiration of him. Something might yet occur to turn the current in +his favor, and all he could do at present was to watch his chances. He +wished Tommy Toppleton was somewhere else, for it vexed him; and, in +the language of the literature he patronized, “wrung the cords of his +soul” to see his rival handing the fair one into the carriage, and to +see her, dripping like a mermaid from the depths of the sea, smiling so +significantly upon him. + +It was agreed that Tommy should go up to the hotel with the ladies, and +make the necessary arrangements for their accommodation, and for dinner +for the whole party. It gave Nick an additional pang to see the hero +of the day seat himself opposite the moist divinity, where he could +gaze unrestrained into her face; and still another to observe that Miss +Wimpleton seemed to be pleased with his company. It was a plain case, +and the houses of Wimpleton and Toppleton were in imminent danger of +being united by a marriage at no very distant day. + +“Do you want to sell that boat of yours, Waddie?” said Tom Walton, as +the carriage drove off; and the rest of the party seated themselves in +the sun, which was now shining brightly, to dry their wet garments. + +“What will you give for her?” replied Waddie, jocosely. + +“Fifty cents.” + +“Won’t you say seventy-five?” + +“No; I wouldn’t give more than half a dollar.” + +“The Raven is the fastest boat on the lake, since she has beaten the +Belle handsomely.” + +“She beats her tipping over,” laughed Tom. + +“That wasn’t her fault,” replied Waddie, seriously. “The Belle would +have gone over under the same circumstances.” + +“I don’t know but she would with the mainsail up and the sheet fast,” +answered Tom. “I suppose your lame arm prevented you from letting go +the sheet.” + +“I suppose it did; but I don’t usually fasten a sheet as that one was,” +said Waddie, glancing at Nick. + +“Wasn’t it fastened right?” asked Nick, rather diffidently. + +“It was fastened to hold, but not to let go,” replied Waddie, more +sharply than he was in the habit of speaking of late. “Boatmen don’t +often put three or four hitches in a sheet, especially when there is a +squall coming up. Did you intend to have the Raven upset?” + +“Intend it?” stammered Nick. + +“Yes, I asked you if you intended to upset the boat?” + +“What makes you think I intended to upset her?” whined the culprit. + +“Because, if you did, you went to work just right, and accomplished +your purpose.” + +“Come, come, that’s rather rough on a fellow,” interposed Tom Walton, +with a deprecatory grin. “Of course no fellow would intend to upset a +boat when there was a lady in it.” + +“Do you put three or four half hitches on the cleat when you make fast +your main sheet, Tom?” demanded Waddie, who was justly indignant at the +discovery he had made just as the Raven upset--so indignant that he +could not trust himself to speak of the matter in the presence of the +ladies. + +“Of course not. I never fasten the sheet at all when the wind is heavy +or flawy. I always pass it over the cleat, and hold the end in my +hand,” answered the skipper of the Belle. + +“That’s the right way; and I have told Nick more than once, when he +has been sailing with me, never to fasten the sheet, not even in a +dead calm. When I went to cast off the sheet, I found three hitches at +least, and I don’t know but four or five, hauled up so tight that I +could not loose them.” + +“But you don’t believe Nick intended to have the squall upset the boat +when it came--do you?” + +“Of course I don’t believe it.” + +Nick breathed easier. + +“Because he was in the boat himself. It stands to reason a fellow don’t +want to upset the boat in which he is himself a passenger,” argued Tom. + +“Well, I only said if he had intended to upset her, he could not have +done anything different from what he did. I don’t mean to accuse him of +anything out of the way,” explained Waddie. + +“I always like to do a thing well; and I suppose I overdid it this +time,” muttered Nick. + +“I don’t think, if I had had two hands to work with, I could have cast +off the sheet in season to save the boat,” continued Waddie. + +“I can’t imagine what you were thinking about when you fastened that +sheet, Nick.” + +“I really don’t know, myself,” pleaded the culprit. + +“Neither can I understand why you didn’t let go the halyards when I +told you to do so.” + +“I couldn’t unfasten them. The ropes were new, and full of kinks,” +replied he. + +“You hoisted the sail and secured the halyards yourself.” + +“I know I did; I don’t pretend to be much of a sailor.” + +“But you have been in a boat enough to know how to handle one; and a +fellow ought to be able to untie his own knots,” continued Waddie. + +“Well, what’s done can’t be helped,” said the good-natured Tom Walton. +“It’s no use to cry for spilled milk.” + +“But it’s better to understand the matter, so as not to spill any more.” + +Waddie had no idea that his assistant had intended to upset the boat, +though he rubbed very closely in his remarks upon the subject. The +conduct of Nick seemed to be either criminal or inexcusably stupid. The +Raven was disparaged, and he defended her when he exposed the bungling +work of his companion. Indeed, when any one is careless with a boat, +he ought to be severely censured; and Waddie, without malice, and +only with a reasonable indignation, felt it to be his duty to express +himself very plainly. The return of Tommy from the hotel put an end +to the discussion, and the party embarked in the Belle to recover the +wreck of the Raven. + +They found her near the South Shoe, towards which she had drifted +till her masts struck the sands of the shoal water. She did not carry +ballast enough to sink her when she filled, and her cuddy had been +closed when the accident happened, so that a portion of air remained +to assist in buoying her up. She had turned into a nearly inverted +position; but when the mast struck the bottom of the lake, the boat had +continued to drift, till she was thrown up nearly on her beam ends. +With the aid of a boat-hook, a rope was passed under the topmast, and +the end carried in the Belle to the other side of the hull, which lay +parallel with the line of shore. The Belle was then anchored, and all +hands heaved on the rope till the Raven was brought to an upright +position. + +Both boats were supplied with buckets and bailing dippers, and, +after an hour’s hard work, she was relieved of the load of water she +contained, sponged out, and the sun soon dried her seats, so that she +was in as good order as when she left Centreport in the morning. As +soon as the party went on board of her, Waddie called the attention of +the others to the manner in which the sheet was secured. There were +four half hitches on the cleat, and even Tom Walton was forced to +admit that Nick was crazy, or had intended to upset the boat. It was +charitable to believe that he had lost his wits. + +“I should not care a straw about it if Minnie had not been frightened +out of a year’s growth,” said Waddie. + +“It is lucky she is pretty tall now,” added Tom. + +“She will never dare to sail in this boat again.” + +“We will explain it to her,” suggested Tom. + +“And let her understand that it was all Nick’s fault,” continued +Waddie, roguishly; for, without comprehending the magnitude of the +aspiring young gentleman’s intentions, he knew that he had manifested a +strong admiration for his sister. + +Poor Nick could not say a word. His precious scheme for winning the +favor of Minnie had resulted in covering him with odium and disgrace +in her eyes. The day seemed to be absolutely lost, though he was +brave enough to hope that the future would redeem his chances. Tommy +Toppleton had won the day without any hard thought, without any +difficult scheming. He was the glorious hero in Miss Wimpleton’s +estimation. She had bestowed sweet smiles on the fortunate fellow. Now, +Waddie was going over to tell her that the unhappy Mr. Van Wolter had +been the sole cause of all the mischief. The owner of the Raven would +win back her reputation as a safe boat at his expense. He could not +afford to quarrel with the little magnate; so he was obliged to be meek +and submissive; but he did not wish to appear again that day in the +presence of the injured divinity. + +“I suppose I shall not be wanted any more to-day,” said he, humbly. + +“I think not; but you shall dine with us at the hotel,” replied Waddie. + +“I thank you; I don’t want any dinner. I think I have taken cold. I +don’t feel very well. My digestion is out of order,” stammered Nick. +“If it is all the same to you, I would rather go home. I will take the +next train at the Springs for Middleport.” + +“I don’t want you to go back without your dinner, Nick,” added Waddie, +more gently; and his assistant was so humble that he began to think he +had been too severe. + +“I really don’t want any dinner. I hope you will excuse me. I made a +very bad blunder in the boat, and I know you all despise me, and that +the ladies will despise me too,” pleaded Nick. + +“I won’t say anything about the boat to them,” added Waddie. “I was +only joking when I spoke of telling Minnie it was your fault. I will +forgive you if you will promise never to put even a single hitch in a +sheet again.” + +“I never will. On my honor, I never will. It was a bad mistake; but it +shall never be repeated. Really I would rather go home.” + +“Why don’t you let him take your boat up, and you return with us?” +suggested Tommy. + +“Can you take the Raven up to Centreport without upsetting her, Nick?” +asked Waddie. + +“Certainly I can.” + +“Then you may take her.” + +“Thank you,” replied Nick, as he hastened to set the mainsail. + +Pushing off from the Belle, the discomfited Nick headed his craft up +the lake. + +“I’ll bet there will be music in Grass Springs this afternoon,” +muttered he, shaking his head, as he saw the other boat fill away on +her course. + + + + +CHAPTER VII. + +COLONEL WIMPLETON DROPS THE REINS. + + +The breeze was light after the shower, and the Raven did not give Nick +Van Wolter much trouble to manage her. He was able, therefore, to +devote his undivided thought to the disappointment he had experienced, +and the odium he had incurred. Tommy Toppleton had stepped between him +and the richest prize that ever lured a mortal young man; and Nick +seemed to have no doubt that the treasure would have been easily won +if his brilliant scheme had not miscarried. He did not thank Tommy for +what he had done; and he envied him in the enjoyment of Miss Minnie’s +smile. + +But one was a Toppleton and the other was a Wimpleton. The two houses +had been at war for many years, and the two heads of the families were +still as implacable and bitter as ever towards each other. Major +Toppleton would not permit his daughter to become a Wimpleton; and +Colonel Wimpleton would not permit his daughter to share the lot of a +Toppleton. Nick found consolation in this reflection. Yet it was a fact +that Tommy and Minnie would dine and spend the day together. With the +perversity of young men and young women under such circumstances, they +would meet again without the knowledge of their fathers, and in a short +time the matter would have gone so far that it could not be checked. + +What would Colonel Wimpleton say if he knew that his daughter was +filled with admiration and gratitude towards the son of his great +enemy? Would he allow them to spend a whole day together? Certainly +not. But he, the disinterested Mr. Nick Van Wolter, knew all about it. +He was well aware that Tommy and Minnie were cementing an attachment +which fathers could not break off. As a friend of the family, as +a sincere well-wisher of Miss Wimpleton, was it not his duty to +interfere, and inform the colonel of the nature of the proceedings +at Grass Springs? He had no difficulty in convincing himself that +such a course was the highest duty of the hour, and that it would be +inexcusable in him to neglect to perform it. + +Yet it was a disagreeable duty. Any interference on his part might cost +him the valuable friendship of Waddie, though it might secure to him +the more valuable influence of the colonel himself. As he considered +the subject in all its bearings, he found himself very unwilling to +incur the displeasure of Waddie, and, at the same time, of Minnie +herself. It would ruin all his possible chances in the future. He had +fully intended from the first that there should be “music” at Grass +Springs that afternoon, and that Colonel Wimpleton should make it; but +when he looked the matter fair in the face, he was not disposed to +become the informer in person. + +The colonel must know what was going on at the Springs. It was not +prudent for Nick to tell him, and he thought of various expedients +to accomplish the purpose. He could invent nothing that was quite +satisfactory, though he had been nearly two hours in the boat +considering this subject alone. He finally concluded to consult +his mother, who was a veritable female Talleyrand in the art of +diplomacy. This disposition of the matter did not suit him much better, +inasmuch as he could not see how she was to manage the matter without +implicating him. + +While he was still arguing the case with himself, adopting and then +rejecting various methods, the Raven’s keel ground roughly on the sands +at the bottom, and then came to a sudden stop. As the wind was not +exactly fair to go up the lake, he had been obliged to beat, making a +long and a short tack. The Raven had passed clear of a headland, about +half way between Ruoara and Centreport, and was standing into a little +bay above the point. Nick had been so absorbed in his reflections, that +he did not notice the rapid shoaling of the water as he neared the +shore. He immediately let go the sheet, in which he had put no half +hitches this time; and seizing an oar, he attempted to push the boat +off the shallow beach. But she had taken the ground while under full +headway, and all his strength was not sufficient to move her. + +In vain he pushed and swayed the boat; her keel was buried in the sand, +and it was impossible for him to move her a single inch. He labored, +sweat, and swore till he was heartily discouraged. The water was not +knee deep over the bow, and rolling up the legs of his pants, he stood +upon the bottom, and tried to pry her off with the oar; but in this +task he was also unsuccessful. He was still three miles from home, and +he did not like to walk this distance, on the one hand, or to endure +the censure and criticism of Waddie, on the other, if he exposed his +mismanagement to him. The road from Centreport to Ruoara lay close to +the shore, and there was a house within a quarter of a mile of the +spot. He finally concluded to go in search of assistance, for with the +help of one or two others he could push the Raven off into deep water. + +Taking his shoes and stockings in his hand, he waded ashore, and, +having put them on, he started for the nearest house, in the direction +of Ruoara. He had gone but a few steps before he was startled by +the appearance of a buggy coming towards him, the horse attached to +which was running at the top of his speed. His first impulse was to +get out of the road, and let the frightened animal go on his way to +destruction, with the helpless gentleman who occupied the seat of the +vehicle. But a second glance assured him that the individual in the +buggy was Colonel Wimpleton. Possessed of the current information in +regard to the personal habits of the magnate of Centreport, Nick had no +difficulty in satisfying himself that the great man was intoxicated, +and had lost the control of the spirited animal he drove. Perhaps this +was the chance which had long been in store for the ambitious young man. + +[Illustration: NICK’S OPPORTUNITY.] + +Perhaps it would serve his turn as well to save the father as the +daughter. But it was no easy matter to stop a terrified horse, though, +if the stars were favorable, he might succeed in doing it. Nick had +only one instant for reflection; if he had had two, very likely he +would have declined to attempt the perilous feat. Impelled only by the +desire to do a big thing in the service of the powerful and influential +man of Centreport, he pulled off his coat and commenced flourishing it +furiously in the middle of the road. The horse saw this obstacle in his +path, and evidently did not like the looks of it. He snorted wildly, +and exhibited an evident intention to dodge it. Sheering towards the +lake, he attempted to pass the obstruction; but Nick changed his +position, and the animal abated his headlong speed. + +“Stop him! Stop him!” cried the colonel, who was plainly terrified by +the situation, for the reins were dragging on the ground. + +The horse, intimidated by this movement on the part of Nick, threw +himself back upon the breeching with such force as to pitch the +colonel forward upon the dasher of the buggy. The mad animal snorted +furiously in his terror, and then seemed disposed to wheel and run in +the opposite direction; but the instant his speed was checked, Nick +dropped his coat and sprang to the bridle of the horse. It was the +coat, and not the young man, which had frightened the animal; and when +this was no longer before him, he attempted to renew his flight towards +home, and dragged poor Nick for twenty rods before he could produce any +effect by his bold action. + +Having once grasped the bridle rein, Nick was obliged to hold on for +his own safety; for if he let go, he was sure to be thrown down and +mangled under the wheels. The horse had not yet broken into a run +after his flight was checked, and, dragging Nick by his bit, he was +not likely to do so till he had shaken off this burden. By the dint of +tugging and jerking, the young man had drawn the horse’s head round to +one side, which impeded his efforts to go forward. The animal was not +ugly, but frightened, and his struggles were only honest efforts to +escape. + +“Whoa, Major; whoa!” said Nick, in soothing tones, for he had had some +experience with horses. + +By these gentle means he succeeded in quieting the animal, and finally +in stopping him, though he was still quivering with terror, and very +impatient of restraint. + +“Whoa, Major; whoa!” continued Nick, panting from the violence of his +own efforts. + +He had learned the horse’s name at the owner’s stable; and patting him +on the neck, he soon reduced him to a state of tolerable calmness. +Colonel Wimpleton improved the earliest opportunity to get out of the +buggy. It was plain enough that he had been drinking a great deal; but +the perils through which he had passed had done something to modify the +influence of his drams. + +“You have done me a good turn, young man,” said the magnate, when he +was safe on the solid ground. + +“Whoa, Major; whoa!” added Nick, as the horse began to be impatient +again. + +“O, it’s Nick Van Wolter!” exclaimed the colonel, as he recognized the +person to whom he was indebted for this signal service. + +“Yes, sir; that is my name,” replied Nick. “The Major is wide awake +to-day.” + +“I never knew him to attempt to run away before. I don’t know exactly +how it was; but in brushing a fly from his flank, I dropped the reins. +While I was trying to get them again, he got frightened, and broke into +a run,” added the colonel. + +Nick was not so impolitic and impolite as to hint at the true +explanation; but probably the great man, overcome by his frequent cups, +had dropped asleep, and lost the reins from his grasp; and doubtless +they had dangled against the horse’s heels, and terrified him. This was +the most probable solution of the problem. + +“Yes, sir; I did that same thing once myself, when I was driving the +mail wagon; but my horse was not smart enough to run away,” replied +Nick, wishing to do all he could to soften the mortification of the +great man. “Whoa, Major; whoa. Stand still; that’s a good fellow!” + +“You have done me a good turn, young man,” added the colonel, who felt +compelled to express his obligations. + +“I’m glad to serve you, sir,” answered Nick, struggling to be modest. + +“Come to my house, when you get back to town, and I will make it all +right with you.” + +“O, it’s all right now, sir.” + +“Not quite,” said the colonel. “You have done well; but this will be a +good day’s work for you. You shall be well paid for what you have done.” + +“I don’t want any pay, sir, for doing a thing like this,” replied Nick, +in the words of the romances he had read. + +“Come and see me, at any rate.” + +“I will, sir, if you desire; but I don’t wish to be paid for a slight +service like this.” + +“Won’t you ride home with me?” added the colonel, as he stepped into +the buggy, the horse being by this time apparently quite reconciled. + +“Thank you, sir; I have a boat here.” + +“Very well; but come and see me as soon as you return;” and the magnate +started his horse. + + + + +CHAPTER VIII. + +SECRETS FOR TWO. + + +“I have done a big thing now, anyhow!” exclaimed Nick to himself, as +the great man of Centreport drove off. + +But the buggy had proceeded but a short distance before it stopped. +Colonel Wimpleton had forgotten something which he wished to say or do, +and Nick hastened back to ascertain what more he could do for him. + +“Is anything the matter, sir?” asked Nick, as he rushed up to the +vehicle. + +“No; nothing. I want to say a word to you, young man, before I go,” +said the colonel, whose expression was sheepish and embarrassed. + +“Yes, sir,” answered Nick, as the speaker paused. + +“You are, no doubt, a very discreet young man,” continued the colonel. + +“I try to be so, sir.” + +“I don’t like to be talked about.” + +“No one does, sir.” + +“By the merest accident in the world I dropped my reins, and my horse +ran away with me.” + +“It was only what might happen to any one, sir.” + +“Very true.” + +“Even to the minister, if he drove a smart horse,” suggested Nick, who +exactly comprehended the meaning of the great man. + +“Certainly; but people talk more about what I do and say than they do +about other folks.” + +“Your high position and vast influence make you very prominent in the +community, sir. It is not strange they should talk about you.” + +“Perhaps not; but I don’t like to be misapprehended.” + +In other words, Colonel Wimpleton feared if people knew his horse ran +away with him, that they would think he had been drinking too much. +He was morbidly sensitive in regard to his besetting vice; and though +there was hardly a man, woman, or child within ten miles of Centreport +who had not heard that he drank too much, he supposed only a few +intimate friends suspected his infirmity. Like all tipplers of his +description, he did not believe that he was ever actually intoxicated. + +“I understand you precisely, sir,” added Nick. “Nothing happens to any +one around here but somebody says he was drunk.” + +Colonel Wimpleton frowned. + +“Of course, no one can suspect you of anything of that sort, unless +he belongs on the other side of the lake,” continued Nick, taking due +notice of the frown. + +“In a word, young man, you need not mention that my horse ran away +to-day,” said the colonel. + +“Certainly not, sir; I did not intend to mention it, unless you did so +first yourself. I hope I understand my position better than to do such +a thing.” + +“Keep your tongue still, and you shall not lose anything by it.” + +“I understand you, sir; and no one shall ever be the wiser for anything +I say.” + +“That’s right; come and see me as soon you return. What are you doing +up here?” + +“I have been down to Grass Springs with Waddie and Miss Minnie,” +answered Nick, who thought if he kept the colonel’s secret, the colonel +ought to keep his secret. + +“Were they out in the boat?” + +“Yes, sir; and Tommy Toppleton and Miss Grace were with them.” + +“Humph!” sneered the magnate, with a savage frown. “What are they doing +there?” + +“They are going to have a dinner at the hotel, and a good time +generally, I suppose. We met with an accident going down, sir.” + +“What was that?” + +“Waddie’s boat capsized in the squall, and we were all pitched into the +lake.” + +“What!” exclaimed the colonel, startled at the intelligence. + +“But they are all safe, sir,” added Nick, promptly. “Tommy Toppleton +swam out and rescued Miss Minnie.” + +“She is safe, then,” said the father, with a sigh of relief. + +“O, yes! She is all right now. I didn’t mean to say anything to you +about it, sir,” continued Nick, fixing his eyes on the ground, as +though he was mortified at the mistake he had made. + +“Why didn’t you mean to say anything to me about it?” demanded the +colonel. + +“Well, sir, only because I make it a point to mind my own business. If +you will excuse me, I won’t say any more. I did not intend to mention +the subject.” + +“What do you mean? What is going on over there?” + +“O, nothing, sir,” replied Nick, in just that style of expression which +assures the hearer there is a secret to be concealed. “I hope you will +not mention the fact that I spoke of the affair, for I had no right to +meddle with it.” + +“What affair? What are you talking about?” said the magnate, sharply. + +“I ought not to have said that the boat was upset.” + +“Why not?” + +“Because Tommy Toppleton saved Minnie. But I hope you won’t ask me to +say anything more about it,” pleaded Nick. + +“What more is there to be said?” + +“Nothing, sir.” + +“Yes, there is!” protested the colonel, his curiosity excited to the +highest pitch. + +“You and Major Toppleton don’t agree very well together, sir; and, so +far as you are concerned, I don’t wonder at it. Of course Miss Minnie +is very grateful to Tommy; but, really, I must not say anything more. I +shall ruin myself with Waddie and Miss Minnie, if they find that I have +spoken to you about a matter which does not concern me.” + +“Don’t you be alarmed, young man; I will not mention to any one that +I have even seen you,” replied the colonel, more gently. “If you have +anything to say, speak out.” + +“I don’t like to say anything; but I couldn’t help thinking all the +morning that you would be very angry if you knew what was going on.” + +“What is going on?” demanded the great man, his patience exhausted by +the apologies and explanations of Nick. + +“Well, sir, one of these days, your daughter, Miss Minnie, will be the +wife of Tommy Toppleton,” replied Mr. Van Wolter, desperately. “Of +course I give it only as my opinion, and you can take it for what it is +worth.” + +“The wife of Tommy Toppleton! Why, they are only children!” exclaimed +the colonel. + +“Tommy is a child of eighteen, and Miss Minnie is a child of sixteen,” +added Nick, shrugging his shoulders. + +The magnate knit his brow. Fathers are the last to ascertain that their +sons and daughters are men and women. He knew that Waddie and Tommy had +been quite intimate for several months, and it was possible that the +daughter might share these friendly relations. In his estimation, a +matrimonial alliance between the two families would be a terrible thing. + +“So Tommy saved Minnie’s life,” said the colonel, musing on the +probabilities of the case. + +“Not quite so bad as that. The Belle would have picked her up in a +moment, if he had not gone to her assistance. I was on the point of +swimming to her myself; but I got tangled up in the halyards, and was +dragged under the boat when she upset. Tom Walton said there was no +need of Tommy’s jumping overboard.” + +“But he did swim to her?” + +“Yes; and Miss Minnie says he is a noble and generous fellow, and all +that sort of thing. I saw how the matter was going, and I’ll bet my +life it will end in a ring.” + +“It shall not! I’ll send Minnie to the other end of the world before +any such thing shall happen,” protested the colonel, wrathfully. + +“Well, sir, I don’t want to meddle with matters that do not concern me, +but I thought you ought to know it,” continued Nick. “I’m not quite +sure that Waddie and Miss Grace are not a little sweet with each other, +but I don’t like to say anything.” + +“I am very glad you have spoken to me about this matter, Nick,” said +Colonel Wimpleton. “I think I have been a little blind. Waddie and Tom +Toppleton have been together a great deal lately; and now, if the girls +are going with them, there certainly will be mischief. I won’t have it!” + +“I knew you wouldn’t, sir, if you only knew it; but I’m afraid I’ve +made a great mistake in meddling with a matter which does not concern +me. Waddie and Miss Minnie would hate me if they knew I had said +anything to you.” + +“They shall not know it. No one shall know that you have even seen me +to-day.” + +“They shall not know it from me,” replied Nick, significantly. + +“I won’t have it!” repeated the colonel, musing upon the suspected +relations between Tommy and his daughter, as he picked up the reins and +started his horse. + +“There’ll be music over there this afternoon,” muttered Nick, as he +walked towards the house where he expected to obtain help in getting +the Raven afloat. + +Colonel Wimpleton drove a short distance, and then stopped. Drawing a +flask from his breast pocket, he drank another dram. He had been to +Ruoara to call upon a friend, with whom he had drank several times, +and who had presented him this flask of brandy, because the colonel +had praised it as a very superior article. His runaway horse had +neutralized the effects of what he had taken in Ruoara; but the news +given him by Nick had excited him, and under any excitement he drank +more freely than usual. Before he reached home he had repeated the +draught two or three times. His mind dwelt heavily upon the perils +which threatened his family. Nick seemed so unwilling to say anything, +that he concluded the case was much worse than he had described it. +He was willing to believe that Waddie and Grace, Tommy and Minnie, +had met before, and that a double union between the embittered houses +was impending. He must put a stop to it without an hour’s delay. Wolf +Penniman was the intimate friend of both Waddie and Tommy; and the +colonel had no difficulty in believing that he was their confidant and +helpmate. In his tipsy condition he hastened on board of the Ucayga, +which had just arrived from the foot of the lake. Wolf would know where +the culprits were, and should go with him to the place. + +Nick reached the house, towards which he had directed his steps, just +after twelve o’clock. The “men folks” had come home to dinner, and the +farmer’s boys were willing to help him. + +“Did you see anything of a runaway horse down the road, about an hour +ago?” asked the farmer. + +“Yes; I saw a horse hitched to a buggy going it at a pretty lively gait +towards Centreport,” replied Nick. + +“Do you know what became of it?” + +“The horse stopped on the hill below here. I suppose he got tired of +running,” answered Nick, cautiously. + +“Do you know who it was?” + +“No; he was a stranger to me.” + +“I was so far off I couldn’t see very well; but it looked a little like +Colonel Wimpleton’s team.” + +“It wasn’t the colonel’s horse. He passed within a short distance of +me. I know the colonel and his team very well. It wasn’t he, I’m very +sure,” protested Nick, who could lie a little more easily than he could +speak the truth. + +“I didn’t know but it might be Colonel Wimpleton. They say he steams it +pretty hard now.” + +“It wasn’t the colonel, I know; for I saw the man’s face very +distinctly. He was a younger man than the colonel.” + +The farmer was apparently satisfied, and the two young men accompanied +Nick to the place where the Raven was aground. With their friendly +aid she was soon floated in deep water, and headed towards Centreport, +where she arrived just as the Ucayga was leaving the wharf on her down +trip. + + * * * * * + +[We are ready to let Wolf continue his narrative, from the point where +we left him, with Colonel Wimpleton lying on the track, between the +rails. The choice brandy presented to him by his friend in Ruoara +had been an evil spirit to him, not only inflaming his wrath against +his son and daughter, but depriving him of the power to take care of +himself. When the train stopped he had got out to ascertain the cause +of the delay. The cars started, but he was too tipsy to reach the steps +in season to get on board, and was left behind. He shouted, but no +one heard him. He was vexed, and believing that brandy was the best +medicine for vexation, he took a liberal dose of it from the flask. +His repeated libations had impaired his locomotive powers to such an +extent that he could hardly walk, and just as the train had backed down +to him, his legs gave way, and he fell between the rails. But let Wolf +proceed.] + + + + +CHAPTER IX. + +THE TIPSY MAGNATE. + + +I was shocked and mortified to see my employer in such a terrible state +of intoxication. He had been growing worse and worse from the moment +he came into the state-room, on board of the Ucayga. He had narrowly +escaped being crushed beneath the train, and my heart beat wildly as I +realized the peril of his situation. + +“What zye about, Wolfz?” said he, as I hastened to the assistance of +the inebriate. “What’d zye go off and leave me here for--dzeh?” + +“Why did you get out of the cars, sir?” + +“To dzee what’s the matter.” + +“Let me help you, sir.” + +“I don’t zwant any help.” + +“Hurry up,” said the conductor, from the platform of the rear car. +The colonel tried to get up alone, but he could not. The brakeman +and myself each took an arm, and lifted him up. With considerable +difficulty, we got him into the car, for he seemed to have sense +enough left to know that he was intoxicated, and was not willing to be +assisted, lest it should be regarded as an acknowledgment of the fact. +He apparently wished to conceal his condition, obvious as it was. We +put him in his seat, and he tried to stiffen up his relaxed muscles, +and appear like a sober man. If he had not been a pitiable spectacle, +he would have been a ludicrous one; though many in the car, who had no +special interest in his fate, laughed at his silly and stupid struggles +to conceal his condition. + +As talking was rather a difficult achievement for him, he kept still +till the train arrived at Grass Springs. I told him we had reached +our destination, and he rose unsteadily to his feet. He insisted upon +walking alone, and repulsed all my efforts to assist him. By holding on +to the chains and the railings on the platform, he succeeded in getting +out of the car; but it was simply impossible for him to walk, and he +would have fallen if I had not taken his arm. I called a carriage, and +assisted him to a seat in it. People stared, smiled, and jeered at the +magnate of Centreport in this unhappy condition, and I was glad enough +to get him out of sight. I told the driver to convey us to the hotel, +where I intended to take a private room for him, and let him sleep off +the effects of his debauch, or, at least, keep out of sight until he +was in condition to be seen. + +Of the circumstances which had excited the indignation of Colonel +Wimpleton I knew but little. He had somehow discovered that Waddie and +Grace were together. I had ascertained that Tommy Toppleton had come +down with Grace to meet Waddie on the Horse Shoe. They had started +after the steamer left for Ucayga, and I had not seen their departure. +I was to procure a boat, as I understood the plan, and convey the +colonel to the island, where he could interfere with the “courting” +which was alleged to be in progress; but in his present condition I had +no idea of doing anything of the kind. I seated myself in the carriage +with him. + +“Now, where’s--where’s--yes--where’s Waddie?” said he, with much +difficulty; for he was so tipsy that his tongue almost refused to +perform its office. + +“I don’t know where he is. We will go up to the hotel and inquire,” I +replied. + +“That’s zright--the hotel.” + +The driver, as I had directed him, stopped at the side door of the +house, on his arrival. The landlord opened it, and I whispered to him +that I wanted a private apartment for the colonel. With his assistance +I conducted the drunken magnate to the room, and seated him on a sofa. + +“Hadn’t you better lie down, sir?” I asked, when the landlord had left +me alone with him. + +“Lie dzown!” exclaimed he, with a convulsive jerk of the head; “what +for?” + +“You don’t seem to be very well to-day,” I suggested. + +“No; not--not very well. I’ve been dzick--dzick all day to-day. I took +a little brandy for my--brandy for my stomach’s sake,” stammered he. + +“Perhaps if you lie down you will feel better.” + +“I dzon’t know--but you are right, Wolfz. I’m dzick. Did you dzell the +folks--the folks on the dzrain that--I was--that I was--I was dzick?” + +“No, sir; I did not tell them so; but they could not help seeing that +something was the matter with you.” + +“I dz’pose they did. I’ll lie down, Wolfz.” + +He sprang to his feet, and, with a desperate effort, attempted to throw +off his coat. He did not succeed, but pitched over upon his face on the +bed. I pulled his coat off; while he lay in this position, and, rolling +him over, placed him in as comfortable a posture as I could. After +covering him with a blanket, I seated myself on the sofa, to consider +the situation. I was unwilling to believe that the great man had ever +been in such a deplorable condition before. His coat lay on the chair +where I had thrown it. I could see the neck of the flask protruding +from the pocket. I think I inherited from my mother a spite against +bottles used to contain liquor. By this time the colonel was asleep, +and I took the flask from the coat. It was about one third filled, and +I had no doubt the inebriate had consumed the other two thirds. I went +to the window, and poured it out upon the ground. I had once performed +a similar service for my father, and I had no scruples in doing it +for the magnate of Centreport, as he was, just then, by the force of +circumstances, in my care. Screwing on the stopple of the flask, I +restored it to the pocket where I had found it. My patient could now +drink no more till he left the room. + +He slept very soundly, snoring heavily in his drunken stupor. Slumber +was the best thing in the world for him, and I left him “to fight it +out on this line.” I decided to take a boat and go over to the Horse +Shoe, to ascertain for my own sake, rather than the colonel’s, the +nature of the relations which had so violently disturbed my employer. +I had a pair of eyes, and I flattered myself I could tell, by his +actions, whether Waddie had become suddenly interested in Grace. I knew +that he had seldom seen her, and had hardly spoken to her since the +reconciliation with her brother. But in such matters those who are most +deeply concerned are often the blindest, and it was possible that my +friend, and in some sense my _protégé_, had unwittingly stepped between +me and my hopes. + +Colonel Wimpleton would probably sleep soundly for a couple of hours, +at least, and I went to the office to request the landlord to look out +for him during my absence, and especially not to furnish him with any +more liquor, if he could possibly avoid it. + +“I’m going over to the Horse Shoe,” I began. + +“Didn’t you come down to join the party here?” he asked, interrupting +me. + +“What party?” + +“Why, the young gentlemen and young ladies.” + +“Whom do you mean?” + +“Mr. Toppleton and Mr. Wimpleton.” + +“Are they here?” I replied. + +“They have been here these two hours; the ladies longer than that.” + +“Who are the ladies?” + +“Miss Wimpleton and Miss Toppleton.” + +“Is Miss Wimpleton here?” I inquired, gaining a crumb of comfort from +the suggestion, for it might be Tommy and Minnie whose progressive +tendencies had excited the alarm of the colonel. + +“Yes, they are both here. They ordered dinner for six, but Tom Walton +seems to be the only other person present.” + +“Don’t tell them I am here, if you please,” I added. “I wouldn’t have +Waddie and his sister see their father in his present condition for +anything in the world.” + +“I never saw the colonel so bad before,” said the landlord, shaking his +head. + +“He will sleep it off, after a while, I hope,” I replied. “Then Waddie +and Tommy are not on the Horse Shoe?” + +“No; they were going there, and met with an accident.” + +“What was that?” I asked, with no little anxiety; for I could not +forget that Grace was one of the party. + +“The Raven upset in the squall this forenoon, and Miss Wimpleton came +pretty near getting drowned.” + +“Indeed! Was Miss Toppleton with her?” + +“No; she was in the Belle, with her brother. Tommy Toppleton jumped +overboard, and swam to Miss Wimpleton’s assistance, or it would have +been all over with her. Tom Walton picked them up. The ladies came +right over here, and my wife and daughters gave them some clothes, +while they dried and ironed their own.” + +“I am glad they got out of the scrape so well.” + +“They were lucky.” + +“I didn’t like the looks of that Raven, when she came down from +Hitaca,” I added. “She didn’t look as though she knew how to stay right +side up.” + +“Tom Walton says the boat is crank, but it was not her fault. The other +fellow with Waddie--” + +“Who was that?--Nick Van Wolter?” + +“Yes, that’s the one. He put three or four half hitches in the main +sheet, so that Waddie could not cast it off when the squall came up. +They sent him back with the Raven; and I reckon they wanted to get rid +of him,” said the landlord, with a sly twinkle in his eye. + +“Why so?” + +“I suppose they did not like the looks of him, after he had caused +the boat to be capsized,” laughed mine host. “But I reckon that Tommy +Toppleton is a little sweet with the Wimpleton girl, since he helped +her out of the water.” + +I did not care to encourage the landlord in speaking on this delicate +topic. I confess I was pleased to learn that there was nothing as yet +to implicate Waddie in the “courting.” I could not understand how +Colonel Wimpleton had obtained his hint of these proceedings. Possibly +he had no suggestion of them, except the fact that the party were at +the Springs. Waddie had sent Nick Van Wolter home with the Raven, but I +was confident she had not arrived when I left Centreport. I concluded +that the colonel’s suspicions simply grew out of his knowledge that his +son and daughter were with the son and daughter of his great enemy. + +I learned from the landlord that the party were then at dinner. I was +anxious to know more of the relations of the suspected lovers; but I +was fully determined to conceal from Waddie and his sister the fact +that their father was in the house. The Belle was my boat, and Tom +Walton had been running her on shares for me, intending to purchase her +as soon as he was able to do so. He regarded himself as under great +obligations to me, not only for the use of the boat, but because I had +given him employment during the winter on board of the steamer. I could +confide in him, and I asked the landlord to inform him privately that I +was in the house, and wished to see him as soon as he had finished his +dinner. + + + + +CHAPTER X. + +TOM WALTON EXPRESSES HIS OPINION. + + +I knew that the mention of my name would bring Tom Walton to me, for +he was one of the most devoted fellows in the world. He had a habit of +remembering what a friend had done for him, and the manifestation of +his gratitude was so profuse as to be rather embarrassing to me, for I +did not like to see any one so weighed down by the burden of obligation +as he appeared to be. I was in the room adjoining that in which I had +put the colonel to bed; for I dared not expose myself where it was +possible for Waddie, or any other member of the party except Tom, to +see me, when he came to me. + +“I didn’t expect to see you here, Wolf,” said he, his face lighted up +with the broad grin which usually expressed his satisfaction at passing +events. “Why don’t you come in and take some dinner with Waddie and +Tommy? I know they will be glad to see you.” + +“I should be very sorry to have them see me just now,” I replied. + +“Why, what’s the matter? What’s the row? Has anything broke?” he asked, +a shade of anxiety overspreading his face. + +“In a word, Tom, Colonel Wimpleton is as drunk as a beast, in the next +room.” + +“Whew!” said, or rather whistled, Tom, his eyes opening till they +looked like a couple of saucers. + +“Yes; and he came within about a quarter of an inch of being run over +and smashed by the train that brought us down.” + +“You don’t say so!” exclaimed Tom, with genuine feeling. + +“That’s so. I wouldn’t have Waddie or Miss Minnie see him now for all +the money that he is worth.” + +“But I didn’t know the colonel got so bad. I have heard people say he +drank till he was about how-came-you-so: I never knew he got right down +boozy.” + +“I never saw him so bad before,” I replied; “and I hope I never shall +again. It’s really horrible.” + +“What are you doing down here with him, if he is so much over the bay?” + +“He was not so bad when we started. He has been nursing on brandy ever +since we left Centreport, and now he don’t know himself from a bar of +yellow soap. He is asleep, and I hope he will come out of it all right. +I have emptied the contents of his bottle out the window.” + +“Good for you, Wolf!” said Tom, with an expressive grin. + +I then told him all that had passed between the colonel and myself +since he came into my state-room, on board of the steamer, dwelling +particularly on the suspicions which had induced the magnate to visit +Grass Springs. Tom smiled significantly as I proceeded, and I judged +from his expression that he understood the case perfectly. + +“Now, Tom, what does all this mean?” I asked, when I had finished the +narrative. + +“Well, I reckon the colonel is considerable more than half right,” +replied the skipper of the Belle, candidly. + +“You really think that Waddie and Miss Grace are interested in each +other,” I added, squarely, determined to know the worst, so far as I +was personally concerned, at once. + +“O, no! no! no!” protested Tom, vehemently, as his chin dropped down; +“I don’t mean anything of that sort.” + +He was much disturbed to think he had conveyed to me a wrong impression +on a subject that so deeply affected me. + +“What is it, then?” + +“It’s Tommy Toppleton and Miss Minnie;” and he proceeded to relate to +me the particulars of the upsetting of the Raven, and of the gallant +deed of Tommy. + +“There wasn’t the least need of jumping overboard; but Miss Minnie +thinks her life was saved by it, and she is as grateful as though +she had been pulled out of a burning fiery furnace. It’s none of my +business; so I don’t say anything to her about it. I think she likes +him, and he likes her. Between you and me, Wolf, she isn’t a bad +looking girl, and I don’t blame Tommy.” + +“But he has hardly ever met her before to-day,” I suggested. + +“I don’t care anything about that. Of course, they don’t say anything, +but I can tell by their looks which way the wind blows. I’ll bet the +biggest fish in the deepest water off Priam that something will come of +it.” + +“I don’t exactly understand how I took the idea from the colonel that +it was Grace and Waddie who were getting things mixed,” I added, +laughing, to assure Tom that I had no feeling about the matter. + +“O, no! Not a bit of it,” protested the skipper, earnestly, shaking +his head to emphasize his words. “Waddie behaves like a gentleman, of +course; but, between us, he knows better than to look sidewise at Miss +Grace.” + +“Why shouldn’t he, if he is disposed to do so?” + +“I reckon he knows a mill-stone from a hogshead of molasses,” replied +Tom, with his usual significant grin. “In the first place, he thinks +too much of you to try to go to sea in your boat.” + +“My boat?” + +“O, come, Wolf! What’s the use of beating to windward when you have a +fair breeze? You believe in Miss Grace, and she thinks a heap of you.” + +“We are very good friends; but she is the daughter of a wealthy man, +while I am the son of a mechanic,” I replied, rather gloomily. + +“I don’t care for that,” said Tom, with a show of indignation at the +vain distinctions of this world. “It will come out all right.” + +“I don’t know,” I answered, not caring to discuss the subject at any +greater length; “Colonel Wimpleton is very much disturbed about the +courting, as he calls it.” + +“How should he know anything about it?” demanded Tom, suddenly, as he +recalled the circumstances of the day. + +“I don’t know.” + +“Did that Nick Van Wolter tell him?” + +“No; he had not returned with the Raven when we left Centreport.” + +“If he did, I should be willing to break his head on my own account.” + +“I think the colonel ascertained that the girls had come down with the +boys, and imagined all the rest,” I suggested, giving the explanation +which I had myself adopted. + +“Well, he imagined it about right, then,” said Tom. + +“I am not sorry it is as you say; but I am afraid the affair will make +a good deal of trouble. When are you going back?” + +“Whenever my party says the word.” + +“Can’t you hurry them up?” I inquired, anxiously; for I did not like to +have Waddie and his sister in the house with their father, under the +present circumstances. + +“I don’t know but I can. They were going to the Horse Shoe this +afternoon,” answered Tom. “I have been looking for another shower +to-day, for ‘thunder in the morning bids the sailor take warning.’” + +There were as yet no signs of another shower, and the skipper left me +to ascertain whether his party intended to visit the Horse Shoe or not. +I carefully opened the door, and entered the colonel’s room. He was +still sleeping in the stupor of intoxication, and I left him. I wished +to be at Centreport in season to take the steamer at half past five, +but I was afraid my patient would not be in a condition to go home by +the last train. Tom soon returned to me with the intelligence that +his party would start in half an hour for the Horse Shoe. I did not +feel easy until I was assured by the landlord that they had actually +embarked on the Belle. + +Perhaps it was useless for me to attempt to conceal the father’s +infirmity from the children; but I believed that the colonel’s present +excess was exceptional, and I hoped he would not again indulge so +deeply. I could not endure the thought of witnessing the shame and +mortification of Waddie and Minnie, if compelled to encounter their +father in his intoxication. While I was considering this unpleasant +subject, I heard my patient in the next room, the door of which I had +left open, get out of the bed. I hastened into the apartment. The +colonel stood holding on at the bed-post, and looked confused and lost. +He glanced at me with a stare, and then a maudlin smile came upon his +lips, as though the events of the day had suddenly flashed upon his +mind, and he remembered where he was. + +“I feel a little better of that pain, Wolf,” said he; “but I haven’t +got quite over it.” + +“I am glad you feel better, sir,” I replied. + +“I’m better, but I am not well,” he continued, grasping his coat, which +I had hung on the bed-post. + +He wanted his flask again. He had partially recovered from the effect +of former drams, but he was not satisfied. He took the bottle from his +pocket. Of course he would discover that it was empty. I hoped that his +memory would not serve him in regard to the condition of the flask when +he last drank from it, for I was afraid he would suspect my agency in +emptying it. With some difficulty he unscrewed the stopple, and took a +tumbler from the wash-stand. He turned the bottle until it was inverted +over the glass, but not a drop came forth. His hands trembled, and his +frame quivered. Lowering the flask from the glass, he gazed as steadily +at me as his shaky condition would permit. He was angry, and I dreaded +his wrath. + +“Wolf, I left this flask half full of brandy,” said he, fixing a stern +gaze upon me. “It was very choice brandy, which my friend in Ruoara +gave me for sickness.” + +He paused, and continued to stare at me, with a savage frown on his +brow. It was useless for me to say anything, and I did not speak. + +“For sickness, Wolf,” repeated he. “I told you I was sick, and I take +brandy for it.” + +He stopped again, but I made no reply. + +“Did you empty this flask, Wolf?” demanded he, sternly. + +“I did, sir,” I answered, as gently as I could speak. + +“You did!” roared he. + +“Yes, sir; I did.” + +He dropped into a chair, though he did not for an instant remove his +gaze from me. I had no difficulty in coming to the conclusion that I +had got into a bad scrape; but I had acted for the best. + +“You impudent puppy!” said he, grinding his teeth. + +I was silent and motionless. + +“Are you my guardian?” + +“I have tried to take care of you, sir.” + +“What do you mean by that?” he continued, after thinking a moment, +probably to determine the meaning of my words. + +I think he had sense enough to understand his own condition, though +doubtless he did not realize how helpless he had been. The fact that +I had emptied his flask assured him that I understood his situation +perfectly. He knew I had helped him into the bed. It is reasonable +to suppose that he was ashamed of himself, even after he had put in +the plea of sickness. But for the magnate of Centreport to be thus +humiliated before one whom he regarded as a dependant appeared to be +more than he could endure, and the thought stirred his ire. + +“I have done what I could for you, sir,” I replied, evasively. + +“What did you throw away my brandy--my medicine--for?” + +“Because I thought you had taken enough, sir,” I answered, finding that +it was useless for me to attempt to dodge the issue. + +“You did!” + +“Yes, sir. You were very much intoxicated,” I continued, mildly, but +firmly. + +He sprang to his feet with a celerity of which I had not believed him +capable; and I began to think it would be necessary for me to run for +life. He halted before me an instant, and then rushed out of the room. + + + + +CHAPTER XI. + +A GENEROUS TIPPLER. + + +I was not anxious to quarrel with Colonel Wimpleton, for he carried too +many guns for me; but I followed him out of the apartment, keeping at a +respectful distance behind him. He went into the bar-room, and called +for brandy. The landlord, who was behind the counter, pretended not to +understand him, and began to speak of something else. + +“Brandy!” repeated the great man, in a loud and imperative tone. + +It was folly to attempt to refuse him, and the landlord promptly placed +the fire-water before his savage guest. The colonel poured out and +swallowed a large potion of the fiery fluid. Throwing down the payment +for the dram with a lordly air, he turned and departed from the room. +I stepped out of his way as he approached, concluding that my mission +was finished. I decided to take the dummy back to Middleport. The +colonel returned to his chamber, while I moved towards the outside +door. I did not wish to have a scene with him. I had, with what now +seemed to me unparalleled audacity, told him he was drunk. I expected +to be discharged from my position as captain of the steamer, and to be +annihilated at once. + +“Wolf!” shouted he from his room. + +I was not absolutely afraid of him, though I dreaded his violence. I +went to the door of his apartment, and entered. He sat on the bed, +and looked up at me. He did not appear to be as savage as before. The +heavy dram he had just taken was beginning to have its effect, and his +expression was rather maudlin and silly than stern. + +“If you have no further occasion for me, I think I will return to +Middleport by the dummy.” + +“Don’t go. I want you,” said he. “You said I was drunk.” + +“Yes, sir; I did say so; but only to explain what I had done.” + +“Do you mean to say I _was_ drunk, Wolf?” + +“Yes, sir; I have no doubt of it,” I replied, with a candor which +astonished myself. + +“You are the first person that ever told me I was drunk.” + +“I hope it will be the last time any one will have occasion to say so, +sir.” + +“Don’t preach to me, Wolf. You are a very proper young man, but I never +let any one preach to me. You say I _was_ drunk.” + +“Yes, sir; and you are drunk now.” + +“Now?” he repeated, with a silly laugh. + +“Yes, sir. You fell down between the rails this afternoon, and the +train came very near backing over you. When you arrived here you +couldn’t possibly stand up,” I answered, as honestly as though I had +been his social equal. + +I was amazed at my own temerity; but I had already incurred his +displeasure, and with the possibility of opening his eyes to the +scandal of his beastly conduct, I made up my mind that I might as well +be hanged for an old sheep as a lamb, and that it should not be my +fault if he did not thoroughly comprehend his disgraceful situation. + +“What has become of Waddie and that girl?” he inquired. + +“What girl?” + +“Why, the Toppleton girl.” + +“They have gone to the Horse Shoe, sir; but they were in the house when +you arrived.” + +“Were they? Why didn’t you tell me of it?” + +“I would not have had them see you as you were then for all you are +worth.” + +He pursed up his lips, as he had a habit of doing when he was vexed or +chagrined, and gazed upon the floor. + +“You think I was drunk--do you, Wolf?” + +“I know you were, sir; and I took you into this room, and put you +to bed. I kept you out of sight of Waddie and Miss Minnie, and told +the landlord not to tell any one you were here,” I continued, with +considerable spirit. + +“Did you say you thought I was drunk, Wolf?” repeated he again. + +“I am entirely satisfied that you were--beastly drunk,” I answered, +resolved, if there was any sense at all in him, that he should not +misunderstand me. + +“Wolf, bring me a pen and ink,” he added, after gazing at the floor a +while. + +“Don’t you think you had better lie down and take another nap, sir?” + +“Bring me a pen and ink, I say.” + +“I think you had better lie down.” + +“Will you bring me a pen and ink, or shall I go myself for them?” said +he, sharply. + +I did not think he could use a pen if I brought one, and I could not +imagine what he wished to write. I had no success in evading his +requests, and I went to the office for pen and ink. I placed the +articles upon the table, and wondered what was to be done. The colonel +rose from his seat on the bed, and bracing up his nerves, walked +tolerably straight across the floor, seating himself at the table. + +“Don’t you want some paper, sir?” + +“No; bring me my coat,” he replied. + +I handed him the garment, and he took from one of the pockets of it +a small, narrow book, which he opened upon the table. I was in hopes +he intended to write a temperance pledge, or something of that sort. +He dipped the pen in the ink, and, with a convulsive effort, began to +write. I saw that the little volume before him was a pocket check-book. +He wrote what I supposed to be the date, for I was not impolite enough +to look over his shoulder. + +“Wolf, do you say, upon your honor, that you thought I was drunk?” said +he, turning around, and looking me full in the face, as though there +was still a doubt upon the point. + +“I know you were, sir; but if you think I am mistaken, I will call the +landlord.” + +“Did he see me, too?” + +“He couldn’t well help seeing you.” + +“It’s a mistake, Wolf. I never was drunk in my life,” muttered he, in a +lower tone, as he wrote in the check-book. + +I could form no very accurate idea of the current of thought which was +passing in his mind. The fury of his wrath had suddenly abated, though +I had told him the whole truth, and nothing but the truth. I could not +imagine for what purpose he was drawing a check, unless it was to pay +my wages, and discharge me from his service. He wrote very rapidly, and +by jerks, apparently taking advantage of momentary periods, when his +nerves were more quiet. He finished the writing, after he had regularly +made the memoranda in the margin to indicate the amount and the payee +of the check. It was marvellous to me that he could write at all, and +especially so that he was able to go through all the business forms so +correctly. He tore the check from the book, and with a very peculiar +smile on his face, thrust it out at arm’s length towards me. + +“Take that, Wolf,” said he, the drunken leer on his face becoming more +intense. + +“What is it, sir?” + +“Take it.” + +I obeyed him. It was a check for ten thousand dollars, payable to Wolf +Penniman or bearer. I was astonished and bewildered. + +“What is this for, sir?” I inquired. + +“You can draw the money at the Centreport Bank,” he replied. + +“I do not understand you, Colonel Wimpleton.” + +“I make you a present of ten thousand dollars, Wolf; can’t you +understand that;” said he, the leer on his face deepening to a laugh. + +“What is it for, sir?” + +“That’s what I owe you, Wolf.” + +“I think not.” + +“O, I do,” protested he, vehemently; “you saved my life once, but I +never gave you a dollar for it.” + +“But you gave me the command of the steamer, sir.” + +“No matter for that. You beat the Lake Shore Line in her, and put twice +that sum of money into my pocket by it. The money is yours, Wolf. Now +don’t say another word about it.” + +What was the magnate thinking about? What had given him this sudden fit +of generosity? A few moments before, he had been angry with me; now he +had gone to the other extreme. But the man was intoxicated. I did not +regard the check as mine, for it was the gift of a man not in his right +mind. It was a princely sum for a young person in my situation; but the +thought that the money would ever come into my possession did not occur +to me. + +“Now, Wolf, you are my friend,” said he. “If you think I’m drunk, a +friend must bear a friend’s infirmities--humor them, and try to hide +them. Do you understand me, Wolf?” + +“Is this the price of my silence in regard to the events of to-day?” +I asked, beginning to think that this was the solution of his +extraordinary generosity. + +“No, no; by no means!” protested he. “It’s only just what I ought to do +for all you have done for me, and for Waddie.” + +“But I cannot take this, sir. Your secret, so far as it is a secret, is +safe in my keeping. I have prevented you from being seen by Waddie and +Minnie.” + +“I say, Wolf, you shall keep it,” he replied, with an oath, as he +brought his fist down upon the table with such force as to make the ink +fly from the inkstand. + +It was useless to contend, and I did not attempt to oppose him. + +“I would rather have your name to another paper than to this one,” +I replied, rather jocosely, as I laid the check upon the table, and +pointed to it with my finger. + +“What’s that, Wolf?” he demanded, with excited interest. “Bring the +paper. Let me see it.” + +I took the blank sheet of a letter from my pocket, and wrote as +follows: “I promise, on the honor of a man and a gentleman, to abstain +entirely from the use of intoxicating drinks, unless prescribed by a +physician.” I pushed the paper across the table to him. Adjusting his +eye-glass, he read it. + +“I would rather have your name to that paper than to this,” I repeated, +pointing to the check, and pushing it towards him. + +“Do you mean to insult me, Wolf?” demanded he, sternly. + +“By no means, sir,” I replied, fearful that I had gone too far. “I mean +exactly what I say.” + +Taking the paper from the table, he indignantly tore it into very small +pieces, and then, rushing to the window, threw them out. + +“I am not an idiot! I am not a child!” protested he. “I know what I am +about, you see.” + +“I did not mean to offend you, sir.” + +“You have the check. We will change the subject,” he added, with an +attempt to put on his dignity. “I am not offended. Now, where is +Waddie?” + +“On the Horse Shoe, I suppose, unless he has left for home.” + +“Is the Toppleton girl with him?” + +“I believe she is.” + +“Courting!” sneered he. “I won’t have it! No, I won’t!” + +“I assure you, sir, that you are entirely mistaken. I have seen Tom +Walton, who has been with them all day, and he says Waddie behaves like +a gentleman to Miss Toppleton, and nothing more.” + +“But they are together.” + +“You have nothing to fear from Waddie, if they are.” + +“I am going over to the Horse Shoe, Wolf. I’m going to stop this thing +before it goes any farther,” said he, rising, and putting on his coat. + +“I hope you will not, sir,” I interposed. + +“I will.” + +“I cannot keep your secret, if you expose yourself.” + +“I am as regular as you are, Wolf;” and he went out of the room by the +door opening into the entry. + +I followed him, determined that he should not go to the Horse Shoe, if +I could possibly prevent him from doing so. + + + + +CHAPTER XII. + +ANOTHER CALAMITY. + + +It was not easy to prevent a man like Colonel Wimpleton from having +his own way. He was not nearly so bad as he had been before he went to +bed; but he was still in no condition to exhibit himself to his son and +daughter. He went to the landlord and paid the bill. He then produced +his flask, and demanded that it should be filled. The hotel-keeper +demurred, and did not sell liquor except by the glass; but the colonel +began to storm and swear, and he was obliged to comply. + +Just then I happened to think that I had left the check the colonel +had given me on the table, in the room he had occupied, and I hastened +to get it; for, though I did not mean to use it myself, I did not +intend that any one else should do so. It was not where I had left it, +or where I supposed I had left it. It was not on the table, and it +was not on the floor. In a word, I could not find it, though I made a +diligent search in every part of the room, thinking the wind might have +blown it from the table. The door of the adjoining room, where I had +remained a portion of the time, was open, and I passed through this +apartment into the entry. + +I searched my pockets, thinking I might possibly have deposited it +in one of them, while I was talking with the colonel. The last time +I remembered to have noticed it, was when I pointed to it, after the +tipsy great man had read the paper I wrote. Then the conversation +became rather exciting to me, and I walked across the room several +times. It was possible that the colonel had torn up both the check and +the pledge at the same time. + +“Where are you, Wolf? I’m looking for you,” said the colonel, appearing +at the entry door. + +“Did you tear up the check you wrote, sir?” + +“The check?” repeated he, evidently trying to stimulate his memory. + +“You wrote a check for ten thousand dollars in my favor, and handed it +to me.” + +“Yes, of course; I know that,” replied he, impatiently, as though my +statement implied that he had not known what he was about when he did +the generous act. “I was trying to think whether I tore it up with the +other paper. I didn’t mean to tear it up; and if I did, I will give you +another.” + +“I cannot find it anywhere,” I added. + +“Then, of course, I destroyed it with the other paper. I will give you +another just like it,” said he, dropping into the chair before the +table. + +“I would not write another now, sir,” I interposed. “Perhaps I may find +the other, or at least the pieces of it, if you tore it up.” + +I did not regard the check as of any consequence to me, under the +circumstances; but it was possible, if it fell into the hands of some +other person, that an improper use might be made of it; and for this +reason only was I anxious to ascertain what had become of it. I left +the colonel sitting at the table, and went out doors to see if I could +find any of the pieces of the check. The window, from which he had +thrown the fragments of paper, opened into an alley between the hotel +and the adjoining building, through which the wind blew quite sharply. +I could not find even a single piece of either paper; but I continued +the search at the leeward of the hotel. I found two or three pieces +of the paper I had written, on the railroad; but the rest of them had +probably gone into the lake. I was no wiser than before; but I was +forced to conclude that, as I could not find the check, the colonel +must have destroyed it with the other paper. Both of them had lain on +the table, within his reach, for I remembered that I had pushed the +check towards him, when I told him I would rather have his name on the +pledge I had written. If the valuable little paper was destroyed, it +was all right, and I need trouble myself no more about it. + +“Hallo, Wolf.” + +I turned. It was Nick Van Wolter. + +“How are you, Nick?” I replied. + +“What are you looking for, Wolf?” + +I did not deem it necessary to inform him what I was looking for; so I +did not give him a direct answer. + +“Where is the colonel? I heard he was on a regular bat!” asked Nick, +with a coarse grin. + +“He is at the hotel.” + +“The landlord told me he was there,” continued Nick. “You see, I was +mixed up in this business down here this morning. After the Raven +upset, Waddie sent me home in her. I got to Centreport just as the +steamer was going out, and I went on board of her, and came down as +far as Ruoara. My father told me that the colonel was on a regular +bat,”--by which I understood him to mean a spree. “He said you had +crossed the lake with him, and that something was said about going to +Grass Springs. I was a little curious to know what was going on, as I +was with the party this morning.” + +I could not exactly see why Nick had volunteered this explanation. + +“Did you think the colonel was after the party?” I inquired. + +“From what my father said, I supposed he was.” + +Then the mate had understood Colonel Wimpleton much better than I +could, before we left the Ucayga, which seemed a little odd to me. + +“What did your father say?” I asked. + +“He said the colonel was on a regular bat, and that he was mad. I knew +the fellows and girls went off together, and I concluded the colonel +had found it out, and that was what made him mad. I didn’t want to +have Waddie get into any scrape with his father when he was a little +over the bay; for you know the colonel isn’t exactly a saint when he +is all right, and I suppose he isn’t any better when he is tight. So +I took a boat at Ruoara, and sailed over this way. I saw the party on +the island, though I didn’t go very near it, for I didn’t want them to +see me, unless it was necessary. I saw the colonel was not there; so I +came over here, and found he was at the hotel. I thought, if there was +any danger of his going over to the Horse Shoe, I would see Waddie in +season to tip him the wink. You understand me, Wolf?” + +“Yes, I understand.” + +“You see, if the colonel caught Waddie and Miss Minnie with Tom and his +sister, he would raise Cain with them.” + +“I do not think that he would trouble them under ordinary +circumstances,” I replied. + +“O, yes, he would!” protested Nick, who, strangely enough, as I +thought, seemed to know more about the matter than I did. + +“Certainly he suspects some mischief to-day, though I do not understand +why he should. He insists upon going over to the Horse Shoe, Nick; and +I don’t know that I can prevent him from doing so. You have a boat +here?” + +“Yes; the one I hired at Ruoara.” + +“If you will go over to the Horse Shoe, as you return, and give them a +hint that Colonel Wimpleton is after them, I will be very much obliged +to you.” + +“O, I will do that, certainly,” replied the obliging Nick. + +“Don’t say a word about his being out of the way.” + +“No; certainly not,” answered he, with a prudent shake of the head. + +“You understand the case as well as I do, and you must manage it as +best you can.” + +“I’ll go right over;” and he hastened towards the landing, which was a +short distance up the lake. + +I returned to the hotel, abundantly satisfied with the arrangement I +had made. While I could not exactly understand how Nick happened so +accurately to divine the object of the colonel’s visit to the Springs, +I was willing to admit that it was very kind of him to endeavor to save +Waddie and Minnie from the wrath of their tipsy father. I found the +colonel still seated at the table, though I was soon convinced that +he had not been there all the time of my absence; for his limbs were +more unsteady, and his voice thicker, than when I had left him. He had +evidently taken another dram. + +“There’s another check, Wolf,” said he, handing me a duplicate of the +former one, which, I noticed, was regularly numbered, as the first had +been. + +“I didn’t mean to destroy the other.” + +“Perhaps you did not, sir; though I cannot find it.” + +“No matter; put the check in your pocket. Now take me over to the Horse +Shoe, and I will put an end to this courting business.” + +“I think it is rather late to go there to-night; and it looks a little +like another shower,” I replied. + +“Don’t talk to me, Wolf! I say I’m going to the Horse Shoe.” + +It was useless to contend, and I accompanied him down to the public +landing. As I had sent Nick forward to warn the party of the approach +of the colonel, I was satisfied there would be no scene that day. The +only boat I could obtain at the landing was a small bateau, very frail +and unsteady for such a burden as I had to carry. I objected to using +it, but Colonel Wimpleton declared it would do very well, and insisted +that I should row him over to the island. I deemed it dangerous to do +so, and I tried to deter him; but he was as obstinate as usual, and all +the more obstinate for being intoxicated. Very reluctantly I helped him +into the bateau, and soon repented that I had not absolutely refused to +go with him. + +While I was getting ready, I had occasion to regret that his flask had +been refilled, for he took a long draught from it. When he had with +great difficulty taken his seat in the stern of the boat, I pushed +off. I saw nothing of the Belle, though the boat in which Nick had +come from Ruoara lay on the shore of the island, where he had landed +to communicate with the party. Another shower was coming up from the +south-west, and I thought our chances for getting a ducking were very +good. The last dram of my passenger had begun to produce its effect, +and he swayed to and fro on his unsteady seat, and I regretted very +much that I had consented to come with him. + +When I had pulled about two thirds of the distance to the Horse Shoe, +I saw the Belle standing out from the deep channel, on the other +side of the island. Nick had delivered his message, and the peril of +a disagreeable encounter was avoided. I called the attention of the +colonel to the fact that the party had left the Horse Shoe, hoping +he would permit me to row back to Grass Springs. Unfortunately, the +intelligence produced a different effect upon him, and roused his anger. + +“Stop zem, Wolf! Stop zem!” said he, angrily. + +I did hail the Belle, but no notice was taken of my call. + +“Pull for zat boat,” added he, pointing to the Belle. + +He did not know what he was about, and I decided not to heed his +requests. Nick had now embarked in his sail-boat, and in order to +double the southern part of the island, was obliged to stand out +towards my craft. + +“Why don’t you do dzi tell you, Wolf?” demanded the colonel, rising in +the boat as though he intended to come at me. + +His legs yielded beneath him, and he dropped upon the rail of the +bateau, careening the frail skiff till the water poured in over the +side. Before I could get hold of him, he rolled over into the lake, I +was horror-struck, for it was no easy matter to rescue a heavy man, as +tipsy as he was. + +[Illustration: COLONEL WIMPLETON SLIPS.] + + + + +CHAPTER XIII. + +AFTER THE ACCIDENT. + + +My skiff was nearly full of water, which rendered it quite +unmanageable. In my attempt to save Colonel Wimpleton before he went +into the water, I had lost both oars overboard. There was no romance +in leaping into the lake after a tipsy man, and there were two chances +that he would drown me to one that I should save him. I did not +consider such a movement on my part as hopeful, and therefore I did not +make it. I simply endeavored to recover my oars, and back the boat so +that the struggling magnate could get hold of it. + +The colonel floundered and fought the destroying element with mad +zeal; but of course the more he labored the worse it was for him. It +was evident that he could not hold out long, and what was done must be +quickly done, or it would be too late. One of my oars floated on the +water not six feet from me, but I could not move the boat, for the want +of anything like a paddle. I coiled up the painter, and threw it so +that the end dropped beyond the oar. I pulled in, but the line slipped +over it. I then tied a heavy bunch of keys I had in my pocket to the +end of the painter, and tried again. This effort was successful, and I +hauled in the oar till I could reach it with my hand. + +I placed it in the stern, heaved the skiff round, and sculled with all +my might towards the drowning magnate; but the boat rolled, and dipped +the water over her gunwale, so that I made little or no progress. My +heart was in my mouth, and I was almost certain the colonel would +drown, when Nick Van Wolter’s boat dashed by me. The helm was put +hard down, and, as the craft came up into the wind, Nick sprang into +the bow. He certainly managed the matter exceedingly well, whatever +bungling he had done earlier in the day. Reaching down, he seized the +drowning magnate by the collar of his coat with both hands, and held on +with all his might. + +If Colonel Wimpleton had been sober, he would not have fallen into the +water; but if he had fallen overboard being sober, and had remained in +the water so long, he would certainly have been drowned, for drunken +men seem to have a remarkable facility for escaping from perils which +overwhelm men in their right mind. Nick held on to his helpless burden +like a good fellow, and I struggled to urge forward my water-logged +boat, so as to render him some assistance. The skiff and the oars had +drifted some distance from the spot, and my efforts were absolutely +vain. + +“Hurry up, Wolf!” shouted Nick, with a gasp, extorted from him by the +weight of his burden. + +“My skiff is full of water, and I can’t do anything with it,” I replied. + +Taking the oar from the stern, I tried to paddle the skiff. I succeeded +better, but my progress was very slow. I saw Nick make a tremendous +effort to haul in the colonel. He stood upon the gunwale of the boat, +and as he lifted with all his strength, the craft careened, and he +dragged the shoulders of his burden up to the rail. Falling back +himself as he gained in his task, the boat righted a little, and +assisted in lifting the heavy load. After pausing a moment to recover +his breath, he renewed the effort, and, to my great satisfaction, he +hauled the colonel into the boat, just as I came within a painter’s +length of him. + +“Catch this rope, Nick,” I called to him, as I coiled up my painter, +ready to toss it to him. + +But Nick had sunk down upon the thwart, overcome by the violence of +his efforts. So I paddled away again with the oar, and at last came +alongside the sail-boat. I jumped aboard, and hastened to ascertain the +condition of the colonel. It seemed to me he must be filled with water; +but perhaps the natural repulsion of the pure element for the viler one +with which he was thoroughly saturated, saved him. Of course the severe +ordeal to which he had been subjected nullified the effects of the +brandy he had drank. Nick had placed him upon a seat, but he was unable +to sit up. He had not lost his senses, strange as it may seem; but he +was completely exhausted by the violence of his struggles. + +“How do you feel, Colonel Wimpleton?” I asked. + +He made me no reply, though he looked up at me. I took my handkerchief, +wiped his face and head, and rubbed his temples. He began to shiver +with the chill of his cold bath, and to throw up the water he had +swallowed. He was rather stupid, and did not answer any of the +questions I put to him. By this time Nick had recovered in a measure +from his exhaustion, and wanted to do something more for the comfort of +the great man he had saved. + +“What shall we do, Wolf?” asked he. + +“Run for Grass Springs,” I replied. + +He hauled in the sheet, and put the helm up, heading the boat to the +point I suggested. + +“That was a narrow escape for the colonel,” added Nick, in a low tone, +as he glanced at the sufferer on the seat. + +“Yes, it was. You came just at the right time. My skiff was full of +water, and I could not get along. I lost my oars when the colonel went +over.” + +“How did it happen?” + +I shook my head slightly, to indicate that we had better not discuss +this matter in the presence of the colonel. Seeing that the skiff, +whose painter I had made fast to the sail-boat, retarded her progress, +I cast it off, and let it go adrift. There was a fair breeze, and the +craft made good time through the water; but nearly half an hour must +elapse before we could reach Grass Springs, which was about two miles +distant. I placed myself by the side of the colonel, and began to rub +him again; but a gesture of impatience indicated that he disliked the +operation, and I desisted. But I had the satisfaction of seeing that +he was steadily improving. He had a fit of coughing, during which he +relieved himself of much of the water he had swallowed during his +struggles. + +“How do you feel, colonel?” I inquired, when he had recovered from the +fit. + +“A little better,” he replied, raising his hand to his breast pocket. + +He took out his brandy flask, and attempted to remove the stopple; but +his trembling hands refused to perform the task. + +“Let me open it for you,” I interposed. + +If brandy is ever good for anything, it is for a person in his +condition. At first he was not disposed to let me take the flask. + +“I think you need a little now. It will do you good,” I added. + +Then he permitted me to take the bottle, and I unscrewed the top. +Pouring a quantity of it into the cup, which formed the lower part of +the flask, I offered it to him. He looked into it, and held it out to +me. + +“Put more in,” said he. + +I obeyed him, and filled the cup nearly full. + +“Will you have some water with it?” I inquired. + +“No;” and he drank it off, or rather poured it down his throat. + +I have no doubt it warmed his stomach, and afforded him immediate +relief from the intense chill which pervaded his frame. At any rate, +he ceased to shiver. Before we reached the shore, he took another, but +smaller dose, and then declared that he was quite comfortable. + +By this time the Belle was off Ruoara, and I concluded that those +on board of her were in happy ignorance of the alarming event which +had just transpired. When I had first seen her, she was beating +towards home, and at the time of the accident she had run behind the +southern point of the Horse Shoe. It was very fortunate that we had not +been seen, for Waddie and his sister were again spared the pain and +mortification of beholding their father in the most pitiable condition +to which a man can be reduced. + +As soon as we landed I procured a carriage, and we conveyed the colonel +to the hotel. The landlord provided dry clothing for him, and we +rubbed his limbs with flannel till the circulation was restored. He +continued to drink brandy, but it did not seem to have so powerful an +effect upon him as before his involuntary bath. Though he did not say +anything about the exciting event of the day, I have no doubt he kept +up a tremendous thinking. In the evening, after his clothes had been +dried, and he had eaten his supper, he said he wanted to go home. He +consented, at Nick’s suggestion, to go to Ruoara in the boat in which +the latter had come from that place, and we embarked just after dark. +We borrowed a heavy overcoat for him, and he kept warm on the passage, +which, in the fresh breeze we had, was made in an hour and a quarter. + +At Ruoara I procured a carriage and a pair of fast horses; but it was +eleven o’clock when we reached the colonel’s mansion in Centreport. He +invited us to go in on our arrival, and led the way to the library. His +family had all retired, for he was frequently away nights, and they had +learned not to sit up for him. + +“I suppose all this will be in the newspapers by to-morrow, or next +day,” said the colonel, as he seated himself before the fire he had +ordered John, his man, to make. + +“No, sir, not at all!” protested Nick. “We didn’t even tell the +landlord over to the hotel at Grass Springs what had happened to +you--did we, Wolf?” + +“We did not. I am not aware that any one except ourselves knows +anything about it,” I replied. + +“And no one ever shall,” added Nick, looking at me, and evidently +speaking for both of us. + +“Certainly not,” I answered. “If there is nothing more that I can do +for you to-night, Colonel Wimpleton, I believe I will go home.” + +“You can sleep here, Wolf,” suggested the colonel. + +“I thank you, sir; but I think I will go home,” I replied; and, bidding +him good night, I left the house. + +I had a skiff at the wharf, in which I pulled across the lake. It was +after midnight when I reached my father’s house. My mother let me in, +and of course she wanted to know where I had been. I simply replied +that I had been to Grass Springs with Colonel Wimpleton, evading all +her inquiries in regard to the object of the visit. I went to my room +immediately. When I put my hand in my vest pocket for the key of my +watch, which it was my custom to wind on retiring, I felt the duplicate +check which my employer had given me. I took it out, and unfolded it. +The paper was written in due form, and I had no doubt it was good for +the ten thousand dollars for which it was drawn. + +The check had been given me by an intoxicated man. It was not possible +that he would have done so absurd a thing if he had been sober. +Certainly it was not morally right for me to take advantage of his +great infirmity. Though the donor could give me this large sum, and +not feel the loss, yet it seemed to be nothing less than robbery to use +the check. It would be base and dishonorable in me to hold him to a +promise given in his inebriation. I might lose the check if I kept it, +and another might find it who had less scruples. If I left it at home, +my father and mother might discover it, and desire an explanation, +which I could not give. + +Rather impulsively, I folded up the check, lighted it at the lamp, and +threw it into the fireplace. I watched the paper till it was entirely +consumed, and then scattered and ground up with my foot the tinder +which was left. Having thus prevented the check from doing any mischief +in the future, I went to bed. + + + + +CHAPTER XIV. + +“THE OCCURRENCES OF YESTERDAY.” + + +The next morning, at eight o’clock, my father and I crossed the lake to +perform our daily duties on board of the steamer, which arrived from +Hitaca at half past eight. I could not help thinking of the stirring +events of the previous day, and I was anxious to learn whether the +colonel had suffered any serious injury in consequence of his bath, and +more especially in consequence of the inordinate quantity of brandy he +had drank. While I was waiting for the arrival of the Ucayga, Waddie +came down the wharf, and, as he walked with a brisk step directly +towards me, I had no doubt his mission there was with me. + +“How are you this morning, Wolf?” said he. + +“All right. How is it with you, after the disaster of yesterday?” I +inquired. + +“I’m all right, except my shoulder, which don’t feel quite so well +to-day. My mother thinks I took a little cold in it.” + +“How is your sister? I hope she don’t suffer any on account of her +bath.” + +“O, no! She is as bright as a dollar this morning. By the great horn +spoon, it was a close shave she made of it! Tom Walton may say what he +pleases, but I believe, if Tommy Toppleton hadn’t swam after her, she +would have been drowned, for she says she was sinking when he got hold +of her.” + +“You must have a safer boat, Waddie, if your sister is going to sail +with you,” I added. “I didn’t quite like the looks of the craft the +other day, when I saw her.” + +“The Raven is safe enough. She may be a little crank, but she can +outsail anything on the lake. It wasn’t her fault that she upset +yesterday. Any boat would have gone over treated as she was;” and he +proceeded to explain the circumstances implicating Nick Van Wolter, +which have already been stated. + +“Now, what was the matter with my father yesterday, Wolf?” asked +Waddie; but he looked so good-natured about it that I was sure he did +not suspect the mortifying truth. “You went up to Grass Springs with +him, in search of our party.” + +“I did. Your father suspected that you and Grace, and Tommy and Miss +Wimpleton, were becoming too well acquainted.” + +“Grace and I!” laughed Waddie, opening his eyes. “You can tell him from +me that there isn’t a particle of truth in that.” + +His earnest declaration removed the last doubt that disturbed me. + +“I don’t know where he obtained his information, if he did obtain any, +but he was very much incensed against you.” + +“Perhaps there will be a regular breeze one of these days, for I think +myself that Tommy and Minnie like each other pretty well,” added +Waddie, lightly. “That’s their business, not mine. Of course, I don’t +mean to say that anything will come of it; but I shouldn’t be surprised +if it did amount to something.” + +“Have you seen your father this morning?” I inquired, with more +interest than I was willing to manifest. + +“No; he had not got up when I left the house. I expect he will talk to +me very seriously about yesterday; but I shall only answer for myself.” + +“There is not much to say,” I replied. + +“When he gets at the fact, as I understand it, I’m afraid poor Minnie +will have to take it; but we won’t borrow any trouble. I must go to +school now. Of course you won’t tell him what I say about Tom and +Minnie.” + +“Certainly not.” + +He left me. I wanted to ask him several questions in relation to his +father; but I was fearful of exposing the colonel, or awakening the +curiosity of the son. It was plain enough that he had no idea of what a +debauch his father had been on the day before. Those who had heard of +the great man’s narrow escape on the railroad were considerate enough +not to mention it in Waddie’s presence. I had not time to call upon the +colonel, even if it had been proper for me to do so, at this early hour +in the morning. The Ucayga was coming in sight from behind the Gulfport +Point. + +“Captain Penniman, Colonel Wimpleton told me to deliver this note to +you before you left,” said the magnate’s man servant, handing me the +epistle. + +I took it, and saw that it was directed in the well-known handwriting +of the colonel. He seldom wrote notes to me, and this one, after the +events which had transpired the day before, excited my curiosity and +interest. I tore open the envelope, and, as I read its contents, my +heart rose into my throat. Before I had finished it, I made up my mind +that if I had ever supposed I understood the character of Colonel +Wimpleton, I was entirely mistaken. The letter was as follows:-- + + “WOLF PENNIMAN: After the occurrences of yesterday, I can no longer + retain you in my employ as the master of the steamboat. It is not + necessary to explain any further than to say that I feel compelled to + discharge you from your place. You need not trouble yourself to call + upon me, for I shall not see you; and henceforward you will regard me + as a stranger, as I shall regard you. + + “Your father may still retain his place as engineer. He is a + faithful man, and I hope he will remain where he is. + + “If you have that high sense of honor for which people give you + credit, you will still regard what passed between us yesterday as + confidential, especially after the consideration I gave you, and + which, I will add, shall not be dishonored. + + WIMPLETON.” + +I will not say I was stunned or overwhelmed by the contents of this +letter; but I was astounded. It was incomprehensible to me. I could +not understand it. I had left the colonel just before midnight, and +we were then apparently on as good terms as ever. He had expressed no +dissatisfaction at anything I had done. I read the note a second and a +third time; but it still afforded me no intimation of what wicked thing +I had done to deserve such harsh treatment. + +“What have you there, Wolf?” asked my father, who stood near me. + +“A letter from Colonel Wimpleton,” I replied, handing it to him. + +He read it, and was more astounded even than I had been. I had been +regarded as a necessity to the magnate of Centreport; but now I was +discharged without a word of explanation, with the assurance beforehand +that he would not even see me. + +“Why, what does this mean, Wolf?” demanded my father; and I think I +never saw him look more anxious and disturbed in my life. + +“You know as much about it as I do, father,” I replied. + +“No, I don’t. I can’t tell what he means by the occurrences of +yesterday.” + +“They had nothing whatever to do with the steamer.” + +“Wolf, there is some terrible secret under this.” + +“Indeed there is not, father,” I protested. “I have done nothing which +I should be ashamed to have published in the newspapers.” + +“I don’t say that you have,” answered my father, as the Ucayga came up +to the wharf, and made fast. “I must know more about this.” + +“There are certain occurrences which I cannot mention to any one; but I +think of nothing to explain this note. When I left Colonel Wimpleton’s +house, at nearly midnight, we were as good friends as ever. I have no +idea why I am discharged.” + +“I’m not satisfied, Wolf.” + +“Neither am I; but the colonel informs me that he will give no +explanation, and I suppose I may as well make the best of it.” + +“I want to talk with you. Can’t you go down to Ucayga in the boat?” + +“I have no objection, if the colonel has not.” + +I saw the same servant who had delivered the note to me hasten on board +the Ucayga as soon as the plank was laid down. He had a letter in his +hand, which I saw him give to Van Wolter. As soon as the passengers +landed I went on board of the boat. The first person I met was the mate. + +“What’s going on, Captain Penniman?” said he, in high excitement. + +“I only know that I am dismissed,” I answered. + +“Read that,” he added, handing me his letter. + +It simply informed him that he was appointed captain of the steamer, +at the same salary I had received, and that he would enter upon the +discharge of his duties immediately. + +“What’s the trouble, Captain Penniman?” asked he, as I returned the +letter. + +“I haven’t the least idea, Captain Van Wolter,” I replied; and by this +time I had fully recovered my self-possession. + +“This is all new to me. I never asked to be appointed captain of this +boat, and never expected the place,” he continued. + +“I am satisfied you did not. I congratulate you upon your promotion, +with all my heart; and I hope you will retain the place longer than I +did.” + +“I thank you, captain; but I don’t feel just right about it,” said +he; and really he did not seem to be half so much elated at his good +fortune as I should have been. “You have always been a good friend of +mine, and I don’t exactly like to step into your boots in this manner.” + +“Don’t be at all concerned about that. The colonel has his whims, and I +suppose he can afford to have them, whoever suffers thereby. Take the +place, and do your duty in the future, as you have in the past.” + +“You are very kind, Captain Penniman. Of course I should like the +place; but I don’t wish to have you shoved out of it. I am tempted to +decline it.” + +“Don’t do that.” + +“I’m not sure that I can take the boat through the Horse Shoe Channel. +You know I never tried it. Yesterday afternoon I went around the South +Shoe, and came within half a minute of losing the trains.” + +“I will go down with you on this trip, and give you the bearings,” I +replied. + +“You are a Christian, Wolf, if there ever was one. It is time to be +off, and we will talk over the matter on the way down.” + +While he was starting the boat I went into the state-room,--no longer +mine,--and seated myself to think over the mighty event of the hour. +Why had the colonel discharged me? I had told him the plain truth in +regard to his condition. I had spoken to him as directly as Nathan did +to David when he said, “Thou art the man.” I had declared to him, in +so many words, that he was drunk. Perhaps the remembrance of my plain +speech was too humiliating when he was sober. It was possible that +he thought I was assuming too much. As I recalled his words and his +actions, his efforts to disguise his condition, and his ridiculous +attempt to purchase my silence, I concluded that I had solved the +problem. + +No doubt the colonel was ashamed of himself, and he could not endure +the reflection that any human being, and especially one whom he +regarded as his dependant, had dared to tell him he was intoxicated. +The note indicated wounded pride in its tone. I was willing to +accept this explanation, for I could think of no other. The colonel +was certainly considerate towards my father; and this favor, with +the check, which he took pains to say would not be dishonored, was +doubtless deemed sufficient to conciliate me, and keep me from exposing +the secrets of the chamber at the hotel in Grass Springs. The note +was mild in its terms; and perhaps the writer thought that, with +ten thousand dollars in my pocket, I should not take a place on the +railroad line. + +While I was thinking of the matter, my father, who had asked Christy +Holgate to take charge of the engine on his down trip, came into the +room, and seated himself before me. He was very much agitated; and the +fact that he had not been discharged did not close his eyes to the vast +injustice which had been done to me. He wanted the matter settled at +once, and he would not run the engine another day if I could not have +fair play. I begged him to keep cool, and he began to question me very +sharply in regard to the “occurrences of yesterday.” + + + + +CHAPTER XV. + +A TEMPTING OFFER. + + +“Wolf, there is a story in circulation that Colonel Wimpleton was very +much intoxicated yesterday,” said my father, as he seated himself in +the state-room. “I heard two passengers speaking of it on the main +deck, just now. Is this one of the occurrences of yesterday?” + +“Probably Colonel Wimpleton does not so regard it,” I replied. + +“They say he fell off the train, and came very near being killed.” + +“That is not true. He got out of the car when the train stopped to +avoid killing a cow. It started before he could get on. When I missed +him, I induced the conductor to go back, for I was afraid he had been +hurt. He was on the track, and came very near being run over; but he +did not fall off. We put on the brakes hard, or he might have been +killed,” I added, stating the case as mildly as possible. + +“If he don’t brake up there will an end of him,” said my father, +shaking his head. “They say he drinks very hard.” + +“I think there is no doubt about that.” + +“You picked him up, I suppose,” continued my father. + +“I assisted in doing it. Of course all this was known to the people on +the train.” + +“It’s no secret, for the passengers on board are spreading it as fast +as they can. But what else happened yesterday?” + +“Colonel Wimpleton regards these matters as confidential, and I do +not consider myself at liberty to speak of them. I can only say I did +nothing to compromise myself, and, except getting intoxicated, I don’t +know that the colonel did. There is really no secret to be revealed; +and I don’t think the colonel wishes to conceal anything, except the +fact that he was intoxicated.” + +“But everybody knows that.” + +“Everybody but the tippler himself,” I added. “He thinks no one has +any idea that he drinks more than he can carry.” + +“You took care of him while he was in this state.” + +“I did what I could for him.” + +“And he discharges you for this!” exclaimed my father, compressing his +lips, as if to suppress his indignation. + +“Colonel Wimpleton occupies a high position. He is a very proud man. As +I understand the matter, he does not want any one in his employ who has +witnessed his degradation and humiliation. That is all I can make of +it. As I said before, I have no idea of the reason why I am discharged.” + +“It’s very singular,” added my father, with a puzzled expression. + +We continued to discuss the subject, with no better results, till I was +called to pilot the boat through the Horse Shoe Channel. I gave all +the bearings to Captain Van Wolter, but he declared it was the most +difficult piece of navigation he knew of, and he did not believe his +nerves would ever let him do it. I regarded it as a very easy matter, +because I had learned every foot of the bottom in my small boat. After +the Ucayga passed into the open lake again, Van Wolter came into the +state-room, where my father still remained. We again debated the knotty +problem, and the new captain was fair and square in his position. If my +father had any suspicion that he had used underhand means to obtain the +place, I had none. + +When the Ucayga returned to Centreport, all of us had become tolerably +reconciled to the new order of things. I advised my father to attend +to his duty as usual, and say nothing about me. Hard as it was for +him, he consented, and I went on shore, taking with me all my effects, +and bidding good by to my associates. My occupation was gone; but it +was not generally known yet that I had been superseded. I was not +disposed to make any sensation; so I took my skiff and pulled over to +Middleport. I went home, and had a three hours’ talk with my mother +upon “the occurrences of yesterday,” so far as I felt justified in +alluding to them. Then I went out into the garden, which my father and +I were planting in our leisure hours. + +I had plenty of time for reflection. I was out of employment now; +but I had saved my wages, and did not feel much concerned about the +future, though I had no idea of remaining long without work. Captain +Portman, who had come after me the year before to serve as skipper of +his yacht, might still wish to employ me in that capacity. Very likely +Major Toppleton would give me a position as soon as he learned that his +great rival had dismissed me. The Belle was still my property; but I +could not think of depriving my good friend Tom Walton of the excellent +business he was doing in her. He paid me a very handsome income on my +investment in the boat. While I was thus meditating upon the past and +the future, I saw Waddie Wimpleton coming up the walk towards me. He +had heard the news. + +“Wolf, I shall not stand this. By the great horn spoon, I shall not,” +said he, in excited tones, as he grasped my dirty hand, with which I +had been dropping potatoes. + +“What’s the matter, Waddie?” I asked, pleasantly and coolly. + +“I am the president of the Steamboat Company, and until I discharge +you, you are not discharged.” + +“I am willing to waive the forms.” + +“I don’t care for the forms. You are still captain of the steamer.” + +“Have you seen your father?” + +“I have; he is not very well to-day.” + +I did not see how he could be very well after the debauch of the day +before. + +“What does he say?” I asked. + +“He will not say anything that satisfies me. He don’t want you any +longer, and he says you are entirely satisfied with what he has done. +Is that so?” + +“I can’t say that it is. I do not understand why I am discharged. Here +is your father’s note to me,” I added, handing him the letter. + +He read it, and looked even more puzzled than before. + +“Well, what does all this mean? ‘Occurrences of yesterday,’ +‘confidential,’ ‘consideration,’” he added, glancing over the note a +second time. + +“So far as there was anything confidential between your father and me, +it must remain so.” + +“Of course,” said Waddie. “I don’t mean to pry into anything that does +not concern me.” + +“Now, Waddie, I am going to submit to the action of your father, and I +wish you to do the same.” + +“I can’t do it,” protested he. “It is mean to discharge you in this +manner.” + +“Not as your father understands it,” I replied, thinking of the ten +thousand dollars he had given me, perhaps intended, at the time it was +given, to compensate me for being discharged. + +“If I am not to be allowed to know the facts, of course I can’t judge +whether it is mean or not.” + +“I advise you not to mention the matter to any one. There is something +unpleasant about the occurrences of yesterday, and the more you stir +the subject, the more unpleasant it will become.” + +Waddie looked at me, and a certain sadness which overspread his face +assured me that he was not ignorant of his father’s infirmity. He was +not disposed to talk with me about it, or to acknowledge the terrible +truth. + +“Wolf, we all have a theory to explain everything; and I have mine,” +said he, after a long pause. “I am afraid you have got into this scrape +by what you did for our party yesterday. My father believes that +Tommy Toppleton is in love with Minnie, or I with Grace. He hates the +Toppletons as badly as ever, and I am afraid he would rather see us +dead than have a marriage between the two families.” + +“Does he say anything?” + +“Not a word; it isn’t his style. If he caught us together he would. He +spoke of going to Europe this morning for his health, and of taking +Minnie and me with him. He is thinking how he can separate us from +the Toppletons. From his taking you with him yesterday, he must have +supposed you knew what was going on.” + +“Why should he suppose so?” I asked. + +“I don’t know. Then you sent Nick Van Wolter to warn us to keep out of +the way.” + +“He could not have known that.” + +“Perhaps he did.” + +“How?” + +“I have about come to the conclusion that Nick is a snake.” + +“Do you think so?” I added, rather startled by the suggestion. + +“John says Nick did not leave my father till after one o’clock last +night; and I know he was in the library to-day.” + +“What makes you think Nick is a snake?” + +“I don’t like his actions. He is a regular swell, to begin with. I +am not sure of anything, but I can’t help thinking that Nick told my +father you sent him to warn us to keep out of his way. If he knew that +he would not look at you again as long as he lives.” + +“It may be so.” + +“I shall keep an eye on Nick, and find out, if possible, what is going +on between him and my father.” + +“I hope Nick is not playing foul,” I added, musing. + +“I shall follow your advice, Wolf, and keep still for a while; but I am +not going to let this thing rest as it is a great while. My father told +me to pay you your last week’s salary. Here is a check for the amount.” + +I took the check, for I had fairly earned the money. Waddie was +determined to know more, and only his fear of opening a tender subject +prevented him from taking a stand at once in my favor. He left me, +and I continued to plant potatoes till night. I had a feeling that +justice would be done me in the end, and that I could afford to wait. +I determined to keep quiet for a few days, and the result of this +decision was, that a great deal of work was done in our garden. But it +was soon known that I had been discharged, or had voluntarily retired, +from the command of the steamer. Many of my friends came to see me. Tom +Walton was ready to give up the Belle; but I told him I was satisfied +with the present arrangement, and would sell him the boat for whatever +she would bring at auction. Tommy Toppleton, at the suggestion of his +father, offered me the position of agent of the Lake Shore Railroad and +Steamboat Line, at the same salary I had been receiving in the Ucayga. + +This was a tempting offer; but I felt that I could do nothing for the +line, and I reserved my answer for a future time. I could not suggest +any plan which would enable the line to compete with the steamer, and +I did not wish to increase the ill feeling between the two great men. +I told Waddie of the offer made me, and he was reasonable enough to +think I ought to accept it. After his father had discharged me, he +had no further claims upon me. I asked him to mention the subject to +his father as a “feeler,” and he promised to do so. Colonel Wimpleton +believed he had given me ten thousand dollars, and probably regarded +this sum as a retainer against the enemy, if nothing more. + +A few days after my dismissal, I went over to Centreport to draw the +check given me for my last week’s pay. As I walked up from the wharf, I +met Colonel Wimpleton in his buggy. He glanced at me, and then looked +the other way, true to his promise to treat me as a stranger. I obeyed +his injunction, and did not presume to bow or otherwise recognize him. +I met Nick Van Wolter, who only nodded to me, and hurried on as though +he did not wish to speak with me. I could not help thinking of what +Waddie had said of him, and his impression of Nick’s double dealing +seemed to be confirmed by his present conduct. + +I walked up the hill towards the Institute, for I wished very much to +see Waddie, and learn what his father had said about my taking the +agency of the Lake Shore Line. + + + + +CHAPTER XVI. + +THE UCAYGA IN TROUBLE. + + +It was nearly noon when I reached the Institute grounds, and, as the +forenoon session would soon be over, I waited for Waddie to come out. +I could not help smiling, as I recalled the stiff look of the colonel +when I met him. But I was pleased to see that he appeared better than +usual. His face was not so red, and it was easy to believe that he had +tippled in moderation, if at all, since our visit to Grass Springs. +Waddie joined me when the bell rang, and put an end to my moral +reflections. We walked together into the grove to get away from the +rest of the students. + +“What did your father say, Waddie?” I asked, opening the subject which +was uppermost in my thought. + +“He is rather non-committal,” replied my friend. “He says it is for you +to do as you think proper.” + +“Did he make no objection?” + +“He said, if you could accept any position on the Lake Shore Line after +what had passed between you, he should have nothing to say.” + +By “what had passed between us” I judged that he meant the check for +ten thousand dollars; but, if he had made the inquiry at the bank, he +must have known that the check had not been presented for payment. + +“Was that all?” + +“Every word. He didn’t want to say anything; and I dragged this out of +him.” + +“That is not very satisfactory,” I replied. + +“You are a queer fellow, Wolf!” laughed Waddie, stepping back a +couple of paces. “After my father has discharged you, without any +explanation, and told you to regard him as a stranger, you want to ask +his permission to accept another situation.” + +“I don’t ask his permission. I only want to know what he thinks of it. +I don’t wish to stir up the old rivalry again. If I can quietly take +the place offered me, I should like to do so.” + +“Take it, Wolf, and ask no more questions,” said he, as we walked +towards the town. + +I was far from satisfied. I could not mention the check the colonel +had given me, and which I had destroyed; but this was the key to the +whole matter between the magnate and myself. It was necessary for him +to know that I had destroyed the check, and the reasons why I had done +so. If I wrote to him to this effect, I had no doubt that he would +send me another check for the same sum; for nothing could be more +offensive to him than for me to say he had drawn the check when he was +not in condition to do business. If it had been for a hundred thousand +dollars, he would have insisted on paying the money, rather than admit +the mortifying truth. If he insisted on compensating me with this large +sum for my discharge, why should I refuse to take it? I was poor and +proud. The money looked like “hush-money,” and I was afraid it would +burn my fingers. + +I decided to write to the colonel a true statement in regard to the +check, without alluding to any other subject. If he sent me another, I +would return it, with the assurance that whatever had been confidential +between us would remain so, but my silence could not be purchased. I +was not the magnate of Centreport, or of Middleport; but, so far as +anything which looked dishonorable or belittling was concerned, I was +as proud as either of them. Having reached a conclusion which was quite +satisfactory to me, I parted with Waddie, and walked towards the bank. + +It is said that the evil one is always near when you speak of him; but +it is more true that the angels are near when you think of them. As +I walked along I met Captain Portman, of whom I had thought several +times while at work in the garden, and whom I intended to visit if my +involuntary vacation was prolonged. He invited me to dine with him +at the hotel, and we were on our way thither, when Waddie Wimpleton, +driving one of his father’s horses, drew up in the street beside us. + +“I want you, Wolf,” said he, in excited tones. + +“What’s the matter?” I inquired. + +“Jump in, and I will tell you,” he replied, impatiently. + +“I have just accepted an invitation to dine with Captain Portman,” I +added. + +“Perhaps he will be kind enough to excuse you to-day.” + +“Certainly, if you desire,” said my friend, in a low tone. + +“I will return, if possible,” I answered, as I jumped into the buggy +with Waddie. + +I was satisfied that something important had happened, and I was +curious to know what it was. + +“The Ucayga is aground in the Horse Shoe Channel!” said Waddie, as he +started. + +“Indeed! I am very sorry to hear it,” I replied; and my first thought +was of Van Wolter, who had all my sympathy in his misfortune. + +“It’s so. She went on this morning, at a little after nine, and they +have been at work ever since, trying to get her off.” + +“I am sorry for the captain.” + +“He will kill the line in a month,” replied Waddie, fretfully, “He +missed his connection yesterday, and now the boat is aground.” + +“Van Wolter is a first-rate man.” + +“He’s a first-rate man, but he isn’t fit for captain.” + +“I don’t know about that. The Horse Shoe Channel is all that troubles +him.” + +“Well, he must go through there in order to be on time. He lost the +trains yesterday by going round the South Shoe.” + +“But where are you going?” I inquired, for Waddie had turned his horse, +and was driving furiously towards the steamboat wharf. + +“I want you to go up and get her off.” + +“Me!” I exclaimed. “I don’t know that I can get her off.” + +“I know you can,” added Waddie, confidently. “She will stay there till +doomsday if you don’t get her off.” + +“O, come, Waddie, you are rather extravagant in your ideas,” I +protested. “If Captain Van Wolter cannot get her off, I shall not be +likely to succeed any better.” + +“You can get her off, if you will. Everybody says you can. The +passengers are still on board, as mad as maniacs at the detention. They +say they will never go in the Ucayga again till you are restored.” + +“You are making it rather strong, Waddie.” + +“I’m not! By the great horn spoon, I’m only telling you just what the +messenger that came down for assistance says. They are firing up the +old tow-boat, and you must go down with me in her.” + +“I am willing to go, so far as I am concerned, though it is rather +embarrassing to have so much expected of a fellow as you require of me. +What does your father say?” + +“I haven’t seen him. He has gone down to Gulfport, I believe. I was +unanimously elected president of the Steamboat Company, and I am going +to get her out of the scrape without waiting the return of my father,” +continued Waddie, earnestly. + +“I am not willing to go down without his knowledge and consent, +especially if there is any dissatisfaction among the passengers. Your +father might say I went down to make trouble. If he wishes me to go, I +will.” + +“But he is not here.” + +“He will be back, perhaps, before the tow-boat is ready to start. She +can’t get off under an hour.” + +“Very well; I will see him.” + +“In the mean time, I will go over to Middleport. I will return by half +past two.” + +Reluctantly he consented to my plan; and I borrowed the Raven of him, +in which to cross the lake. I was willing to believe, with Waddie, that +the steamboat line would be ruined in a short time if these accidents +were repeated. I was sorry for poor Van Wolter, and I could not imagine +how he had contrived to get aground. It did not seem to me I could have +done so if I had tried. I was going over to Middleport for a purpose. +The tow-boat on which they were getting up steam was a wheezy old +thing, and I was confident she could do nothing to help the Ucayga out +of her trouble, even if they had anybody on board who knew the channel +well enough to get her through the passage to the place where the +Ucayga lay. + +The Horse Shoe Channel had never been used by steamers till I took the +Ucayga through it. There was not a pilot on the lake who was familiar +with its bearings except Van Wolter and myself. As the unfortunate boat +had taken the ground in going down the lake, and at the point where +the channel bends between the Horse Shoe and the North Shoe, it was +necessary to approach her in the same way, for she could only be hauled +off the shoal in the opposite direction from that she had gone upon it. + +I crossed the lake, and hastened to the house of Major Toppleton. +I saw Tommy first, and told him the news. A year before he would +have rejoiced at it; now he was apparently sorry. I told him that +the accident afforded a splendid opportunity for his father to do +a magnanimous deed. He listened to me with deep interest, while I +proposed that the Ruoara, the railroad boat which arrived from Hitaca +at half past two, should go down to the assistance of the Ucayga. It +would be returning “good for evil;” it would be an illustration of +the divine precept, “Love your enemies.” Tommy was delighted with the +suggestion, but he was doubtful whether his father would consent to it. +We went together to see him. He laughed at us at first; but we argued +the case very earnestly, and were assisted by Mrs. Toppleton and Grace. +We carried the point at last, and he wrote an order placing the boat at +my disposal for three hours, for she must return in season to take the +passengers up the lake. It was nearly two when I embarked in the Raven +to cross back to Centreport. Waddie was on the wharf, very nervous, +when I arrived. + +“I have seen my father,” said he, as soon as I came within hailing +distance of him. + +“What does he say?” I asked, as I came up to the wharf. + +“He would not say anything about you, but he told me I might get the +boat off the best way I could; and I am going to have you do it.” + +“I am satisfied with this arrangement,” I answered, and proceeded +to explain the provision I had made on the other side to meet the +emergency. + +The tow-boat was all ready, and Waddie was impatient to be off. I told +him to send her along, and we should overtake her before she reached +the channel. We crossed at once to Middleport in the Raven, for the +Ruoara was coming, a little ahead of her time. The order was delivered +to the captain, and in a short time the boat was headed down the lake. +From the statement of Waddie I knew just where the Ucayga lay. Van +Wolter had hugged the shore a little too closely in going round the +bend of the channel, and had run his bow into the sand. I used all my +time in studying the situation, and the means to be used for getting +the boat off, and I was reasonably confident that I should be able +to realize Waddie’s high hope of my ability. + +[Illustration: THE UCAYGA IN TROUBLE.] + +When we passed the tow-boat, I told Waddie to send her round the +Horse Shoe, and let her come up the channel from the north, because +her captain could not take her through the narrow passage. I took +the wheel of the Ruoara, and backed her through the channel myself, +stopping her wheels just astern of the grounded steamer. I then took a +jolly-boat, with a couple of deck hands to row, and hastened to examine +the position of the steamer. Waddie went with me, because he was too +nervous to remain idle while anything was going on. + +The position of the Ucayga had been correctly described to me. She had +run her bow upon the sands which bordered the sides of the channel, and +was listed over on the port side. As my boat pulled towards her bow, +the crowd of passengers on board of her rushed forward to see what was +to be done. + +“Three cheers for Captain Wolf Penniman!” shouted some one on the +deck; and the cheers were given with a will that confounded me; for, +as I have said twenty times before, I am a modest man, and applause +embarrasses me. + +I continued my survey of the position of the Ucayga, as though I did +not understand the cheers; but they were repeated, and I was obliged to +take off my cap and acknowledge the salute, which seemed to satisfy my +friends. I then went on board the steamer, to consult with Captain Van +Wolter. + + + + +CHAPTER XVII. + +AN ACT OF COURTESY. + + +“Captain Penniman, I have been tempted to jump overboard and drown +myself,” said Van Wolter, as he grasped my hand when I stepped on board +of the Ucayga. + +His face was the impersonation of abject misery, and I realized that he +was suffering intensely. + +“Don’t take it so hard, captain,” I replied, pressing his hand. +“Accidents do happen to the best of men.” + +“I am ruined!” groaned he. + +“Not at all! There is no ruin about it. How did it happen?” + +“I hardly know. I suppose I gave her a little too much helm, and she +got to swinging.” + +“Did you stop her wheels?” + +“Yes; but I had to hug the port side to keep her from swinging, and +then she ran on.” + +“She has gone on pretty hard, I see.” + +“Yes, she has; I have done everything I could to haul her off; but she +sticks tight.” + +“You had nothing to work with, and you could hardly expect to get her +off. But what have you done?” I inquired. + +“I have doubled up all the hawsers, and carried them ashore to that +tree on the Shooter. Then we heaved on the capstan, till the hawser +parted. But I have tied the parts together, and we were going to try +again just as you came.” + +“All right. That’s a good idea,” I added. + +“But I don’t see what you can do with that boat in the Horse Shoe +Channel. If you attempt to haul us off with her, you must keep her in +the deep water, and that will only pull us on the harder.” + +“I think we can manage that,” I replied, moving towards the +engine-room, where my father was in charge. + +The passengers crowded around me, and not a few of them were unkind +enough to say things which must have wounded the feelings of Van +Wolter. I found that my father had kept steam up, and I told him in +brief the plan upon which I intended to operate. I have said before +that I had always been a diligent student in scientific subjects, +especially in the department of mechanics and machinery. I am confident +now that I could never have taken the Ucayga through the narrow +and curving channel of the Horse Shoe without the information thus +obtained; and it was the want of this scientific knowledge which had +caused Van Wolter to run the boat on the shore. He knew the channel, +and had the bearings, but he had made his blunder in handling the boat. + +“Now, captain, we will go to work,” said I. “Let your men bring that +hawser to the shaft.” + +He promptly followed my directions, without asking any questions. + +“Pass the rope under and over the shaft. Give it about three turns,” I +continued. + +“I see the idea,” replied Van Wolter; “but I am afraid the hawser will +part.” + +“You must not let it part. If it strains too hard, ease it off,” I +answered, giving him a fuller explanation of my plan. + +Having seen the hawser properly adjusted, I returned to the jolly-boat +at the bow. While I was engaged at the shaft, Waddie had been talking +with the passengers, and as he joined me, I heard him assure a group of +them that I should be restored to my former position. + +“You must not be too fast, Waddie,” said I, as the boat pulled towards +the tug, which had by this time arrived at the upper end of the channel. + +“I am not too fast.” + +“I think you are. You are very kind; but I am not sure that your +promises can be redeemed.” + +“If they cannot be, the Steamboat Line is ruined. The passengers say +they will never go in the Ucayga again while she is under her present +management; and I don’t blame them either,” added Waddie, warmly. + +“But I am not sure that your father will consent to any change.” + +“He must consent.” + +We boarded the tug-boat, which was plentifully supplied with hawsers +for towing canal-boats. I ran her under the starboard quarter of the +Ucayga, and carried off a stout rope, which was made fast to a big +cleat on deck. I pointed out a barn on the main shore, and directed the +captain to run for it when I gave him the signal. + +Taking one of the tow-boat’s heaviest hawsers into the boat, the end +of which had been made fast at the stern of the Ucayga, I carried it +to the Ruoara, where it was secured. By the several arrangements I had +made, four different forces were to act upon the grounded steamer--her +own paddles, the hawser on her shaft, made fast to the tree on the +Shooter, the line to the tow-boat, and the one to the Ruoara. The last +two, however, were to form a compound force. The tug-boat was to pull +at right angles with the keel of the Ucayga, while the Ruoara was to +act, at an acute angle, on the opposite side of the keel. The latter +line would haul her more on the sand, while the former would pull her +square off. The resultant of these two forces would carry her in the +direction opposite that in which she had run on the bank. The hawser +fastened to the tree, and the Ucayga’s wheels, would both act in the +same direction. + +Returning to the jolly-boat again, I took position near the grounded +steamer, where the captains of the three boats could see me. I had told +the mate of the Ruoara to steer for a point which would keep him in the +channel. At the word from me, all three steamers were to start their +wheels, the Ucayga back, and the other two forward. + +“Are you all ready?” I shouted. + +“All ready,” replied the captains, one after another. + +“Go ahead!” I called. + +I confess that my heart beat wildly as the wheels of the three steamers +began to turn. I had laid my plan very carefully, and a minute more was +to decide whether it was success or failure. The hawser to the tree +straightened, strained, and groaned, and the water splashed and rolled +behind the wheels of the boat. + +“She moves!” cried Captain Van Wolter; and I thought I could hear the +keel grate upon the sand. + +The moment the Ucayga felt the full force of the power exerted, she +slid off the bank and righted. The crowd of passengers on deck gave +three deafening cheers. + +“Stop her!” I shouted, at the top of my lungs, at the same time making +violent gestures to the three boats. + +The order was promptly obeyed. + +“Go ahead, Ucayga!” I continued, fearful that she would take the ground +on the other side of the channel. + +Van Wolter started the wheels, and checked her; but she lay obliquely +across the channel, where it was impossible to start her. + +“Cast off the hawser on the quarter!” I called to Van Wolter, as my +boat pulled under the Ucayga’s counter. “Go ahead, Ruoara!” I added, to +the captain of this boat. + +The Ruoara went ahead until I told her to stop, and the effect was +to haul the stern of the Ucayga round, so that she lay square in the +channel. After the hawser to the tree had been cast off, I went on +board of her, and hastening to my accustomed place in the wheel-house, +I started her ahead, taking the helm myself. As she had no headway on, +it was not necessary to hug the port side of the channel as closely as +usual--an apparent neglect which bothered Van Wolter. I explained to +him the reasons for my action, assuring him that the only difficulty in +going through the passage was in correctly providing for the swing of +the boat. + +“I shall never take her through there again,” said he. + +“You will soon get the hang of it,” I replied, as I rang to stop her. +“I will help you.” + +“Are you not going down with us?” + +“No; I must return to Centreport. You can go round the Horse Shoe on +your up trip,” I answered, as I hastened to the jolly-boat, which was +towing astern. + +The passengers greeted me very warmly, and said ever so many +complimentary things; but I did not want to hear any of them. I assured +them that they were in season for the afternoon trains; and Waddie +and I leaped into the boat, which pulled for the Ruoara. As we passed +the tug-boat, she was directed to return to Centreport. I piloted +the steamer in which I had come up out of the narrow passage, and we +arrived at Middleport in ample season for her to make her trip up the +lake. + +Major Toppleton and Tommy were on the wharf when we landed, and I +informed them of the success of the plan we had adopted. The father +seemed to be a little nervous; and I think he was really pleased with +what he had done, though his pride would not permit him to say so. + +“Do you think your father would do as much for me, Waddie, if one of my +boats got aground?” said he, after we had discussed the matter. + +“I am afraid not, sir; but I would,” replied Waddie. + +“Give my regards to your father, and tell him I am glad the Ucayga has +got off;” added the major, laughing, so that we could not tell whether +he was in jest or in earnest. + +“I will, with pleasure, sir,” answered Waddie, as the major left the +spot. + +“Does he mean it?” asked Waddie, after musing a moment. + +“I don’t know,” I replied. + +“Neither do I,” said Tommy; “but I have sometimes thought that, if +Colonel Wimpleton would meet him half way, he would be glad to heal up +all the old sores.” + +“Well, I must go home,” continued Waddie. “Good by.” + +“Hold on; I am going over with you,” I interposed. “I have your +father’s check, which I intended to draw, though I suppose the bank is +closed by this time.” + +“No matter if it is. You shall have your money, if they have to open +the bank for you.” + +I went over with him in the Raven, more because I wanted to hear what +people said on the other side than because I was anxious to get my +money that day. Colonel Wimpleton was on the wharf, talking with the +captain of the tug-boat, which had just arrived. He had heard the +result of the efforts to relieve the Ucayga by this time, and the +captain appeared to be giving him the details of the movement. He saw +me as we landed, but he took no notice of me. + +“Major Toppleton sends his regards to you, and says he is glad the +Ucayga has been got off,” said Waddie. + +“What!” exclaimed the magnate, his cheeks reddening. + +His son repeated the message, and I waited with intense interest to +observe the effect upon him. To my surprise, he did not go into a +passion, though I saw him frown,--perhaps from the force of habit. +For my own part, I could not see how the colonel, after this kind and +conciliatory act by his rival, could say or think any harsh thing. It +was true we, the young peacemakers, had rather extorted the courteous +deed from the major; but it had been done. + +“Did you pay for the use of the boat?” asked the colonel, after +frowning and pursing up his lips for a moment, as if to hide his +vexation. + +“No, sir; certainly not. It would have been little less than an insult +to offer to pay for what was done simply as an act of courtesy.” + +Colonel Wimpleton was evidently very much troubled; but, instead of +pursuing the matter any farther, he began to question the captain of +the tow-boat in regard to the event of the day. I did not consider +myself justified in listening to the conversation, and so I walked up +the wharf. Waddie followed me. + + + + +CHAPTER XVIII. + +THE MYSTERY OF THE CHECK. + + +“I will go with you to the bank, and see that you get your money, +Wolf,” said Waddie. + +“What does your father think about the boat?” + +“I don’t know. It is impossible to tell what he thinks about anything +of this kind. If he had known of it in season, he would not have +permitted us to ask the major for the use of the Ruoara. He would have +let the Ucayga rot in the sand before he would have done it.” + +“Major Toppleton stands first rate, just now,” I added. + +“He would make up, I think, if my father would.” + +We discussed the matter on our way to the bank, and both of us were +hopeful that some good would come out of the event of the day. The bank +was closed; but the cashier was in the room, at work upon his books +and papers. I handed him my check. Waddie requested him to pay it, and +then walked into another room. + +“I paid a pretty large check in your favor to-day, Captain Penniman,” +said he, with a smile, as he took the one I gave him. + +“In my favor!” I exclaimed, confounded by the statement, and rather +inclined to think he was quizzing me. + +“Yes; ten thousand dollars.” + +“You don’t mean so!” + +“Certainly I do,” answered the cashier, very good-naturedly, I thought, +considering that there was a suspicion of something wrong about the +matter. + +“I think you are joking, sir.” + +“Not at all. I am entirely serious,” he added, still smiling. + +I was not intimate enough with the bank officer to be on joking terms +with him; but the persistent smile he wore, after I had intimated that +I knew nothing about the check, seemed to indicate that he did not mean +what he said. I had destroyed the check which Colonel Wimpleton gave +me, and of course it was not possible that the cashier had paid it. I +was quite sure that I had burned the valuable paper, and even scattered +the tinder after it had been destroyed. + +“Am I to understand, sir, that you paid a check for ten thousand +dollars in my favor?” I demanded, rather warmly. + +“That is precisely what I did,” answered the cashier, squarely. + +“And to me?” + +“Certainly not to you in person.” + +“Who presented it?” + +“Van Wolter.” + +“What, the mate of the Ucayga--or rather the captain?” I continued, +beginning to be somewhat excited. + +“No; to his son--Nick Van Wolter,” replied the cashier, who obstinately +persisted in being calm, and in wearing a smiling face, notwithstanding +my conduct must have convinced him that something was wrong. + +“I can only say that somebody has been swindling you.” + +“O, no, I think not. Of course I should not pay such a large sum to +a young man like Nick Van Wolter without making sure that there was +no mistake. I took the check to Colonel Wimpleton, who told me it was +all right, ordered me to pay it, and say nothing about it to any one,” +replied the official, whose name was Barnes, with a very significant +smile. + +“It’s a fraud, sir!” I protested, vehemently. + +“Please don’t speak so loud. Waddie is in the directors’ room, and may +hear you. I understood, from what Colonel Wimpleton said, that this +affair was to be private between you and him.” + +“Private! But I tell you I sent no check, and I have not seen the +money,” I replied. + +“You need not be afraid of me, Captain Penniman. The secret is safe +with me. Nick said you sent him because you did not wish any one to +know that the colonel paid you so much money.” + +“I don’t understand you, sir. I have never spoken a word to Nick about +a check, much less sent him to cash one for me. I tell you there is +something wrong about this business.” + +“What’s the matter;” demanded Waddie, returning to the banking-room. +“Can’t you pay the check, Mr. Barnes?” + +“Certainly, Waddie; there is no trouble about that. We were speaking of +another matter,” answered the cashier. “Here is the evening paper.” + +Waddie took the paper, and returned to the directors’ room. + +“I do not see how there can be anything wrong about the business, when +Colonel Wimpleton declared that the check was good, and ordered me to +pay it.” + +“But I say, sir, so far as I am concerned, the business is all wrong. I +had nothing whatever to do with it, and don’t know anything about it.” + +“Let me ask you one question: Did or did not Colonel Wimpleton give you +a check for ten thousand dollars?” continued Mr. Barnes, who had begun +to be a little perplexed himself. + +“He did, but--” + +“Very well; and I paid it.” + +“No, sir; you did not. I burned the check, and took pains to scatter +even the ashes of it. I don’t understand it, sir.” + +“I don’t know that it makes any difference whether you understand it +or not. You acknowledge that the colonel gave you a check for ten +thousand dollars. I have paid one for that amount, in your favor, and +the colonel examined the check, and declared that it was all right.” + +“That may satisfy you, but it does not satisfy me,” I added. + +“It is plain enough, Captain Penniman, that your relations with our +friend the colonel are disturbed. He is as careful to conceal the +existence of this check as you are. It seems to me nothing more need +be said about it. The secret is safe in my keeping, for I do not even +enter your name on the books of the bank. The check is cancelled, and +will be returned to Colonel Wimpleton on the first of the month, when I +balance his account.” + +“Mr. Barnes, do you regard me as a liar?” I demanded, indignantly. + +“Certainly not.” + +“Then I say again, that I have sent no check to the bank, and I have +not received the money you paid.” + +“That is your lookout.” + +“Will you let me see the check?” + +“Of course.” + +He took the paper from a drawer, and handed it to me. There was no +doubt in my mind that it was a genuine check. The truth suddenly +flashed upon me. This was the first check which Colonel Wimpleton had +drawn at the hotel; the one which had disappeared, and for which I +had made such diligent search in and around the house. I came to the +conclusion at the time that the magnate had torn it up with the pledge +I had written, though I had been unable to find any of the pieces. + +“Do you understand it now?” asked the cashier. + +“I am beginning to have an idea,” I replied, returning to him the +cancelled check. “Where may I see you again this evening, sir?” + +“At my house,” he replied, indicating the locality of it. + +I was afraid to detain Waddie any longer, and unwilling to intrust him +with his father’s secret. We walked down to the wharf together, and +there I parted with him. He assured me that on the next morning I +should be called to the command of the Ucayga again. + +I got into my skiff; but I could not go home with the mystery of the +check unsolved; and I sat on the thwart, considering the circumstances +connected with it. I recalled all the events of my visit to Grass +Springs. I had left the check on the table with the paper I had +written. The colonel tore up the latter, and threw the pieces out the +window, while I was walking back and forth in the room. I then followed +him to the bar-room, where he had procured a glass of brandy. He wished +to go to the Horse Shoe, and insisted that I should accompany him. +Happening to think of the check, I returned to the room for it, but +could not find it. I told the colonel that it had disappeared, and I +went out doors to see if I could identify any of the pieces. While I +was looking for them I met Nick Van Wolter. When I returned to the +colonel, he had drawn up the second check. + +Nick was at the hotel while I was in the room with the drunken magnate. +He told me he had spoken with the landlord about my patient. Therefore +he had been in the house. It was possible, and subsequent events +rendered it probable, that he had gone into the colonel’s chamber while +we were at the bar. Seeing the check upon the table, he had taken it. +This was the only theory I could devise to explain the mystery. But +all this could, perhaps, be demonstrated, and I decided to see Nick +at once. I hastened to his father’s house. On my way I could not help +recalling Waddie’s strong saying, that Nick was a snake. + +I knocked at the door, and Mrs. Van Wolter answered the summons; but +she informed me that her son had gone up to Hitaca by the afternoon +boat. He expected to obtain a situation there as clerk in one of the +hotels, and had taken all his clothes with him. If I wanted him, she +would send for him. I left the house. If Nick had obtained ten thousand +dollars, he would not be likely to stay long in Centreport. I walked +excitedly to the house of the cashier; but he had not yet returned from +the bank, and I sought him there. + +“Well, captain, have you obtained any light?” he inquired, as I entered. + +“Yes, sir; I have. Nick Van Wolter is a thief and a swindler!” I +replied, warmly. + +“The loss comes on you, and not on the bank,” added the prudent man of +money. + +“It can hardly come on me, since I never had the money to lose, though +that makes but little difference. Something must be done.” + +“Have you seen Colonel Wimpleton?” + +“No, sir; I have not. As you suggested, our relations are disturbed,” I +replied. + +“He is at home this evening, and you certainly ought to inform him of +the facts in this case. But I cannot see how, if he gave you a check +for ten thousand dollars, and you destroyed it, that same check could +have been presented at the bank to-day for payment,” said Mr. Barnes, +with a significant smile. “It seems to me utterly impossible.” + +“It was not the same check. Colonel Wimpleton will understand that part +of the story, if you do not. I do not feel at liberty to explain it; he +may, if he pleases. I will write a note to him, if you will give me pen +and paper.” + +The cashier gave me a seat at his desk, and I wrote a full statement of +what I had done with the check he had given me, adding that Nick Van +Wolter had stolen the one paid that day. I told him I had no desire +to disobey his commands, and would not have done so under any other +circumstances. I concluded by saying that, if the money was to be used +at all, it belonged to me. I should consider that Nick had stolen it +from me, and I should have him arrested. I proposed to pursue him, in +the absence of any directions from the colonel. I should be at the bank +for half an hour, and would receive his answer there, if he wished to +make any reply. The cashier sent the letter by the porter to the house +of the magnate. + +“They say you are going to have the command of the steamer again, +Captain Penniman,” said Mr. Barnes, after the messenger had gone. + +“I don’t know about that; I don’t think so myself.” + +“Van Wolter don’t make out very well.” + +“He will do very well indeed, except in the Horse Shoe Channel. I think +he is a first-rate man, obliging and reliable. I am sorry his son is +not more like him.” + +“He is more like his mother than his father. There has been a great +deal of talk about Colonel Wimpleton lately,” added the cashier, +evidently intending to lead the conversation into that channel. + +Fortunately for me,--for I was not willing to be questioned in regard +to my relations with the great man,--the messenger returned very +soon, and delivered a note to me. Eagerly I opened it, and found only +a single line: “I will see you in my library immediately.” This was +entirely satisfactory, and I hastened to his house. + + + + +CHAPTER XIX. + +COLONEL WIMPLETON HUMILIATED. + + +Colonel Wimpleton was alone in his library when I reached the house. He +made a gesture towards a chair, but he was as stiff in his manner as he +had been when I met him that day in the street. Yet, in spite of this +display of dignity, I could see that he was troubled. He looked rather +pale, and the toddy-blossoms on his nose were in stronger contrast than +usual with the rest of his face. If I read him right, he was sorely +vexed and perplexed. + +“I received your note, Wolf,” said he, struggling, I thought, to +appear colder and stiffer than he really felt. “I am astonished at its +contents.” + +“I supposed you would be, sir,” I replied. + +“Am I to believe that you destroyed the check I gave you?” demanded he, +sternly. + +“That is the simple truth.” + +“Wolf, I have always believed you were honest, whatever else you may +have been; but this story is incredible.” + +“I grant that it looks very strange, but it is none the less true +because it is strange. You remember that you wrote two checks on the +day we were at the hotel in Grass Springs.” + +“Of course I remember it,” answered he, petulantly, as though he deemed +the question an intimation that he was not in condition at the time to +remember it. “I tore up the first one, by accident, with the paper you +wrote.” + +“Well, sir, I was not sure at the time that you did tear up the first +one. I am satisfied now that you did not. I could not find a single +piece of it.” + +“Humph! That may be.” + +“Nick Van Wolter was at the hotel that day. I met him in the street, +when I was looking for the pieces of the check.” + +“When you sent him over-- No matter about that,” said he, suddenly +checking himself. + +But he had said enough to assure me that Nick had told him something; +and I was now willing to believe that the fellow was really the snake +Waddie had declared he was. + +“I met him in the street,” I continued, without heeding the slip the +magnate had made. “He told me he had been into the hotel, and had seen +the landlord. I am confident he went into the room where we were, and +took the check.” + +“It don’t look probable.” + +“You wrote the check in a book you carried in your pocket,” I +proceeded, hoping I should be able to convince him of the truth of what +I said. + +“I did,” he replied, taking the check-book from his pocket. + +“When you had written it, you tore it out?” + +“Yes, in this place;” and he pointed out the leaf in his check-book, on +which he had made the marginal memorandum. “I tore the first check from +this margin, and here is the amount, and ‘Steamer,’ indicating for what +purpose it was paid.” + +“Where is the place from which you tore the second check?” I asked, +anxiously. + +“As the second was a duplicate, I wrote it at the end of the book, and +made no memorandum in the margin,” he replied, turning to one of the +last leaves in the volume. + +“Now, sir, I think you have the means of convincing yourself that it +was the first check, and not the second, which was paid at the bank +to-day,” I continued. “That margin, where you tore off the first check, +is rather rough and uneven. The edge of the check will correspond to +it.” + +“We will go to the bank, if Mr. Barnes is there,” said the colonel, +more interested than I supposed he would be. + +We walked to the bank, and the cashier handed him the check. The edge +where it had been torn off was very irregular, and the colonel adjusted +it against the margin. It exactly fitted, as I knew it would, and he +could not escape the conclusion that the first, and not the second +check had been used. I felt then that I had vindicated my veracity, +and I was satisfied. The magnate told the cashier that he had drawn +duplicate checks, and believed the first had been destroyed; that my +story was true, in short; but he wished nothing said. He then told me +to return to his house with him. + +“Wolf, I would rather give ten thousand dollars than have this +matter stirred up,” said the colonel, when we were again seated in +the library. “It has already given me a great deal of trouble and +uneasiness.” + +“But you do not intend to let Nick Van Wolter run away with ten +thousand dollars--do you?” I inquired. + +“Has he run away?” + +“Yes, sir; I have no doubt he has. His mother says he has gone to +Hitaca to take a situation in a hotel, and carried his clothes with +him; but I warrant he will not stay long in Hitaca.” + +“He is a scoundrel, then.” + +“Undoubtedly he is.” + +Colonel Wimpleton walked up and down the room in deep thought. I did +not know then what troubled him; but I learned the truth before morning. + +“What can be done?” he asked, pausing before me. + +“Pursue and arrest him.” + +The great man pursed up his lips, and did not seem to like the advice. + +“That would stir up the whole affair,” said he. + +“What affair, sir?” I asked. + +“He stole the check at Grass Springs. I should not like to listen to +the testimony which would be brought forward to prove that Nick was +there that day,” answered the colonel, with a sickly smile. + +“We need not arrest him, then. You can compel him to give up the +money,” I suggested. + +“Can we catch him?” + +“I don’t think he got away from Hitaca last night. The train south +leaves at twenty minutes past seven. When I ran the Ucayga, I hurried +her up so that we were in season for it; but she was late yesterday +afternoon, and I know she lost it.” + +“But he may have left by some other conveyance.” + +“There is no other, unless he took a private vehicle. If he did that, +we can easily trace him. But I think he will take the eleven o’clock +train, south, to-morrow forenoon. He will not expect any discovery at +once, and will not hurry himself. He knows very well that there is no +conveyance to Hitaca till to-morrow forenoon, and he will be a hundred +miles off before the next boat arrives there.” + +“How shall we get there? I don’t like to drive twenty-five miles in the +night. I am not very well,” replied the colonel. + +“We will go in the Belle if you please. You can take one of the berths, +and go to bed. There is a good breeze, and we shall be in Hitaca in +three or four hours.” + +“Very well; I will do so. Who goes with you?” + +“Tom Walton.” + +“Is it necessary that he should go with you?” + +“No, sir.” + +“I wish to talk with you about other matters,” he added, with an air of +embarrassment, “and do not wish for any listeners.” + +“I will be alone then, sir.” + +Fluttering with excitement, I left him, promising to be at the wharf +with the Belle in an hour. I crossed the lake, found Tom Walton, and +told him I wanted the boat till the next night. Fortunately she was +not engaged, though a gentleman had spoken about a cruise up the lake +in her. Tom went down, and put her in order for the trip, while I went +home to tell my father and mother where I was going. My father was +very curious to know what was going on; but I could only stop long +enough to tell him that I thought everything was coming around right +again. As the check was the key to all the other secrets between the +colonel and myself, I did not dare allude to it. + +Sailing the Belle across the lake, I found Colonel Wimpleton on the +wharf, muffled in his overcoat. Tom had lighted the cabin, and it was +all ready for the reception of my passenger; but he preferred a seat +with me in the standing-room. Shoving off, I headed the boat up the +lake, and she soon began to fly over the waves, under the influence +of the fresh north wind. Colonel Wimpleton was silent for a time. +Since I first met him, early in the evening, I had been impressed by +his altered manner. Something apparently weighed heavy upon his mind, +and he appeared to be struggling, with the pride of his character, to +conceal it. + +“Wolf, this is bad business,” said he, when the Belle was approaching +Gulfport. + +“Bad for Nick Van Wolter, sir,” I replied. + +“For me too,” he added, after a long pause. “I would not have this +matter stirred up for double the sum Nick has stolen. It is better for +me to give you another check, and let the scoundrel go.” + +“I have no claim upon you, sir, for such a sum. You are very generous, +and I ought to be the last one to impose upon your kindness.” + +“Why didn’t you draw the check, and not burn it?” + +“I did not think it was right for me to take so much money under the +circumstances. Pardon me, sir; I do not like to allude to the matter +again.” + +“If you had drawn the check the next day, there would have been no +trouble. If Nick had his check then, I don’t see why he did not collect +it.” + +“I haven’t been over to Centreport since the day I was dismissed, and +perhaps he thought it would not be safe to present it, unless he knew I +was in town. I met him when I first came over, and he drew the check as +soon as he had seen me.” + +“It is a pity you burned the check,” mused the magnate. + +I did not care to remind him of the unpleasant affair at Grass Springs, +and I kept still. + +“Wolf, tell me candidly why you burned that check,” said he, after a +silence of several minutes. + +“I did not think it was right for me to use it. If my father or mother +found it upon me, I could not tell how I came by it. I might lose it, +and some one else get the money,” I answered. + +“But why did you think it was not right for you to use it?” he inquired. + +“I do not like to explain.” + +“Do so; I will not be angry.” + +“Well, sir, I did not think you were in condition to do business; and +if it were known that I drew the check, people would think I had been +swindling you. It was partly for your sake and partly for my own that I +destroyed it.” + +“In my note to you the next day, I wrote that the check would be paid.” + +“I had already destroyed it then.” + +There was another long pause in the conversation, though two or three +times the colonel began to speak, and then checked himself. It was +plain to me that he was struggling to utter something at which his +pride revolted, and though I was very curious to know what was coming, +I deemed it prudent to keep still. + +“Wolf, I have been terribly humiliated,” said he, with a desperate +effort. “I have suffered intolerably since that affair at the +Springs. That one of my employés, a mere boy, should tell me I was +drunk,--_drunk_; that’s the word,--has made me miserable.” + +“I am sorry--” + +“Don’t apologize, Wolf,” he interposed. “It is not so much that you +said it, as because it was true.” + +He uttered the words with a long and heavy sigh; and really he was so +sad that I could not help pitying him. + +“I am sorry it was true; but--” + +“Hear me, Wolf. You have said to me what no other living being ever +said to me, or would have dared to say.” + +“I hope you will excuse me, sir. It was very bold in me to say it, even +if it was true.” + +“Wolf, I haven’t drank a drop since that night. I never will drink +another drop,” he continued, taking no notice of my apologies and +explanations. “To put it in the power of any one to look down upon me +is too humiliating. I have done it once. I never will do it again.” + +How far his conscience reproached him I had no means of knowing, for +he attributed his suffering wholly to mortified pride. He was silent +again, and I thought it would be impudence in me to commend his good +resolution; but certainly nothing ever afforded me more pleasure, for I +knew that his natural firmness, amounting to obstinacy, would keep him +true to his pledge. + + + + +CHAPTER XX. + +A NIGHT TRIP TO HITACA. + + +It seemed to me that pride had had a terrible fall in the person of +Colonel Wimpleton, though in the better sense it was pride’s conquest +over the low and degrading. + +“I will not sign any paper, Wolf; but I mean what I say,” said he, +apparently feeling better for the confession he had made. + +“I know you do, sir.” + +“I am aware, now, that three times on that day I was saved from injury +or death by others. First my horse ran away with me.” + +“Your horse?” + +“You shall know all, Wolf. I had drank so much in Ruoara, that I +dropped the reins in driving home. In trying to recover them, I +frightened the horse, and he ran with me. Nick stopped him. Then I +came very near being run over by the train, and drowned in the lake. +It was all because I had been drinking too much. It was time for me to +brake up.” + +That was the very expression my father had used in regard to him. It +is not every drunkard who has the power to “brake up” when he realizes +the peril of his condition. The colonel’s revelation had given me +a new light. He had seen Nick that forenoon. I asked him about it, +and he acknowledged that the snake had informed him in regard to the +“courting” at the Horse Shoe. I could not then understand Nick’s motive +for doing so, but I have since learned it. + +“Do you know why I discharged you, Wolf?” asked the colonel. + +“I supposed it was because you did not want one in your employ who had +seen you--as you were that day.” + +“Partly for that, but more because you were working against me.” + +“Against you, sir?” + +“Nick told me you sent him to the Horse Shoe to warn the party of my +approach.” + +“I did not wish to have Waddie and Miss Minnie see you as you were +then.” + +“You were right, Wolf; and I thank you for saving them that pain and +shame,” he added, warmly. “I had no idea of saying as much to you as +I have; and I should not if Nick’s rascality had not come to light. I +gave that villain five hundred dollars.” + +“What for?” I inquired, astonished at the acknowledgment. + +“For stopping my horse, for saving my life in the boat, and for--for +keeping my secret.” + +“What secret?” + +“That my horse ran away with me.” + +“He ought to have been satisfied with that, without trying to steal any +more,” I added, more disgusted than ever with the conduct of Nick. + +The snake must have put in at Green Cove on his return from the Horse +Shoe, and had stopped the colonel’s horse in the road near it. Here he +had told the great man the mischief that was in store for his daughter. +I could not fathom the motive of Nick in this mean act. But really I +did not trouble myself much about him. I was more interested in the +colonel himself. I was amazed at the freedom with which he talked to +me. It had evidently caused him a severe mental struggle to open the +subject; but, after he had broken the way, it seemed to afford him +great relief. He owned that he had suffered intensely since his late +debauch, and I concluded that his confession even to me, with its +accompanying resolution, eased his mind. + +Probably the effects of his intemperance wore heavily upon him +physically, and the sudden change in his habits tended to produce +depression. I had heard my father say that what is called an appetite +for intoxicating drinks has no relation whatever to the taste; but +when a person accustomed to drink liquor, moderately or otherwise, +discontinues its use, he suffers from a kind of aching void in +his physical frame, which nothing but the fiery fluid can supply. +The stimulus of life seems wanting, and the spirits are fearfully +depressed. This was doubtless the condition of Colonel Wimpleton. +Certainly it was something extraordinary which had produced this change +of his very nature. + +He told me my words, declaring that he was drunk, had been ringing in +his ears ever since they were uttered. He was not aware at the time +how intoxicated he was. It was when he came to think of it in his +sober moments, and in the solitude of his chamber, that he realized his +situation. He felt that he deserved the pity of his friends and the +contempt of his enemies. He shuddered when he thought of the future, +with the habit steadily increasing upon him. Even his social position +and great wealth could not save him and his family from the shame and +disgrace which cling to the sot. His pride, rather than his principle, +saved him. + +“Wolf, do you think people generally knew that I drank too much?” he +inquired. + +“I am sorry to say they did. It was common talk,” I replied, candidly. + +“I never suspected that any one knew it.” + +“On the very day that Nick stopped your horse, he said to me that you +were on a regular bat.” + +“A what?” + +“A regular bat; another would have said a spree.” + +“Is it possible I have sunk so low!” exclaimed he, with something like +a groan. “I alone have been blind.” + +“I heard another say if you did not brake up, you would go to ruin.” + +“I did brake up on the day after we went to the Springs. I feel better +to-night than I have since we parted after our return.” + +“Will you tell me, sir, why you gave me that check?” I ventured to ask. + +“Because I felt that I was in your power. You told me I was drunk, and +money makes friends.” + +“Did you intend to discharge me then?” + +“No; though I did not like the idea of having one in my employ who +could talk to me in that way. I did not decide to dismiss you till the +next morning, after Nick had told me you were working against me. I +took this as an excuse rather than a provocation. You may resume your +position as captain of the steamer to-morrow.” + +“I am very grateful to you, sir; but I do not like to displace Van +Wolter, after he has been appointed.” + +“But he is not fit for the place.” + +“As fit as any man on the lake. You cannot find a pilot who would take +the Ucayga through the Horse Shoe Channel.” + +“Perhaps you are right; but we will talk of that another time,” replied +the colonel. + +He was silent and thoughtful again. I permitted him to choose his own +topic; but, as one good resolution begets another, I hoped soon to +find him in a frame of mind which would allow me to introduce a matter +which was still near my heart. The magnate did not speak again for half +an hour. We were off Port Gunga, and I heard a clock on shore strike +twelve. I suggested to the colonel that he could sleep very comfortably +in the cabin of the Belle. + +“I do not care to sleep, Wolf,” he replied, still clinging to his +meditations. + +I did not venture to disturb him, and we were within five miles of +Hitaca when he spoke again. I was fearful that he regretted having said +so much, and was compensating for his freedom by his long-continued +silence. My fear was groundless, for when he spoke again I realized +that his thought had been progress. + +“Wolf!” said he, and paused. + +“Sir.” + +“I was never so astonished in my life as when I learned that Toppleton +had sent his steamer to the relief of the Ucayga,” he added. + +“It was only an act of courtesy,” I replied, my heart beating with +emotion; for this was the topic upon which I wished to talk with him. + +“Such acts of courtesy have not passed much between Toppleton and +myself of late years. Then he even had the audacity to send me a +message of congratulation on the safety of the boat.” + +“I have no doubt he was sincere.” + +Another long pause. + +“Twenty years ago, Toppleton was a good fellow, and we were the best of +friends,” he continued. + +“He has done a great deal for me; and, though he was sometimes unjust, +I always felt very grateful to him.” + +“I suppose I have been very unjust to you sometimes, too.” + +“I never had any claims upon you or Major Toppleton, and perhaps I am +not as competent to judge as a disinterested person would be.” + +“Toppleton has offered you a good place on the railroad.” + +“Yes, sir; a very good place,” I answered, warmly. + +“Would you rather be in his employ than mine?” + +“No, sir.” + +“If you would, I ought not to object.” + +“I would rather be in the employ of both of you,” I suggested. + +“That cannot very well be.” + +“I think it can, sir.” + +“How?” + +“Major Toppleton offers to appoint me agent for the Lake Shore +Railroad. If you will also appoint me agent of the steamboat, I shall +be in the employ of both.” + +“Agent for two rival lines!” exclaimed he. “That is absurd.” + +“Of course I mean that the two lines shall be united.” + +“You are at your old trick, Wolf,” replied the colonel; but there was +no bitterness in his tones. + +“I honestly think it would be best for both lines, and best for the +travelling public.” + +“But I don’t want Toppleton to think I am ready to go down on my knees +to him,” said the colonel, with a little of his old spite. + +“Why, sir, Major Toppleton has, by his act of courtesy yesterday, +opened the way for you to do a similar one. He has met you more than +half way without a word from you.” + +“I suppose I can be as courteous as he can. If one of his boats gets +into trouble, mine shall help her out; but I am not to be the first one +to propose a union of the two lines.” + +“But he has already proposed it.” + +“I will think of it, Wolf; but I do think we are in a better condition +to connect than ever before.” + +Not daring to push the matter too fast, I said no more. At about two in +the morning the Belle reached the wharf at Hitaca. We went to the hotel +where the colonel usually staid, and, calling up the landlord, took +rooms and retired. + +I was so weary that it was after eight when I waked. I went down, and +I found the colonel had not yet appeared. I called him, and after +breakfast we visited all the hotels, but obtained no tidings of Nick +Van Wolter. I had intended to get up soon enough to go on board the +Ucayga before she started, but I had overslept myself, and she had been +gone an hour and a half when I got out of bed. I blamed myself for my +neglect; but it could not be helped. However, there was no doubt that +Nick had come up in the steamer, and was somewhere in Hitaca. We could +only lie in wait for him at the railroad station. + +The railway from Hitaca has to overcome a very steep grade, and to +do this the train “beats” up the hills, first running ahead, then +switching off and backing a considerable distance, and then going ahead +again on its course, thus saving the grade in turning. It occurred +to me that Nick might go out to one of these switches, and enter the +cars when they stopped. Colonel Wimpleton was to take the train at the +station in town, while I went out in a wagon to the switches. I left my +team at the farther one, and walked back to the first on the track. My +calculation was correct. Nick had evidently heard of us in Hitaca, and +expected to dodge us in this way. I confronted him in the steep road +near the first switch, as the train was seen in the distance. + +Nick had a travelling bag in one hand, with a breech-loading rifle over +his shoulder. He turned pale when I stepped into his path. I told him +he must go back to Hitaca with me. Then he showed fight; and, not +liking the looks of his rifle, I sprang upon him, for I was in earnest. +He struggled desperately to escape me, and we had a hard tussle; but +I finally wrenched the weapon from him, and threw him on the ground. +Seizing him by the collar, I held him down till the train had passed. + +[Illustration: NICK VAN WOLTER RESISTS.] + + + + +CHAPTER XXI. + +WHAT HAPPENED IN THE ROAD. + + +As soon as the train had passed, and Nick’s chance to escape had eluded +him, I released my grasp, and permitted him to rise. + +“What do you mean by pitching into me in that way?” demanded Nick, +puffing with the violence of his struggles. + +“I have business with you,” I replied, as much out of wind as he was. + +I stood in the road, by the side of his travelling bag, resting upon +the rifle. I had arranged with Colonel Wimpleton to get out at the +second switch, and drive back the horse he would find near it, if I +did not join him. He was to understand by this that I had captured the +fugitive. + +“What do you want of me?” asked Nick, when he had recovered his breath +a little. + +“You know very well what I want.” + +“No, I don’t.” + +“You do.” + +“How should I know?” + +“Your conscience, if nothing else, will tell you.” + +“It don’t. I’m going to California.” + +“Not just yet, Nick. You will give up some of the money you have upon +you before you go to California, or anywhere else.” + +“What money?” said he, snappishly; but I saw that his lip quivered. + +“Ten thousand dollars that you stole from me,” I replied, impatiently. + +“I never knew you had so much money.” + +“You stole a check in my favor, for that sum, at the hotel in Grass +Springs.” + +“I didn’t take any check.” + +“It’s no use to lie about it, Nick. The whole thing has come out. If +you want to spend the next twenty years of your life in the state +prison, deny it. Colonel Wimpleton will be here in a few moments,” I +added, as I heard the rattle of the wagon. + +“Colonel Wimpleton!” exclaimed Nick. + +“Here he comes,” I continued, as the wagon began to descend the hill. +“If you try to get away from me, I may find it necessary to break your +head.” + +“You have him,” said the colonel, as he stopped the horse, and got out +of the wagon. + +I picked up Nick’s travelling bag, for I suspected that the money, or +some part of it, was in it. + +“Nick, we can make short work of this business,” said the colonel, +confronting my prisoner. “We haven’t brought any officers with us, but +we can obtain them when needed.” + +“What do you want of me, Colonel Wimpleton?” asked Nick. “You gave +me five hundred dollars for what I did for you, and I’m going to +California, to see if I can’t do something.” + +“You may go to California, but you must give up the ten thousand +dollars you stole first.” + +“I haven’t any ten thousand dollars.” + +“Yes, you have; you stole my check for that amount. It’s useless for +you to deny it.” + +“I didn’t expect this of you, Colonel Wimpleton,” added Nick, trying +to assume an air of injured innocence, in which, however, he was not +successful, for he hardly understood the phases of that quality. + +“Instead of sending an officer after you, Nick, I have come myself. You +must acknowledge that this was considerate.” + +“I saved your life, Colonel Wimpleton.” + +“If you did, that is no reason why you should steal ten thousand +dollars from me.” + +“Wolf says I took it from him.” + +“We will not quibble; it will come out of me in the end.” + +“If I have to go back to Centreport, I think there will be some talk +about you, Colonel Wimpleton.” + +“If you go back, it will only be on your way to the penitentiary. Will +you give up the money, or not?” + +“What! the five hundred you gave me for pulling you out of the lake?” +exclaimed Nick. + +“No; the ten thousand you stole.” + +“I haven’t it.” + +I grasped Nick by the collar, for I thought, from a movement he made, +that he intended to run for the woods. + +“We need not parley with him,” I added. “We had better search him at +once.” + +“Let me alone, Wolf!” cried Nick, beginning to struggle. + +Colonel Wimpleton came to my assistance, though I did not need his +help; for I was abundantly able to manage Nick, and we held him fast. +He made an effort to release himself; but finding it fruitless, he +began to be more reasonable. + +“If you will produce the money, all right; if you won’t, I shall search +you,” said the colonel. + +“You have no right to do that,” blubbered Nick, who was now able fully +to comprehend the situation. + +“I shall take the responsibility,” added the colonel. “Let me tell you +in the beginning, Nick, that I do not intend to prosecute you unless +you compel me to do so. You must give up the money you obtained by +fraud.” + +“I will, if you won’t send me to jail,” replied Nick. + +“I will not send you to jail. I have not forgotten what you did for me +a few days ago.” + +“I haven’t the money with me. I will send it to you to-morrow, if you +will let me go.” + +“I will not let you go. Were you going to California without your +money? Where is it?” + +“In my bag.” + +“Open your bag,” said the colonel. + +Finding that his only hope of escaping the penalty of his crime was by +giving up the money, he obeyed. Opening his bag, he took from a roll +of clothing a little package, carefully wrapped up in brown paper, and +gave it to Colonel Wimpleton. The latter opened the parcel, and found +that it really contained the bank notes, which he hastily counted. + +“The money is all here, Wolf,” said the colonel. “You may let him go +now.” + +I released him; but he was not disposed to go. + +“Are you really going to California, Nick?” I asked of him. + +“I was going there; but I haven’t money enough now to pay my fare out +and back, if I don’t find anything to do,” he replied, doggedly; and it +was plain that he was more disappointed than burdened with guilt at the +failure of his plans. + +“I will give you more, Nick,” said the colonel; “for I think my life is +worth more than five hundred dollars.” + +“I shouldn’t have used this check if you had done the handsome thing by +me,” added Nick, with an effrontery which moved me to indignation. + +“I will give you fifteen hundred dollars more,” said the colonel. + +“I can get along with that,” answered Nick. + +“But I want to ask you a few questions first. Why did you tell me that +Wolf was working against me?” + +“Because he was. He knew very well that you were after Waddie and the +rest of them, and he sent me over to the Horse Shoe to tell them to +clear out.” + +“Why did you tell Colonel Wimpleton that the party were together, and +that they were on better terms than they ought to be?” I inquired. + +“That’s my business; but, as I shall not be seen again in these parts, +I don’t mind telling,” said he, with a coarse grin. “Miss Minnie was +rather fond of me, and--” + +“You impudent rascal!” exclaimed the colonel. + +“O, it was so! She told me so herself. I was a little mad because Tommy +Toppleton was likely to cut me out.” + +“You may go now. I don’t want to see or hear any more of you,” replied +Colonel Wimpleton, disgusted with the fellow’s conceit. + +“Where can I go now? I have lost the train,” added Nick, as he glanced +at the wagon. + +“Go where you please; but don’t let me see you in these parts again,” +replied the great man, as he stepped into the vehicle. + +I took my seat at his side. The colonel opened the roll of bills which +Nick had restored to him, and gave him the sum he had promised. I +could not help thinking that it was a very handsome reward for a small +service. When this business was done, I took the reins, and drove back +to Hitaca. We arrived just in time for the colonel to take the railroad +boat, which started at quarter of twelve. After dinner, I obtained some +provisions for the Belle, and sailed for home. Unfortunately, the wind +was light from the north, where it had been on my voyage up the lake, +and from Port Gunga I was obliged to beat all the way down. It was nine +o’clock when I arrived at Middleport, and I went directly home. + +“What’s going on, Wolf?” asked my father. + +“Colonel Wimpleton and I have made it all up,” I replied. + +“I’m so glad!” exclaimed my mother. + +“He told me I might take command of the Ucayga again; but I don’t think +I shall. How did Van Wolter make out going down to-day?” + +“Lost the trains this morning; for he would not go through the Horse +Shoe Channel. He just saved them this afternoon. There is a great deal +of grumbling.” + +“I will go pilot in her to-morrow,” I added. + +“Why not captain?” + +“I’m really sorry for Van Wolter. He is a good, honest man, and I don’t +like to displace him. I hope a new arrangement will be made soon.” + +My father was curious to know what had passed between the colonel and +myself; but I told him I was not at liberty to inform him, and he was +reasonable enough not to require me to violate the confidence of the +magnate. I told him, however, that we were better friends than ever +before, and, what I regarded as the best news of all, that Colonel +Wimpleton had stopped drinking. + +For some reason or other, I felt happier that night than for years +before. I could not help believing that there was “a good time coming.” +Everything looked more hopeful to me than ever before. One thing +was very surprising to me. In the long talk I had had with Colonel +Wimpleton, he had not even alluded to the matter which had so excited +his indignation on the day we went to Grass Springs. Not a word had he +said about Tommy Toppleton and Miss Minnie, or about Waddie and Grace. +I had expected him to speak of this subject, and I feared it; for, as I +was not disposed to deceive him, it would have been a very embarrassing +topic to me. I was almost prepared to believe that he intended to +let the young people follow their own inclinations, if they had any +inclinations of this kind. + +At half past eight the next morning I was on the wharf when the Ucayga +arrived from up the lake. I saw John, the colonel’s man, hand Van +Wolter a note, as I went on board. He opened it, and read its contents. + +“I’m glad to see you, Wolf,” said he, as I presented myself. “I am +ordered to report to you as captain of the Ucayga again,” said Van +Wolter. + +“I have not received my appointment as captain,” I replied. “Of course +I cannot take the command without authority.” + +“Here it is.” + +“That is not directed to me. I want you to keep your place, Van Wolter, +for the present. I will be your pilot to-day; and, when I have seen +Colonel Wimpleton, I hope it will be all right with both of us.” + +He objected, but I prevailed upon him at last to pocket the note, and +retain his position. I took the Ucayga through the Horse Shoe Channel +on that trip, and she was on time. When I returned at noon, Colonel +Wimpleton came on board, and gave me a very pleasant greeting. + +“What does Van Wolter say about his boy?” he asked. + +“Not a word. Of course he does not know anything about the affair of +yesterday.” + +“You can tell him that Nick has gone to California, if you believe he +has gone there.” + +“I do not believe it. I think we had better say nothing about him. +Probably he will come back when he has spent his money.” + +“Well, what does Van Wolter say about losing his place as captain?” + +“I don’t think he has lost it yet. I have not been appointed.” + +“I thought you would consider what I said yesterday as an appointment.” + +“Not exactly, sir,” I replied. “I was in hopes that you would make me +the agent of the line.” + +“I have thought about that matter, Wolf,” he replied, struggling to +conceal a frown. “We will consider it.” + +We took seats in my state-room for this purpose. + + + + +CHAPTER XXII. + +SEVEN PER CENT. BONDS. + + +“Wolf, I have decided that I will have nothing to do with the +consolidation of the two lines,” said Colonel Wimpleton, as he seated +himself in the state-room. + +“I am sorry for that, sir,” I replied, my heart sinking under the +declaration, for I had permitted my hopes to run very high. + +“I cannot do anything which looks like receding from my position.” + +“Though I am greatly disappointed, sir, of course I have no right to +complain.” + +“You shall have no reason to complain. I purpose to leave the whole +matter in the hands of the Steamboat Company,” he added, with a smile +on his face which seemed to be struggling with a frown for the mastery +of his expression. + +“To the students?” I inquired, unable to believe that I heard him +right; for leaving the matter to the Steamboat Company was precisely +the same thing as yielding the point. + +“Yes, to the students,” he answered, pursing up his lips, as though he +were afraid I should see that what he was doing afforded him pleasure. + +“Will you do me the favor to withdraw the order you sent to Captain Van +Wolter?” I asked, delighted with the prospect, and almost giddy under +the sudden change of the colonel. + +“Certainly I will, if you desire it. Send for him.” + +I called Van Wolter from the wheel-house, and he gave up the note he +had received. + +“That means that you are still captain of the boat,” said the colonel +to Van Wolter. + +“I was quite satisfied to give up the place, sir; for I want to say +that I shall never dare to take the boat through the Horse Shoe Channel +again,” replied the captain. + +“For the present I will act as your pilot,” I interposed. + +Van Wolter withdrew, and I was curious to know whether the colonel +intended to give the Steamboat Company definite instructions in regard +to the consolidation of the two lines, or leave it to the members. + +“Do you go up to Hitaca in the boat to-night, Wolf?” + +“No, sir. I shall only act as pilot for the Horse Shoe Channel until +the Steamboat Company makes its arrangement.” + +“Then I wish to see you in my library when you return from Ucayga. I +have a little business to transact with you.” + +“I will be there, sir. But do you not intend to indicate your wishes in +regard to the union or consolidation of the two lines?” + +“I do not, though I would like to hear what the arrangement is before +it is proposed to the other side.” + +“You shall be informed, sir.” + +He went on the wharf, and I saw him drive off in his buggy. I was never +so happy in my life. The young peacemakers had a fine prospect of +success, and I was very impatient to see Waddie, and inform him of what +had taken place. + +“What’s going on, Captain Penniman?” asked Van Wolter, as I passed him +on my way to the shore. + +“There may be some change in the running of the boat,” I replied. + +“But who is to be captain of the Ucayga?” + +“I don’t know yet; but, as you have been faithful to me, I do not +intend to desert you.” + +“Thank you, Wolf. You are a Christian,” added he, with a grateful smile. + +“I will go down the lake with you this afternoon,” I continued, as I +stepped upon the wharf. + +I hastened to the Institute, and considered myself justified in asking +to see Waddie before the session was closed; and we took a seat in the +playground. + +“What’s the matter now, Wolf?” asked my friend, satisfied from my +coming at such a time that I had something important to communicate. + +“Nothing is the matter.” + +“You went up to Hitaca with my father night before last.” + +“I did; but that has nothing to do with my present business,” I +replied, evasively. “Finding your father in pretty good humor, after +what Major Toppleton had done, I opened the matter of uniting the two +lines again.” + +“Good!” exclaimed Waddie. “By the great horn spoon, I wish it could be +done.” + +“It can be.” + +“You don’t mean so.” + +“I think it can; though your father will not have anything to do with +it himself.” + +“How can it be done, then?” + +“He says he will leave it to the Steamboat Company, and they may do as +they think best.” + +“Then it is done!” shouted Waddie, jumping up, and capering about like +a crazy man. + +“Call a meeting at once.” + +“I’ll do it.” + +“At the close of the session this forenoon?” + +“Yes; but what shall we do?” + +“Simply appoint a committee of three, with full powers to make any +arrangement they think proper.” + +“Will you attend the meeting, Wolf?” asked Waddie, anxiously. + +“No; I cannot. I have to pilot the boat down to Ucayga; but I will meet +the committee, at half past six, wherever you say,” I replied. + +“All right. This is first rate, Wolf--isn’t it?” + +“Yes, it is; ever so much better than I expected. But I can stay no +longer, for I have only time to go over and see Tommy, and get him to +call a meeting of the Railroad Company.” + +“You are captain of the steamer again, Wolf,” said Waddie, laughing. + +“No; Van Wolter was displaced, though I was not appointed; but your +father has recalled the order. I’m ambitious, Waddie, and I am looking +for a better place than that of captain.” + +“What’s that?” + +“I want to be general agent of the two lines when they are united. I +think I can do more good in that capacity than in any other.” + +“You shall have the place if you want it.” + +“I do,” I replied, as I left him. + +Crossing the lake, I found Tommy Toppleton at his studies. I stated +the case to him, and he promised to call a meeting of the stockholders +if his father consented. It did not occur to me that Major Toppleton +would offer any opposition to the plan, and I returned to Centreport, +satisfied that my hopes would soon be realized. After making the trip +down the lake, I called upon Colonel Wimpleton, as I had agreed to do. + +“Well, Wolf, what have you done about consolidation?” he asked, with a +smile. + +“Both companies were to call meetings, and by this time I suppose each +has chosen a committee of conference.” + +“Very well; I don’t intend to meddle with the matter. I wished to see +you upon other business. Have you heard anything more from Nick Van +Wolter?” + +“No, sir; not a word.” + +“Doesn’t his father say anything?” + +“Of course not. Probably he thinks his son is in some hotel in Hitaca.” + +“But he would be likely to inquire about him, then, for he spends the +night at the upper end of the lake.” + +“He has not mentioned him to me. I don’t think Nick will come back till +his money is spent.” + +“We are well rid of him. I suppose, Wolf, that ten thousand dollars in +cash would be rather embarrassing to you; and instead of it, I have +made up the amount in good paying bonds, yielding seven per cent.” + +“Bonds?” I inquired, bewildered by his speech. + +“If you prefer cash, you shall have it,” added he. + +“I don’t prefer either. I don’t understand what you mean.” + +“Didn’t Nick rob you of your check?” + +“I didn’t regard it as my check. I burned mine.” + +“Come, Wolf, we will not be at loggerheads on this matter. When I gave +you that check I _gave_ it to you; and, if my pride would permit me to +withhold the gift now, my sense of duty would not. You must take either +the money or the bonds.” + +“I have no right to either, sir,” I pleaded. “I don’t know but so much +money would spoil me.” + +“I think nothing will spoil you, Wolf.” + +“I will not deny that it would be very pleasant to me to have the +money; but the manner of getting it does not suit me so well. If it is +to purchase my silence--” + +“Nonsense!” interrupted he, impatiently. “You have put more than double +this amount into my pocket by your management of the steamer. You have +saved my life, and saved me from shame and disgrace. I insist that you +take it. Shall it be in cash or bonds?” + +“In bonds, sir,” I replied, yielding the point; and for the first time +in my life I felt that I was a rich man. + +He handed me a package containing the securities. + +“I am all the richer, Wolf, for giving you this.” + +“I don’t know, sir, but that it will bother me to conceal from my +father and mother the reason for my having so much wealth.” + +“Tell your father and mother as much as you please, then; but don’t let +me be talked about in the streets, if you can help it.” + +“I will be very prudent, sir, and my father will also.” + +“When does the committee of the Steamboat Company meet, Wolf?” + +“At half past six this afternoon.” + +“Will you tell Waddie I wish to see him before they meet?” + +“Yes, sir.” + +“I do not intend to meddle with the business, only to make a suggestion +to him.” + +I left him, with the securities in my pocket, hardly able to believe +that I was Wolf Penniman. When I saw Waddie, I sent him to his father; +but he appeared promptly at the place appointed for the meeting of +the Steamboat committee. The members were Waddie, who had again been +elected president, Ben Pinkerton, and Dick Bayard. + +“I believe the world is coming to an end,” said Ben, after he had +cordially greeted me. + +“No; only the war between the two sides of the lake,” I replied. + +“Well, Wolf, we are fully authorized to act for our Company,” +interposed Waddie, who was impatient to proceed with the business. “We +can do anything we like with the Company, even if we sink it.” + +“You talk about consolidation and union,” said Dick Bayard. “I don’t +think these words mean the same thing.” + +“I know they don’t,” I replied. + +“Consolidation means union, but union don’t mean consolidation,” added +Ben Pinkerton. “By the former, the two Companies would be fused into +one; by the latter, they would only run their respective lines in +connection with each other.” + +“I suppose we are to determine whether we unite or consolidate,” said +Waddie. + +“I shall be satisfied with either,” I replied. + +The committee discussed the question for some time, and finally agreed +to make a proposition to the Railroad Company, first, to consolidate, +and then, if this plan failed, to unite. All the terms of both plans +were settled, and this committee were prepared to meet the other. + +“There is one more point,” said Ben Pinkerton. “Whether we consolidate +or unite, it is necessary to have a general agent, and I move that this +committee, on its part, appoint Captain Wolf Penniman.” + +The motion was carried, after it had been seconded by Dick Bayard. + +“I move that his salary, to be paid by the consolidated Company, or by +both Companies, in the ratios of the fares, be fifteen hundred dollars +a year,” added Dick. + +“I beg you will not mention this subject yet,” I interposed. “It is +rather premature.” + +“Not at all,” replied Waddie. “This must be part of the bargain.” + +The motion was instantly carried; and I learned that this was the +matter upon which the colonel had wished to see his son. The business +was done, and I went home. The next evening the two committees met in +conference. + + + + +CHAPTER XXIII. + +THE COMMITTEE OF CONFERENCE. + + +The committee of conference met at the railroad station in Middleport, +and I was invited to be present on the interesting occasion. On the +part of the Railroad Company, Tommy Toppleton, Ned Skotchley, and Bob +Briscoe appeared. Each was ready to suggest a plan for a union of the +two lines. Major Toppleton had assented to the union; but he insisted +upon knowing the terms before final action was taken. + +“I have a plan for consolidating the two Companies,” said Waddie. + +“What, making one Company of the two?” asked Tommy. + +“Yes.” + +“I don’t know about that. I don’t see how it can be done.” + +“Very easily, I think,” answered Waddie. “The capital stock of the +Railroad Company is two hundred thousand; of the Steamboat Company one +hundred thousand. We make a new corporation, with a capital of three +hundred thousand, of which you own two thirds, and we one third.” + +“But the Steamboat Company has not a hundred thousand dollars’ worth of +property,” suggested Tommy. “The Ucayga did not cost that.” + +“No, she did not; but the Company have really the monopoly of the +through travel, and the line pays a dividend of twenty per cent. +on a hundred thousand dollars. Our side does not gain anything by +consolidation. The people of Centreport and Ruoara will not be so well +accommodated under the new arrangement as they are now,” responded +Waddie. + +“But you will have your share of the railroad profits,” suggested Tommy. + +“What were your dividends last year?” asked the President of the +Steamboat Company, with a smile. + +“They will be much larger under the new arrangement.” + +“And those of the steamer will be much smaller.” + +“We have spent fully two hundred thousand on the railroad,” added +Briscoe. “We have just laid down new rails, and built a bridge over the +river at the foot of the lake.” + +“And we have two steamers,” added Skotchley. + +“Let the steamers be sold, if they are not wanted,” said Ben Pinkerton. + +“And let the purchaser set up an opposition line,” replied Tommy. + +“But Middleport would have two votes in a stockholders’ meeting to one +from Centreport.” + +“No; one of the conditions is, that the stock may be equalized by the +payment of its par value, at the option of the Steamboat Company.” + +Each party felt it necessary to be very sharp, and every point and +proposition was disputed, for the holders of the mortgage bonds of +each company--Colonel Wimpleton and Major Toppleton--were to revise +and approve their action. At nine o’clock in the evening no progress +had been made, and I was satisfied that there were too many obstacles +in the way of consolidation. I thought it very doubtful whether the +colonel would allow his property in the steamer to pass into the +control of the other side. I suggested, therefore, that the other and +more simple method be considered. + +“Let each company run its own line on its own hook,” said Waddie. +“We will convey the passengers from Hitaca to Middleport, and you to +Ucayga. Each party is to have the exclusive right to his own share of +the line.” + +“But that leaves two steamers on our hands for which we shall then have +no use,” objected Tommy. + +“They are not worth much,” laughed Ben Pinkerton. + +“They are worth too much to be permitted to rot at the wharf,” answered +Tommy. “We don’t want steamers if we are to have no use for them.” + +“That’s so,” added Briscoe. “It is fair for the Steamboat Company to +buy our boats.” + +“What do you think, Wolf?” + +“I am not one of the high contracting powers, and perhaps I ought not +to say anything,” I replied, lightly. + +“Don’t stand on any ceremony, Wolf.” + +“Well, then, I think Briscoe’s suggestion is a fair one.” + +“What do you ask for them?” inquired Waddie. + +“They ought to be appraised by three disinterested men,” I added. “Both +parties should be bound to their award.” + +“I think we ought to have what they cost,” said Tommy. “We paid the par +value of the shares for the stock we bought.” + +“I don’t think so,” interposed Dick Bayard, catching the point. “They +are not worth so much now, when there is no use for them.” + +This point was discussed at considerable length; but my proposition was +finally adopted. + +“Now, how shall the fares be divided?” said Tommy. + +“In the ratio of the distance which each line carries the passengers,” +replied Pinkerton. + +“That’s not fair,” added Briscoe. “It costs more to run a railroad than +a steamboat. The ratio of the time ought to be taken into the account.” + +“I don’t see it,” interposed Waddie. + +“If we shorten the time half or three quarters of an hour by uniting +the two lines, the Steamboat Company has the benefit of it, though +it is the railroad that does it,” argued Briscoe. “The Ucayga’s best +time now is three hours and a half. If I understand Captain Penniman, +under the new arrangement the time is to be three hours from Hitaca to +Ucayga.” + +“Exactly so,” I answered. + +“Then it is the railroad that shortens the time, and the Steamboat +Company has the benefit of it,” continued Briscoe, triumphantly. “I +move you the division be equal. We take the Steamboat Company’s checks, +and they take ours. In settlement each party shall pay the other one +dollar to redeem its own checks.” + +The committee on the part of the steamer yielded this point, after some +further discussion. + +“Now we want a general agent for both lines,” said Waddie. + +“With your permission I will retire while this subject is considered,” +I interposed; and, without waiting for a reply, I went out of the room. + +I had not been absent five minutes before I was recalled, and informed +that I was to be recommended as the general agent, at a salary of +fifteen hundred a year, half of which was to be paid by each Company. I +returned my thanks for the honor done me, and for the liberality of the +salary. Many other details of the proposed union were settled, and it +was eleven o’clock before the business was finished. I went with Tommy +to his father’s house, and the major carefully read the agreement, +as it had been drawn up by the secretary of the railroad committee. +Somewhat to my surprise, he took a pen and wrote his approval upon it. + +“It’s a fair thing,” said he. “You have done the business well, Tommy. +I am afraid Wimpleton will not agree to it.” + +“Why not, father?” asked Tommy, anxiously. + +“Because there are two things in the agreement which may not seem to +be fair on the face of them--the purchase of our two steamers, and the +equal division of the fares;” and the major went over about the same +arguments that had been used in the committee of conference. + +I confess that I went to bed that night not a little worried at the +fate of the plan on the other side of the lake. In the morning I went +over to take my place on board of the Ucayga. I found Waddie there, and +with rather a long face. + +“What does your father say?” I asked, though Waddie’s face had already +answered the question. + +“He said he would not have anything to do with the matter.” + +“Will he indorse the agreement?” + +“He will give his formal assent to everything we have done, but nothing +more.” + +“That’s all we want.” + +“Not quite. He will not purchase the two old steamers,” added Waddie. +“He says they are old tubs, of no use now, and he is not disposed to +take them off the major’s hands. Perhaps you can move him, Wolf. Nobody +else can.” + +Waddie was despondent. He had objected to purchasing the steamers, and +had only yielded after consulting me. I was confident that the colonel +could be brought over. + +“If your father will agree to all the rest, Waddie, I will see that the +purchase of the steamers does not break up the arrangement,” I replied. + +“What can you do?” + +“O, I will buy them myself, and set up an opposition line,” I answered, +laughing. + +“You are the general agent, Wolf.” + +“I can resign.” + +“But you would not do that, even if you could buy the steamers.” + +“Probably not; but here comes your father. I will talk about the matter +with him.” + +Colonel Wimpleton came on board. He looked very good-natured. + +“I am going down to Ucayga, Wolf.” + +“I am glad of it, for I wish to speak with you,” I replied. + +“Do you wish to convince me that I ought to throw half our business +into the hands of Toppleton, and then compensate myself for the loss +by buying those old boats, which are not worth five thousand dollars +apiece, though they cost him double that sum?” + +“I don’t wish to convince you against your judgment, sir.” + +“I can’t buy them. If the Steamboat Company can make an arrangement +to run in connection with the railroad, I will offer no objection; but +when they ask me to buy two old tubs--that’s quite another thing.” + +“Do you think the two boats are worth ten thousand dollars?” I asked. + +“Just about that.” + +“Then I will buy them, sir,” I replied, as modestly as I could in +uttering so grand a proposition. + +“You, Wolf!” + +“I mean so, sir.” + +“What for?” he asked, opening his eyes in amazement. + +“I think I could get more than seven per cent. for my money out of +them.” + +“If you can, then I can.” + +“I might set up an opposition line with them,” I replied, laughing. + +“An opposition line!” + +“Or, if I had not the conscience to do it myself, some one else might. +In a word, sir, if you are going to run the Ucayga from Hitaca to +Middleport, you ought to control all the passenger steamers on the +lake.” + +“That’s true, Wolf.” + +“If Major Toppleton keeps those boats, he has a hold upon you which you +may feel when any misunderstanding occurs.” + +“Just so.” + +“Besides, you want those boats, sir. If you can buy them cheap, it will +pay to run them as ferry boats--one between Centreport and Middleport, +and the other between Ruoara and Spangleport.” + +“Well, Wolf, I don’t care about bothering with referees. You may offer +Toppleton ten thousand dollars for the two,” continued the colonel, +who, I was satisfied, did not really object to the terms of the union, +but, rather from the force of habit than for any other reason, deemed +it necessary to offer some resistance to his old enemy. + +I had not expected this easy victory in the argument, and I was +convinced that Colonel Wimpleton was an altered man. I doubt whether he +had seen a time in three years before when he was entirely free from +liquor. He had always been a regular drinker, and for several years an +immoderate one. I was forced to attribute his former malignity to the +rum in which he had steeped himself. + +The colonel went down to Ucayga in the steamer, and went on shore. As +he did so I saw the landlord of the hotel at Grass Springs step up to +him, and, with an exceedingly supercilious air, present him a paper. +I was interested at once, and, while the boat lay at the wharf, I +observed them very closely. The colonel appeared to be considerably +excited, and looked at the paper the landlord had given him with great +apparent interest. As the bell rang for the steamer to start, he came +on board, followed by his companion. + + + + +CHAPTER XXIV. + +THE MAGNATES JOIN HANDS. + + +Just as the deck hands were hauling in the plank, Major Toppleton +rushed down and leaped on deck. Probably he was not aware of the fact +that Colonel Wimpleton was on board, or he would not have incurred the +liability of seeing him. I concluded that he was nervous about the +arrangements for the union of the two lines, and wished to see me in +relation to them. + +I had nothing to do till the steamer reached the North Shoe, and I +sat down near the door of my state-room. Presently Colonel Wimpleton +appeared on the hurricane deck, closely followed by the landlord of the +hotel. + +“Wolf, this little bill has just been handed to me,” said the magnate +of Centreport, giving me the paper. + +“What is it, sir?” + +“Read it for yourself.” + +“Captain Penniman will see that it is all right,” added the landlord, +whose name was Sharp. + +I glanced at the bill. It was so absurd that I could not help laughing. +The charges were all for damage done to his house and furniture by the +colonel, during his visit to the hotel. The items were as follows:-- + + To damage done to bed and bedding, $400 + ” spilling ink, and spoiling carpet, 300 + ” damage to bureau and chairs, 200 + ” keeping still about it, 300 + ----- + $1200 + +“What do you mean by this, Mr. Sharp?” I inquired. + +“I mean just what it says in that bill,” he replied, with a brazen face. + +“Do you expect me to pay that bill?” demanded the colonel, indignantly. + +“I will leave that to you, sir; but I think you will pay it, as much +for your own sake as mine.” + +“This is the most impudent piece of extortion I ever saw attempted,” +added the magnate. + +“Well, sir, if people will dance they must pay the fiddler.” + +“Why, all the furniture in the room was not worth a hundred dollars,” +said the indignant colonel. + +“I don’t want to say much about the matter, Colonel Wimpleton. If you +are not willing to pay the bill, I don’t care about arguing the matter. +If you don’t pay it up, it won’t be my fault if people don’t know what +took place in that room.” + +The great man turned pale. The consequences of his debauch followed him +in such humiliating demands as this bill. + +“Why didn’t you put it all down under the last item of ‘keeping still +about it’?” added Colonel Wimpleton; but he was alarmed at the threat +of the landlord, and his speech was very mild. + +“It is an outrageous imposition,” I ventured to say, when I found it +quite impossible to keep still. + +“That comes very well from you, Captain Penniman, after you have had +your nest feathered,” sneered Sharp. + +In my turn, I was abashed at this home thrust, though I could not +believe that it was anything more than a supposition on his part. + +“I never attempted to extort money from any person,” I replied. “I was +with Colonel Wimpleton, and I say this bill is a swindle. I hope he +will not think of such a thing as paying even a penny of it.” + +“He can do as he thinks best,” the fellow doggedly replied. + +“There isn’t a shadow of justice in it,” I added, as the colonel +stepped into the state-room, and seated himself there, evidently to +prevent any one from seeing him. + +“He was the drunkest man that ever came into my house,” continued +Sharp; “and, if he wants to keep it out of the newspapers, he had +better pay up.” + +“What’s the matter, Sharp?” said Major Toppleton, approaching the spot +at this moment. + +“Ah, I didn’t know you were here, sir!” exclaimed the landlord, with a +start. + +The major stopped before he came in front of the state-room door, and +he did not see that his old rival was within. With the bill in my +hand,--for I had not yet given it back to the colonel,--I beckoned the +magnate of Middleport away from the dangerous locality. + +“What’s the matter, Wolf?” asked he, mystified by my movement. + +“Colonel Wimpleton is in that state-room,” I replied, when we had +walked abaft the engine. + +“Whew!” whistled he. “I did not know he was on board; but I wanted to +see you about this union of the two lines.” + +“He did not see you, sir; and Sharp has moved away from the door, so he +will not tell him you are here.” + +“I don’t care about meeting him just now,” laughed the major. + +“I thought you would not, and so I beckoned you away. You know Sharp, +the landlord?” + +I knew he did, for I was aware that the major owned the hotel in Grass +Springs, and had set Sharp up in his business. + +“I know he is not the man I took him to be when I assisted him to his +present position,” replied the major. “He seems to be excited about +something.” + +“Read this bill,” I added, handing him the document. + +Major Toppleton opened his eyes as he examined the account. + +“Is this a joke?” he asked. + +“No, sir; Sharp actually demands twelve hundred dollars of Colonel +Wimpleton. The last item is hush-money, but it all comes under that +head.” + +“The miserable scoundrel!” exclaimed the major, indignantly. “I am +tempted to kick him.” + +“He says the colonel was the drunkest man that ever entered his house, +and, if he does not pay this swindle, everybody shall know it.” + +“What if he was drunk? The man that sells him the liquor is not the one +to condemn and expose him. I will give the scoundrel a lesson he will +never forget. Sharp!” said he, as the landlord, who was pacing the deck +rather nervously, passed within hailing distance of him. + +“At your service, Major Toppleton,” replied Sharp, in cringing tones. + +“What have you been doing? What does this bill mean?” + +The wretch started when he saw the account in the hands of his powerful +patron. Knowing the enmity which had so long existed between the two +sides of the lake, and especially between the two great men, he would +have counted upon the assistance rather than the opposition of Major +Toppleton in any movement against his rival. + +“Colonel Wimpleton came to my house the drunkest man I ever saw,” +replied he. + +“And you are going to swindle him for it!” added the major, severely. +“Sharp, your lease expires in July; it will not be renewed. I will not +tolerate such a scoundrel.” + +“If you don’t think it is right--” + +“Right! you villain! Is it ever right to swindle a man?” + +“But it was Colonel Wimpleton, and--” + +“No matter who it was. Colonel Wimpleton is a gentleman, and if he were +a hundred times my enemy, I would stand up for him against any such +miserable trick as this.” + +“I won’t say anything more about it, Major Toppleton,” pleaded Sharp. + +“But I will. I will go to every man within ten miles of Grass Springs, +and tell him you are a liar, a swindler, and a scoundrel,” continued +the major, much excited, as he shook his fist in the face of the +landlord. “In this matter Colonel Wimpleton is my best friend.” + +“Major Toppleton!” + +To my surprise, Colonel Wimpleton stepped out from behind the engine, +and walking square up to his old enemy, extended his hand to him. + +“I was not aware that you were near,” said the major, rather startled. + +“I offer you my hand, Major Toppleton,” said the colonel, his lip +quivering with emotion. + +“I accept it,” replied the magnate of Middleport. + +[Illustration: THE MAGNATES JOIN HANDS.] + +They grasped hands. If there had been any artillery on board the +Ucayga, I should have fired a hundred guns in honor of this auspicious +event. As it was, I called Van Wolter, and asked him to display every +piece of bunting on the steamer. I was so delighted that it seemed to +me I should “go up.” The young peacemakers had been at work for a year +to bring about this result; but both of the great men had hung back. +I did not consider that the reconciliation was actually made on the +deck of the Ucayga. The major had been prepared for it for months, and +the colonel from the time the steamer was hauled off the sands by +the Ruoara. Neither had had the courage to approach the other, and I +regarded the coming of the landlord as a fortunate event. + +Sharp hung his head with shame, as he saw the magnates join hands. +He had brought his bill to a bad market. I wondered whether Nick Van +Wolter had not put him up to this trick. The fellow had boldly told me +that my nest had been feathered, and no one but Nick had known about +the check until it was drawn. + +“Major Toppleton, probably you understand this matter now,” said the +colonel, still trembling with emotion. + +“I know nothing about it, except that this scoundrel was trying to +swindle you. I have already told him his lease would not be renewed,” +replied the major, still holding the hand of his old rival. “Whatever +differences we have had, I know you to be a gentleman and a man of +honor; and I would protect even an enemy from such a swindle as this.” + +“I trust we shall no longer be enemies,” added Colonel Wimpleton. + +“Not by my choice, certainly,” answered the major. “Our boys and girls +have set us a good example. They have made peace among themselves, and +we ought not to be behind them in this matter.” + +I was obliged to go to the wheel, as the steamer was approaching the +North Shoe; but I was so excited by the auspicious event which had just +transpired, that I was afraid I should run the boat aground myself, +as Van Wolter had done. But I had hardly taken my place at the wheel +before both the major and the colonel entered, and continued their +conversation. The unwonted sight of the two great men talking together +on friendly terms had been noticed by the passengers, and they were +gathering on the hurricane deck to witness the strange exhibition. The +two gentlemen were annoyed by the interest manifested in their affairs, +and retreated to the wheel-house to escape observation. + +“I must beg you to retire to the captain’s state-room, gentlemen,” I +interposed. “I am so interested in what you say, that I am afraid I +shall run the steamer aground if I listen to it.” + +I pointed to the door which opened from the wheel-house into the +state-room, and they were considerate enough to retire. + +“The world’s coming to an end,” said Van Wolter, standing opposite me +at the wheel. + +“On the contrary, I think it is only just beginning to exist,” I +replied; and it did seem to me that we were all about to enter upon a +new life--a life of peace. + +“They have really made up.” + +“They have indeed. I wish we had a twenty-four pounder on board,” I +continued. “I would make a noise in honor of the event.” + +“I have put out all the bunting we have, and it makes quite a show.” + +“Everything will go right now, and the union will certainly be +arranged,” I added. + +“What union?” asked Van Wolter, who had had no hint of the negotiations +in progress. + +“The union of the two lines. In a short time, this boat will make two +trips a day from Middleport to Hitaca, connecting with the railroad.” + +“You don’t say it!” exclaimed Van Wolter. + +“The two companies split on only one point. That will be arranged now.” + +“I suppose one of the captains of the old boats will take this one, +then,” added he, rather gloomily. + +“Not at all. I am to be general agent for both lines, and you will +remain in command of this boat.” + +“Is that so?” + +“I shall insist upon this arrangement. I never go back on a good +friend.” + +“You are a Christian, Captain Penniman.” + +“I try to be one. You will have no more trouble about the Horse Shoe +Channel. You must make yourself agreeable to your passengers, and I +have no doubt you will be as popular as you deserve to be.” + +As we approached the bend of the channel the conversation was +discontinued; but, when I could leave the helm, I joined the magnates +in the state-room. + + + + +CHAPTER XXV. + +MORE SEVEN PER CENT. BONDS. + + +When I entered the state-room where the magnates were, Colonel +Wimpleton was inviting Major Toppleton to dine with him that day. Men +are apt to go from one extreme to the other, and, from the exceeding +cordiality of the reunion, I was afraid they might overdo the +matter. Yet they had once been warm personal friends, and had chosen +this locality on the lake in order to be near each other. Long and +bitter had the quarrel been; but now, by the influence of the young +peacemakers, it was happily ended. + +“Wolf, you must dine with us,” said Colonel Wimpleton, as I entered the +state-room. “We will smoke the pipe of peace to-day.” + +“I thank you; I never smoke, but I will dine with you,” I replied. “At +what hour?” + +“Three o’clock.” + +“Then I shall be obliged to decline, for I must pilot the boat down +this afternoon.” + +“We will make it six o’clock, then. Major Toppleton, you must bring all +your family with you.” + +“They will all be very happy to come,” answered the magnate of +Middleport. + +Then Grace would be there, which offered an additional inducement to +me. I concluded that the colonel would not say anything more about +“courting,” though I happened to know that Tommy and Miss Minnie had +met two or three times since the affair off the Horse Shoe. + +“You will excuse me, gentlemen, for speaking of business at such a time +as this; but I should like to know if you have agreed upon the terms of +the union between the two lines,” I continued. + +“We have not mentioned the subject,” said Major Toppleton. “Whatever +Colonel Wimpleton agrees to, I shall fully indorse.” + +“I am authorized to make you an offer for the two steamers, Major +Toppleton,” I added. + +“You needn’t make the offer, Wolf,” interposed the colonel. “I will +accept the terms of the arrangement in all respects, as drawn up by the +committee of conference.” + +“If the arrangement is not entirely satisfactory, I will modify it in +any manner my friend Colonel Wimpleton may suggest.” + +“Everything is entirely satisfactory to me,” persisted he of Centreport. + +“But you did raise an objection,” insisted he of Middleport. + +“Colonel Wimpleton thought it was not worth while to bother with +referees to fix the value of the two steamers,” I interposed. “Of +course nothing can be done till they have been appraised.” + +“That’s an excellent suggestion of my friend. What was the offer, +Wolf?” asked the major. + +“Don’t mention it, Wolf,” said the colonel. + +“I accept it, whatever it was,” continued the major. + +“We had not met when I authorized Wolf to make the offer. I am ashamed +of it now,” added the colonel. + +“I think I can settle this matter, gentlemen, to the satisfaction of +both of you,” I ventured to say. “You shall each mark the price on a +piece of paper, and the sum to be paid shall be found by splitting the +difference between the two.” + +“I agree,” said Major Toppleton, promptly. + +“So do I,” as promptly replied Colonel Wimpleton. + +I gave each of them a piece of paper and a pencil. + +“I shall take into consideration the fact that the new arrangement +renders the old boats of less value than they are in the railroad +line,” said the major, as he wrote his valuation on the paper, and +handed it to me. + +Colonel Wimpleton made his figures, and gave me his paper. One was +eight thousand,--the major’s,--the other twelve thousand. Half the +difference between them, added to the smaller, or taken from the +greater, gave the agreed price. + +“Just the amount I was authorized to offer,” said I, exhibiting the two +papers. + +“I am satisfied,” replied the colonel. + +“So am I,” added the major. + +“The question is settled, then,” I continued. + +“Wolf, where is Sharp?” asked the major. + +“Probably he went on shore at Ruoara,” I replied. + +“I will clean him out on the first of next month.” + +“Not on my account,” interposed the colonel. + +“I will not permit so great a scoundrel as he is to occupy a house of +mine,” protested the major. + +“His tongue may cause me some annoyance,” added the colonel, fixing his +gaze upon the floor. + +“You may be sure that he will never utter a word to your disparagement.” + +“I am aware that I have given him cause to--” + +“My dear colonel, we are all human,” interrupted Major Toppleton. “But, +if Sharp says a word against you, I shall consider it as said against +myself. Give yourself no uneasiness about it. I will take care of him.” + +“You are very kind and considerate, major. I wish to tell you what +I told Wolf the other night--that I have determined never to taste +intoxicating drinks in any form again. If there is no wine on my table +to-day,--and there will not be,--you will understand the reason. It was +absolutely necessary for me to ‘brake up.’” + +Major Toppleton politely changed the topic, which was even more +embarrassing to him than to the colonel. The Ucayga was approaching the +wharf at Centreport, and the two gentlemen came out of the state-room. + +“Why do you show so much bunting to-day, Wolf?” asked Colonel +Wimpleton, when, for the first time, he discovered the display of flags. + +“In honor of the great event of the day,” I replied. + +“It is a great event--isn’t it?” he added, with a smile. + +“The greatest thing that ever happened, sir!” + +The boat was made fast to the wharf, and, as the major wished to return +home at once, the colonel directed Captain Van Wolter to run the Ucayga +over to the Middleport side, and went over himself. For my own part, +I went on shore, for I was in a hurry to see Waddie, and give him the +astounding news. I hastened up to the Institute, and called him out. + +“What’s up, Wolf?” asked he, anxiously, as he met me in the principal’s +office. “I hope nothing has gone wrong with the union.” + +“No; that’s all settled as square as a brick; but the biggest thing +that ever occurred on the Western Continent, since the landing of +Columbus, took place to-day,” I continued in high excitement. + +“What’s that, Wolf?” + +“What do you guess, Waddie?” + +“I can’t guess. Why don’t you tell me?” + +“Your father and Major Toppleton shook hands to-day, and the war is +ended.” + +“No! You don’t mean so!” exclaimed Waddie, his eyes opening at the news. + +“It’s a fact.” + +“By the great horn spoon!” + +“O, it’s so! Do you see the Ucayga there, making a landing at +Middleport?” I asked, pointing out the window. + +“I see her.” + +“Your father sent her over to land the major, and he has gone with him +himself.” + +“It’s too good news to be true.” + +I sat down and told him all about it--how they happened to be on board +of the Ucayga, and how Sharp had brought about the reconciliation. +I was careful, however, not to expose the colonel’s secret to his +son, and there was something wanting to complete the narrative, which +troubled Waddie. + +“Wolf, there is something about that visit to Grass Springs which +I don’t understand,” said he. “Tell me honestly; was not my +father--wasn’t he--” + +Waddie blushed, and hung his head. + +“I know what you mean, Waddie,” I interposed. “It is all right now. +Your father has not drank a drop since, and he never will again. +Everything has turned out for the best, and we won’t say a word about +what is past and gone. Your father has invited Major Toppleton and all +his family to dine with him at six o’clock to-day.” + +“By the great horn spoon, we must turn out the regiment this afternoon, +and escort the major up to the house,” said Waddie. “Where is Tommy +Toppleton?” + +“At home, I suppose.” + +“I must see him. Our battalion shall turn out, at any rate. We’ll have +a time over this.” + +Waddie was as enthusiastic as I supposed he would be. I left him, and +went on board of the Ucayga on her arrival from the other side. I +worked for an hour on the programme for the new line, which had now +become a fixed fact, and then went over to Middleport to dinner. My +father was at home, and the good news had preceded me, though I had to +answer a great many questions. + +“When does the new arrangement go into effect, Wolf?” asked my father. + +“Next Monday, I think, if we can get the bills out in season.” + +“The Ucayga will not go down the lake then.” + +“No, sir. She will make two trips each way between Hitaca and +Middleport.” + +“We shall have to hurry up, I suppose.” + +“No, not much. The boat will have to land at Hitaca, and return without +any delay. At this end of the route she will wait two hours between +trips.” + +“Do you mean to leave me in Hitaca over night?” + +“No, sir; Christy will run the boat down in the morning, and return in +her at night; you will leave Middleport at eleven, and be back again at +three. You will be on duty from ten till four.” + +“That will not make a very hard day’s work,” laughed my father. “What +are you going to do, Wolf? Van Wolter is to command the boat.” + +“I am to go and come, and draw my salary of fifteen hundred a year.” + +“Fifteen hundred!” exclaimed my father. + +“Fifteen hundred dollars, Wolf!” repeated my mother. + +“My total income will be about twenty-two hundred dollars a year,” I +added, as seriously as I could speak. + +“Where is the rest of it to come from?” asked my father. + +“From the income of my property.” + +“What property?” + +“I declare I believe I have forgotten to mention that I am worth ten +thousand dollars, besides what I have saved up from my salary. But it +is true. I have the amount in bonds, which pay seven per cent.” + +“You don’t mean so, Wolf,” said my father. + +“I would show them to you, but I deposited them in the vault of the +Centreport bank for safe keeping.” + +“Where did you get so much money, Wolf?” + +As Colonel Wimpleton allowed me to inform my parents, I told them the +whole story about the check, and our trip to Hitaca. + +“Well, Wolf, you are a richer man than I am; but I suppose you will +help me out when I am short.” + +“O, certainly! Can I do anything for you now?” + +“No; I’m doing very well myself, Wolf. This place is paid for, and I +have something laid up for a rainy day.” + +“There’s somebody at the front door,” said my mother, as the door bell +rang. + +To my surprise Major Toppleton followed my sister, who had opened the +door, into the kitchen, where we were at dinner. + +“Wolf, here is a package for you,” said the magnate, dropping it on the +table, as I was rising to show him proper respect. + +“What is it, sir?” I inquired, picking up the parcel, which had a +marvellous resemblance to the one the other magnate had presented to me. + +“It contains ten thousand dollars in seven per cent. bonds.” + +“Really, sir, I don’t--” + +“Yes, you do,” laughed the major. “You are in a hurry; so am I, and +we will make a short story of it. My friend Colonel Wimpleton”--the +major’s eyes twinkled--“told me what he had done for you in this +way. My conscience would not let me do less than he has done. I am +determined to be even with him. Good morning, Wolf!” + +He turned on his heel, and fled from the house as though an enemy were +after him. My father laughed, my mother cried, and I endeavored to keep +cool. But it was time to return to the steamer, and we hastened to our +duties. + + + + +CHAPTER XXVI. + +IN HONOR OF THE RECONCILIATION. + + +There was evidently a conspiracy to make a rich man of me; and, if +there had been any more magnates in the vicinity, I should certainly +have expected a contribution from all of them. Vast as were the sums +bestowed upon me, a poor boy, these were really but drops in the bucket +to the _millionnaires_ who gave them. I could find no excuse for the +liberality of Major Toppleton, but I concluded not to quarrel with +my destiny. The magnate of Middleport was certainly in condition to +do business when he made the gift, and I was not willing to hurt his +feelings by declining the princely present. + +On the trip down to Ucayga I completed the programme for the new line. +The trip from one end of the lake to the other was to be run in less +than three hours, with time enough to spare to make up for a ten +minutes’ detention in both steamer and the railroad. The Ucayga was +to leave Hitaca at seven in the morning, which was quite a reasonable +hour. Connecting with the train at Middleport at nine, passengers were +to reach Ucayga in ample time for the trains. On the return of the cars +at eleven, the boat was to leave Middleport for Hitaca, and come back +immediately, leaving Middleport for the last trip up the lake at five, +and arriving at seven. The ferries were to convey passengers across +the lake from Ruoara and Centreport. I was abundantly pleased with the +programme, and was sure it would give satisfaction to all parties. + +On the arrival of the boat at Ucayga, I was rather surprised to see a +couple of brass field-pieces on the wharf, ready to be rolled on board. +The appearance of Tommy Toppleton explained the meaning of them, though +they were to be allowed to speak for themselves in the course of the +day. Tommy, who was in full uniform as the colonel of the regiment, +came up to me, on the hurricane deck. He was as lively and cheerful as +the occasion required. He had seen Waddie, and the regiment was to +form at Centreport in season for the festivities. He had procured the +services of a detachment of the Ucayga Artillery to fire the salutes, +which Waddie had suggested. + +“We are going to make a big time of it,” said Tommy, with enthusiasm. +“We have engaged the band here, besides the one that belongs to the +regiment-- There they come. Waddie is going to have a grand collation +in the grove near his father’s house. If we don’t wake things up, it +will be because we haven’t spunk enough to do it.” + +“It’s a big thing, Tommy,” I mildly suggested. + +“That’s so, Wolf; and more than anybody else, you have brought it +about.” + +“Well, we have all been peacemakers,” I modestly added. + +“I never expected to see the day when my father and Colonel Wimpleton +would shake hands and dine together. We will let off a hundred guns at +six o’clock, when the two families sit down to supper,” added Tommy. +“By the way, Wolf, this is a splendid thing for me.” + +“It is for all of us.” + +“Well, I mean for me in particular,” replied he, significantly. + +“Why?” + +“You needn’t try to be dull, Wolf. Wasn’t Colonel Wimpleton after me +with a sharp stick the day we went down to Grass Springs?” + +“O, you mean Miss Minnie?” + +“To be sure I do--you are not stupid. I think Minnie is the prettiest +girl in the state, and if I ever marry anybody, she will be my +wife--that is, if she consents;” and Tommy’s under jaw dropped a +little, as though he realized that he had been talking too fast. + +I told him I would guarantee her consent for one and a half per cent. +of two and sixpence, whereat his face livened up again. I asked him +into the state-room to examine the programme of the new line. He +indorsed it on the part of the Railroad Company. + +As the boat approached Centreport we saw that there was an unusual +stir on the wharf. The battalion from Middleport was landing, and the +other was drawn up on the shore. Tommy prinked up his uniform, threw +back his shoulders, and looked as soldierly as possible. His sorrel +pony stood waiting for him, and Waddie was already mounted. As soon +as the steamer touched the wharf I left her, and hastened to see the +preparations for the great occasion. + +“You are to ride in the barouche with the Toppletons, Wolf,” said +Waddie, dashing his fiery steed up to me as soon as I appeared, so +furious that I trembled for my corns, for these military people are +always very impressive. + +“Thank you, Waddie. I suppose I could walk, on a pinch.” + +“No pinch about it; you must be escorted up to the house with our +guests.” + +“All right; I surrender,” I replied; when a toot from a trumpet +startled his horse, and again imperilled my corns. + +Tom Walton was sailing the Toppletons over in the Belle, which had +nearly reached the shore. I was not posted in regard to the order of +exercises, and I watched the proceedings with interest. The regiment +was drawn up in line, with the band at the head. Colonel Wimpleton’s +barouche was at the end of the wharf, ready to receive the honored +guests. The field officers were all mounted, and they kept flashing up +and down the line, just as though something would burst if they did not +make haste, and look especially savage. They could not have been more +impressive if they had been engaged in a great battle upon which the +fate of the nation depended. + +As the Belle drew near the landing stairs, I hastened to greet the +Toppletons. I had never seen Grace look prettier or more interesting, +and the smile she bestowed upon me was a rapture to me. I assisted her +out of the boat and up the steps to the carriage. Mrs. Toppleton and +Grace occupied the back seat, while the major and myself sat on the +front seat. Adjutant Briscoe mounted the box, to see that the driver +complied with all the military forms. + +“Present--arms!” shouted Colonel Tommy Toppleton, as the carriage +started. + +The major and I uncovered, while the ladies waved their handkerchiefs. +The band played “Hail to the Chief,” though who the particular chief +was I had no means of knowing. We passed the line, and the adjutant +in charge of our party directed the driver to draw up at the side +of the road. Half the regiment then marched by us, and a guard of +honor, composed of twelve sergeants, was stationed on each side of the +barouche. + +“Forward--march!” shouted Colonel Tommy Toppleton. + +“Drive on,” added Briscoe; and the procession moved off. + +Somewhat to the annoyance, perhaps, of the major and his lady, the line +of march was through the principal streets of Centreport, and of course +the sensation was tremendous. But, as the young peacemakers desired +to make this display, no objection was offered by the guests, and in +the carriage we voted that we were first-class lions. The procession +entered the grounds of Colonel Wimpleton, and when the carriage +stopped at the door of the mansion, the magnate and his lady appeared +to welcome their guests. It was the first time the wives of the two +magnates had met for many years; and, as they had not shared in the +enmity of their husbands, the occasion was a joyful one to them. We +were ushered into the drawing-room, and as the clock struck six, dinner +was announced. At this moment, Colonel Tommy Toppleton and Lieutenant +Colonel Waddie Wimpleton entered the room. + +“Bang! bang!” spoke the guns which had been stationed in the grove, +with a concussion that shook the windows of the house, and was rather +trying to the nerves of the ladies. + +At the same time the Ucayga band struck up “Met again,” a familiar +Sunday school air, known to everybody in that vicinity. Colonel +Wimpleton gave his arm to Mrs. Toppleton, and Major Toppleton escorted +Mrs. Wimpleton to the dinner table. Tommy took Miss Minnie, and I +offered my arm to Miss Grace. Waddie, who seemed to be out in the cold, +conducted one of his younger sisters, while the clergyman who had been +invited led the other. When the party were seated, the minister said +grace, in which he briefly alluded to the reconciliation, while the +booming guns and the melodious strains still celebrated the happy event. + +The dinner was a splendid affair, and, for one, I did full justice to +it, for I have a weakness for good dinners, especially when they are +given in honor of great events. The conversation soon became general, +and the best feeling in the world prevailed. We talked of the events +of the past, as well as of the present, and the reconciliation was +perfect. I need not attempt to tell how much I enjoyed the society of +Grace, who sat at my side. + +After dinner, the party walked out into the grove, where the gallant +soldiers of the regiment were banqueting in honor of the occasion. +Grace leaned on my arm, and we had a delightful chat. When she called +me Mr. Wolf, I asked her to omit the “Mr.,” which she was kind enough +to do. + +“I suppose you know, Wolf, that you have done more than any one else to +bring about this happy event,” said she. + +“I know that I have had it in my mind for several years. Your father +wanted to continue the railroad to Hitaca, or build a new steamer; but +I always advised him to do neither. I have tried to prevent quarrels; +but, Grace, I think you have been the inspiration, in part at least, +of my conduct. If you only approve it, I am happy.” + +“I do approve it, with all my heart,” she replied, blushing. + +I had not the courage to utter all that I felt, but I was sure that she +had a very kind regard for me. + +At eight o’clock the regiment again formed in line, and we were +escorted down to the wharf, where we embarked in the Belle for +Centreport. Major Toppleton had invited the Wimpletons to dine with him +the next day, and the invitation had been accepted. I was not neglected. + +With this happy occasion my story ought to close. The peace which was +made that day was a lasting one, though, as is always the case even +among the dearest friends, it was sometimes necessary for them to “BEAR +AND FORBEAR.” The two families dined together, the next day, at the +major’s, and the same programme was repeated, even to the parade of the +regiment, the music, and the guns, that the Middleporters might make no +possible mistake in regard to the reconciliation. + +Handbills, announcing the new arrangement of the “Union Line,” as I +called it, were immediately issued, and on the following Monday all +the Wimpletons and all the Toppletons went over the new route. We went +Through by Daylight; the Lightning Express was On Time, and we did not +find it necessary to Switch Off or Brake Up, in the moral sense, though +both were done on the Lake Shore Railroad. The travelling public were +pleased with the new arrangement, and even those who had to cross the +lake in the ferries did not growl, for they were amply compensated for +the extra trouble by the better time. + +We heard nothing more of Nick Van Wolter for two months, though he +turned up at the end of that time. I had a long talk with his father +about him, and he acknowledged to me that the young man’s mother was +too ambitious in regard to him. Certainly her husband had proved to her +that a faithful discharge of his duty in his own humble sphere was the +safer course. + +Colonel Wimpleton was true to his noble resolution. He drank no more; +and the change in his morals was as great as in his manners. While his +nature was the same, it was not depraved by intemperance, and he was a +different man, though he was not always gentle and courteous. + +When you find yourself indulging as he did in a bad habit, when you +find your course of life is wrong in any respect, do as he did--“BRAKE +UP.” + + + + +Transcriber’s Notes + + + • Italics represented with surrounding _underscores_. + + • Small caps converted to ALL CAPS. + + • Illustrations relocated close to related content. + + • Page number references in illustration captions removed. + + • Obvious typographic errors silently corrected. +*** END OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK 77372 *** diff --git a/77372-h/77372-h.htm b/77372-h/77372-h.htm new file mode 100644 index 0000000..0fdf62c --- /dev/null +++ b/77372-h/77372-h.htm @@ -0,0 +1,9447 @@ +<!DOCTYPE html> +<html lang="en"> +<head> + <meta charset="UTF-8"> + <meta name="viewport" content="width=device-width, initial-scale=1"> + <title> + Brake up; Or, the young peacemakers | Project Gutenberg + </title> + <link rel="icon" href="images/cover.jpg" type="image/x-cover"> + <style> + +body { + margin-left: 10%; + margin-right: 10%; + font-family: serif; + line-height: 2em; +} + +h1,h2,h3,h4,h5,h6 { + text-align: center; /* all headings centered */ + clear: both; +} + +h1 { line-height: 1em; } + +h2 { margin-top: 5em; line-height: 2.5em; } +h2.first { margin-top: 2em; } + +p { + text-align: justify; + margin: 0; + text-indent: 1.5em; +} + + +.pl9 { padding-left: 9em; } +.pr1 { padding-right: 1em; } + +hr { + width: 33%; + margin-top: 2em; + margin-bottom: 2em; + margin-left: 33.5%; + margin-right: 33.5%; + clear: both; +} + +hr.tb {width: 45%; margin-left: 27.5%; margin-right: 27.5%;} +hr.chap {width: 65%; margin-left: 17.5%; margin-right: 17.5%;} +@media print { hr.chap {display: none; visibility: hidden;} } +hr.r5 {width: 5%; margin-top: 1em; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 47.5%; margin-right: 47.5%;} +hr.r20 { width: 20%; margin: 3em 40%; } +hr.r20s { width: 20%; margin: 1em 40% 4em 40%; } + +div.chapter {page-break-before: always;} +h2.nobreak {page-break-before: avoid;} + +table { + margin-left: auto; + margin-right: auto; +} + +.tdl {text-align: left;} +.tdr {text-align: right;} +.tdc {text-align: center;} + +.toc, .the-bill { border-collapse: collapse; } +.toc td { padding: 0; margin: 0; } +.toc .tdc { padding-top: 1.5em; letter-spacing: 0.2em; } +.toc .tdr { padding-left: 2em; } +.toc-page { margin: 0; padding: 0; line-height: 0; } +td.toc-first { padding-top: .25em; } +.toc-space { margin-top: 2em; margin-bottom: -.5em; } + +table.the-bill { margin-top: .5em; margin-bottom: .5em; } +.the-bill td { padding: 0; margin: 0; line-height: 1.75em; } +.the-bill .tdr { padding-left: 1em; } + +.pagenum { /* uncomment the next line for invisible page numbers */ + /* visibility: hidden; */ + position: absolute; + left: 92%; + font-size: small; + text-align: right; + font-style: normal; + font-weight: normal; + font-variant: normal; + text-indent: 0; + color: #AAA; +} /* page numbers */ + +blockquote { margin: 1em 1.5em; } + + +.bb {border-bottom: 2px solid;} + +.center {text-align: center; text-indent: 0; } +.right {text-align: right;} +.smcap {font-variant: small-caps;} +.allsmcap {font-variant: small-caps; text-transform: lowercase;} +.allcap {text-transform: uppercase;} + +figcaption {font-weight: bold;} +figcaption p {margin-top: 0; margin-bottom: .2em; text-align: inherit;} + +/* Images */ + +img { + max-width: 100%; + height: auto; +} +img.w100 {width: 100%;} + + +.figcenter { + margin: 1.5em auto; + text-align: center; + page-break-inside: avoid; + max-width: 100%; +} + + +/* Poetry */ +.poetry-container {display: flex; justify-content: center;} +.poetry-container {text-align: center;} +.poetry .stanza {margin: 1em auto;} + +/* Transcriber's notes */ +.transnote {background-color: #E6E6FA; + color: black; + font-size:small; + padding:0.5em; + margin-bottom:5em; + font-family:sans-serif, serif; +} +.transnote h2 { margin-top: 1em; } + +.full-title { line-height: 1.1em; } +.title-series { font-size: 110%; letter-spacing: 0.2em; } +.title-main { letter-spacing: 0.2em; } +.title-or { font-size: 40%; font-weight: normal; } +.subtitle { font-size: 80%; margin-top: 2em; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: 0.1em; } +.title-by { font-size: 90%; margin-top: 2.5em; } +.title-author { font-size: 150%; margin-top: 1em; letter-spacing: 0.2em; } +.title-also { font-size: 80%; margin-top: 1em; line-height: 1.5em; } +.title-space { margin: 5em auto; } +.title-pub-city { font-size: 100%; margin-top: 0.5em; } +.title-pub1 { font-size: 80%; letter-spacing: 0.15em; } +.title-pub2 { font-size: 70%; letter-spacing: 0.05em; } +.pub-year { font-size: 100%; letter-spacing: 0.1em; } + +.copyright { margin-top: 4em; font-size: 75%; line-height: 2em; } +.printer { margin-top: 10em; font-family: serif; font-size: 70%; + letter-spacing: 0.25em; line-height: 1.75em; word-spacing: 0.1em; + margin-bottom: 4em; } + +.blackletter { font-family: "Old English Text MT", "Lucida Blackletter", + "Noto Serif Display Black", "Luminari", serif; } + +.dedication-1 { margin-top: 6em; font-size: 70%; } +.dedication-2 { margin-top: 1em; font-size: 90%; letter-spacing: 0.2em; } +.dedication-3 { margin-top: 1em; font-size: 110%; letter-spacing: 0.2em; word-spacing: 0.4em;} +.dedication-4 { margin-top: 1em; font-size: 110%; word-spacing: 0.2em; } +.dedication-5 { margin-top: 1em; font-size: 80%; margin-bottom: 6em; word-spacing: 0.4em; } + +.series-list { margin: 6em auto; } +.series-list ol { text-align: left; } +.series-list ol li { padding-left: .4em; margin-top: 1em; } +.series-list-title { font-weight: bold; font-size: 110%; letter-spacing: 0.1em; } + +.preface-space { margin: 3em auto; } + +.chap-title { font-size: 75%; } +.ht-rule { margin-top: 2em; } + +p.drop-cap { + text-indent: -0.2em; +} +p.dc-extra { text-indent: -1em; } +p.drop-cap:first-letter { + float: left; + margin: 0.15em 0.15em 0em 0em; + font-size: 400%; + line-height: 0.75em; +} +.x-ebookmaker-2 p.drop-cap, .x-ebookmaker-2 p.dc-extra { + text-indent: 0em; /* restore default */ +} +.x-ebookmaker-2 p.drop-cap:first-letter { + float: none; + margin: 0; + font-size: 100%; +} +.ht-1 { font-size: 200%; font-weight: bold; letter-spacing: 0.2em; margin-top: 4em; } +.ht-2 { font-size: 90%; margin-top: 2em; } +.ht-3 { font-size: 150%; letter-spacing: 0.1em; margin-top: 1.2em; } + + +/* Illustration classes */ +.illowp44 {width: 44%;} +.x-ebookmaker .illowp44 {width: 100%;} +.illowp95 {width: 95%;} +.illowp96 {width: 96%;} + </style> +</head> +<body> +<div style='text-align:center'>*** START OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK 77372 ***</div> + +<div class="chapter"> +<p><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_i"></a><a id="Page_ii"></a>[ii]</span></p> +</div> + +<figure class="figcenter illowp44 x-ebookmaker-drop" id="i_001" style="max-width: 50.0em;"> + <img class="w100" src="images/i_001.jpg" alt="Illustrated title page"> +</figure> + +<p><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_iii"></a><a id="Page_1"></a>[1]</span></p> + +<hr class="chap x-ebookmaker-drop"> + +<div class="chapter"> +<p class="center title-series"> +<i>THE LAKE SHORE SERIES.</i></p> +<hr class='r20s'> + +<div class='full-title'> +<h1> +<span class='title-main'>BRAKE UP;</span><br> +<span class='title-or'>OR,</span><br> +<span class='subtitle'>THE YOUNG PEACEMAKERS.</span> +</h1> + +<p class='center title-by'>BY</p> +<p class='center title-author'>OLIVER OPTIC,</p> +<p class='center title-also'><span class='allsmcap'> +AUTHOR OF “YOUNG AMERICA ABROAD,” “THE ARMY AND NAVY STORIES,”<br> +“THE WOODVILLE STORIES,” “THE BOAT-CLUB STORIES,”<br> +“THE STARRY FLAG STORIES,” ETC.</span></p> + +<div class='title-space'> +<hr class='r20'> +</div> + +<p class='center title-pub-city'> +BOSTON:</p> +<p class='center title-pub1'> +LEE AND SHEPARD, PUBLISHERS.</p> +<p class='center title-pub-city'> +NEW YORK:</p> +<p class='center title-pub2'> +LEE, SHEPARD AND DILLINGHAM.</p> +<p class='center pub-year'> +1873. +</p> +</div> +</div> + +<hr class="chap x-ebookmaker-drop"> +<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_2">[2]</span></p> + +<div class="chapter"> +<p class='center copyright'> + Entered, according to Act of Congress, in the year 1870, by<br> + WILLIAM T. ADAMS,<br> + In the Clerk’s Office of the District Court of the District of Massachusetts.</p> + +<p class='center printer'> + ELECTROTYPED AT THE<br> + BOSTON STEREOTYPE FOUNDRY,<br> + NO. 19 SPRING LANE. +</p> + +</div> + +<hr class="chap x-ebookmaker-drop"> + +<div class="chapter"> +<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_3">[3]</span></p> +<p class='center dedication-1'>TO</p> +<p class='center dedication-2'>MY YOUNG FRIEND</p> +<p class='center dedication-3'><i>ELLIOT WILLIAM SAYWARD</i></p> +<p class='center dedication-4 blackletter'>This Book</p> +<p class='center dedication-5'>IS AFFECTIONATELY DEDICATED. +</p> + +</div> + + +<hr class="chap x-ebookmaker-drop"> +<div class="chapter"> +<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_4">[4]</span></p> +</div> + +<div class='series-list'> +<p class='center series-list-title'> + <i>THE LAKE SHORE SERIES.</i> + </p> + +<hr class='r20'> + +<div class='poetry-container'> +<div class='poetry'> +<div class='stanza'> +<ol> + <li><i>THROUGH BY DAYLIGHT</i>; or, + The Young Engineer of the Lake Shore Railroad.</li> + + <li><i>LIGHTNING EXPRESS</i>; or, The Rival Academies.</li> + + <li><i>ON TIME</i>; or, The Young Captain of the Ucayga Steamer.</li> + + <li><i>SWITCH OFF</i>; or, The War of the Students.</li> + + <li><i>BRAKE UP</i>; or, The Young Peacemakers.</li> + + <li><i>BEAR AND FORBEAR</i>; or, The Young Skipper of Lake Ucayga.</li> +</ol></div></div></div> +</div> + +<hr class="chap x-ebookmaker-drop"> +<div class="chapter"> + +<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_5">[5]</span></p> + + + <h2 class="nobreak" id="PREFACE"> + PREFACE. + </h2> +</div> + +<div class='preface-space'> +<hr class='r5'> +</div> + +<p>“<span class="smcap">Brake Up</span>” is the fifth of <span class="smcap">The Lake Shore Series</span>, +and was one of the serials which appeared in Oliver Optic’s +Magazine. Although the volume contains an independent +story, the same characters that appeared in preceding issues +of the series are introduced. While Captain Wolf Penniman +still remains true to his high standard of duty, Nick +Von Wolter is presented to the reader in strong contrast +with the hero. The latter, ambitious to put himself forward +in the world, makes the oft-repeated mistake of those +who follow any other guide than that of religious principle. +The result to the evil-doer is but the reflection of the +world’s experience; and though all who seek and follow the +True Light may not realize the same worldly success that +crowned the life of Wolf, they are absolutely sure to attain +that peace of mind which alone is happiness here and +hereafter.</p> + +<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_6">[6]</span></p> + +<p>The railroad phrase “<span class="smcap">Brake Up</span>” is not used in its +technical sense, but figuratively indicates how the wrong-doer +should proceed when he becomes conscious of his error; +and the author hopes his young friends, as well as +those of mature years, will follow the example of the magnate +of Centreport when they find themselves on the “wrong +track.”</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Harrison Square, Boston</span>,</p> +<p class='pl9'>January 26, 1870.</p> + + +<hr class="chap x-ebookmaker-drop"> +<div class="chapter"> + +<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_7">[7]</span></p> + + + <h2 class="nobreak" id="CONTENTS"> + CONTENTS. + </h2> +</div> + +<div class='toc-space'> +<hr class='r5'> +</div> + + +<table class='toc'> +<tr><td class='tdc' colspan='2'><a href='#CHAPTER_I'>CHAPTER I.</a></td></tr> +<tr><td></td><td class='tdr toc-page'><span class='allsmcap'>PAGE</span></td></tr> +<tr><td class='tdl toc-first'> + <span class="smcap">Colonel Wimpleton won’t have it.</span> +</td><td class='tdr toc-first'><a href='#Page_11'>11</a></td> +</tr> +<tr><td class='tdc' colspan='2'><a href='#CHAPTER_II'>CHAPTER II.</a></td></tr> +<tr><td class='tdl'><span class="smcap">Brake Up!</span></td> +<td class='tdr'><a href='#Page_20'>20</a></td></tr> + +<tr><td class='tdc' colspan='2'><a href='#CHAPTER_III'>CHAPTER III.</a></td></tr> +<tr><td class='tdl'><span class="smcap">Mr. Nicholas Van Wolter.</span></td> +<td class='tdr'><a href='#Page_31'>31</a></td></tr> + +<tr><td class='tdc' colspan='2'><a href='#CHAPTER_IV'>CHAPTER IV.</a></td></tr> +<tr><td class='tdl'><span class="smcap">A Glorious Opportunity.</span></td> +<td class='tdr'><a href='#Page_41'>41</a></td></tr> + +<tr><td class='tdc' colspan='2'><a href='#CHAPTER_V'>CHAPTER V.</a></td></tr> +<tr><td class='tdl'><span class="smcap">Romance and Reality.</span></td> +<td class='tdr'><a href='#Page_52'>52</a></td></tr> + +<tr><td class='tdc' colspan='2'><a href='#CHAPTER_VI'>CHAPTER VI.</a></td></tr> +<tr><td class='tdl'><span class="smcap">A Discomfited Aspirant.</span></td> +<td class='tdr'><a href='#Page_63'>63</a></td></tr> + +<tr><td class='tdc' colspan='2'><a href='#CHAPTER_VII'>CHAPTER VII.</a></td></tr> +<tr><td class='tdl'><span class="smcap">Colonel Wimpleton drops the Reins.</span></td> +<td class='tdr'><a href='#Page_74'>74</a></td></tr> + +<tr><td class='tdc' colspan='2'><a href='#CHAPTER_VIII'>CHAPTER VIII.</a></td></tr> +<tr><td class='tdl'><span class="smcap">Secrets for Two.</span></td> +<td class='tdr'><a href='#Page_84'>84</a></td></tr> + +<tr><td class='tdc' colspan='2'><a href='#CHAPTER_IX'>CHAPTER IX.</a> +<span class="pagenum" id="Page_8">[8]</span></td></tr> +<tr><td class='tdl'><span class="smcap">The Tipsy Magnate.</span></td> +<td class='tdr'><a href='#Page_96'>96</a></td></tr> + +<tr><td class='tdc' colspan='2'><a href='#CHAPTER_X'>CHAPTER X.</a></td></tr> +<tr><td class='tdl'><span class="smcap">Tom Walton expresses his Opinion.</span></td> +<td class='tdr'><a href='#Page_106'>106</a></td></tr> + +<tr><td class='tdc' colspan='2'><a href='#CHAPTER_XI'>CHAPTER XI.</a></td></tr> +<tr><td class='tdl'><span class="smcap">A Generous Tippler.</span></td> +<td class='tdr'><a href='#Page_117'>117</a></td></tr> + +<tr><td class='tdc' colspan='2'><a href='#CHAPTER_XII'>CHAPTER XII.</a></td></tr> +<tr><td class='tdl'><span class="smcap">Another Calamity.</span></td> +<td class='tdr'><a href='#Page_128'>128</a></td></tr> + +<tr><td class='tdc' colspan='2'><a href='#CHAPTER_XIII'>CHAPTER XIII.</a></td></tr> +<tr><td class='tdl'><span class="smcap">After the Accident.</span></td> +<td class='tdr'><a href='#Page_139'>139</a></td></tr> + +<tr><td class='tdc' colspan='2'><a href='#CHAPTER_XIV'>CHAPTER XIV.</a></td></tr> +<tr><td class='tdl'>“<span class="smcap">The Occurrences of Yesterday.</span>”</td> +<td class='tdr'><a href='#Page_150'>150</a></td></tr> + +<tr><td class='tdc' colspan='2'><a href='#CHAPTER_XV'>CHAPTER XV.</a></td></tr> +<tr><td class='tdl'><span class="smcap">A Tempting Offer.</span></td> +<td class='tdr'><a href='#Page_162'>162</a></td></tr> + +<tr><td class='tdc' colspan='2'><a href='#CHAPTER_XVI'>CHAPTER XVI.</a></td></tr> +<tr><td class='tdl'><span class="smcap">The Ucayga in Trouble.</span></td> +<td class='tdr'><a href='#Page_173'>173</a></td></tr> + +<tr><td class='tdc' colspan='2'><a href='#CHAPTER_XVII'>CHAPTER XVII.</a></td></tr> +<tr><td class='tdl'><span class="smcap">An Act of Courtesy.</span></td> +<td class='tdr'><a href='#Page_185'>185</a></td></tr> + +<tr><td class='tdc' colspan='2'><a href='#CHAPTER_XVIII'>CHAPTER XVIII.</a></td></tr> +<tr><td class='tdl'><span class="smcap">The Mystery of the Check.</span></td> +<td class='tdr'><a href='#Page_196'>196</a></td></tr> + +<tr><td class='tdc' colspan='2'><a href='#CHAPTER_XIX'>CHAPTER XIX.</a> +<span class="pagenum" id="Page_9">[9]</span></td></tr> +<tr><td class='tdl'><span class="smcap">Colonel Wimpleton humiliated.</span></td> +<td class='tdr'><a href='#Page_208'>208</a></td></tr> + +<tr><td class='tdc' colspan='2'><a href='#CHAPTER_XX'>CHAPTER XX.</a></td></tr> +<tr><td class='tdl'><span class="smcap">A Night Trip to Hitaca.</span></td> +<td class='tdr'><a href='#Page_220'>220</a></td></tr> + +<tr><td class='tdc' colspan='2'><a href='#CHAPTER_XXI'>CHAPTER XXI.</a></td></tr> +<tr><td class='tdl'><span class="smcap">What happened in the Road.</span></td> +<td class='tdr'><a href='#Page_232'>232</a></td></tr> + +<tr><td class='tdc' colspan='2'><a href='#CHAPTER_XXII'>CHAPTER XXII.</a></td></tr> +<tr><td class='tdl'><span class="smcap">Seven per cent. Bonds.</span></td> +<td class='tdr'><a href='#Page_244'>244</a></td></tr> + +<tr><td class='tdc' colspan='2'><a href='#CHAPTER_XXIII'>CHAPTER XXIII.</a></td></tr> +<tr><td class='tdl'><span class="smcap">The Committee of Conference.</span></td> +<td class='tdr'><a href='#Page_256'>256</a></td></tr> + +<tr><td class='tdc' colspan='2'><a href='#CHAPTER_XXIV'>CHAPTER XXIV.</a></td></tr> +<tr><td class='tdl'><span class="smcap">The Magnates join Hands.</span></td> +<td class='tdr'><a href='#Page_268'>268</a></td></tr> + +<tr><td class='tdc' colspan='2'><a href='#CHAPTER_XXV'>CHAPTER XXV.</a></td></tr> +<tr><td class='tdl'><span class="smcap">More seven per cent. Bonds.</span></td> +<td class='tdr'><a href='#Page_280'>280</a></td></tr> + +<tr><td class='tdc' colspan='2'><a href='#CHAPTER_XXVI'>CHAPTER XXVI.</a></td></tr> +<tr><td class='tdl'><span class="smcap">In Honor of the Reconciliation.</span></td> +<td class='tdr'><a href='#Page_292'>292</a></td></tr> +</table> + + +<hr class="chap x-ebookmaker-drop"> +<div class="chapter"> + +<p><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_10"></a><a id="Page_11"></a>[11]</span></p> + +<p class='center ht-1'>BRAKE UP;</p> +<p class='center ht-2'>OR,</p> +<p class='center ht-3'>THE YOUNG PEACEMAKERS.</p> +<div class='ht-rule'> +<hr class='r20'> +</div> +</div> + + <h2 class="nobreak first" id="CHAPTER_I"> + CHAPTER I. + <br> + <span class='chap-title'>COLONEL WIMPLETON WON’T HAVE IT.</span> + </h2> + + +<p class='drop-cap'><span class='allcap'>“I won’t</span> have it, Wolf Penniman! No, I won’t +have it!” said and repeated Colonel Wimpleton, +as, with an uncertain step, he shuffled up to the door +of my state-room, on board of the Ucayga.</p> + +<p>The magnate of Centreport was more than usually +intoxicated. For two or three years he had kept himself +well filled with rum. His face had grown red, and +toddy-blossoms had gathered upon his aquiline nose, +but he seldom manifested any of the ordinary symptoms +of drunkenness. It was not often that he reeled, +or became incoherent in his speech, as on the present +<span class="pagenum" id="Page_12">[12]</span> +occasion. If he was ever overcome by his besetting +vice, it was not in public. I had certainly never +before seen him in the condition in which he presented +himself at the door of my state-room.</p> + +<p>I was aware that the habit of drinking was gaining +upon him. I had frequently seen him when he was +affected by the liquor he had taken. I had known +him to fall asleep in company when the conversation +flagged, and I had often noticed the stupor of inebriation. +He took less interest in the steamer, and in +other business enterprises in which he was engaged, +than formerly. Under the influence of his drams, when +excited, he was even more violent than when he was +sober. For years he had been the deadly enemy of +Major Toppleton, the rich man of Middleport, on the +opposite side of the lake. His intemperance did not +moderate his hatred, though it deprived him of the +energy to prosecute malicious schemes against his +rival.</p> + +<p>Three years before, Major Toppleton had completed +the Lake Shore Railroad, intended in the beginning +rather as a plaything for the students of the Toppleton +Institute, and as a means of giving the young men a +<span class="pagenum" id="Page_13">[13]</span> +knowledge of railroad business, though the idea had +enlarged on his hands, and the line had become a +regular thoroughfare of travel. A violent competition +had sprung up between the two sides of the lake. +The projector of the railroad had purchased the old +line of steamers, and ran them only to Middleport, +thus compelling the people of the large and thriving +town of Centreport to do all their business through +the rival place on the other side of the lake. This +was more than the choleric temper of Colonel Wimpleton +could endure, and he immediately built the +large, swift, and beautiful steamer Ucayga, to run +between Centreport and the lower end of the lake, +thus giving the town direct communication with the +great business centres of the nation.</p> + +<p>For a time the Lake Shore line had the advantage, +and obtained nearly all the through business; but the +new steamer, of which I had the honor to be captain, +by making one through trip a day to Hitaca, at the +upper extremity of the lake, beating the railroad line +by three quarters of an hour, and affording better accommodation, +without change from boat to cars and +from cars to boat, turned the current of travel, and +<span class="pagenum" id="Page_14">[14]</span> +Centreport obtained a complete and decided victory +over Middleport. Of course Major Toppleton was +sorely vexed at the triumph of his great rival. He +had vainly sought the means of recovering his lost +prestige. The best time he could make was four +hours and a quarter, while the steamer line accomplished +the distance in three and a half. He could +regain the ground he had lost only by building a +steamer like the Ucayga, or extending his railroad +through a wild region for twenty-five miles, to the +head of the lake. Either of these expedients involved +a very large outlay of money, which he was not willing +to make. But he continued to talk of doing +something, and there was no end to the agitation of +the subject.</p> + +<p>I had certain very decided views of my own, and +earnestly hoped that the major would adopt neither +of his expensive expedients. All Middleport and all +Centreport had been at war with each other for years. +Not only the major and the colonel, but their two sons, +and the two academies under their patronage, had +hated and fought each other; but now all had been +reconciled except the two magnates, though the business +<span class="pagenum" id="Page_15">[15]</span> +rivalry between the two places was not abated. +But it seemed to me that, after the two sons had become +good friends and the two Institutes had fraternized, +the two magnates hated each other more bitterly +than ever. I could not help fearing that a new steamer, +or an extension of the railroad, would increase the +malignant rivalry; and, acting through Tommy Toppleton, +the major’s son, and Waddie Wimpleton, the +colonel’s son, I had done what I could to keep the +two lines as they were at the opening of my present +story.</p> + +<p>Major Toppleton had proposed to me, and I had +suggested to Colonel Wimpleton, the plan of uniting +the two lines; but the magnate of Centreport had +indignantly and scornfully repudiated the proposition. +He would have nothing to do with the Toppletons. +Such a union would be a benefit to the travelling +public, while it would afford a remunerative business +to each line. It would reduce the time from Hitaca +to Ucayga three quarters of an hour, and make an +end of all the ill feeling engendered by the competition. +The one purpose of my existence, at this time, +was to accomplish this union. I hoped and prayed +<span class="pagenum" id="Page_16">[16]</span> +for some happy circumstance that would reconcile the +great men. I was even daring enough to attempt to +contrive a plan by which this blessed result might be +attained; but I had not been able to devise any +expedient which appeared hopeful enough to be attempted.</p> + +<p>Colonel Wimpleton was more than usually intoxicated +when he presented himself at the door of my +state-room. As he spoke he staggered into the apartment, +and dropped heavily into a chair. It was mortifying +and disgusting even to me to see him in this +condition; but how much more so to his family! I +pitied his wife, I pitied Waddie, and I pitied Minnie +Wimpleton, the oldest daughter of the magnate; indeed, +I pitied all who were connected with him; for +if he was a terrible man when sober, he was vastly +more terrible when intoxicated. Though he had occasionally +found fault with me since I had been in +charge of the steamer, he never indulged in anything +which could be called abuse. On the other hand, if +anybody could be said to have any influence over +him, I had a very little. It was by my plans, and +through my direct agency, that the steamer had won +<span class="pagenum" id="Page_17">[17]</span> +the victory over the rival line. I had always treated +him with respect, and even with “distinguished consideration,” +but at the same time I maintained my +independence. The colonel knew that the moment +he cast me off, the major was ready to take me up, +and restore me to my old position on the railroad. +Perhaps it is not exactly modest for me to state these +things, but it would be mere affectation for me to +ignore them.</p> + +<p>“I won’t have it!” repeated Colonel Wimpleton, +with greater emphasis, as he dropped into the chair in +my state-room.</p> + +<p>“What, sir?” I inquired.</p> + +<p>“I say I won’t have it,” he replied, fixing a kind of +vacant stare upon the floor.</p> + +<p>I concluded that what he would not have related +to the steamer, and I was prepared to receive the +rebuke he had apparently come to administer. I +could think of nothing I had done to deserve censure. +The Ucayga had made all her trips with clock-work +regularity. We had been “on time;” and except +when the days were too short, we had put her +“through by daylight.” The pleasure season was +<span class="pagenum" id="Page_18">[18]</span> +just opening, and we were carrying crowds of passengers. +Certainly everything seemed to be lovely, +and I was not conscious of deserving a rebuke. But +in my relations with the colonel I often received +what I did not deserve. I was tolerably intimate in +the family of Major Toppleton. Tommy, now thoroughly +reformed, was one of my best friends. He +was grateful to me because I had assisted in saving +him from the wrath of Jed Trotwood, and as he still +had a great influence over his father, he always insured +me a welcome at the Toppleton mansion.</p> + +<p>Grace Toppleton was very kindly disposed towards +me; and being eighteen now, I am willing to confess +that I believed her to be the prettiest and the dearest +girl in the whole world. I had become very particular +in regard to my dress, and my mother often +declared that she was afraid I should yet be a dandy, +I was so particular to wear good clothes, and to have +my neck-tie nicely adjusted. But, then, I was the +commander of the Ucayga, and it was a part of my +duty to make myself agreeable to the passengers, +including many elegant and accomplished ladies. Yet +I could not conceal from myself the truth that I cared +<span class="pagenum" id="Page_19">[19]</span> +more for the opinion of Grace than of all others. For +her I wore the good clothes; for her I was particular +about my neck-tie; and for her I brushed my hair +till every individual lock had found its most graceful +position. By continued perseverance in shaving my +upper lip, I had coaxed a tolerable mustache into +being, which, I fondly believed, not only overcame +the juvenility of my appearance, but added a manly +feature to my face.</p> + +<p>I was very much interested in Grace, as I had been +from the first moment I saw her. Indeed, this interest +had grown upon me in a manner which I need not +stop to explain. I acknowledged to myself that I had +“intentions” in regard to her, though I could not help +feeling that they were very presumptuous in me, who +had neither a great name nor a great family to boast +of. I had never said anything to Grace about these +intentions, but I flattered myself that she was not +wholly indifferent towards me. Her father did not +seem to notice my attentions, but I was afraid he +would. As this was the thought always nearest to +my heart, it occurred to me, as the tipsy colonel sat +looking at the floor in my state-room, that my devotion +to Grace was what he would not have.</p> + + +<hr class="chap x-ebookmaker-drop"> +<div class="chapter"> + +<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_20">[20]</span></p> + + + <h2 class="nobreak" id="CHAPTER_II"> + CHAPTER II + <br> + <span class='chap-title'>BRAKE UP!</span> + </h2> +</div> + + +<p class='drop-cap'><span class='allcap'>I looked</span> at Colonel Wimpleton, as he sat +gazing, with a stupid stare, upon the floor of the +state-room. I began to feel some trepidation lest my +relations with the family of Major Toppleton were to +be criticised and censured. But true to the instincts +of all young men in my situation, I was ready to die +rather than yield the breadth of a hair in my devotion +to Grace. The magnates might quarrel as much as +suited their imperial pleasure, but I would neither +be coaxed nor driven into the feud. I was resolved +to be discharged from my pleasant and lucrative +position rather than have my agreeable relations with +the Toppletons suspended.</p> + +<p>“Wolf, I won’t have it!” exclaimed the colonel, +suddenly, as he stamped his foot upon the floor, after +a silence which enabled me to review my previous +conduct for months.</p> + +<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_21">[21]</span></p> + +<p>“What, sir?” I inquired again.</p> + +<p>But the tipsy magnate did not condescend to reply +to my question. He contracted the muscles of his +face into a maudlin expression of indignation, and +continued to brood over the evil which disturbed him.</p> + +<p>“You must go with me, Wolf,” said he, after another +long pause.</p> + +<p>“Where, sir?”</p> + +<p>“Over to Middleport.—No, I won’t have it! I’ll +put a stop to it!”</p> + +<p>“I really don’t understand you, Colonel Wimpleton,” +I pleaded.</p> + +<p>“You don’t understand it, Wolf? Yes, you do +understand it, Wolf. You know all about it.”</p> + +<p>“What, sir?”</p> + +<p>“What, sir!” sneered the colonel, fixing a stare of +drunken ire upon me. “You must go with me, Wolf.”</p> + +<p>“But the boat must start in less than an hour,” I +added, consulting my watch.</p> + +<p>“I don’t care for the boat. This thing is of more +consequence than the boat, Wolf.”</p> + +<p>“What thing, sir?”</p> + +<p>“Boys musn’t be men till they are old enough to +<span class="pagenum" id="Page_22">[22]</span> +be men, Wolf,” protested the great man. “Come +with me.”</p> + +<p>He rose with some difficulty from the chair, and +tottered towards the door.</p> + +<p>“Where am I to go, sir?” I asked.</p> + +<p>“Over to the other side of the lake.”</p> + +<p>“But the boat⁠—”</p> + +<p>“Don’t say any more to me about the boat, Wolf. +Van Wolter can run the boat as well as you can. +Come along with me.”</p> + +<p>“Very well, sir; I will tell Mr. Van Wolter that I +shall not go down the lake with him.”</p> + +<p>When I had seen the mate, I returned to my state-room, +where the colonel had again seated himself. I +kept a tumbler and a pitcher of ice water in the room, +and as I went to take a drink, I found the glass +smelled strongly of liquor. The magnate had a bottle +in his pocket, and had taken another dram. I did not +like to go with him while he was in his present condition, +and evidently growing worse, but I could not +refuse without creating a tempest.</p> + +<p>“Courting!” ejaculated the colonel, as I put on my +cap. “I won’t have it.”</p> + +<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_23">[23]</span></p> + +<p>“I don’t understand you, sir,” I replied, startled by +the suggestive word he had used.</p> + +<p>“You’ll understand it very soon, Wolf, for I won’t +have it. Come with me.”</p> + +<p>What could the great man mean? Did he apply +that word to my relations with Grace Toppleton? I +was not willing to have them called by so vulgar a +term. He rose from the chair, and bolted out of the +state-room, for he could not now maintain a steady +gait. I followed him to the gangway, where the boat +I had ordered was waiting for us. Van Wolter +winked at me as I passed him, and seemed to regard +the drunkenness of the magnate as a good joke, instead +of the most serious thing in the world. With +the assistance of the mate and myself, the colonel +succeeded in depositing himself in the boat without +falling into the lake, and the men landed us at Middleport.</p> + +<p>Bracing up his nerves to their utmost tension, the +great man walked up the wharf to the railroad station, +whence he dropped into a chair, overcome by his exertions +to act like a sober man. The last dram imbibed +had not yet produced its full effect, and I hoped, in +<span class="pagenum" id="Page_24">[24]</span> +the stupor of intoxication, he would forget his mission, +whatever it was. People looked at him, smiled, +winked, and sneered, as he sat in the waiting-room, +and it was very disagreeable to me to be obliged to +be his companion. There is no knowing what a tipsy +man may do, and I was fearful that he would place +me in a still more embarrassing position. The vulgar +expression he had used—“courting”—indicated that +there was a lady in the affair. I suspected that he +meant to proceed to the house of Major Toppleton; +but I was determined not to go there with him, for +such a step would imply that he intended to meddle +with my affair.</p> + +<p>“No, I won’t have it, Wolf! Now go and see +where they have gone,” said the colonel, after he had +sat a few moments.</p> + +<p>“See where who have gone, sir?” I inquired.</p> + +<p>“Why, Tom Toppleton and Waddie.”</p> + +<p>“I know where they have gone.”</p> + +<p>“Where?” he demanded, jerking up his head +suddenly.</p> + +<p>“Down to the Horse Shoe, sir.”</p> + +<p>“I suppose you know all about it.”</p> + +<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_25">[25]</span></p> + +<p>“They have gone to select a camp for the regiment—that’s +all.”</p> + +<p>“No, sir! That’s not all, Wolf! You know very +well that’s not all.”</p> + +<p>“At least, that’s all I know about it,” I pleaded.</p> + +<p>“Now, where’s Grace Toppleton? That’s what I +want to know,” said he, savagely.</p> + +<p>“I don’t know where she is,” I replied, not pleased +to have her name connected with the matter, whatever +it might prove to be.</p> + +<p>“You go and find out where she is—that’s what +I want you to do. Don’t talk to me! I tell you I +won’t have it.”</p> + +<p>“I will ascertain where she is,” I replied, not unwilling +to call at the house of the major, where I +might see her.</p> + +<p>“Go, and don’t stop long.”</p> + +<p>I did go, and I did not stop long. Grace was not at +home. She had gone to the Horse Shoe in the same +boat with Tommy, where he was to meet Waddie. I +reported this intelligence to the colonel.</p> + +<p>“That is just what I supposed!” exclaimed he, +springing to his feet. “I won’t have it. Get two +tickets, Wolf, and take me to the Horse Shoe.”</p> + +<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_26">[26]</span></p> + +<p>“I will, sir.”</p> + +<p>“Courting!” snuffed the colonel.</p> + +<p>“Who, sir?”</p> + +<p>“In love.”</p> + +<p>“Who, sir?”</p> + +<p>“I won’t have it! No, I won’t.”</p> + +<p>By this time I began to believe that I was not the +object of his suspicion; but I was very anxious to +know who was implicated in this grave charge of +“courting,” or of being in love. I knew that Nick +Van Wolter, the mate’s son, had gone down to the +Horse Shoe with Waddie, in the Raven; and now it +appeared that Tommy and Grace had also gone. My +present information assured me that Grace was the +only young lady of the party, and if any “courting” +was meditated, it was plain to me, from the nature of +the circumstances, that she must be one of the parties.</p> + +<p>I confess that I began to feel very uneasy when the +possibility of the occasion dawned upon me. Grace, +so far as I knew, was the only lady in the party. If +any one was in love with her, who could it be? Certainly +it was not Tommy; and it was almost as certain +that it could not be Nick Van Wolter, though the +<span class="pagenum" id="Page_27">[27]</span> +latter was a very conceited young man, with assurance +enough to fall in love with one so much his superior +as Grace. But if it was Nick, why should the colonel +trouble himself about the matter? I was satisfied +that it could not be Nick. Then it must be Waddie.</p> + +<p>My blood seemed to grow cold in my veins as the +only reasonable explanation of the problem was forced +upon my mind. Such an event would inflame the +magnate of Centreport to wrath, for he could conceive +of no more terrible calamity than an alliance by marriage +between the rival families. I was shocked and +confounded. Yet I was reasonable enough to believe +that it was the most natural thing in the world for +Waddie to fall in love with Grace. She was beautiful +and winning beyond any words of mine to express. +He was socially her equal, which I was not. Distressed +as I was, I could offer no objection to the idea.</p> + +<p>I procured two tickets for Grass Springs, and assisted +the colonel into the rear car. He still persisted +that he would not “have it,” talked wild, foolish, and +angry, by turns, till the stupor of his last dram overcame +him, and he dropped asleep, much to my satisfaction, +for I was disgusted with his speech. Besides, +<span class="pagenum" id="Page_28">[28]</span> +I did not feel like talking with any one. I had experienced +a terrible blow. I had lost Grace Toppleton. +I had mistaken her kindness to me for a more +tender sentiment, and I felt like lying down on the +bottom of the lake in deep water, or emigrating to +some distant and unknown region.</p> + +<p>The cars stopped a moment at Spangleport. Major +Toppleton had built a bridge over the outlet of the +lake, so that the train ran into Ucayga, thus gaining +time enough to allow the stops at the two towns on +the route. The dummy also made two trips a day to +Grass Springs, so that the people along the line were +better accommodated than ever before. About half +way between Spangleport and the Springs, the engineer +whistled furiously, and the train began to brake +up rather sharply.</p> + +<p>“What’s the matter, Wolf?” said the colonel, +awaking with a start.</p> + +<p>“I don’t know, sir; perhaps a cow is on the track.”</p> + +<p>“Go ahead and see,” said he, thrusting his hand +into his breast pocket, where he must have kept his +bottle.</p> + +<p>I obeyed him, and as I opened the forward door, I +<span class="pagenum" id="Page_29">[29]</span> +saw him drinking from his flask. I had walked +through three cars, when the train stopped. As I had +supposed, an obstinate cow had placed herself on the +track, and not having the fear of locomotives before +her, refused to budge till the fireman drove her off by +pelting her with coal. The train started again, and I +did not hurry back to the colonel; but when I reached +the rear of the last car, he was not there. I was +alarmed, and immediately looked through the train +for him. I could not find him. The passengers had +not observed him. I was afraid he had fallen off, and +I hastened to find the conductor.</p> + +<p>He was in the forward car. I stated the case to +him, and begged him to run back a little way. After +many objections he consented, and gave the order. A +brakeman was sent to the rear platform, but the conductor +detained me to tell me the consequences that +might follow the delay. I promised to help him out +on some other occasion when he was behind time, by +inducing the conductors on the great line to wait for +him. I hastened back to the rear platform, but before +I could reach it, I heard the whistle to brake up. On +reaching the end of the car, I saw a sight which froze +<span class="pagenum" id="Page_30">[30]</span> +my blood. Colonel Wimpleton lay on the track between +the rails, apparently unable to save himself.</p> + +<p>The brakeman had pulled the connecting line, and +was jamming down the brake with all his might; but +it was still a problem whether the train could be +stopped in season to avoid running over him. I +rushed to the assistance of the man, and the brake +creaked under our united efforts. Fortunately the +signal from the engine had been prompt, and the train +was stopped, but only a few feet from the tipsy magnate, +who shook his fist at the car as it came near.</p> + +<p>“Did ye mean to run over me?” said he; and it +was evident that his last dram had nearly finished him.</p> + +<hr class="tb"> + +<p>[We intended to let Wolf tell his own story, but +we are obliged to take the pen out of his hand, for a +time, to relate certain incidents of which he was not +a witness. Nicholas Van Wolter is no scholar; and +if he were, we could not trust him to narrate the +matter of the succeeding chapters, for we fear he +would suppress the truth, and introduce too much of +his own personal vanity.]</p> + +<figure class="figcenter illowp95" id="i_f001" style="max-width: 63.8125em;"> + <img class="w100" src="images/i_f001.jpg" alt=""> + <figcaption> + BRAKE UP! + </figcaption> +</figure> + + +<hr class="chap x-ebookmaker-drop"> +<div class="chapter"> + +<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_31">[31]</span></p> + + + <h2 class="nobreak" id="CHAPTER_III"> + CHAPTER III. + <br> + <span class='chap-title'>MR. NICHOLAS VAN WOLTER.</span> + </h2> +</div> + + +<p class='drop-cap'><span class='allcap'>Mr. Nick Van Wolter</span>, a young gentleman +of eighteen, and the oldest son of the mate +of the Ucayga, was dressing himself with extraordinary +care on the morning preceding the incidents +of the last chapter. He was very little like his father, +who was a plain, honest, straightforward man, and +very much like his mother, who was a vain, aspiring, +ambitious woman. The mate was willing to do his +duty faithfully and patiently, and let the future take +care of itself, though he was not without a reasonable +ambition to distinguish himself, and make his fortune. +His wife thought the world, and particularly Colonel +Wimpleton, had wronged and defrauded her husband +out of money and position. She had high hopes of +Nick, for he was of an aspiring nature, and did not +believe that he had yet found his true sphere.</p> + +<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_32">[32]</span></p> + +<p>Nick had brushed his hair with remarkable precision; +he had carefully laid each individual hair of his +downy mustache; and he was now engaged in the +difficult and trying operation of tying his cravat. He +had donned his Sunday clothes, though it was Monday, +and though he was going in the Raven, which +was the name of Waddie Wimpleton’s new sail-boat. +The fact that Miss Minnie Wimpleton was to be one +of the party may explain the reason of all the extra +pains the young man bestowed upon himself. Miss +Wimpleton was certainly a very beautiful girl, though +this need not have made any difference with Nick, +who had only been invited to help work the Raven, +for Waddie had a lame arm, wrenched at the shoulder +in playing base ball.</p> + +<p>It would be difficult to describe the precise social or +business position of Nick Van Wolter. He had +worked on the steamer as a deck hand, and as a waiter +in the cabin; but he had become disgusted with both +of these places. They were beneath his dignity, and +below his sphere. He had obtained a place in a store +in Centreport, where his father’s family resided; but +sweeping out, working in the cellars, and carrying +<span class="pagenum" id="Page_33">[33]</span> +bundles were so far beneath his aspirations that he +had also abandoned the store. He now appeared to +be “waiting for something to turn up.” He wanted +to be the clerk of the Ucayga, as a stepping-stone to +a higher place; but the present incumbent obstinately +persisted in retaining the situation. He was devoted, +mind, heart, and soul, to Waddie Wimpleton, through +whom he expected finally to accomplish his purpose. +He was willing to “toady” to the great man’s son, to +bow down before him, and cling to the skirts of his +garments. When Waddie, therefore, in his partially +disabled condition, needed assistance in the boat, Nick +was available for the service, and had gladly accepted +the invitation.</p> + +<p>Nick labored heavily at the neck-tie, and his ambitious +mother stood in the middle of the floor, watching +with interest the effect produced by various +experiments. Bow knots, square knots, and sailor’s +knots were successively tried and successively discarded, +until it was evident that the cravat would be +worn out before it could be adjusted. But at last +Mrs. Van Wolter interfered, and insisted that a simple +crossing of the ends of the tie, fastened by a large +<span class="pagenum" id="Page_34">[34]</span> +breast-pin, which was borrowed from the mate’s wardrobe, +gave the most stunning effect. She was satisfied, +and Nick could devise nothing better, though he was +not wholly pleased.</p> + +<p>“Now, let me put this moss-rose on the lapel of +your coat,” said the devoted mother. “If Miss Wimpleton +thinks it is a pretty one, or makes any remark +about it, be sure you make her a present of it.”</p> + +<p>“I don’t think she cares anything about me,” +replied Nick, as he glanced at the looking-glass to +observe the effect of the rose.</p> + +<p>“Well, I don’t suppose she does; but you must +make her care for you. If you have any wit at all, +you can make yourself useful and agreeable. Why, +look at Wolf Penniman. They do say that he and +Grace Toppleton are good friends, at the very least. +Wolf is smart; he knows what he is about.”</p> + +<p>“So do I know what I am about,” retorted Nick, +repelling what appeared to him to be an insinuation +that he did <i>not</i> know what he was about. “If there +is any such thing as getting on the right side of Minnie +Wimpleton, you will find me there.”</p> + +<p>“I hope so. You ought to be as high up in the +<span class="pagenum" id="Page_35">[35]</span> +world as Wolf Penniman. You are a better looking +fellow,” added the fond mother, gazing with admiration +at the form and features of her son. “If you are +not as smart as he, it is because you have never put +yourself forward, and it is high time for you to begin. +There’s Wolf, captain of the Ucayga, while you can’t +even be clerk. It’s a shame. I know your father +ought to be captain of that steamer, for he has really +run the boat, while Wolf has had all the credit of it. +But I can’t get your father to do anything about it.”</p> + +<p>“Father is his own master,” said Nick, with something +like malice in his tones.</p> + +<p>“I know he is. If he would hear to me, he would +be captain of the steamer, and you would be clerk. +Only to think of it! Your father, who has been a +steamboat man all the days of his life, acting as mate +to a boy, a mere snipper-snapper, who don’t know +any more about managing a steamboat than I do! +It’s a shame! I can’t bear to think of it!”</p> + +<p>“Don’t, then.”</p> + +<p>“Well, if your father won’t do anything for the +family, you must, Nicholas. Waddie is your best +friend; and, if you can only make an impression upon +<span class="pagenum" id="Page_36">[36]</span> +Miss Minnie, your fortune will be made, for I don’t +believe the colonel will live a great many years. He +is soaked in rum all the time.”</p> + +<p>“If I only get the chance, mother, I shall show +Minnie who and what I am. She is very gentle and +kind to me, and all I want is an opportunity to lay +myself out before her.”</p> + +<p>“If you don’t find the chance, make it, Nicholas—make +it.”</p> + +<p>Nick was thoughtful at this suggestion. It seemed +to be a new idea to him. He had devoted no inconsiderable +portion of his valuable time to the reading +of exciting romances, and he was confident that if he +could obtain the opportunity to save Miss Minnie from +a watery grave, rescue her from a burning house, or +stay the mad flight of her runaway horse, just as she +was about to be dashed to pieces over a yawning +precipice, doing the noble deed at the imminent peril +of his own life, the prize would be won. The proud +daughter of a noble house would be filled with admiration +and gratitude, and would, of course, fall in love +with him, and the third part of Colonel Wimpleton’s +millions would drop into his lap. The last chapter of +<span class="pagenum" id="Page_37">[37]</span> +the romance would end in the unutterable bliss of the +noble hero and the beautiful heroine. This was about +the idea Nick had of “a chance to lay himself out +before her.” He wanted such a chance, and his +mother, doubtless without exactly comprehending her +son’s views, had suggested that he should make the +chance. The thought was worthy of consideration.</p> + +<p>“Your father is too tame and spiritless to do anything +for the family. You must do it for him, Nicholas,” +added Mrs. Van Wolter.</p> + +<p>“I’m willing to do what I can,” meekly responded +the hopeful son.</p> + +<p>“If you do, your father shall be captain of the +steamer; you shall be clerk, and in good time the +husband of Miss Minnie.”</p> + +<p>“What do you mean, mother? You don’t expect +me to make father captain—do you?”</p> + +<p>“Well, well; we won’t talk about that now,” answered +the mother, evasively. “We must use circumstances +for our own advantage.”</p> + +<p>Mrs. Van Wolter appeared to be a bold schemer, +and even Nick was astonished at the magnitude of +her ideas. He was looking for a brilliant future, and +<span class="pagenum" id="Page_38">[38]</span> +to his mind there was no reason why Wolf Penniman +should monopolize all the honors and all the emoluments +of the high positions. He put on his hat, and +left the house. He was rather anxious to know by +what means his mother expected to promote the mate +to the captaincy, and to make him the clerk of the +steamer; but his present business was in relation to +Minnie Wimpleton, and he hastened to the pier where +the Raven was moored.</p> + +<p>Nick was only a tolerable boatman; and he was +not conceited in regard to his ability to manage a sail-boat. +He was willing to take lessons of Waddie, who +had no superior. Indeed, he yielded the palm in +everything to the young magnate. He hoisted the +mainsail, and put everything in order about the boat. +By the time he had finished the preparations for the +trip, Waddie and his sister appeared. The young +gentleman had his arm in a sling, and the young lady, +in the estimation of Nick, was radiant with loveliness.</p> + +<p>“Good morning, Mr. Van Wolter,” said Minnie, as +she arrived at the pier.</p> + +<p>There was a twinkle in her eye, and one would have +judged there was no little mischief in her composition. +<span class="pagenum" id="Page_39">[39]</span> +She glanced at the elaborate toilet, and particularly at +the huge breast-pin in the cravat of the aspiring Nick. +Perhaps she was vain enough to suspect that all this +extra preparation had been made for her sake.</p> + +<p>“Good morning, Miss Wimpleton,” replied Nick, +removing his hat with an extensive flourish, probably +to afford the wealthy little divinity an opportunity to +see how nicely his hair was parted, oiled, and brushed. +“May I have the pleasure of assisting you on board +the Raven?”</p> + +<p>“Will it be a pleasure, Mr. Van Wolter?” said she, +mischievously, as she extended her gloved hand to him.</p> + +<p>“A very great pleasure indeed, Miss Wimpleton,” +he replied, as he eagerly took the offered hand, his +heart beating like the throes of an earthquake, under +the delicious sensations of the moment.</p> + +<p>He handed her to a seat in the standing-room, +touched his hat, and bowed, as if to thank her for the +unexpected honor she had conferred upon him.</p> + +<p>“Cast off, and run up the jib, Nick,” said Waddie, +impatiently. “We are going to have a shower to-day, +and we must get up to Grass Springs before it +comes on.”</p> + +<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_40">[40]</span></p> + +<p>“A shower, Waddie?” added Minnie.</p> + +<p>“It looks like one.”</p> + +<p>“I don’t want to go if it is to be rainy.”</p> + +<p>“Only a shower. The cabin will keep you as dry +as your own room,” answered Waddie. “There is a +good breeze, and we shall be down there in a couple +of hours.”</p> + +<p>“It will spoil Nick’s new clothes,” laughed the +sprightly miss.</p> + +<p>“Don’t you tease the simpleton,” whispered +Waddie.</p> + +<p>“I can’t help it. I enjoy it hugely,” she replied.</p> + +<p>“There goes the Belle,” added Waddie, pointing to +Wolf’s boat, which Tommy Toppleton had chartered +for the occasion, as she shot out from the wharf at +Middleport. “Now for a race!”</p> + +<p>Nick ran up the jib, and, as the Raven took the +breeze, he seated himself opposite Miss Minnie, to +feast his eyes upon her “matchless loveliness.”</p> + + +<hr class="chap x-ebookmaker-drop"> +<div class="chapter"> + +<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_41">[41]</span></p> + + + <h2 class="nobreak" id="CHAPTER_IV"> + CHAPTER IV. + <br> + <span class='chap-title'>A GLORIOUS OPPORTUNITY.</span> + </h2> +</div> + + +<p class='drop-cap'><span class='allcap'>The</span> boat-builder at Hitaca had promised Waddie +he should have a boat that would beat the Belle, +or any other craft of her inches on the lake. He had +evidently kept his word, though the respective merits +of the two boats had not yet been fairly tested; but, +in building for speed, he had not built for safety. The +Raven was too narrow for her length, and it was apparent +that she was very crank. However, Waddie +did not care how crank she was, if she was only +fast. He was skilful enough himself to keep her +right side up.</p> + +<p>Tom Walton was sailing the Belle, and Tommy +Toppleton and Grace were passengers. Though the +trip to the Horse Shoe was for another purpose, the +race between the two boats could not well be avoided. +Waddie was anxious to have the point settled, +<span class="pagenum" id="Page_42">[42]</span> +and as Tom Walton, the regular skipper of the Belle, +was on board, the race commenced without a challenge, +or any other preparations. The Belle waited +until the Raven came out from the wharf, and they +met in the middle of the lake, where the two parties +exchanged salutations.</p> + +<p>“I’m afraid we shall have some bad weather,” said +Tom Walton, as he glanced at the black clouds which +were piling up in the south-west.</p> + +<p>“We shall get to the Horse Shoe before that shower +comes up,” replied Waddie, as he put his helm up, and +the Raven filled away on her course.</p> + +<p>“Let her slide!” shouted Tom Walton, who was +not yet quite ready to believe that the new boat could +beat the Belle.</p> + +<p>“So we are to have a race, Waddie,” said his sister, +as the Belle shaped her course for the Horse Shoe.</p> + +<p>“Yes; and I’m going to beat the Belle all to +pieces,” answered Waddie, in high excitement, as the +two boats, now side by side, began to spin furiously +through the water, the spray curling over their bows, +as they bent down before the lively breeze.</p> + +<p>“But you will drown us all, Waddie!” exclaimed +<span class="pagenum" id="Page_43">[43]</span> +Minnie, as the Raven careened under a flaw till the +gunwale was nearly submerged.</p> + +<p>“There is not the least danger while Mr. Wimpleton +is at the helm. He is the most skilful boatman +on the lake,” interposed Nick.</p> + +<p>“But I don’t like such furious sailing as this,” added +Minnie, as half a bucket of spray dashed upon the half +deck forward of her.</p> + +<p>“Don’t be alarmed, Minnie,” said Waddie, gently. +“She is doing beautifully, and we are gaining on +the Belle. I wish my arm was not so lame. It +bothers me.”</p> + +<p>“I cannot steer as well as you can, Waddie; but +I will do the best I can,” added Nick.</p> + +<p>“If we were on the other tack I could do it very +well; but I don’t like to sit on the lee side to steer. +We are beating her,” continued Waddie, when the +Raven was a length ahead of her rival.</p> + +<p>“But you will certainly drown us, Waddie!” +cried Minnie, as the boat went down on the lee +side to her washboard.</p> + +<p>“If you will permit me to sit on the same side +with you, Miss Wimpleton, I can relieve her a little,” +suggested Nick, as he rose from his place.</p> + +<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_44">[44]</span></p> + +<p>“Certainly, Mr. Van Wolter. Don’t be so polite +as to drown me.”</p> + +<p>Nick took a seat on the weather side, where he +should have gone before. He again assured his +fair companion that there was no danger, though +he was really not so confident on this point as he +pretended to be. He certainly was not afraid himself; +on the contrary, he rather wished the boat +would upset, and thus afford him the coveted opportunity +to save Miss Wimpleton from the “watery +grave.” He could swim like a fish, and +Waddie was so disabled that he could do no more +than help himself. But the two boats dashed on, +and the Raven did not go over. She soon ran +away from the Belle, though it was done at the +expense of a severe trial to Miss Minnie’s nerves.</p> + +<p>“Take in the jib, Nick,” said Waddie. “The +point is settled. The Raven is the fastest boat on +the lake.”</p> + +<p>The willing assistant obeyed this order, and the +boat went along a little steadier, much to the satisfaction +of the young lady passenger.</p> + +<p>“I hope you have not injured your coat, Mr. +Van Wolter,” said she, as he resumed his seat.</p> + +<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_45">[45]</span></p> + +<p>“Not at all, though it would be of no consequence +if I had,” replied Nick.</p> + +<p>“I think it would. When a young gentleman +has a really elegant appearance, it breaks my heart +to see it disturbed.”</p> + +<p>“Your heart is very tender, Miss Wimpleton.”</p> + +<p>“Like all ladies’ hearts.”</p> + +<p>Nick sighed.</p> + +<p>Minnie laughed.</p> + +<p>“What a beautiful breast-pin you wear, Mr. Van +Wolter!”</p> + +<p>“Do you like it?”</p> + +<p>“I think it is lovely.”</p> + +<p>Nick put his hands up to take it out of the +cravat, in order to make her a present of it; but +he happened to remember, in season to save it, +that it was the rose, and not the breast-pin, he +was to give her, if she admired it. She did not +allude to the flower, and all opportunities seemed +to elude his grasp. It was provoking that the +Raven would not upset, and afford him a chance +to do a gallant deed. He thought Miss Minnie +was in a very agreeable frame of mind. She +<span class="pagenum" id="Page_46">[46]</span> +spoke very kindly to him, and smiled with the utmost +sweetness; for his vanity did not permit him +to realize that she was making fun of him. If an +opportunity could only be presented for him to do +a big thing,—to tear her from the jaws of death,—all +would be well with him, and, he was conceited +enough to believe, with her also.</p> + +<p>Waddie came about, and threw the boat up into +the wind, to wait for the Belle. The Raven had +fully justified her builder’s promise, and the owner +was satisfied. Tom Walton was nettled at his signal +defeat. He could not quite understand it; so +he did just what other smart boatmen do under +similar circumstances—he declared that it was not +the right breeze for the Belle. She was a heavy-weather +boat, and he should like to catch the +Raven out when it blew a fresh breeze. He would +either beat her or drown her.</p> + +<p>Waddie thought they had a pretty stiff breeze, +but he would be happy to accommodate Tom on +his own terms. The two boats sailed along together +towards their destination. Waddie’s shoulder troubled +him, after the exercise he had taken, and he +<span class="pagenum" id="Page_47">[47]</span> +gave up the helm to Nick. The wind had gradually +subsided until it was a dead calm off the +South Shoe. The great black clouds had been travelling +steadily towards the zenith, till the sun was +obscured, and the aspect of the weather was decidedly +threatening. Waddie looked at the rolling +black clouds, and declared there was wind in them.</p> + +<p>“What do you mean by that, Waddie?” asked +Minnie, anxiously.</p> + +<p>“We may have a squall,” replied he, coolly.</p> + +<p>“A squall!” exclaimed she, terrified by the word. +“Do let us get ashore.”</p> + +<p>“A squall is nothing, if you only mind your eye,” +added the young boatman, lightly.</p> + +<p>“But I am afraid of squalls,” persisted Minnie. +“Can’t we go on shore?”</p> + +<p>“Not very conveniently, as the shore is half a +mile distant, and there is not a breath of wind. +Don’t be alarmed, Minnie. I have been out in +twenty squalls, and really there is nothing to fear, +if the boat is well handled.”</p> + +<p>“Look out for a squall!” shouted Tom Walton +from the Belle, which had fallen astern as the breeze +died out.</p> + +<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_48">[48]</span></p> + +<p>“Ay, ay!” replied Waddie. “I see it.”</p> + +<p>A squall! After all, there might be a chance for +Nick to do a great deed in behalf of the fair passenger. +It was evident enough that the Raven would +go over with the slightest excuse for doing so. As +Waddie said nothing about it, he did not deem it +incumbent upon him to suggest the propriety of +taking in sail. His mother told him to “make a +chance.” It was wicked to do so, and perhaps it +was involuntarily that he put several half hitches +in the mainsheet, as he made it fast to the cleat.</p> + +<p>“If we can get a puff or two of wind, we can +run up to the South Shoe, and anchor,” said Waddie.</p> + +<p>“It’s coming!” shouted Tom Walton, whose quick +eye had already discovered the approach of the +squall.</p> + +<p>“Yes, there it comes,” added Waddie, quietly. “I’ll +take the helm, Nick; you may go forward and +stand by the halyards.”</p> + +<p>“I will,” replied Nick.</p> + +<p>“Don’t let go till I tell you,” continued Waddie. +“It may not come here, and a capful of wind will +take us to the shore.”</p> + +<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_49">[49]</span></p> + +<p>“Say when you are ready,” added Nick, as he +stationed himself on the half deck.</p> + +<p>The tempest drove down the lake, piling up great +billows before it, stirring up the sleet and spray in +its path, till the shore was hid from the gaze of +the voyagers.</p> + +<p>“Look out for it!” roared Tom Walton, whose +voice could scarcely be heard above the noise of +the wind and waters.</p> + +<p>He had lowered the mainsail of the Belle half +way down, so that the light puffs which came before +the squall drove her almost up to the spot where +the Raven lay motionless on the still waters.</p> + +<p>“Let go the halyards!” shouted Waddie, sharply. +“Be lively about it! The squall is upon us!”</p> + +<p>“Down with your mainsail!” cried Tom, as the +blast swept down upon the Raven. “Let go your +sheet!”</p> + +<p>By this time the Belle’s mainsail was down, with +a couple of stops on to secure it to the boom. +Waddie had already, with his single serviceable hand, +sprung to the quarter to let go the sheet. The +half hitches which Nick had put in the rope bothered +<span class="pagenum" id="Page_50">[50]</span> +him, and his fingers seemed to be all thumbs. +The wind began to swell the sail, and increased +the difficulty of the operation, while Nick seemed +to be having no little trouble in detaching the halyards.</p> + +<p>“Let go! Down with the mainsail!” cried Waddie, +furiously.</p> + +<p>“Ay, ay!” replied Nick, as he let go the halyards; +but he was just half a second too late.</p> + +<p>The squall struck the sail, and the Raven toppled +over as easily as though she had been built for the +express purpose of upsetting. In an instant Miss +Minnie was floundering in the mad waves, and +screaming for help. The glorious opportunity to do +a noble deed, for which Nick had so devotedly +hoped, had come. Waddie was thrown into the water, +but he clung to the boom with his uninjured +arm.</p> + +<p>Unfortunately for Nick, his legs were tangled in +the halyards of the sail. The Raven’s ballast shifted, +and she rolled over till she lay bottom upwards on +the waves. Nick was drawn under water by the +action of the boat; but he quickly freed his legs +<span class="pagenum" id="Page_51">[51]</span> +from the rope, and coming up, clung to the hull +till he could ascertain the position of Miss Minnie, +who was still struggling in the waves some distance +from the boat.</p> + +<p>He was too late. The circumstances mocked him +again. The squall was subsiding, and Tommy Toppleton, +like a true knight, had leaped into the water +the instant he saw Minnie’s condition, and was +swimming towards her. The glorious opportunity +was lost.</p> + +<figure class="figcenter illowp96" id="i_p051" style="max-width: 64.0625em;"> + <img class="w100" src="images/i_p051.jpg" alt=""> + <figcaption> + A LOST OPPORTUNITY. + </figcaption> +</figure> + + +<hr class="chap x-ebookmaker-drop"> +<div class="chapter"> + +<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_52">[52]</span></p> + + + <h2 class="nobreak" id="CHAPTER_V"> + CHAPTER V. + <br> + <span class='chap-title'>ROMANCE AND REALITY.</span> + </h2> +</div> + + +<p class='drop-cap'><span class='allcap'>The</span> squall was very brief in its duration, lasting +hardly a minute; but it was immediately followed +by torrents of rain. Tommy Toppleton was a +strong swimmer, and having but a short distance to +make, he soon reached the spot where Minnie was +vainly struggling. She was nearly exhausted by the +violence of her useless efforts, when Tommy grasped +her in his arms, and lifted her head above the water. +Half a minute later, the Belle came to his assistance, +and Tom Walton drew the sufferer into the boat.</p> + +<p>Mr. Nicholas Van Wolter was disgusted, and highly +indignant that Tommy Toppleton should venture to +perform the noble part which he had assigned to himself. +All his brilliant prospects were imperilled, for +not only had Nick lost the prestige of saving the fair +being himself, but another had won it. The admiration, +<span class="pagenum" id="Page_53">[53]</span> +gratitude, and love which the rescue was to +secure for him, had been wrested from him by the +venturesome Tommy. His Sunday clothes had been +wet for nothing, and he was even willing to believe +that he had come nearer being drowned himself than +any other member of the party.</p> + +<p>The gallant Tommy was hastily assisted into the +Belle, and Tom Walton headed her towards the +wreck of the Raven, where Waddie and Nick were +relieved from their uncomfortable situation. Minnie +was in the little cuddy forward, with Grace Toppleton, +who had retired to its friendly shelter before the squall +came on. Strange as it may seem, these young ladies +were hardly acquainted with each other, for the relations +between their respective families had prevented +them from meeting, except by accident. Once, since +Tommy and Waddie had buried the hatchet, their sisters +had been together for a few moments, and for the +first time in their lives had spoken to each other. But +Grace was all kindness and attention, and did all that +the circumstances would admit for the comfort of +Minnie.</p> + +<p>“How is Minnie?” demanded Waddie, anxiously, +as soon as he was helped into the boat.</p> + +<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_54">[54]</span></p> + +<p>“She is doing very well, I think,” replied Tommy. +“She was not in the water more than a couple of +minutes, and her clothing buoyed her up so that she +did not go down at all.”</p> + +<p>“You are a noble fellow, Tommy. You saved her +life, and I shall always be grateful to you,” added +Waddie, grasping the hand of the hero.</p> + +<p>“There wasn’t any need of jumping overboard—not +a bit,” interposed Tom Walton, with his good-natured +grin.</p> + +<p>“I don’t know that there was any need of it, but it +seemed to me just as though something ought to be +done at once,” replied Tommy. “Our sails were +down, and I was afraid she would sink before we +could get to her in the boat.”</p> + +<p>“You did just what you thought was right, Tommy,” +added Tom Walton. “You were just as noble +as George Washington himself; but, if you had taken +the other oar, and helped me work the boat, we could +have reached Miss Wimpleton just as quick, if not a +little quicker, than you could swim to her.”</p> + +<p>The skipper of the Belle was a very practical young +man. Perhaps his education had been neglected, for +<span class="pagenum" id="Page_55">[55]</span> +he had never read a romance in his life, and was +utterly unable to appreciate the sublime heights to +which Nick soared.</p> + +<p>“If there was no need of jumping overboard, I am +sorry I did it,” said Tommy, laughing. “I did not +suppose you could move the boat without hoisting the +mainsail, and my idea was, that the young lady would +drown before the Belle could be started. But Miss +Wimpleton is safe, and we need not trouble ourselves +any more about the matter.”</p> + +<p>“You did first rate, Tommy,” replied Tom Walton; +“but I hate to see a fellow risk his life when there +isn’t any need of it. That’s all I wanted to say.”</p> + +<p>“By the great horn spoon, Tommy, you did the +biggest thing a fellow ever did,” said Waddie, with +great enthusiasm.</p> + +<p>“That’s so,” added Tom Walton. “He risked his +life. I think just as much of the act as any of you, +I want you to understand; but there wasn’t any need +of it.”</p> + +<p>“I did what I thought was best,” repeated Tommy. +“We won’t say anything more about it now. What +shall we do?”</p> + +<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_56">[56]</span></p> + +<p>“We will run over to Grass Springs, and the girls +can dry themselves at the hotel,” suggested Waddie.</p> + +<p>“Good! Run for Grass Springs, Tom,” said Tommy +Toppleton.</p> + +<p>“All right,” answered the skipper, as he hoisted his +mainsail; and in a few moments the Belle was headed +towards the place indicated.</p> + +<p>The rain continued to pour down in torrents, and +Tom Walton, who had not been overboard, was just +as wet as those who had been. Grace, in the cabin, +was the only dry one of the party. But the boys had +been so often ducked that they did not heed it. Under +the gentle ministrations of Grace, Minnie recovered +from the terror of the accident, and regained her +self-possession.</p> + +<p>“Your brother is a noble fellow,” said she. “I am +sure I should have sunk in another instant, if he had +not come to my assistance.”</p> + +<p>“I am very glad Tommy was able to help you,” +replied Grace.</p> + +<p>“I want to see him, and thank him for what he +did,” added Minnie.</p> + +<p>“I will call him.”</p> + +<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_57">[57]</span></p> + +<p>Tommy came at the summons, dripping like an eel +just from his native element.</p> + +<p>“Miss Wimpleton wishes to see you,” said Grace, +as he crawled into the cabin.</p> + +<p>“I do, Mr. Toppleton. I must thank you for saving +my life. I shall remember you with gratitude as long +as I live.”</p> + +<p>“O, not at all, Miss Wimpleton. I only did what +I thought was right, and I hope you won’t feel under +any obligations to me,” replied Tommy, lightly.</p> + +<p>“But I do feel under very great obligations to you, +for I value my life very highly. I should certainly have +been drowned if you had not come when you did.”</p> + +<p>“Tom Walton says there was not the least need of +my jumping overboard,” laughed the hero of the hour.</p> + +<p>“I don’t care what Tom Walton says; I shall +always feel that I owe my life to you.”</p> + +<p>“O, no! Not quite so bad as that. Tom would +have saved you in half a minute more, if I hadn’t.”</p> + +<p>“You need not try to disparage what you have +done; and if Tom Walton or anybody else does so, I +shall hate him as long as I live.”</p> + +<p>“Nick Van Wolter says he was just going to swim +<span class="pagenum" id="Page_58">[58]</span> +to you when he saw me close beside you; so you +could not have drowned.”</p> + +<p>“Well, I am so thankful I owe my life to you, +instead of Nick!” exclaimed Minnie, with a candor +which did not pause to consider the possible consequences +of such an admission.</p> + +<p>“I am very much obliged to you for your good +opinion, Miss Wimpleton. I’m sure you don’t inherit +the family rancor.”</p> + +<p>“Indeed, I do not! I used to hate all the Toppletons; +but Waddie says you are a splendid fellow, +though he did not find it out till since he made up +with you.”</p> + +<p>“I am very much obliged to him,” answered Tommy. +“I know I used to be a pretty hard boy; but I +have been trying to do better, and I am sure your +good opinion will be a great encouragement to me.”</p> + +<p>“I don’t know that my good opinion will do you +much good; but I shall always think of you as a +noble fellow, who risked his own life to save mine.”</p> + +<p>“I can only try to merit your esteem and regard,” +replied Tommy, as he gazed with an unwonted interest +at the fair face and graceful form of Minnie.</p> + +<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_59">[59]</span></p> + +<p>“I don’t think I shall ever dare to get into a boat +again,” added she, with something like a shudder. +“At least, I shall not unless I know you are near, +Mr. Toppleton.”</p> + +<p>“I don’t exactly understand how the Raven was +upset. Waddie is one of the best skippers on the +lake,” replied Tommy.</p> + +<p>“He has a lame arm, you know.”</p> + +<p>“That boat went over very easy.”</p> + +<p>“I certainly will never get into that boat again. +Where are we going now?”</p> + +<p>“Over to the hotel at Grass Springs. You can dry +yourself there, and then we will have some dinner,” +answered Tommy, as he left the cabin.</p> + +<p>“Your brother is a real nice young man,” said Minnie, +as the subject of her remark disappeared.</p> + +<p>“I think so myself, though he was not always so. +Now he is kind and obliging to me, and to all the +family. He would do anything for us, and never +speaks a rude word, or does an ugly thing.”</p> + +<p>“It’s just so with Waddie. Isn’t it strange what a +change has come over both of them?”</p> + +<p>“Very strange, indeed; but what a blessed change +<span class="pagenum" id="Page_60">[60]</span> +it is! A year ago, Tommy would not even let me go +in a boat with him, though I am very fond of sailing.”</p> + +<p>“It was just so with Waddie. Now he invites me +very often, though he has had the Raven only a few +days. I hope he will have a safer boat. Do you know +how my brother happened to become such a good +boy?” inquired Minnie, suddenly raising her head and +gazing earnestly at her companion, as though a new +idea had flashed upon her mind. “I’ll tell you. It +was Captain Wolf Penniman that did it. Pooh! you +needn’t blush, Miss Toppleton.”</p> + +<p>“I was not aware that I did blush,” added Grace, +with some confusion.</p> + +<p>“They say he is very fond of you.”</p> + +<p>“He is a very good friend of mine.”</p> + +<p>“I knew it,” said Minnie, archly. “What does +your father say about it?”</p> + +<p>“My father?”</p> + +<p>“Yes.”</p> + +<p>“About what?”</p> + +<p>“About Wolf, of course.”</p> + +<p>“He thinks very highly of him, and is grateful to +him for his kindness to Tommy when he was sick.”</p> + +<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_61">[61]</span></p> + +<p>“But what does he say about you and Wolf?”</p> + +<p>“About Wolf and me! Why, nothing, of course,” +replied Grace, evidently astonished at the remark.</p> + +<p>“How dull you are!” laughed Minnie. “Everybody +says Wolf is in love with you, and that you are +not indifferent towards him.”</p> + +<p>“Why, I never thought of any such thing!” exclaimed +Grace. “We are very good friends—that’s +all.”</p> + +<p>“Well, I suppose that’s enough.”</p> + +<p>“Wolf was always very kind and very polite to me, +and I think he is a very good and a very smart young +man. I never had any other thought in regard to him.”</p> + +<p>“How people do talk!”</p> + +<p>“Why, I’m only sixteen years old!”</p> + +<p>“Sweet sixteen!”</p> + +<p>“I don’t think boys and girls of our age ought to +meddle with such matters.”</p> + +<p>“Don’t you?”</p> + +<p>“Indeed I don’t!”</p> + +<p>“Does Wolf think so?”</p> + +<p>“I don’t know; but I’m certain that he never spoke +of such things to me.”</p> + +<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_62">[62]</span></p> + +<p>“Perhaps he will one of these days, when the time +comes.”</p> + +<p>It was plain that Minnie had devoted more attention +to a certain class of subjects than Grace had; but +then she was nearly a year older. It was a question +with her whether Major Toppleton would permit the +young steamboat captain to entangle the affections of +his daughter; for he could hardly permit her to become +the wife of a common mechanic’s son, even +though he was the commander of a lake steamer. +But, however different the views of the two young +ladies in regard to these trying subjects, they were +rapidly becoming the most devoted friends.</p> + +<p>When the Belle reached the shore at Grass Springs, +Tommy had made up his mind that Minnie was one +of the prettiest girls he had ever seen, and he wondered +that he had not discovered the fact before, for +he had occasionally met her since the healing of the +rupture between himself and her brother. Tommy +was not quite eighteen, but he was progressive in his +ideas.</p> + + +<hr class="chap x-ebookmaker-drop"> +<div class="chapter"> + +<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_63">[63]</span></p> + + + <h2 class="nobreak" id="CHAPTER_VI"> + CHAPTER VI. + <br> + <span class='chap-title'>A DISCOMFITED ASPIRANT.</span> + </h2> +</div> + + +<p class='drop-cap'><span class='allcap'>“What</span> next?” asked Waddie Wimpleton, +when the Belle was made fast to the wharf +at Grass Springs.</p> + +<p>“I will get a carriage to convey the ladies to the +hotel,” proposed Tommy. “And, while they are drying +their clothes, we will go back and pick up the +Raven.”</p> + +<p>“That will do it,” replied Waddie. “We can order +dinner at the same time. The sun is coming out, and +we shall all be dry enough by the time we return.”</p> + +<p>Tommy soon procured a covered vehicle, and handed +Miss Minnie to a seat within it. He appeared to +be much interested in the young lady, and Mr. Nicholas +Van Wolter watched him with a keen eye. It +was natural enough that he should be so, and equally +natural that the young lady should smile sweetly upon +him, as she certainly did. According to Nick’s theory, +<span class="pagenum" id="Page_64">[64]</span> +the parties were already in love; and, in his own +heart, he abused the stars that had deprived him of +the glorious opportunity which he had supposed was +within his grasp. He had “made the chance,” in the +language of his ambitious mother, but another had +gathered the fruit. He was sorely disappointed and +disheartened at his ill luck. He had beaten the bush, +but Tommy Toppleton had caught the game.</p> + +<p>Nothing could rob him of the satisfaction of remembering +that Minnie had smiled upon him, had +spoken kindly to him, and had hinted at her admiration +of him. Something might yet occur to turn the +current in his favor, and all he could do at present +was to watch his chances. He wished Tommy Toppleton +was somewhere else, for it vexed him; and, in +the language of the literature he patronized, “wrung +the cords of his soul” to see his rival handing the fair +one into the carriage, and to see her, dripping like a +mermaid from the depths of the sea, smiling so significantly +upon him.</p> + +<p>It was agreed that Tommy should go up to the +hotel with the ladies, and make the necessary arrangements +for their accommodation, and for dinner for the +<span class="pagenum" id="Page_65">[65]</span> +whole party. It gave Nick an additional pang to see +the hero of the day seat himself opposite the moist +divinity, where he could gaze unrestrained into her +face; and still another to observe that Miss Wimpleton +seemed to be pleased with his company. It was a +plain case, and the houses of Wimpleton and Toppleton +were in imminent danger of being united by a +marriage at no very distant day.</p> + +<p>“Do you want to sell that boat of yours, Waddie?” +said Tom Walton, as the carriage drove off; and the +rest of the party seated themselves in the sun, which +was now shining brightly, to dry their wet garments.</p> + +<p>“What will you give for her?” replied Waddie, +jocosely.</p> + +<p>“Fifty cents.”</p> + +<p>“Won’t you say seventy-five?”</p> + +<p>“No; I wouldn’t give more than half a dollar.”</p> + +<p>“The Raven is the fastest boat on the lake, since +she has beaten the Belle handsomely.”</p> + +<p>“She beats her tipping over,” laughed Tom.</p> + +<p>“That wasn’t her fault,” replied Waddie, seriously. +“The Belle would have gone over under the same +circumstances.”</p> + +<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_66">[66]</span></p> + +<p>“I don’t know but she would with the mainsail up +and the sheet fast,” answered Tom. “I suppose your +lame arm prevented you from letting go the sheet.”</p> + +<p>“I suppose it did; but I don’t usually fasten a sheet +as that one was,” said Waddie, glancing at Nick.</p> + +<p>“Wasn’t it fastened right?” asked Nick, rather +diffidently.</p> + +<p>“It was fastened to hold, but not to let go,” replied +Waddie, more sharply than he was in the habit of +speaking of late. “Boatmen don’t often put three or +four hitches in a sheet, especially when there is a +squall coming up. Did you intend to have the Raven +upset?”</p> + +<p>“Intend it?” stammered Nick.</p> + +<p>“Yes, I asked you if you intended to upset the +boat?”</p> + +<p>“What makes you think I intended to upset her?” +whined the culprit.</p> + +<p>“Because, if you did, you went to work just right, +and accomplished your purpose.”</p> + +<p>“Come, come, that’s rather rough on a fellow,” +interposed Tom Walton, with a deprecatory grin. +“Of course no fellow would intend to upset a boat +when there was a lady in it.”</p> + +<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_67">[67]</span></p> + +<p>“Do you put three or four half hitches on the cleat +when you make fast your main sheet, Tom?” demanded +Waddie, who was justly indignant at the discovery +he had made just as the Raven upset—so +indignant that he could not trust himself to speak of +the matter in the presence of the ladies.</p> + +<p>“Of course not. I never fasten the sheet at all +when the wind is heavy or flawy. I always pass it +over the cleat, and hold the end in my hand,” answered +the skipper of the Belle.</p> + +<p>“That’s the right way; and I have told Nick more +than once, when he has been sailing with me, never to +fasten the sheet, not even in a dead calm. When I +went to cast off the sheet, I found three hitches at +least, and I don’t know but four or five, hauled up so +tight that I could not loose them.”</p> + +<p>“But you don’t believe Nick intended to have the +squall upset the boat when it came—do you?”</p> + +<p>“Of course I don’t believe it.”</p> + +<p>Nick breathed easier.</p> + +<p>“Because he was in the boat himself. It stands to +reason a fellow don’t want to upset the boat in which +he is himself a passenger,” argued Tom.</p> + +<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_68">[68]</span></p> + +<p>“Well, I only said if he had intended to upset her, +he could not have done anything different from what +he did. I don’t mean to accuse him of anything out +of the way,” explained Waddie.</p> + +<p>“I always like to do a thing well; and I suppose I +overdid it this time,” muttered Nick.</p> + +<p>“I don’t think, if I had had two hands to work with, +I could have cast off the sheet in season to save the +boat,” continued Waddie.</p> + +<p>“I can’t imagine what you were thinking about +when you fastened that sheet, Nick.”</p> + +<p>“I really don’t know, myself,” pleaded the culprit.</p> + +<p>“Neither can I understand why you didn’t let go +the halyards when I told you to do so.”</p> + +<p>“I couldn’t unfasten them. The ropes were new, +and full of kinks,” replied he.</p> + +<p>“You hoisted the sail and secured the halyards +yourself.”</p> + +<p>“I know I did; I don’t pretend to be much of a +sailor.”</p> + +<p>“But you have been in a boat enough to know how +to handle one; and a fellow ought to be able to untie +his own knots,” continued Waddie.</p> + +<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_69">[69]</span></p> + +<p>“Well, what’s done can’t be helped,” said the good-natured +Tom Walton. “It’s no use to cry for spilled +milk.”</p> + +<p>“But it’s better to understand the matter, so as not +to spill any more.”</p> + +<p>Waddie had no idea that his assistant had intended +to upset the boat, though he rubbed very closely in +his remarks upon the subject. The conduct of Nick +seemed to be either criminal or inexcusably stupid. +The Raven was disparaged, and he defended her +when he exposed the bungling work of his companion. +Indeed, when any one is careless with a boat, he ought +to be severely censured; and Waddie, without malice, +and only with a reasonable indignation, felt it to be his +duty to express himself very plainly. The return of +Tommy from the hotel put an end to the discussion, +and the party embarked in the Belle to recover the +wreck of the Raven.</p> + +<p>They found her near the South Shoe, towards +which she had drifted till her masts struck the sands +of the shoal water. She did not carry ballast enough +to sink her when she filled, and her cuddy had been +closed when the accident happened, so that a portion +<span class="pagenum" id="Page_70">[70]</span> +of air remained to assist in buoying her up. She had +turned into a nearly inverted position; but when the +mast struck the bottom of the lake, the boat had +continued to drift, till she was thrown up nearly on +her beam ends. With the aid of a boat-hook, a rope +was passed under the topmast, and the end carried in +the Belle to the other side of the hull, which lay +parallel with the line of shore. The Belle was then +anchored, and all hands heaved on the rope till the +Raven was brought to an upright position.</p> + +<p>Both boats were supplied with buckets and bailing +dippers, and, after an hour’s hard work, she was +relieved of the load of water she contained, sponged +out, and the sun soon dried her seats, so that she was +in as good order as when she left Centreport in the +morning. As soon as the party went on board of her, +Waddie called the attention of the others to the +manner in which the sheet was secured. There were +four half hitches on the cleat, and even Tom Walton +was forced to admit that Nick was crazy, or had +intended to upset the boat. It was charitable to +believe that he had lost his wits.</p> + +<p>“I should not care a straw about it if Minnie had +<span class="pagenum" id="Page_71">[71]</span> +not been frightened out of a year’s growth,” said +Waddie.</p> + +<p>“It is lucky she is pretty tall now,” added Tom.</p> + +<p>“She will never dare to sail in this boat again.”</p> + +<p>“We will explain it to her,” suggested Tom.</p> + +<p>“And let her understand that it was all Nick’s +fault,” continued Waddie, roguishly; for, without +comprehending the magnitude of the aspiring young +gentleman’s intentions, he knew that he had manifested +a strong admiration for his sister.</p> + +<p>Poor Nick could not say a word. His precious +scheme for winning the favor of Minnie had resulted +in covering him with odium and disgrace in her eyes. +The day seemed to be absolutely lost, though he was +brave enough to hope that the future would redeem +his chances. Tommy Toppleton had won the day +without any hard thought, without any difficult +scheming. He was the glorious hero in Miss Wimpleton’s +estimation. She had bestowed sweet smiles on +the fortunate fellow. Now, Waddie was going over +to tell her that the unhappy Mr. Van Wolter had +been the sole cause of all the mischief. The owner +of the Raven would win back her reputation as a safe +<span class="pagenum" id="Page_72">[72]</span> +boat at his expense. He could not afford to quarrel +with the little magnate; so he was obliged to be meek +and submissive; but he did not wish to appear again +that day in the presence of the injured divinity.</p> + +<p>“I suppose I shall not be wanted any more to-day,” +said he, humbly.</p> + +<p>“I think not; but you shall dine with us at the +hotel,” replied Waddie.</p> + +<p>“I thank you; I don’t want any dinner. I think I +have taken cold. I don’t feel very well. My digestion +is out of order,” stammered Nick. “If it is all +the same to you, I would rather go home. I will take +the next train at the Springs for Middleport.”</p> + +<p>“I don’t want you to go back without your dinner, +Nick,” added Waddie, more gently; and his assistant +was so humble that he began to think he had been too +severe.</p> + +<p>“I really don’t want any dinner. I hope you will +excuse me. I made a very bad blunder in the boat, +and I know you all despise me, and that the ladies +will despise me too,” pleaded Nick.</p> + +<p>“I won’t say anything about the boat to them,” +added Waddie. “I was only joking when I spoke of +<span class="pagenum" id="Page_73">[73]</span> +telling Minnie it was your fault. I will forgive you +if you will promise never to put even a single hitch +in a sheet again.”</p> + +<p>“I never will. On my honor, I never will. It was +a bad mistake; but it shall never be repeated. Really +I would rather go home.”</p> + +<p>“Why don’t you let him take your boat up, and +you return with us?” suggested Tommy.</p> + +<p>“Can you take the Raven up to Centreport without +upsetting her, Nick?” asked Waddie.</p> + +<p>“Certainly I can.”</p> + +<p>“Then you may take her.”</p> + +<p>“Thank you,” replied Nick, as he hastened to set +the mainsail.</p> + +<p>Pushing off from the Belle, the discomfited Nick +headed his craft up the lake.</p> + +<p>“I’ll bet there will be music in Grass Springs this +afternoon,” muttered he, shaking his head, as he saw +the other boat fill away on her course.</p> + + +<hr class="chap x-ebookmaker-drop"> +<div class="chapter"> + +<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_74">[74]</span></p> + + + <h2 class="nobreak" id="CHAPTER_VII"> + CHAPTER VII. + <br> + <span class='chap-title'>COLONEL WIMPLETON DROPS THE REINS.</span> + </h2> +</div> + + +<p class='drop-cap'><span class='allcap'>The</span> breeze was light after the shower, and the +Raven did not give Nick Van Wolter much +trouble to manage her. He was able, therefore, to +devote his undivided thought to the disappointment +he had experienced, and the odium he had incurred. +Tommy Toppleton had stepped between him and the +richest prize that ever lured a mortal young man; and +Nick seemed to have no doubt that the treasure would +have been easily won if his brilliant scheme had not +miscarried. He did not thank Tommy for what he +had done; and he envied him in the enjoyment of +Miss Minnie’s smile.</p> + +<p>But one was a Toppleton and the other was a Wimpleton. +The two houses had been at war for many +years, and the two heads of the families were still as +implacable and bitter as ever towards each other. +<span class="pagenum" id="Page_75">[75]</span> +Major Toppleton would not permit his daughter to +become a Wimpleton; and Colonel Wimpleton would +not permit his daughter to share the lot of a Toppleton. +Nick found consolation in this reflection. Yet +it was a fact that Tommy and Minnie would dine +and spend the day together. With the perversity of +young men and young women under such circumstances, +they would meet again without the knowledge +of their fathers, and in a short time the matter would +have gone so far that it could not be checked.</p> + +<p>What would Colonel Wimpleton say if he knew that +his daughter was filled with admiration and gratitude +towards the son of his great enemy? Would he allow +them to spend a whole day together? Certainly not. +But he, the disinterested Mr. Nick Van Wolter, knew +all about it. He was well aware that Tommy and +Minnie were cementing an attachment which fathers +could not break off. As a friend of the family, as a +sincere well-wisher of Miss Wimpleton, was it not +his duty to interfere, and inform the colonel of the +nature of the proceedings at Grass Springs? He had +no difficulty in convincing himself that such a course +was the highest duty of the hour, and that it would +be inexcusable in him to neglect to perform it.</p> + +<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_76">[76]</span></p> + +<p>Yet it was a disagreeable duty. Any interference +on his part might cost him the valuable friendship of +Waddie, though it might secure to him the more +valuable influence of the colonel himself. As he considered +the subject in all its bearings, he found himself +very unwilling to incur the displeasure of Waddie, +and, at the same time, of Minnie herself. It would +ruin all his possible chances in the future. He had +fully intended from the first that there should be +“music” at Grass Springs that afternoon, and that +Colonel Wimpleton should make it; but when he +looked the matter fair in the face, he was not disposed +to become the informer in person.</p> + +<p>The colonel must know what was going on at the +Springs. It was not prudent for Nick to tell him, +and he thought of various expedients to accomplish +the purpose. He could invent nothing that was quite +satisfactory, though he had been nearly two hours in +the boat considering this subject alone. He finally +concluded to consult his mother, who was a veritable +female Talleyrand in the art of diplomacy. This disposition +of the matter did not suit him much better, +inasmuch as he could not see how she was to manage +the matter without implicating him.</p> + +<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_77">[77]</span></p> + +<p>While he was still arguing the case with himself, +adopting and then rejecting various methods, the +Raven’s keel ground roughly on the sands at the bottom, +and then came to a sudden stop. As the wind +was not exactly fair to go up the lake, he had been +obliged to beat, making a long and a short tack. The +Raven had passed clear of a headland, about half way +between Ruoara and Centreport, and was standing +into a little bay above the point. Nick had been so +absorbed in his reflections, that he did not notice the +rapid shoaling of the water as he neared the shore. +He immediately let go the sheet, in which he had put +no half hitches this time; and seizing an oar, he attempted +to push the boat off the shallow beach. But +she had taken the ground while under full headway, +and all his strength was not sufficient to move her.</p> + +<p>In vain he pushed and swayed the boat; her keel +was buried in the sand, and it was impossible for him +to move her a single inch. He labored, sweat, and +swore till he was heartily discouraged. The water +was not knee deep over the bow, and rolling up the +legs of his pants, he stood upon the bottom, and tried +to pry her off with the oar; but in this task he was +<span class="pagenum" id="Page_78">[78]</span> +also unsuccessful. He was still three miles from home, +and he did not like to walk this distance, on the one +hand, or to endure the censure and criticism of Waddie, +on the other, if he exposed his mismanagement to +him. The road from Centreport to Ruoara lay close +to the shore, and there was a house within a quarter +of a mile of the spot. He finally concluded to go in +search of assistance, for with the help of one or two +others he could push the Raven off into deep water.</p> + +<p>Taking his shoes and stockings in his hand, he +waded ashore, and, having put them on, he started for +the nearest house, in the direction of Ruoara. He +had gone but a few steps before he was startled by the +appearance of a buggy coming towards him, the horse +attached to which was running at the top of his speed. +His first impulse was to get out of the road, and let +the frightened animal go on his way to destruction, +with the helpless gentleman who occupied the seat of +the vehicle. But a second glance assured him that +the individual in the buggy was Colonel Wimpleton. +Possessed of the current information in regard to the +personal habits of the magnate of Centreport, Nick +had no difficulty in satisfying himself that the great +<span class="pagenum" id="Page_79">[79]</span> +man was intoxicated, and had lost the control of the +spirited animal he drove. Perhaps this was the +chance which had long been in store for the ambitious +young man.</p> + +<figure class="figcenter illowp96" id="i_p079" style="max-width: 64.0em;"> + <img class="w100" src="images/i_p079.jpg" alt=""> + <figcaption> + NICK’S OPPORTUNITY. + </figcaption> +</figure> + +<p>Perhaps it would serve his turn as well to save the +father as the daughter. But it was no easy matter to +stop a terrified horse, though, if the stars were favorable, +he might succeed in doing it. Nick had only one +instant for reflection; if he had had two, very likely +he would have declined to attempt the perilous feat. +Impelled only by the desire to do a big thing in the +service of the powerful and influential man of Centreport, +he pulled off his coat and commenced flourishing +it furiously in the middle of the road. The horse saw +this obstacle in his path, and evidently did not like +the looks of it. He snorted wildly, and exhibited an +evident intention to dodge it. Sheering towards the +lake, he attempted to pass the obstruction; but Nick +changed his position, and the animal abated his headlong +speed.</p> + +<p>“Stop him! Stop him!” cried the colonel, who +was plainly terrified by the situation, for the reins +were dragging on the ground.</p> + +<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_80">[80]</span></p> + +<p>The horse, intimidated by this movement on the +part of Nick, threw himself back upon the breeching +with such force as to pitch the colonel forward upon +the dasher of the buggy. The mad animal snorted +furiously in his terror, and then seemed disposed to +wheel and run in the opposite direction; but the +instant his speed was checked, Nick dropped his coat +and sprang to the bridle of the horse. It was the +coat, and not the young man, which had frightened +the animal; and when this was no longer before him, +he attempted to renew his flight towards home, and +dragged poor Nick for twenty rods before he could +produce any effect by his bold action.</p> + +<p>Having once grasped the bridle rein, Nick was +obliged to hold on for his own safety; for if he let go, +he was sure to be thrown down and mangled under +the wheels. The horse had not yet broken into a +run after his flight was checked, and, dragging Nick +by his bit, he was not likely to do so till he had +shaken off this burden. By the dint of tugging and +jerking, the young man had drawn the horse’s head +round to one side, which impeded his efforts to go +forward. The animal was not ugly, but frightened, +and his struggles were only honest efforts to escape.</p> + +<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_81">[81]</span></p> + +<p>“Whoa, Major; whoa!” said Nick, in soothing +tones, for he had had some experience with horses.</p> + +<p>By these gentle means he succeeded in quieting the +animal, and finally in stopping him, though he was +still quivering with terror, and very impatient of +restraint.</p> + +<p>“Whoa, Major; whoa!” continued Nick, panting +from the violence of his own efforts.</p> + +<p>He had learned the horse’s name at the owner’s +stable; and patting him on the neck, he soon reduced +him to a state of tolerable calmness. Colonel Wimpleton +improved the earliest opportunity to get out of +the buggy. It was plain enough that he had been +drinking a great deal; but the perils through which +he had passed had done something to modify the +influence of his drams.</p> + +<p>“You have done me a good turn, young man,” said +the magnate, when he was safe on the solid ground.</p> + +<p>“Whoa, Major; whoa!” added Nick, as the horse +began to be impatient again.</p> + +<p>“O, it’s Nick Van Wolter!” exclaimed the colonel, +as he recognized the person to whom he was indebted +for this signal service.</p> + +<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_82">[82]</span></p> + +<p>“Yes, sir; that is my name,” replied Nick. “The +Major is wide awake to-day.”</p> + +<p>“I never knew him to attempt to run away before. +I don’t know exactly how it was; but in brushing a +fly from his flank, I dropped the reins. While I was +trying to get them again, he got frightened, and broke +into a run,” added the colonel.</p> + +<p>Nick was not so impolitic and impolite as to hint at +the true explanation; but probably the great man, +overcome by his frequent cups, had dropped asleep, +and lost the reins from his grasp; and doubtless they +had dangled against the horse’s heels, and terrified +him. This was the most probable solution of the +problem.</p> + +<p>“Yes, sir; I did that same thing once myself, when +I was driving the mail wagon; but my horse was not +smart enough to run away,” replied Nick, wishing to +do all he could to soften the mortification of the great +man. “Whoa, Major; whoa. Stand still; that’s a +good fellow!”</p> + +<p>“You have done me a good turn, young man,” +added the colonel, who felt compelled to express his +obligations.</p> + +<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_83">[83]</span></p> + +<p>“I’m glad to serve you, sir,” answered Nick, struggling +to be modest.</p> + +<p>“Come to my house, when you get back to town, +and I will make it all right with you.”</p> + +<p>“O, it’s all right now, sir.”</p> + +<p>“Not quite,” said the colonel. “You have done +well; but this will be a good day’s work for you. +You shall be well paid for what you have done.”</p> + +<p>“I don’t want any pay, sir, for doing a thing like +this,” replied Nick, in the words of the romances he +had read.</p> + +<p>“Come and see me, at any rate.”</p> + +<p>“I will, sir, if you desire; but I don’t wish to be +paid for a slight service like this.”</p> + +<p>“Won’t you ride home with me?” added the +colonel, as he stepped into the buggy, the horse being +by this time apparently quite reconciled.</p> + +<p>“Thank you, sir; I have a boat here.”</p> + +<p>“Very well; but come and see me as soon as you +return;” and the magnate started his horse.</p> + + +<hr class="chap x-ebookmaker-drop"> +<div class="chapter"> + +<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_84">[84]</span></p> + + + <h2 class="nobreak" id="CHAPTER_VIII"> + CHAPTER VIII. + <br> + <span class='chap-title'>SECRETS FOR TWO.</span> + </h2> +</div> + + +<p class='drop-cap'><span class='allcap'>“I have</span> done a big thing now, anyhow!” exclaimed +Nick to himself, as the great man of +Centreport drove off.</p> + +<p>But the buggy had proceeded but a short distance +before it stopped. Colonel Wimpleton had forgotten +something which he wished to say or do, and Nick +hastened back to ascertain what more he could do +for him.</p> + +<p>“Is anything the matter, sir?” asked Nick, as he +rushed up to the vehicle.</p> + +<p>“No; nothing. I want to say a word to you, +young man, before I go,” said the colonel, whose +expression was sheepish and embarrassed.</p> + +<p>“Yes, sir,” answered Nick, as the speaker paused.</p> + +<p>“You are, no doubt, a very discreet young man,” +continued the colonel.</p> + +<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_85">[85]</span></p> + +<p>“I try to be so, sir.”</p> + +<p>“I don’t like to be talked about.”</p> + +<p>“No one does, sir.”</p> + +<p>“By the merest accident in the world I dropped +my reins, and my horse ran away with me.”</p> + +<p>“It was only what might happen to any one, sir.”</p> + +<p>“Very true.”</p> + +<p>“Even to the minister, if he drove a smart horse,” +suggested Nick, who exactly comprehended the meaning +of the great man.</p> + +<p>“Certainly; but people talk more about what I +do and say than they do about other folks.”</p> + +<p>“Your high position and vast influence make you +very prominent in the community, sir. It is not +strange they should talk about you.”</p> + +<p>“Perhaps not; but I don’t like to be misapprehended.”</p> + +<p>In other words, Colonel Wimpleton feared if people +knew his horse ran away with him, that they +would think he had been drinking too much. He +was morbidly sensitive in regard to his besetting +vice; and though there was hardly a man, woman, +or child within ten miles of Centreport who had not +<span class="pagenum" id="Page_86">[86]</span> +heard that he drank too much, he supposed only a +few intimate friends suspected his infirmity. Like all +tipplers of his description, he did not believe that +he was ever actually intoxicated.</p> + +<p>“I understand you precisely, sir,” added Nick. +“Nothing happens to any one around here but somebody +says he was drunk.”</p> + +<p>Colonel Wimpleton frowned.</p> + +<p>“Of course, no one can suspect you of anything +of that sort, unless he belongs on the other side of +the lake,” continued Nick, taking due notice of the +frown.</p> + +<p>“In a word, young man, you need not mention +that my horse ran away to-day,” said the colonel.</p> + +<p>“Certainly not, sir; I did not intend to mention it, +unless you did so first yourself. I hope I understand +my position better than to do such a thing.”</p> + +<p>“Keep your tongue still, and you shall not lose +anything by it.”</p> + +<p>“I understand you, sir; and no one shall ever be +the wiser for anything I say.”</p> + +<p>“That’s right; come and see me as soon you return. +What are you doing up here?”</p> + +<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_87">[87]</span></p> + +<p>“I have been down to Grass Springs with Waddie +and Miss Minnie,” answered Nick, who thought +if he kept the colonel’s secret, the colonel ought to +keep his secret.</p> + +<p>“Were they out in the boat?”</p> + +<p>“Yes, sir; and Tommy Toppleton and Miss Grace +were with them.”</p> + +<p>“Humph!” sneered the magnate, with a savage +frown. “What are they doing there?”</p> + +<p>“They are going to have a dinner at the hotel, +and a good time generally, I suppose. We met with +an accident going down, sir.”</p> + +<p>“What was that?”</p> + +<p>“Waddie’s boat capsized in the squall, and we +were all pitched into the lake.”</p> + +<p>“What!” exclaimed the colonel, startled at the +intelligence.</p> + +<p>“But they are all safe, sir,” added Nick, promptly. +“Tommy Toppleton swam out and rescued Miss +Minnie.”</p> + +<p>“She is safe, then,” said the father, with a sigh +of relief.</p> + +<p>“O, yes! She is all right now. I didn’t mean to +<span class="pagenum" id="Page_88">[88]</span> +say anything to you about it, sir,” continued Nick, +fixing his eyes on the ground, as though he was +mortified at the mistake he had made.</p> + +<p>“Why didn’t you mean to say anything to me +about it?” demanded the colonel.</p> + +<p>“Well, sir, only because I make it a point to +mind my own business. If you will excuse me, I +won’t say any more. I did not intend to mention +the subject.”</p> + +<p>“What do you mean? What is going on over +there?”</p> + +<p>“O, nothing, sir,” replied Nick, in just that style +of expression which assures the hearer there is a +secret to be concealed. “I hope you will not mention +the fact that I spoke of the affair, for I had +no right to meddle with it.”</p> + +<p>“What affair? What are you talking about?” +said the magnate, sharply.</p> + +<p>“I ought not to have said that the boat was +upset.”</p> + +<p>“Why not?”</p> + +<p>“Because Tommy Toppleton saved Minnie. But +I hope you won’t ask me to say anything more +about it,” pleaded Nick.</p> + +<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_89">[89]</span></p> + +<p>“What more is there to be said?”</p> + +<p>“Nothing, sir.”</p> + +<p>“Yes, there is!” protested the colonel, his curiosity +excited to the highest pitch.</p> + +<p>“You and Major Toppleton don’t agree very well +together, sir; and, so far as you are concerned, I +don’t wonder at it. Of course Miss Minnie is very +grateful to Tommy; but, really, I must not say anything +more. I shall ruin myself with Waddie and +Miss Minnie, if they find that I have spoken to you +about a matter which does not concern me.”</p> + +<p>“Don’t you be alarmed, young man; I will not +mention to any one that I have even seen you,” replied +the colonel, more gently. “If you have anything +to say, speak out.”</p> + +<p>“I don’t like to say anything; but I couldn’t help +thinking all the morning that you would be very angry +if you knew what was going on.”</p> + +<p>“What is going on?” demanded the great man, +his patience exhausted by the apologies and explanations +of Nick.</p> + +<p>“Well, sir, one of these days, your daughter, Miss +Minnie, will be the wife of Tommy Toppleton,” replied +<span class="pagenum" id="Page_90">[90]</span> +Mr. Van Wolter, desperately. “Of course I +give it only as my opinion, and you can take it for +what it is worth.”</p> + +<p>“The wife of Tommy Toppleton! Why, they are +only children!” exclaimed the colonel.</p> + +<p>“Tommy is a child of eighteen, and Miss Minnie +is a child of sixteen,” added Nick, shrugging his +shoulders.</p> + +<p>The magnate knit his brow. Fathers are the last +to ascertain that their sons and daughters are men +and women. He knew that Waddie and Tommy +had been quite intimate for several months, and it +was possible that the daughter might share these +friendly relations. In his estimation, a matrimonial +alliance between the two families would be a terrible +thing.</p> + +<p>“So Tommy saved Minnie’s life,” said the colonel, +musing on the probabilities of the case.</p> + +<p>“Not quite so bad as that. The Belle would have +picked her up in a moment, if he had not gone to +her assistance. I was on the point of swimming to +her myself; but I got tangled up in the halyards, +and was dragged under the boat when she upset. +<span class="pagenum" id="Page_91">[91]</span> +Tom Walton said there was no need of Tommy’s +jumping overboard.”</p> + +<p>“But he did swim to her?”</p> + +<p>“Yes; and Miss Minnie says he is a noble and +generous fellow, and all that sort of thing. I saw +how the matter was going, and I’ll bet my life it +will end in a ring.”</p> + +<p>“It shall not! I’ll send Minnie to the other end +of the world before any such thing shall happen,” +protested the colonel, wrathfully.</p> + +<p>“Well, sir, I don’t want to meddle with matters +that do not concern me, but I thought you ought to +know it,” continued Nick. “I’m not quite sure that +Waddie and Miss Grace are not a little sweet with +each other, but I don’t like to say anything.”</p> + +<p>“I am very glad you have spoken to me about +this matter, Nick,” said Colonel Wimpleton. “I think +I have been a little blind. Waddie and Tom Toppleton +have been together a great deal lately; and +now, if the girls are going with them, there certainly +will be mischief. I won’t have it!”</p> + +<p>“I knew you wouldn’t, sir, if you only knew it; +but I’m afraid I’ve made a great mistake in meddling +<span class="pagenum" id="Page_92">[92]</span> +with a matter which does not concern me. +Waddie and Miss Minnie would hate me if they +knew I had said anything to you.”</p> + +<p>“They shall not know it. No one shall know +that you have even seen me to-day.”</p> + +<p>“They shall not know it from me,” replied Nick, +significantly.</p> + +<p>“I won’t have it!” repeated the colonel, musing +upon the suspected relations between Tommy and +his daughter, as he picked up the reins and started +his horse.</p> + +<p>“There’ll be music over there this afternoon,” muttered +Nick, as he walked towards the house where he +expected to obtain help in getting the Raven afloat.</p> + +<p>Colonel Wimpleton drove a short distance, and +then stopped. Drawing a flask from his breast pocket, +he drank another dram. He had been to Ruoara +to call upon a friend, with whom he had drank +several times, and who had presented him this flask +of brandy, because the colonel had praised it as a +very superior article. His runaway horse had neutralized +the effects of what he had taken in Ruoara; +but the news given him by Nick had excited him, +<span class="pagenum" id="Page_93">[93]</span> +and under any excitement he drank more freely than +usual. Before he reached home he had repeated the +draught two or three times. His mind dwelt heavily +upon the perils which threatened his family. +Nick seemed so unwilling to say anything, that he +concluded the case was much worse than he had +described it. He was willing to believe that Waddie +and Grace, Tommy and Minnie, had met before, +and that a double union between the embittered +houses was impending. He must put a stop to it +without an hour’s delay. Wolf Penniman was the +intimate friend of both Waddie and Tommy; and +the colonel had no difficulty in believing that he +was their confidant and helpmate. In his tipsy condition +he hastened on board of the Ucayga, which +had just arrived from the foot of the lake. Wolf +would know where the culprits were, and should +go with him to the place.</p> + +<p>Nick reached the house, towards which he had directed +his steps, just after twelve o’clock. The “men +folks” had come home to dinner, and the farmer’s +boys were willing to help him.</p> + +<p>“Did you see anything of a runaway horse down +the road, about an hour ago?” asked the farmer.</p> + +<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_94">[94]</span></p> + +<p>“Yes; I saw a horse hitched to a buggy going +it at a pretty lively gait towards Centreport,” replied +Nick.</p> + +<p>“Do you know what became of it?”</p> + +<p>“The horse stopped on the hill below here. I +suppose he got tired of running,” answered Nick, +cautiously.</p> + +<p>“Do you know who it was?”</p> + +<p>“No; he was a stranger to me.”</p> + +<p>“I was so far off I couldn’t see very well; but +it looked a little like Colonel Wimpleton’s team.”</p> + +<p>“It wasn’t the colonel’s horse. He passed within +a short distance of me. I know the colonel and his +team very well. It wasn’t he, I’m very sure,” protested +Nick, who could lie a little more easily than +he could speak the truth.</p> + +<p>“I didn’t know but it might be Colonel Wimpleton. +They say he steams it pretty hard now.”</p> + +<p>“It wasn’t the colonel, I know; for I saw the +man’s face very distinctly. He was a younger man +than the colonel.”</p> + +<p>The farmer was apparently satisfied, and the two +young men accompanied Nick to the place where +<span class="pagenum" id="Page_95">[95]</span> +the Raven was aground. With their friendly aid +she was soon floated in deep water, and headed towards +Centreport, where she arrived just as the +Ucayga was leaving the wharf on her down trip.</p> + +<hr class="tb"> + +<p>[We are ready to let Wolf continue his narrative, +from the point where we left him, with Colonel Wimpleton +lying on the track, between the rails. The +choice brandy presented to him by his friend in +Ruoara had been an evil spirit to him, not only inflaming +his wrath against his son and daughter, but +depriving him of the power to take care of himself. +When the train stopped he had got out to ascertain +the cause of the delay. The cars started, but he was +too tipsy to reach the steps in season to get on board, +and was left behind. He shouted, but no one heard +him. He was vexed, and believing that brandy was +the best medicine for vexation, he took a liberal dose +of it from the flask. His repeated libations had impaired +his locomotive powers to such an extent that +he could hardly walk, and just as the train had backed +down to him, his legs gave way, and he fell between +the rails. But let Wolf proceed.]</p> + + +<hr class="chap x-ebookmaker-drop"> +<div class="chapter"> + +<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_96">[96]</span></p> + + + <h2 class="nobreak" id="CHAPTER_IX"> + CHAPTER IX. + <br> + <span class='chap-title'>THE TIPSY MAGNATE.</span> + </h2> +</div> + + +<p class='drop-cap'><span class='allcap'>I was</span> shocked and mortified to see my employer +in such a terrible state of intoxication. He had +been growing worse and worse from the moment he +came into the state-room, on board of the Ucayga. +He had narrowly escaped being crushed beneath the +train, and my heart beat wildly as I realized the peril +of his situation.</p> + +<p>“What zye about, Wolfz?” said he, as I hastened +to the assistance of the inebriate. “What’d zye go +off and leave me here for—dzeh?”</p> + +<p>“Why did you get out of the cars, sir?”</p> + +<p>“To dzee what’s the matter.”</p> + +<p>“Let me help you, sir.”</p> + +<p>“I don’t zwant any help.”</p> + +<p>“Hurry up,” said the conductor, from the platform +of the rear car. The colonel tried to get up alone, but +<span class="pagenum" id="Page_97">[97]</span> +he could not. The brakeman and myself each took +an arm, and lifted him up. With considerable difficulty, +we got him into the car, for he seemed to have +sense enough left to know that he was intoxicated, +and was not willing to be assisted, lest it should be +regarded as an acknowledgment of the fact. He +apparently wished to conceal his condition, obvious as +it was. We put him in his seat, and he tried to stiffen +up his relaxed muscles, and appear like a sober man. +If he had not been a pitiable spectacle, he would have +been a ludicrous one; though many in the car, who +had no special interest in his fate, laughed at his silly +and stupid struggles to conceal his condition.</p> + +<p>As talking was rather a difficult achievement for +him, he kept still till the train arrived at Grass +Springs. I told him we had reached our destination, +and he rose unsteadily to his feet. He insisted upon +walking alone, and repulsed all my efforts to assist +him. By holding on to the chains and the railings on +the platform, he succeeded in getting out of the car; +but it was simply impossible for him to walk, and he +would have fallen if I had not taken his arm. I called +a carriage, and assisted him to a seat in it. People +<span class="pagenum" id="Page_98">[98]</span> +stared, smiled, and jeered at the magnate of Centreport +in this unhappy condition, and I was glad enough +to get him out of sight. I told the driver to convey +us to the hotel, where I intended to take a private +room for him, and let him sleep off the effects of his +debauch, or, at least, keep out of sight until he was in +condition to be seen.</p> + +<p>Of the circumstances which had excited the indignation +of Colonel Wimpleton I knew but little. He +had somehow discovered that Waddie and Grace were +together. I had ascertained that Tommy Toppleton +had come down with Grace to meet Waddie on the +Horse Shoe. They had started after the steamer left +for Ucayga, and I had not seen their departure. I +was to procure a boat, as I understood the plan, and +convey the colonel to the island, where he could interfere +with the “courting” which was alleged to be in +progress; but in his present condition I had no idea +of doing anything of the kind. I seated myself in +the carriage with him.</p> + +<p>“Now, where’s—where’s—yes—where’s Waddie?” +said he, with much difficulty; for he was so +tipsy that his tongue almost refused to perform its office.</p> + +<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_99">[99]</span></p> + +<p>“I don’t know where he is. We will go up to the +hotel and inquire,” I replied.</p> + +<p>“That’s zright—the hotel.”</p> + +<p>The driver, as I had directed him, stopped at the +side door of the house, on his arrival. The landlord +opened it, and I whispered to him that I wanted a +private apartment for the colonel. With his assistance +I conducted the drunken magnate to the room, +and seated him on a sofa.</p> + +<p>“Hadn’t you better lie down, sir?” I asked, when +the landlord had left me alone with him.</p> + +<p>“Lie dzown!” exclaimed he, with a convulsive jerk +of the head; “what for?”</p> + +<p>“You don’t seem to be very well to-day,” I suggested.</p> + +<p>“No; not—not very well. I’ve been dzick—dzick +all day to-day. I took a little brandy for my—brandy +for my stomach’s sake,” stammered he.</p> + +<p>“Perhaps if you lie down you will feel better.”</p> + +<p>“I dzon’t know—but you are right, Wolfz. I’m +dzick. Did you dzell the folks—the folks on the +dzrain that—I was—that I was—I was dzick?”</p> + +<p>“No, sir; I did not tell them so; but they could +<span class="pagenum" id="Page_100">[100]</span> +not help seeing that something was the matter with +you.”</p> + +<p>“I dz’pose they did. I’ll lie down, Wolfz.”</p> + +<p>He sprang to his feet, and, with a desperate effort, +attempted to throw off his coat. He did not succeed, +but pitched over upon his face on the bed. I pulled +his coat off; while he lay in this position, and, rolling +him over, placed him in as comfortable a posture as I +could. After covering him with a blanket, I seated +myself on the sofa, to consider the situation. I was +unwilling to believe that the great man had ever been +in such a deplorable condition before. His coat lay +on the chair where I had thrown it. I could see the +neck of the flask protruding from the pocket. I think +I inherited from my mother a spite against bottles +used to contain liquor. By this time the colonel was +asleep, and I took the flask from the coat. It was +about one third filled, and I had no doubt the inebriate +had consumed the other two thirds. I went to +the window, and poured it out upon the ground. I +had once performed a similar service for my father, +and I had no scruples in doing it for the magnate of +Centreport, as he was, just then, by the force of circumstances, +<span class="pagenum" id="Page_101">[101]</span> +in my care. Screwing on the stopple of +the flask, I restored it to the pocket where I had +found it. My patient could now drink no more till he +left the room.</p> + +<p>He slept very soundly, snoring heavily in his +drunken stupor. Slumber was the best thing in the +world for him, and I left him “to fight it out on this +line.” I decided to take a boat and go over to the +Horse Shoe, to ascertain for my own sake, rather than +the colonel’s, the nature of the relations which had so +violently disturbed my employer. I had a pair of +eyes, and I flattered myself I could tell, by his actions, +whether Waddie had become suddenly interested in +Grace. I knew that he had seldom seen her, and had +hardly spoken to her since the reconciliation with her +brother. But in such matters those who are most +deeply concerned are often the blindest, and it was +possible that my friend, and in some sense my <i>protégé</i>, +had unwittingly stepped between me and my hopes.</p> + +<p>Colonel Wimpleton would probably sleep soundly +for a couple of hours, at least, and I went to the office +to request the landlord to look out for him during my +absence, and especially not to furnish him with any +more liquor, if he could possibly avoid it.</p> + +<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_102">[102]</span></p> + +<p>“I’m going over to the Horse Shoe,” I began.</p> + +<p>“Didn’t you come down to join the party here?” he +asked, interrupting me.</p> + +<p>“What party?”</p> + +<p>“Why, the young gentlemen and young ladies.”</p> + +<p>“Whom do you mean?”</p> + +<p>“Mr. Toppleton and Mr. Wimpleton.”</p> + +<p>“Are they here?” I replied.</p> + +<p>“They have been here these two hours; the ladies +longer than that.”</p> + +<p>“Who are the ladies?”</p> + +<p>“Miss Wimpleton and Miss Toppleton.”</p> + +<p>“Is Miss Wimpleton here?” I inquired, gaining a +crumb of comfort from the suggestion, for it might be +Tommy and Minnie whose progressive tendencies had +excited the alarm of the colonel.</p> + +<p>“Yes, they are both here. They ordered dinner for +six, but Tom Walton seems to be the only other +person present.”</p> + +<p>“Don’t tell them I am here, if you please,” I added. +“I wouldn’t have Waddie and his sister see their +father in his present condition for anything in the +world.”</p> + +<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_103">[103]</span></p> + +<p>“I never saw the colonel so bad before,” said the +landlord, shaking his head.</p> + +<p>“He will sleep it off, after a while, I hope,” I +replied. “Then Waddie and Tommy are not on the +Horse Shoe?”</p> + +<p>“No; they were going there, and met with an +accident.”</p> + +<p>“What was that?” I asked, with no little anxiety; +for I could not forget that Grace was one of the +party.</p> + +<p>“The Raven upset in the squall this forenoon, and +Miss Wimpleton came pretty near getting drowned.”</p> + +<p>“Indeed! Was Miss Toppleton with her?”</p> + +<p>“No; she was in the Belle, with her brother. +Tommy Toppleton jumped overboard, and swam to +Miss Wimpleton’s assistance, or it would have been +all over with her. Tom Walton picked them up. +The ladies came right over here, and my wife and +daughters gave them some clothes, while they dried +and ironed their own.”</p> + +<p>“I am glad they got out of the scrape so well.”</p> + +<p>“They were lucky.”</p> + +<p>“I didn’t like the looks of that Raven, when she +<span class="pagenum" id="Page_104">[104]</span> +came down from Hitaca,” I added. “She didn’t look +as though she knew how to stay right side up.”</p> + +<p>“Tom Walton says the boat is crank, but it was not +her fault. The other fellow with Waddie⁠—”</p> + +<p>“Who was that?—Nick Van Wolter?”</p> + +<p>“Yes, that’s the one. He put three or four half +hitches in the main sheet, so that Waddie could not +cast it off when the squall came up. They sent him +back with the Raven; and I reckon they wanted to +get rid of him,” said the landlord, with a sly twinkle +in his eye.</p> + +<p>“Why so?”</p> + +<p>“I suppose they did not like the looks of him, after +he had caused the boat to be capsized,” laughed mine +host. “But I reckon that Tommy Toppleton is a +little sweet with the Wimpleton girl, since he helped +her out of the water.”</p> + +<p>I did not care to encourage the landlord in speaking +on this delicate topic. I confess I was pleased to +learn that there was nothing as yet to implicate Waddie +in the “courting.” I could not understand how +Colonel Wimpleton had obtained his hint of these +proceedings. Possibly he had no suggestion of them, +<span class="pagenum" id="Page_105">[105]</span> +except the fact that the party were at the Springs. +Waddie had sent Nick Van Wolter home with the +Raven, but I was confident she had not arrived when +I left Centreport. I concluded that the colonel’s +suspicions simply grew out of his knowledge that his +son and daughter were with the son and daughter of +his great enemy.</p> + +<p>I learned from the landlord that the party were +then at dinner. I was anxious to know more of the +relations of the suspected lovers; but I was fully +determined to conceal from Waddie and his sister the +fact that their father was in the house. The Belle +was my boat, and Tom Walton had been running her +on shares for me, intending to purchase her as soon as +he was able to do so. He regarded himself as under +great obligations to me, not only for the use of the +boat, but because I had given him employment during +the winter on board of the steamer. I could confide +in him, and I asked the landlord to inform him privately +that I was in the house, and wished to see him +as soon as he had finished his dinner.</p> + + +<hr class="chap x-ebookmaker-drop"> +<div class="chapter"> + +<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_106">[106]</span></p> + + + <h2 class="nobreak" id="CHAPTER_X"> + CHAPTER X. + <br> + <span class='chap-title'>TOM WALTON EXPRESSES HIS OPINION.</span> + </h2> +</div> + + +<p class='drop-cap'><span class='allcap'>I knew</span> that the mention of my name would +bring Tom Walton to me, for he was one of the +most devoted fellows in the world. He had a habit of +remembering what a friend had done for him, and the +manifestation of his gratitude was so profuse as to be +rather embarrassing to me, for I did not like to see +any one so weighed down by the burden of obligation +as he appeared to be. I was in the room adjoining +that in which I had put the colonel to bed; for I +dared not expose myself where it was possible for +Waddie, or any other member of the party except +Tom, to see me, when he came to me.</p> + +<p>“I didn’t expect to see you here, Wolf,” said he, his +face lighted up with the broad grin which usually +expressed his satisfaction at passing events. “Why +don’t you come in and take some dinner with Waddie +<span class="pagenum" id="Page_107">[107]</span> +and Tommy? I know they will be glad to see +you.”</p> + +<p>“I should be very sorry to have them see me just +now,” I replied.</p> + +<p>“Why, what’s the matter? What’s the row? Has +anything broke?” he asked, a shade of anxiety overspreading +his face.</p> + +<p>“In a word, Tom, Colonel Wimpleton is as drunk +as a beast, in the next room.”</p> + +<p>“Whew!” said, or rather whistled, Tom, his eyes +opening till they looked like a couple of saucers.</p> + +<p>“Yes; and he came within about a quarter of an +inch of being run over and smashed by the train that +brought us down.”</p> + +<p>“You don’t say so!” exclaimed Tom, with genuine +feeling.</p> + +<p>“That’s so. I wouldn’t have Waddie or Miss Minnie +see him now for all the money that he is worth.”</p> + +<p>“But I didn’t know the colonel got so bad. I have +heard people say he drank till he was about how-came-you-so: +I never knew he got right down boozy.”</p> + +<p>“I never saw him so bad before,” I replied; “and +I hope I never shall again. It’s really horrible.”</p> + +<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_108">[108]</span></p> + +<p>“What are you doing down here with him, if he is +so much over the bay?”</p> + +<p>“He was not so bad when we started. He has +been nursing on brandy ever since we left Centreport, +and now he don’t know himself from a bar of yellow +soap. He is asleep, and I hope he will come out of it +all right. I have emptied the contents of his bottle +out the window.”</p> + +<p>“Good for you, Wolf!” said Tom, with an expressive +grin.</p> + +<p>I then told him all that had passed between the +colonel and myself since he came into my state-room, +on board of the steamer, dwelling particularly on the +suspicions which had induced the magnate to visit +Grass Springs. Tom smiled significantly as I proceeded, +and I judged from his expression that he +understood the case perfectly.</p> + +<p>“Now, Tom, what does all this mean?” I asked, +when I had finished the narrative.</p> + +<p>“Well, I reckon the colonel is considerable more +than half right,” replied the skipper of the Belle, +candidly.</p> + +<p>“You really think that Waddie and Miss Grace are +<span class="pagenum" id="Page_109">[109]</span> +interested in each other,” I added, squarely, determined +to know the worst, so far as I was personally +concerned, at once.</p> + +<p>“O, no! no! no!” protested Tom, vehemently, as +his chin dropped down; “I don’t mean anything of +that sort.”</p> + +<p>He was much disturbed to think he had conveyed +to me a wrong impression on a subject that so deeply +affected me.</p> + +<p>“What is it, then?”</p> + +<p>“It’s Tommy Toppleton and Miss Minnie;” and he +proceeded to relate to me the particulars of the upsetting +of the Raven, and of the gallant deed of Tommy.</p> + +<p>“There wasn’t the least need of jumping overboard; +but Miss Minnie thinks her life was saved by it, and +she is as grateful as though she had been pulled out +of a burning fiery furnace. It’s none of my business; +so I don’t say anything to her about it. I think she +likes him, and he likes her. Between you and me, +Wolf, she isn’t a bad looking girl, and I don’t blame +Tommy.”</p> + +<p>“But he has hardly ever met her before to-day,” +I suggested.</p> + +<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_110">[110]</span></p> + +<p>“I don’t care anything about that. Of course, +they don’t say anything, but I can tell by their +looks which way the wind blows. I’ll bet the biggest +fish in the deepest water off Priam that something +will come of it.”</p> + +<p>“I don’t exactly understand how I took the idea +from the colonel that it was Grace and Waddie who +were getting things mixed,” I added, laughing, to assure +Tom that I had no feeling about the matter.</p> + +<p>“O, no! Not a bit of it,” protested the skipper, +earnestly, shaking his head to emphasize his words. +“Waddie behaves like a gentleman, of course; but, +between us, he knows better than to look sidewise +at Miss Grace.”</p> + +<p>“Why shouldn’t he, if he is disposed to do so?”</p> + +<p>“I reckon he knows a mill-stone from a hogshead +of molasses,” replied Tom, with his usual significant +grin. “In the first place, he thinks too much of +you to try to go to sea in your boat.”</p> + +<p>“My boat?”</p> + +<p>“O, come, Wolf! What’s the use of beating to +windward when you have a fair breeze? You believe +in Miss Grace, and she thinks a heap of you.”</p> + +<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_111">[111]</span></p> + +<p>“We are very good friends; but she is the daughter +of a wealthy man, while I am the son of a +mechanic,” I replied, rather gloomily.</p> + +<p>“I don’t care for that,” said Tom, with a show +of indignation at the vain distinctions of this world. +“It will come out all right.”</p> + +<p>“I don’t know,” I answered, not caring to discuss +the subject at any greater length; “Colonel Wimpleton +is very much disturbed about the courting, +as he calls it.”</p> + +<p>“How should he know anything about it?” demanded +Tom, suddenly, as he recalled the circumstances +of the day.</p> + +<p>“I don’t know.”</p> + +<p>“Did that Nick Van Wolter tell him?”</p> + +<p>“No; he had not returned with the Raven when +we left Centreport.”</p> + +<p>“If he did, I should be willing to break his head +on my own account.”</p> + +<p>“I think the colonel ascertained that the girls +had come down with the boys, and imagined all +the rest,” I suggested, giving the explanation which +I had myself adopted.</p> + +<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_112">[112]</span></p> + +<p>“Well, he imagined it about right, then,” said Tom.</p> + +<p>“I am not sorry it is as you say; but I am +afraid the affair will make a good deal of trouble. +When are you going back?”</p> + +<p>“Whenever my party says the word.”</p> + +<p>“Can’t you hurry them up?” I inquired, anxiously; +for I did not like to have Waddie and his +sister in the house with their father, under the +present circumstances.</p> + +<p>“I don’t know but I can. They were going to +the Horse Shoe this afternoon,” answered Tom. “I +have been looking for another shower to-day, for +‘thunder in the morning bids the sailor take warning.’”</p> + +<p>There were as yet no signs of another shower, +and the skipper left me to ascertain whether his +party intended to visit the Horse Shoe or not. I +carefully opened the door, and entered the colonel’s +room. He was still sleeping in the stupor of intoxication, +and I left him. I wished to be at Centreport +in season to take the steamer at half past +five, but I was afraid my patient would not be in +a condition to go home by the last train. Tom +<span class="pagenum" id="Page_113">[113]</span> +soon returned to me with the intelligence that his +party would start in half an hour for the Horse +Shoe. I did not feel easy until I was assured by +the landlord that they had actually embarked on the +Belle.</p> + +<p>Perhaps it was useless for me to attempt to conceal +the father’s infirmity from the children; but I +believed that the colonel’s present excess was exceptional, +and I hoped he would not again indulge +so deeply. I could not endure the thought of witnessing +the shame and mortification of Waddie and +Minnie, if compelled to encounter their father in his +intoxication. While I was considering this unpleasant +subject, I heard my patient in the next room, the +door of which I had left open, get out of the bed. +I hastened into the apartment. The colonel stood +holding on at the bed-post, and looked confused +and lost. He glanced at me with a stare, and then +a maudlin smile came upon his lips, as though the +events of the day had suddenly flashed upon his +mind, and he remembered where he was.</p> + +<p>“I feel a little better of that pain, Wolf,” said +he; “but I haven’t got quite over it.”</p> + +<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_114">[114]</span></p> + +<p>“I am glad you feel better, sir,” I replied.</p> + +<p>“I’m better, but I am not well,” he continued, +grasping his coat, which I had hung on the bed-post.</p> + +<p>He wanted his flask again. He had partially recovered +from the effect of former drams, but he +was not satisfied. He took the bottle from his +pocket. Of course he would discover that it was +empty. I hoped that his memory would not serve +him in regard to the condition of the flask when +he last drank from it, for I was afraid he would +suspect my agency in emptying it. With some difficulty +he unscrewed the stopple, and took a tumbler +from the wash-stand. He turned the bottle until +it was inverted over the glass, but not a drop +came forth. His hands trembled, and his frame +quivered. Lowering the flask from the glass, he +gazed as steadily at me as his shaky condition would +permit. He was angry, and I dreaded his wrath.</p> + +<p>“Wolf, I left this flask half full of brandy,” said he, +fixing a stern gaze upon me. “It was very choice +brandy, which my friend in Ruoara gave me for +sickness.”</p> + +<p>He paused, and continued to stare at me, with a +<span class="pagenum" id="Page_115">[115]</span> +savage frown on his brow. It was useless for me to +say anything, and I did not speak.</p> + +<p>“For sickness, Wolf,” repeated he. “I told you I +was sick, and I take brandy for it.”</p> + +<p>He stopped again, but I made no reply.</p> + +<p>“Did you empty this flask, Wolf?” demanded he, +sternly.</p> + +<p>“I did, sir,” I answered, as gently as I could speak.</p> + +<p>“You did!” roared he.</p> + +<p>“Yes, sir; I did.”</p> + +<p>He dropped into a chair, though he did not for an +instant remove his gaze from me. I had no difficulty +in coming to the conclusion that I had got into a bad +scrape; but I had acted for the best.</p> + +<p>“You impudent puppy!” said he, grinding his teeth.</p> + +<p>I was silent and motionless.</p> + +<p>“Are you my guardian?”</p> + +<p>“I have tried to take care of you, sir.”</p> + +<p>“What do you mean by that?” he continued, after +thinking a moment, probably to determine the meaning +of my words.</p> + +<p>I think he had sense enough to understand his own +condition, though doubtless he did not realize how +<span class="pagenum" id="Page_116">[116]</span> +helpless he had been. The fact that I had emptied his +flask assured him that I understood his situation perfectly. +He knew I had helped him into the bed. +It is reasonable to suppose that he was ashamed of +himself, even after he had put in the plea of sickness. +But for the magnate of Centreport to be thus humiliated +before one whom he regarded as a dependant +appeared to be more than he could endure, and the +thought stirred his ire.</p> + +<p>“I have done what I could for you, sir,” I replied, +evasively.</p> + +<p>“What did you throw away my brandy—my +medicine—for?”</p> + +<p>“Because I thought you had taken enough, sir,” I +answered, finding that it was useless for me to attempt +to dodge the issue.</p> + +<p>“You did!”</p> + +<p>“Yes, sir. You were very much intoxicated,” I +continued, mildly, but firmly.</p> + +<p>He sprang to his feet with a celerity of which I had +not believed him capable; and I began to think it +would be necessary for me to run for life. He halted +before me an instant, and then rushed out of the room.</p> + + +<hr class="chap x-ebookmaker-drop"> +<div class="chapter"> + +<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_117">[117]</span></p> + + + <h2 class="nobreak" id="CHAPTER_XI"> + CHAPTER XI. + <br> + <span class='chap-title'>A GENEROUS TIPPLER.</span> + </h2> +</div> + + +<p class='drop-cap'><span class='allcap'>I was</span> not anxious to quarrel with Colonel Wimpleton, +for he carried too many guns for me; but +I followed him out of the apartment, keeping at a +respectful distance behind him. He went into the +bar-room, and called for brandy. The landlord, who +was behind the counter, pretended not to understand +him, and began to speak of something else.</p> + +<p>“Brandy!” repeated the great man, in a loud and +imperative tone.</p> + +<p>It was folly to attempt to refuse him, and the landlord +promptly placed the fire-water before his savage +guest. The colonel poured out and swallowed a large +potion of the fiery fluid. Throwing down the payment +for the dram with a lordly air, he turned and +departed from the room. I stepped out of his way as +he approached, concluding that my mission was finished. +I decided to take the dummy back to Middleport. +<span class="pagenum" id="Page_118">[118]</span> +The colonel returned to his chamber, while I +moved towards the outside door. I did not wish to +have a scene with him. I had, with what now seemed +to me unparalleled audacity, told him he was drunk. +I expected to be discharged from my position as captain +of the steamer, and to be annihilated at once.</p> + +<p>“Wolf!” shouted he from his room.</p> + +<p>I was not absolutely afraid of him, though I dreaded +his violence. I went to the door of his apartment, +and entered. He sat on the bed, and looked up at me. +He did not appear to be as savage as before. The +heavy dram he had just taken was beginning to have +its effect, and his expression was rather maudlin and +silly than stern.</p> + +<p>“If you have no further occasion for me, I think I +will return to Middleport by the dummy.”</p> + +<p>“Don’t go. I want you,” said he. “You said I +was drunk.”</p> + +<p>“Yes, sir; I did say so; but only to explain what I +had done.”</p> + +<p>“Do you mean to say I <i>was</i> drunk, Wolf?”</p> + +<p>“Yes, sir; I have no doubt of it,” I replied, with a +candor which astonished myself.</p> + +<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_119">[119]</span></p> + +<p>“You are the first person that ever told me I was +drunk.”</p> + +<p>“I hope it will be the last time any one will have +occasion to say so, sir.”</p> + +<p>“Don’t preach to me, Wolf. You are a very proper +young man, but I never let any one preach to me. +You say I <i>was</i> drunk.”</p> + +<p>“Yes, sir; and you are drunk now.”</p> + +<p>“Now?” he repeated, with a silly laugh.</p> + +<p>“Yes, sir. You fell down between the rails this +afternoon, and the train came very near backing over +you. When you arrived here you couldn’t possibly +stand up,” I answered, as honestly as though I had +been his social equal.</p> + +<p>I was amazed at my own temerity; but I had +already incurred his displeasure, and with the possibility +of opening his eyes to the scandal of his beastly +conduct, I made up my mind that I might as well be +hanged for an old sheep as a lamb, and that it should +not be my fault if he did not thoroughly comprehend +his disgraceful situation.</p> + +<p>“What has become of Waddie and that girl?” he +inquired.</p> + +<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_120">[120]</span></p> + +<p>“What girl?”</p> + +<p>“Why, the Toppleton girl.”</p> + +<p>“They have gone to the Horse Shoe, sir; but they +were in the house when you arrived.”</p> + +<p>“Were they? Why didn’t you tell me of it?”</p> + +<p>“I would not have had them see you as you were +then for all you are worth.”</p> + +<p>He pursed up his lips, as he had a habit of doing +when he was vexed or chagrined, and gazed upon the +floor.</p> + +<p>“You think I was drunk—do you, Wolf?”</p> + +<p>“I know you were, sir; and I took you into this +room, and put you to bed. I kept you out of sight of +Waddie and Miss Minnie, and told the landlord not to +tell any one you were here,” I continued, with considerable +spirit.</p> + +<p>“Did you say you thought I was drunk, Wolf?” +repeated he again.</p> + +<p>“I am entirely satisfied that you were—beastly +drunk,” I answered, resolved, if there was any sense +at all in him, that he should not misunderstand me.</p> + +<p>“Wolf, bring me a pen and ink,” he added, after +gazing at the floor a while.</p> + +<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_121">[121]</span></p> + +<p>“Don’t you think you had better lie down and take +another nap, sir?”</p> + +<p>“Bring me a pen and ink, I say.”</p> + +<p>“I think you had better lie down.”</p> + +<p>“Will you bring me a pen and ink, or shall I go +myself for them?” said he, sharply.</p> + +<p>I did not think he could use a pen if I brought one, +and I could not imagine what he wished to write. I +had no success in evading his requests, and I went to +the office for pen and ink. I placed the articles upon +the table, and wondered what was to be done. The +colonel rose from his seat on the bed, and bracing up +his nerves, walked tolerably straight across the floor, +seating himself at the table.</p> + +<p>“Don’t you want some paper, sir?”</p> + +<p>“No; bring me my coat,” he replied.</p> + +<p>I handed him the garment, and he took from one +of the pockets of it a small, narrow book, which he +opened upon the table. I was in hopes he intended +to write a temperance pledge, or something of that +sort. He dipped the pen in the ink, and, with a convulsive +effort, began to write. I saw that the little +volume before him was a pocket check-book. He +<span class="pagenum" id="Page_122">[122]</span> +wrote what I supposed to be the date, for I was not +impolite enough to look over his shoulder.</p> + +<p>“Wolf, do you say, upon your honor, that you +thought I was drunk?” said he, turning around, and +looking me full in the face, as though there was still a +doubt upon the point.</p> + +<p>“I know you were, sir; but if you think I am +mistaken, I will call the landlord.”</p> + +<p>“Did he see me, too?”</p> + +<p>“He couldn’t well help seeing you.”</p> + +<p>“It’s a mistake, Wolf. I never was drunk in my +life,” muttered he, in a lower tone, as he wrote in the +check-book.</p> + +<p>I could form no very accurate idea of the current of +thought which was passing in his mind. The fury of +his wrath had suddenly abated, though I had told him +the whole truth, and nothing but the truth. I could +not imagine for what purpose he was drawing a check, +unless it was to pay my wages, and discharge me from +his service. He wrote very rapidly, and by jerks, +apparently taking advantage of momentary periods, +when his nerves were more quiet. He finished the +writing, after he had regularly made the memoranda +<span class="pagenum" id="Page_123">[123]</span> +in the margin to indicate the amount and the payee +of the check. It was marvellous to me that he could +write at all, and especially so that he was able to go +through all the business forms so correctly. He tore +the check from the book, and with a very peculiar +smile on his face, thrust it out at arm’s length +towards me.</p> + +<p>“Take that, Wolf,” said he, the drunken leer on his +face becoming more intense.</p> + +<p>“What is it, sir?”</p> + +<p>“Take it.”</p> + +<p>I obeyed him. It was a check for ten thousand +dollars, payable to Wolf Penniman or bearer. I was +astonished and bewildered.</p> + +<p>“What is this for, sir?” I inquired.</p> + +<p>“You can draw the money at the Centreport +Bank,” he replied.</p> + +<p>“I do not understand you, Colonel Wimpleton.”</p> + +<p>“I make you a present of ten thousand dollars, +Wolf; can’t you understand that;” said he, the leer +on his face deepening to a laugh.</p> + +<p>“What is it for, sir?”</p> + +<p>“That’s what I owe you, Wolf.”</p> + +<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_124">[124]</span></p> + +<p>“I think not.”</p> + +<p>“O, I do,” protested he, vehemently; “you saved +my life once, but I never gave you a dollar for it.”</p> + +<p>“But you gave me the command of the steamer, +sir.”</p> + +<p>“No matter for that. You beat the Lake Shore +Line in her, and put twice that sum of money into my +pocket by it. The money is yours, Wolf. Now don’t +say another word about it.”</p> + +<p>What was the magnate thinking about? What +had given him this sudden fit of generosity? A few +moments before, he had been angry with me; now he +had gone to the other extreme. But the man was +intoxicated. I did not regard the check as mine, for +it was the gift of a man not in his right mind. It was +a princely sum for a young person in my situation; +but the thought that the money would ever come +into my possession did not occur to me.</p> + +<p>“Now, Wolf, you are my friend,” said he. “If you +think I’m drunk, a friend must bear a friend’s infirmities—humor +them, and try to hide them. Do you +understand me, Wolf?”</p> + +<p>“Is this the price of my silence in regard to the +<span class="pagenum" id="Page_125">[125]</span> +events of to-day?” I asked, beginning to think that +this was the solution of his extraordinary generosity.</p> + +<p>“No, no; by no means!” protested he. “It’s only +just what I ought to do for all you have done for me, +and for Waddie.”</p> + +<p>“But I cannot take this, sir. Your secret, so far as +it is a secret, is safe in my keeping. I have prevented +you from being seen by Waddie and Minnie.”</p> + +<p>“I say, Wolf, you shall keep it,” he replied, with an +oath, as he brought his fist down upon the table with +such force as to make the ink fly from the inkstand.</p> + +<p>It was useless to contend, and I did not attempt to +oppose him.</p> + +<p>“I would rather have your name to another paper +than to this one,” I replied, rather jocosely, as I laid +the check upon the table, and pointed to it with my +finger.</p> + +<p>“What’s that, Wolf?” he demanded, with excited +interest. “Bring the paper. Let me see it.”</p> + +<p>I took the blank sheet of a letter from my pocket, +and wrote as follows: “I promise, on the honor of a +man and a gentleman, to abstain entirely from the use +of intoxicating drinks, unless prescribed by a physician.” +<span class="pagenum" id="Page_126">[126]</span> +I pushed the paper across the table to him. +Adjusting his eye-glass, he read it.</p> + +<p>“I would rather have your name to that paper than +to this,” I repeated, pointing to the check, and pushing +it towards him.</p> + +<p>“Do you mean to insult me, Wolf?” demanded he, +sternly.</p> + +<p>“By no means, sir,” I replied, fearful that I had +gone too far. “I mean exactly what I say.”</p> + +<p>Taking the paper from the table, he indignantly tore +it into very small pieces, and then, rushing to the window, +threw them out.</p> + +<p>“I am not an idiot! I am not a child!” protested +he. “I know what I am about, you see.”</p> + +<p>“I did not mean to offend you, sir.”</p> + +<p>“You have the check. We will change the subject,” +he added, with an attempt to put on his dignity. +“I am not offended. Now, where is Waddie?”</p> + +<p>“On the Horse Shoe, I suppose, unless he has left +for home.”</p> + +<p>“Is the Toppleton girl with him?”</p> + +<p>“I believe she is.”</p> + +<p>“Courting!” sneered he. “I won’t have it! No, +I won’t!”</p> + +<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_127">[127]</span></p> + +<p>“I assure you, sir, that you are entirely mistaken. +I have seen Tom Walton, who has been with them all +day, and he says Waddie behaves like a gentleman to +Miss Toppleton, and nothing more.”</p> + +<p>“But they are together.”</p> + +<p>“You have nothing to fear from Waddie, if they +are.”</p> + +<p>“I am going over to the Horse Shoe, Wolf. I’m +going to stop this thing before it goes any farther,” +said he, rising, and putting on his coat.</p> + +<p>“I hope you will not, sir,” I interposed.</p> + +<p>“I will.”</p> + +<p>“I cannot keep your secret, if you expose yourself.”</p> + +<p>“I am as regular as you are, Wolf;” and he went +out of the room by the door opening into the entry.</p> + +<p>I followed him, determined that he should not go to +the Horse Shoe, if I could possibly prevent him from +doing so.</p> + + +<hr class="chap x-ebookmaker-drop"> +<div class="chapter"> + +<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_128">[128]</span></p> + + + <h2 class="nobreak" id="CHAPTER_XII"> + CHAPTER XII. + <br> + <span class='chap-title'>ANOTHER CALAMITY.</span> + </h2> +</div> + + +<p class='drop-cap'><span class='allcap'>It</span> was not easy to prevent a man like Colonel +Wimpleton from having his own way. He was +not nearly so bad as he had been before he went to +bed; but he was still in no condition to exhibit himself +to his son and daughter. He went to the landlord +and paid the bill. He then produced his flask, and +demanded that it should be filled. The hotel-keeper +demurred, and did not sell liquor except by the glass; +but the colonel began to storm and swear, and he was +obliged to comply.</p> + +<p>Just then I happened to think that I had left the +check the colonel had given me on the table, in the +room he had occupied, and I hastened to get it; for, +though I did not mean to use it myself, I did not +intend that any one else should do so. It was not +where I had left it, or where I supposed I had left it. +<span class="pagenum" id="Page_129">[129]</span> +It was not on the table, and it was not on the floor. +In a word, I could not find it, though I made a diligent +search in every part of the room, thinking the +wind might have blown it from the table. The door +of the adjoining room, where I had remained a portion +of the time, was open, and I passed through this +apartment into the entry.</p> + +<p>I searched my pockets, thinking I might possibly +have deposited it in one of them, while I was talking +with the colonel. The last time I remembered to +have noticed it, was when I pointed to it, after the +tipsy great man had read the paper I wrote. Then +the conversation became rather exciting to me, and I +walked across the room several times. It was possible +that the colonel had torn up both the check and the +pledge at the same time.</p> + +<p>“Where are you, Wolf? I’m looking for you,” said +the colonel, appearing at the entry door.</p> + +<p>“Did you tear up the check you wrote, sir?”</p> + +<p>“The check?” repeated he, evidently trying to +stimulate his memory.</p> + +<p>“You wrote a check for ten thousand dollars in my +favor, and handed it to me.”</p> + +<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_130">[130]</span></p> + +<p>“Yes, of course; I know that,” replied he, impatiently, +as though my statement implied that he had +not known what he was about when he did the +generous act. “I was trying to think whether I tore +it up with the other paper. I didn’t mean to tear it +up; and if I did, I will give you another.”</p> + +<p>“I cannot find it anywhere,” I added.</p> + +<p>“Then, of course, I destroyed it with the other +paper. I will give you another just like it,” said he, +dropping into the chair before the table.</p> + +<p>“I would not write another now, sir,” I interposed. +“Perhaps I may find the other, or at least +the pieces of it, if you tore it up.”</p> + +<p>I did not regard the check as of any consequence +to me, under the circumstances; but it was possible, +if it fell into the hands of some other person, that +an improper use might be made of it; and for this +reason only was I anxious to ascertain what had +become of it. I left the colonel sitting at the table, +and went out doors to see if I could find any of the +pieces of the check. The window, from which he +had thrown the fragments of paper, opened into an +alley between the hotel and the adjoining building, +<span class="pagenum" id="Page_131">[131]</span> +through which the wind blew quite sharply. I +could not find even a single piece of either paper; +but I continued the search at the leeward of the +hotel. I found two or three pieces of the paper I +had written, on the railroad; but the rest of them +had probably gone into the lake. I was no wiser +than before; but I was forced to conclude that, as I +could not find the check, the colonel must have destroyed +it with the other paper. Both of them had +lain on the table, within his reach, for I remembered +that I had pushed the check towards him, when I +told him I would rather have his name on the pledge +I had written. If the valuable little paper was destroyed, +it was all right, and I need trouble myself +no more about it.</p> + +<p>“Hallo, Wolf.”</p> + +<p>I turned. It was Nick Van Wolter.</p> + +<p>“How are you, Nick?” I replied.</p> + +<p>“What are you looking for, Wolf?”</p> + +<p>I did not deem it necessary to inform him what I +was looking for; so I did not give him a direct +answer.</p> + +<p>“Where is the colonel? I heard he was on a +regular bat!” asked Nick, with a coarse grin.</p> + +<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_132">[132]</span></p> + +<p>“He is at the hotel.”</p> + +<p>“The landlord told me he was there,” continued +Nick. “You see, I was mixed up in this business +down here this morning. After the Raven upset, +Waddie sent me home in her. I got to Centreport +just as the steamer was going out, and I went on +board of her, and came down as far as Ruoara. My +father told me that the colonel was on a regular +bat,”—by which I understood him to mean a spree. +“He said you had crossed the lake with him, and +that something was said about going to Grass Springs. +I was a little curious to know what was going on, +as I was with the party this morning.”</p> + +<p>I could not exactly see why Nick had volunteered +this explanation.</p> + +<p>“Did you think the colonel was after the party?” +I inquired.</p> + +<p>“From what my father said, I supposed he was.”</p> + +<p>Then the mate had understood Colonel Wimpleton +much better than I could, before we left the +Ucayga, which seemed a little odd to me.</p> + +<p>“What did your father say?” I asked.</p> + +<p>“He said the colonel was on a regular bat, and +<span class="pagenum" id="Page_133">[133]</span> +that he was mad. I knew the fellows and girls +went off together, and I concluded the colonel had +found it out, and that was what made him mad. I +didn’t want to have Waddie get into any scrape with +his father when he was a little over the bay; for you +know the colonel isn’t exactly a saint when he is all +right, and I suppose he isn’t any better when he is +tight. So I took a boat at Ruoara, and sailed over +this way. I saw the party on the island, though I +didn’t go very near it, for I didn’t want them to see +me, unless it was necessary. I saw the colonel was +not there; so I came over here, and found he was +at the hotel. I thought, if there was any danger of +his going over to the Horse Shoe, I would see Waddie +in season to tip him the wink. You understand +me, Wolf?”</p> + +<p>“Yes, I understand.”</p> + +<p>“You see, if the colonel caught Waddie and Miss +Minnie with Tom and his sister, he would raise Cain +with them.”</p> + +<p>“I do not think that he would trouble them under +ordinary circumstances,” I replied.</p> + +<p>“O, yes, he would!” protested Nick, who, strangely +<span class="pagenum" id="Page_134">[134]</span> +enough, as I thought, seemed to know more about +the matter than I did.</p> + +<p>“Certainly he suspects some mischief to-day, though +I do not understand why he should. He insists +upon going over to the Horse Shoe, Nick; and I +don’t know that I can prevent him from doing so. +You have a boat here?”</p> + +<p>“Yes; the one I hired at Ruoara.”</p> + +<p>“If you will go over to the Horse Shoe, as you +return, and give them a hint that Colonel Wimpleton +is after them, I will be very much obliged to you.”</p> + +<p>“O, I will do that, certainly,” replied the obliging +Nick.</p> + +<p>“Don’t say a word about his being out of the way.”</p> + +<p>“No; certainly not,” answered he, with a prudent +shake of the head.</p> + +<p>“You understand the case as well as I do, and +you must manage it as best you can.”</p> + +<p>“I’ll go right over;” and he hastened towards the +landing, which was a short distance up the lake.</p> + +<p>I returned to the hotel, abundantly satisfied with +the arrangement I had made. While I could not +exactly understand how Nick happened so accurately +<span class="pagenum" id="Page_135">[135]</span> +to divine the object of the colonel’s visit to the +Springs, I was willing to admit that it was very kind +of him to endeavor to save Waddie and Minnie from +the wrath of their tipsy father. I found the colonel +still seated at the table, though I was soon convinced +that he had not been there all the time of my absence; +for his limbs were more unsteady, and his +voice thicker, than when I had left him. He had +evidently taken another dram.</p> + +<p>“There’s another check, Wolf,” said he, handing +me a duplicate of the former one, which, I noticed, +was regularly numbered, as the first had been.</p> + +<p>“I didn’t mean to destroy the other.”</p> + +<p>“Perhaps you did not, sir; though I cannot find it.”</p> + +<p>“No matter; put the check in your pocket. Now +take me over to the Horse Shoe, and I will put an +end to this courting business.”</p> + +<p>“I think it is rather late to go there to-night; and +it looks a little like another shower,” I replied.</p> + +<p>“Don’t talk to me, Wolf! I say I’m going to the +Horse Shoe.”</p> + +<p>It was useless to contend, and I accompanied him +down to the public landing. As I had sent Nick +<span class="pagenum" id="Page_136">[136]</span> +forward to warn the party of the approach of the +colonel, I was satisfied there would be no scene that +day. The only boat I could obtain at the landing +was a small bateau, very frail and unsteady for such +a burden as I had to carry. I objected to using it, +but Colonel Wimpleton declared it would do very +well, and insisted that I should row him over to the +island. I deemed it dangerous to do so, and I tried +to deter him; but he was as obstinate as usual, and +all the more obstinate for being intoxicated. Very +reluctantly I helped him into the bateau, and soon +repented that I had not absolutely refused to go +with him.</p> + +<p>While I was getting ready, I had occasion to +regret that his flask had been refilled, for he took a +long draught from it. When he had with great +difficulty taken his seat in the stern of the boat, I +pushed off. I saw nothing of the Belle, though the +boat in which Nick had come from Ruoara lay on +the shore of the island, where he had landed to +communicate with the party. Another shower was +coming up from the south-west, and I thought our +chances for getting a ducking were very good. The +<span class="pagenum" id="Page_137">[137]</span> +last dram of my passenger had begun to produce its +effect, and he swayed to and fro on his unsteady +seat, and I regretted very much that I had consented +to come with him.</p> + +<p>When I had pulled about two thirds of the distance +to the Horse Shoe, I saw the Belle standing +out from the deep channel, on the other side of the +island. Nick had delivered his message, and the +peril of a disagreeable encounter was avoided. I +called the attention of the colonel to the fact that +the party had left the Horse Shoe, hoping he would +permit me to row back to Grass Springs. Unfortunately, +the intelligence produced a different effect +upon him, and roused his anger.</p> + +<p>“Stop zem, Wolf! Stop zem!” said he, angrily.</p> + +<p>I did hail the Belle, but no notice was taken of +my call.</p> + +<p>“Pull for zat boat,” added he, pointing to the Belle.</p> + +<p>He did not know what he was about, and I decided +not to heed his requests. Nick had now embarked in +his sail-boat, and in order to double the southern part +of the island, was obliged to stand out towards my +craft.</p> + +<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_138">[138]</span></p> + +<p>“Why don’t you do dzi tell you, Wolf?” demanded +the colonel, rising in the boat as though he +intended to come at me.</p> + +<p>His legs yielded beneath him, and he dropped +upon the rail of the bateau, careening the frail skiff +till the water poured in over the side. Before I +could get hold of him, he rolled over into the lake, +I was horror-struck, for it was no easy matter to rescue +a heavy man, as tipsy as he was.</p> + +<figure class="figcenter illowp96" id="i_p138" style="max-width: 64.0625em;"> + <img class="w100" src="images/i_p138.jpg" alt=""> + <figcaption> + COLONEL WIMPLETON SLIPS. + </figcaption> +</figure> + + +<hr class="chap x-ebookmaker-drop"> +<div class="chapter"> + +<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_139">[139]</span></p> + + + <h2 class="nobreak" id="CHAPTER_XIII"> + CHAPTER XIII. + <br> + <span class='chap-title'>AFTER THE ACCIDENT.</span> + </h2> +</div> + + +<p class='drop-cap'><span class='allcap'>My</span> skiff was nearly full of water, which rendered +it quite unmanageable. In my attempt +to save Colonel Wimpleton before he went into the +water, I had lost both oars overboard. There was +no romance in leaping into the lake after a tipsy +man, and there were two chances that he would +drown me to one that I should save him. I did +not consider such a movement on my part as hopeful, +and therefore I did not make it. I simply endeavored +to recover my oars, and back the boat so +that the struggling magnate could get hold of it.</p> + +<p>The colonel floundered and fought the destroying +element with mad zeal; but of course the more he +labored the worse it was for him. It was evident +that he could not hold out long, and what was +done must be quickly done, or it would be too late. +<span class="pagenum" id="Page_140">[140]</span> +One of my oars floated on the water not six feet +from me, but I could not move the boat, for the +want of anything like a paddle. I coiled up the +painter, and threw it so that the end dropped beyond +the oar. I pulled in, but the line slipped over +it. I then tied a heavy bunch of keys I had in +my pocket to the end of the painter, and tried +again. This effort was successful, and I hauled in +the oar till I could reach it with my hand.</p> + +<p>I placed it in the stern, heaved the skiff round, +and sculled with all my might towards the drowning +magnate; but the boat rolled, and dipped the +water over her gunwale, so that I made little or +no progress. My heart was in my mouth, and I +was almost certain the colonel would drown, when +Nick Van Wolter’s boat dashed by me. The helm +was put hard down, and, as the craft came up into the +wind, Nick sprang into the bow. He certainly managed +the matter exceedingly well, whatever bungling +he had done earlier in the day. Reaching +down, he seized the drowning magnate by the collar +of his coat with both hands, and held on with all +his might.</p> + +<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_141">[141]</span></p> + +<p>If Colonel Wimpleton had been sober, he would +not have fallen into the water; but if he had fallen +overboard being sober, and had remained in the +water so long, he would certainly have been drowned, +for drunken men seem to have a remarkable facility +for escaping from perils which overwhelm men in +their right mind. Nick held on to his helpless +burden like a good fellow, and I struggled to urge +forward my water-logged boat, so as to render him +some assistance. The skiff and the oars had drifted +some distance from the spot, and my efforts were +absolutely vain.</p> + +<p>“Hurry up, Wolf!” shouted Nick, with a gasp, +extorted from him by the weight of his burden.</p> + +<p>“My skiff is full of water, and I can’t do anything +with it,” I replied.</p> + +<p>Taking the oar from the stern, I tried to paddle +the skiff. I succeeded better, but my progress was +very slow. I saw Nick make a tremendous effort +to haul in the colonel. He stood upon the gunwale +of the boat, and as he lifted with all his strength, +the craft careened, and he dragged the shoulders of +his burden up to the rail. Falling back himself as +<span class="pagenum" id="Page_142">[142]</span> +he gained in his task, the boat righted a little, and +assisted in lifting the heavy load. After pausing a +moment to recover his breath, he renewed the effort, +and, to my great satisfaction, he hauled the +colonel into the boat, just as I came within a painter’s +length of him.</p> + +<p>“Catch this rope, Nick,” I called to him, as I coiled +up my painter, ready to toss it to him.</p> + +<p>But Nick had sunk down upon the thwart, overcome +by the violence of his efforts. So I paddled +away again with the oar, and at last came alongside +the sail-boat. I jumped aboard, and hastened +to ascertain the condition of the colonel. It seemed +to me he must be filled with water; but perhaps +the natural repulsion of the pure element for the +viler one with which he was thoroughly saturated, +saved him. Of course the severe ordeal to which +he had been subjected nullified the effects of the +brandy he had drank. Nick had placed him upon +a seat, but he was unable to sit up. He had not +lost his senses, strange as it may seem; but he +was completely exhausted by the violence of his +struggles.</p> + +<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_143">[143]</span></p> + +<p>“How do you feel, Colonel Wimpleton?” I asked.</p> + +<p>He made me no reply, though he looked up at +me. I took my handkerchief, wiped his face and +head, and rubbed his temples. He began to shiver +with the chill of his cold bath, and to throw up the +water he had swallowed. He was rather stupid, and +did not answer any of the questions I put to him. +By this time Nick had recovered in a measure from +his exhaustion, and wanted to do something more +for the comfort of the great man he had saved.</p> + +<p>“What shall we do, Wolf?” asked he.</p> + +<p>“Run for Grass Springs,” I replied.</p> + +<p>He hauled in the sheet, and put the helm up, +heading the boat to the point I suggested.</p> + +<p>“That was a narrow escape for the colonel,” added +Nick, in a low tone, as he glanced at the sufferer +on the seat.</p> + +<p>“Yes, it was. You came just at the right time. +My skiff was full of water, and I could not get along. +I lost my oars when the colonel went over.”</p> + +<p>“How did it happen?”</p> + +<p>I shook my head slightly, to indicate that we had +better not discuss this matter in the presence of the +<span class="pagenum" id="Page_144">[144]</span> +colonel. Seeing that the skiff, whose painter I had +made fast to the sail-boat, retarded her progress, I +cast it off, and let it go adrift. There was a fair +breeze, and the craft made good time through the +water; but nearly half an hour must elapse before +we could reach Grass Springs, which was about two +miles distant. I placed myself by the side of the +colonel, and began to rub him again; but a gesture +of impatience indicated that he disliked the +operation, and I desisted. But I had the satisfaction +of seeing that he was steadily improving. He had +a fit of coughing, during which he relieved himself +of much of the water he had swallowed during his +struggles.</p> + +<p>“How do you feel, colonel?” I inquired, when he +had recovered from the fit.</p> + +<p>“A little better,” he replied, raising his hand to +his breast pocket.</p> + +<p>He took out his brandy flask, and attempted to +remove the stopple; but his trembling hands refused +to perform the task.</p> + +<p>“Let me open it for you,” I interposed.</p> + +<p>If brandy is ever good for anything, it is for a +<span class="pagenum" id="Page_145">[145]</span> +person in his condition. At first he was not disposed +to let me take the flask.</p> + +<p>“I think you need a little now. It will do you +good,” I added.</p> + +<p>Then he permitted me to take the bottle, and I +unscrewed the top. Pouring a quantity of it into +the cup, which formed the lower part of the flask, +I offered it to him. He looked into it, and held it +out to me.</p> + +<p>“Put more in,” said he.</p> + +<p>I obeyed him, and filled the cup nearly full.</p> + +<p>“Will you have some water with it?” I inquired.</p> + +<p>“No;” and he drank it off, or rather poured it +down his throat.</p> + +<p>I have no doubt it warmed his stomach, and afforded +him immediate relief from the intense chill +which pervaded his frame. At any rate, he ceased +to shiver. Before we reached the shore, he took +another, but smaller dose, and then declared that +he was quite comfortable.</p> + +<p>By this time the Belle was off Ruoara, and I +concluded that those on board of her were in happy +ignorance of the alarming event which had just +<span class="pagenum" id="Page_146">[146]</span> +transpired. When I had first seen her, she was +beating towards home, and at the time of the accident +she had run behind the southern point of +the Horse Shoe. It was very fortunate that we had +not been seen, for Waddie and his sister were again +spared the pain and mortification of beholding their +father in the most pitiable condition to which a man +can be reduced.</p> + +<p>As soon as we landed I procured a carriage, and +we conveyed the colonel to the hotel. The landlord +provided dry clothing for him, and we rubbed +his limbs with flannel till the circulation was restored. +He continued to drink brandy, but it did +not seem to have so powerful an effect upon him +as before his involuntary bath. Though he did not +say anything about the exciting event of the day, +I have no doubt he kept up a tremendous thinking. +In the evening, after his clothes had been dried, +and he had eaten his supper, he said he wanted to +go home. He consented, at Nick’s suggestion, to go +to Ruoara in the boat in which the latter had +come from that place, and we embarked just after +dark. We borrowed a heavy overcoat for him, and +<span class="pagenum" id="Page_147">[147]</span> +he kept warm on the passage, which, in the fresh +breeze we had, was made in an hour and a quarter.</p> + +<p>At Ruoara I procured a carriage and a pair of +fast horses; but it was eleven o’clock when we +reached the colonel’s mansion in Centreport. He invited +us to go in on our arrival, and led the way +to the library. His family had all retired, for he +was frequently away nights, and they had learned +not to sit up for him.</p> + +<p>“I suppose all this will be in the newspapers by +to-morrow, or next day,” said the colonel, as he +seated himself before the fire he had ordered John, +his man, to make.</p> + +<p>“No, sir, not at all!” protested Nick. “We didn’t +even tell the landlord over to the hotel at Grass +Springs what had happened to you—did we, Wolf?”</p> + +<p>“We did not. I am not aware that any one except +ourselves knows anything about it,” I replied.</p> + +<p>“And no one ever shall,” added Nick, looking at +me, and evidently speaking for both of us.</p> + +<p>“Certainly not,” I answered. “If there is nothing +more that I can do for you to-night, Colonel Wimpleton, +I believe I will go home.”</p> + +<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_148">[148]</span></p> + +<p>“You can sleep here, Wolf,” suggested the colonel.</p> + +<p>“I thank you, sir; but I think I will go home,” +I replied; and, bidding him good night, I left the +house.</p> + +<p>I had a skiff at the wharf, in which I pulled across +the lake. It was after midnight when I reached my +father’s house. My mother let me in, and of course +she wanted to know where I had been. I simply +replied that I had been to Grass Springs with Colonel +Wimpleton, evading all her inquiries in regard +to the object of the visit. I went to my room immediately. +When I put my hand in my vest pocket +for the key of my watch, which it was my custom +to wind on retiring, I felt the duplicate check which +my employer had given me. I took it out, and unfolded +it. The paper was written in due form, and +I had no doubt it was good for the ten thousand +dollars for which it was drawn.</p> + +<p>The check had been given me by an intoxicated +man. It was not possible that he would have done +so absurd a thing if he had been sober. Certainly +it was not morally right for me to take advantage of +his great infirmity. Though the donor could give me +<span class="pagenum" id="Page_149">[149]</span> +this large sum, and not feel the loss, yet it seemed +to be nothing less than robbery to use the check. +It would be base and dishonorable in me to hold +him to a promise given in his inebriation. I might +lose the check if I kept it, and another might find +it who had less scruples. If I left it at home, my +father and mother might discover it, and desire an +explanation, which I could not give.</p> + +<p>Rather impulsively, I folded up the check, lighted +it at the lamp, and threw it into the fireplace. I +watched the paper till it was entirely consumed, and +then scattered and ground up with my foot the tinder +which was left. Having thus prevented the check +from doing any mischief in the future, I went to bed.</p> + + +<hr class="chap x-ebookmaker-drop"> +<div class="chapter"> + +<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_150">[150]</span></p> + + + <h2 class="nobreak" id="CHAPTER_XIV"> + CHAPTER XIV. + <br> + <span class='chap-title'>“THE OCCURRENCES OF YESTERDAY.”</span> + </h2> +</div> + + +<p class='drop-cap'><span class='allcap'>The</span> next morning, at eight o’clock, my father +and I crossed the lake to perform our daily +duties on board of the steamer, which arrived from +Hitaca at half past eight. I could not help thinking +of the stirring events of the previous day, and +I was anxious to learn whether the colonel had suffered +any serious injury in consequence of his bath, +and more especially in consequence of the inordinate +quantity of brandy he had drank. While I was +waiting for the arrival of the Ucayga, Waddie came +down the wharf, and, as he walked with a brisk +step directly towards me, I had no doubt his mission +there was with me.</p> + +<p>“How are you this morning, Wolf?” said he.</p> + +<p>“All right. How is it with you, after the disaster +of yesterday?” I inquired.</p> + +<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_151">[151]</span></p> + +<p>“I’m all right, except my shoulder, which don’t +feel quite so well to-day. My mother thinks I took +a little cold in it.”</p> + +<p>“How is your sister? I hope she don’t suffer any +on account of her bath.”</p> + +<p>“O, no! She is as bright as a dollar this morning. +By the great horn spoon, it was a close shave +she made of it! Tom Walton may say what he +pleases, but I believe, if Tommy Toppleton hadn’t +swam after her, she would have been drowned, for +she says she was sinking when he got hold of her.”</p> + +<p>“You must have a safer boat, Waddie, if your +sister is going to sail with you,” I added. “I didn’t +quite like the looks of the craft the other day, when +I saw her.”</p> + +<p>“The Raven is safe enough. She may be a little +crank, but she can outsail anything on the lake. It +wasn’t her fault that she upset yesterday. Any +boat would have gone over treated as she was;” +and he proceeded to explain the circumstances implicating +Nick Van Wolter, which have already been +stated.</p> + +<p>“Now, what was the matter with my father yesterday, +<span class="pagenum" id="Page_152">[152]</span> +Wolf?” asked Waddie; but he looked so +good-natured about it that I was sure he did not +suspect the mortifying truth. “You went up to +Grass Springs with him, in search of our party.”</p> + +<p>“I did. Your father suspected that you and Grace, +and Tommy and Miss Wimpleton, were becoming +too well acquainted.”</p> + +<p>“Grace and I!” laughed Waddie, opening his +eyes. “You can tell him from me that there isn’t +a particle of truth in that.”</p> + +<p>His earnest declaration removed the last doubt +that disturbed me.</p> + +<p>“I don’t know where he obtained his information, +if he did obtain any, but he was very much incensed +against you.”</p> + +<p>“Perhaps there will be a regular breeze one of +these days, for I think myself that Tommy and +Minnie like each other pretty well,” added Waddie, +lightly. “That’s their business, not mine. Of course, +I don’t mean to say that anything will come of it; +but I shouldn’t be surprised if it did amount to +something.”</p> + +<p>“Have you seen your father this morning?” I inquired, +<span class="pagenum" id="Page_153">[153]</span> +with more interest than I was willing to +manifest.</p> + +<p>“No; he had not got up when I left the house. +I expect he will talk to me very seriously about +yesterday; but I shall only answer for myself.”</p> + +<p>“There is not much to say,” I replied.</p> + +<p>“When he gets at the fact, as I understand it, +I’m afraid poor Minnie will have to take it; but +we won’t borrow any trouble. I must go to school +now. Of course you won’t tell him what I say about +Tom and Minnie.”</p> + +<p>“Certainly not.”</p> + +<p>He left me. I wanted to ask him several questions +in relation to his father; but I was fearful +of exposing the colonel, or awakening the curiosity +of the son. It was plain enough that he had no +idea of what a debauch his father had been on the +day before. Those who had heard of the great +man’s narrow escape on the railroad were considerate +enough not to mention it in Waddie’s presence. +I had not time to call upon the colonel, even +if it had been proper for me to do so, at this early +hour in the morning. The Ucayga was coming in +sight from behind the Gulfport Point.</p> + +<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_154">[154]</span></p> + +<p>“Captain Penniman, Colonel Wimpleton told me +to deliver this note to you before you left,” said the +magnate’s man servant, handing me the epistle.</p> + +<p>I took it, and saw that it was directed in the well-known +handwriting of the colonel. He seldom wrote +notes to me, and this one, after the events which +had transpired the day before, excited my curiosity +and interest. I tore open the envelope, and, as I +read its contents, my heart rose into my throat. +Before I had finished it, I made up my mind that +if I had ever supposed I understood the character +of Colonel Wimpleton, I was entirely mistaken. The +letter was as follows:⁠—</p> + +<blockquote> +<p>“<span class="smcap">Wolf Penniman</span>: After the occurrences of yesterday, +I can no longer retain you in my employ as +the master of the steamboat. It is not necessary to +explain any further than to say that I feel compelled +to discharge you from your place. You need +not trouble yourself to call upon me, for I shall not +see you; and henceforward you will regard me as +a stranger, as I shall regard you.</p> + +<p>“Your father may still retain his place as engineer. +<span class="pagenum" id="Page_155">[155]</span> +He is a faithful man, and I hope he will remain +where he is.</p> + +<p>“If you have that high sense of honor for which +people give you credit, you will still regard what +passed between us yesterday as confidential, especially +after the consideration I gave you, and which, +I will add, shall not be dishonored.</p> + +<p class="right pr1"> + <span class="smcap">Wimpleton.</span>” +</p> +</blockquote> + +<p>I will not say I was stunned or overwhelmed by +the contents of this letter; but I was astounded. It +was incomprehensible to me. I could not understand +it. I had left the colonel just before midnight, and +we were then apparently on as good terms as ever. +He had expressed no dissatisfaction at anything I +had done. I read the note a second and a third +time; but it still afforded me no intimation of what +wicked thing I had done to deserve such harsh +treatment.</p> + +<p>“What have you there, Wolf?” asked my father, +who stood near me.</p> + +<p>“A letter from Colonel Wimpleton,” I replied, handing +it to him.</p> + +<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_156">[156]</span></p> + +<p>He read it, and was more astounded even than I +had been. I had been regarded as a necessity to +the magnate of Centreport; but now I was discharged +without a word of explanation, with the +assurance beforehand that he would not even see me.</p> + +<p>“Why, what does this mean, Wolf?” demanded +my father; and I think I never saw him look more +anxious and disturbed in my life.</p> + +<p>“You know as much about it as I do, father,” +I replied.</p> + +<p>“No, I don’t. I can’t tell what he means by the +occurrences of yesterday.”</p> + +<p>“They had nothing whatever to do with the +steamer.”</p> + +<p>“Wolf, there is some terrible secret under this.”</p> + +<p>“Indeed there is not, father,” I protested. “I have +done nothing which I should be ashamed to have +published in the newspapers.”</p> + +<p>“I don’t say that you have,” answered my father, +as the Ucayga came up to the wharf, and made fast. +“I must know more about this.”</p> + +<p>“There are certain occurrences which I cannot mention +to any one; but I think of nothing to explain +<span class="pagenum" id="Page_157">[157]</span> +this note. When I left Colonel Wimpleton’s house, +at nearly midnight, we were as good friends as ever. +I have no idea why I am discharged.”</p> + +<p>“I’m not satisfied, Wolf.”</p> + +<p>“Neither am I; but the colonel informs me that +he will give no explanation, and I suppose I may as +well make the best of it.”</p> + +<p>“I want to talk with you. Can’t you go down to +Ucayga in the boat?”</p> + +<p>“I have no objection, if the colonel has not.”</p> + +<p>I saw the same servant who had delivered the +note to me hasten on board the Ucayga as soon as +the plank was laid down. He had a letter in his +hand, which I saw him give to Van Wolter. As +soon as the passengers landed I went on board of +the boat. The first person I met was the mate.</p> + +<p>“What’s going on, Captain Penniman?” said he, +in high excitement.</p> + +<p>“I only know that I am dismissed,” I answered.</p> + +<p>“Read that,” he added, handing me his letter.</p> + +<p>It simply informed him that he was appointed captain +of the steamer, at the same salary I had received, +and that he would enter upon the discharge of his +duties immediately.</p> + +<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_158">[158]</span></p> + +<p>“What’s the trouble, Captain Penniman?” asked +he, as I returned the letter.</p> + +<p>“I haven’t the least idea, Captain Van Wolter,” I +replied; and by this time I had fully recovered my +self-possession.</p> + +<p>“This is all new to me. I never asked to be appointed +captain of this boat, and never expected the +place,” he continued.</p> + +<p>“I am satisfied you did not. I congratulate you +upon your promotion, with all my heart; and I +hope you will retain the place longer than I did.”</p> + +<p>“I thank you, captain; but I don’t feel just right +about it,” said he; and really he did not seem to be +half so much elated at his good fortune as I should +have been. “You have always been a good friend +of mine, and I don’t exactly like to step into your +boots in this manner.”</p> + +<p>“Don’t be at all concerned about that. The +colonel has his whims, and I suppose he can afford +to have them, whoever suffers thereby. Take the +place, and do your duty in the future, as you have +in the past.”</p> + +<p>“You are very kind, Captain Penniman. Of +<span class="pagenum" id="Page_159">[159]</span> +course I should like the place; but I don’t wish to +have you shoved out of it. I am tempted to decline +it.”</p> + +<p>“Don’t do that.”</p> + +<p>“I’m not sure that I can take the boat through +the Horse Shoe Channel. You know I never tried +it. Yesterday afternoon I went around the South +Shoe, and came within half a minute of losing the +trains.”</p> + +<p>“I will go down with you on this trip, and give +you the bearings,” I replied.</p> + +<p>“You are a Christian, Wolf, if there ever was one. +It is time to be off, and we will talk over the matter +on the way down.”</p> + +<p>While he was starting the boat I went into the +state-room,—no longer mine,—and seated myself +to think over the mighty event of the hour. Why +had the colonel discharged me? I had told him the +plain truth in regard to his condition. I had spoken +to him as directly as Nathan did to David when he +said, “Thou art the man.” I had declared to him, +in so many words, that he was drunk. Perhaps the +remembrance of my plain speech was too humiliating +<span class="pagenum" id="Page_160">[160]</span> +when he was sober. It was possible that he +thought I was assuming too much. As I recalled +his words and his actions, his efforts to disguise his +condition, and his ridiculous attempt to purchase +my silence, I concluded that I had solved the +problem.</p> + +<p>No doubt the colonel was ashamed of himself, and +he could not endure the reflection that any human +being, and especially one whom he regarded as his +dependant, had dared to tell him he was intoxicated. +The note indicated wounded pride in its tone. I +was willing to accept this explanation, for I could +think of no other. The colonel was certainly considerate +towards my father; and this favor, with the +check, which he took pains to say would not be dishonored, +was doubtless deemed sufficient to conciliate +me, and keep me from exposing the secrets of +the chamber at the hotel in Grass Springs. The note +was mild in its terms; and perhaps the writer thought +that, with ten thousand dollars in my pocket, I should +not take a place on the railroad line.</p> + +<p>While I was thinking of the matter, my father, +who had asked Christy Holgate to take charge of the +<span class="pagenum" id="Page_161">[161]</span> +engine on his down trip, came into the room, and +seated himself before me. He was very much agitated; +and the fact that he had not been discharged +did not close his eyes to the vast injustice which had +been done to me. He wanted the matter settled at +once, and he would not run the engine another day +if I could not have fair play. I begged him to keep +cool, and he began to question me very sharply in +regard to the “occurrences of yesterday.”</p> + + +<hr class="chap x-ebookmaker-drop"> +<div class="chapter"> + +<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_162">[162]</span></p> + + + <h2 class="nobreak" id="CHAPTER_XV"> + CHAPTER XV. + <br> + <span class='chap-title'>A TEMPTING OFFER.</span> + </h2> +</div> + + +<p class='drop-cap'><span class='allcap'>“Wolf,</span> there is a story in circulation that +Colonel Wimpleton was very much intoxicated +yesterday,” said my father, as he seated himself +in the state-room. “I heard two passengers +speaking of it on the main deck, just now. Is this +one of the occurrences of yesterday?”</p> + +<p>“Probably Colonel Wimpleton does not so regard +it,” I replied.</p> + +<p>“They say he fell off the train, and came very +near being killed.”</p> + +<p>“That is not true. He got out of the car when +the train stopped to avoid killing a cow. It started +before he could get on. When I missed him, I +induced the conductor to go back, for I was afraid +he had been hurt. He was on the track, and came +very near being run over; but he did not fall off. +<span class="pagenum" id="Page_163">[163]</span> +We put on the brakes hard, or he might have been +killed,” I added, stating the case as mildly as possible.</p> + +<p>“If he don’t brake up there will an end of him,” +said my father, shaking his head. “They say he +drinks very hard.”</p> + +<p>“I think there is no doubt about that.”</p> + +<p>“You picked him up, I suppose,” continued my +father.</p> + +<p>“I assisted in doing it. Of course all this was +known to the people on the train.”</p> + +<p>“It’s no secret, for the passengers on board are +spreading it as fast as they can. But what else +happened yesterday?”</p> + +<p>“Colonel Wimpleton regards these matters as +confidential, and I do not consider myself at liberty +to speak of them. I can only say I did nothing to +compromise myself, and, except getting intoxicated, +I don’t know that the colonel did. There is really +no secret to be revealed; and I don’t think the +colonel wishes to conceal anything, except the fact +that he was intoxicated.”</p> + +<p>“But everybody knows that.”</p> + +<p>“Everybody but the tippler himself,” I added. +<span class="pagenum" id="Page_164">[164]</span>“He thinks no one has any idea that he drinks more +than he can carry.”</p> + +<p>“You took care of him while he was in this state.”</p> + +<p>“I did what I could for him.”</p> + +<p>“And he discharges you for this!” exclaimed my +father, compressing his lips, as if to suppress his +indignation.</p> + +<p>“Colonel Wimpleton occupies a high position. +He is a very proud man. As I understand the matter, +he does not want any one in his employ who +has witnessed his degradation and humiliation. That +is all I can make of it. As I said before, I have no +idea of the reason why I am discharged.”</p> + +<p>“It’s very singular,” added my father, with a puzzled +expression.</p> + +<p>We continued to discuss the subject, with no +better results, till I was called to pilot the boat +through the Horse Shoe Channel. I gave all the +bearings to Captain Van Wolter, but he declared it +was the most difficult piece of navigation he knew +of, and he did not believe his nerves would ever let +him do it. I regarded it as a very easy matter, +because I had learned every foot of the bottom in +<span class="pagenum" id="Page_165">[165]</span> +my small boat. After the Ucayga passed into the +open lake again, Van Wolter came into the state-room, +where my father still remained. We again +debated the knotty problem, and the new captain +was fair and square in his position. If my father +had any suspicion that he had used underhand means +to obtain the place, I had none.</p> + +<p>When the Ucayga returned to Centreport, all of +us had become tolerably reconciled to the new order +of things. I advised my father to attend to his duty +as usual, and say nothing about me. Hard as it was +for him, he consented, and I went on shore, taking +with me all my effects, and bidding good by to my +associates. My occupation was gone; but it was +not generally known yet that I had been superseded. +I was not disposed to make any sensation; so I took +my skiff and pulled over to Middleport. I went +home, and had a three hours’ talk with my mother +upon “the occurrences of yesterday,” so far as I felt +justified in alluding to them. Then I went out into +the garden, which my father and I were planting in +our leisure hours.</p> + +<p>I had plenty of time for reflection. I was out of +<span class="pagenum" id="Page_166">[166]</span> +employment now; but I had saved my wages, and did +not feel much concerned about the future, though I +had no idea of remaining long without work. Captain +Portman, who had come after me the year before +to serve as skipper of his yacht, might still wish +to employ me in that capacity. Very likely Major +Toppleton would give me a position as soon as he +learned that his great rival had dismissed me. The +Belle was still my property; but I could not think +of depriving my good friend Tom Walton of the +excellent business he was doing in her. He paid me +a very handsome income on my investment in the +boat. While I was thus meditating upon the past and +the future, I saw Waddie Wimpleton coming up the +walk towards me. He had heard the news.</p> + +<p>“Wolf, I shall not stand this. By the great horn +spoon, I shall not,” said he, in excited tones, as he +grasped my dirty hand, with which I had been dropping +potatoes.</p> + +<p>“What’s the matter, Waddie?” I asked, pleasantly +and coolly.</p> + +<p>“I am the president of the Steamboat Company, +and until I discharge you, you are not discharged.”</p> + +<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_167">[167]</span></p> + +<p>“I am willing to waive the forms.”</p> + +<p>“I don’t care for the forms. You are still captain +of the steamer.”</p> + +<p>“Have you seen your father?”</p> + +<p>“I have; he is not very well to-day.”</p> + +<p>I did not see how he could be very well after the +debauch of the day before.</p> + +<p>“What does he say?” I asked.</p> + +<p>“He will not say anything that satisfies me. He +don’t want you any longer, and he says you are +entirely satisfied with what he has done. Is that so?”</p> + +<p>“I can’t say that it is. I do not understand why +I am discharged. Here is your father’s note to me,” +I added, handing him the letter.</p> + +<p>He read it, and looked even more puzzled than +before.</p> + +<p>“Well, what does all this mean? ‘Occurrences +of yesterday,’ ‘confidential,’ ‘consideration,’” he added, +glancing over the note a second time.</p> + +<p>“So far as there was anything confidential between +your father and me, it must remain so.”</p> + +<p>“Of course,” said Waddie. “I don’t mean to pry +into anything that does not concern me.”</p> + +<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_168">[168]</span></p> + +<p>“Now, Waddie, I am going to submit to the +action of your father, and I wish you to do the +same.”</p> + +<p>“I can’t do it,” protested he. “It is mean to discharge +you in this manner.”</p> + +<p>“Not as your father understands it,” I replied, +thinking of the ten thousand dollars he had given +me, perhaps intended, at the time it was given, to +compensate me for being discharged.</p> + +<p>“If I am not to be allowed to know the facts, of +course I can’t judge whether it is mean or not.”</p> + +<p>“I advise you not to mention the matter to any +one. There is something unpleasant about the occurrences +of yesterday, and the more you stir the +subject, the more unpleasant it will become.”</p> + +<p>Waddie looked at me, and a certain sadness which +overspread his face assured me that he was not +ignorant of his father’s infirmity. He was not disposed +to talk with me about it, or to acknowledge +the terrible truth.</p> + +<p>“Wolf, we all have a theory to explain everything; +and I have mine,” said he, after a long pause. “I +am afraid you have got into this scrape by what +<span class="pagenum" id="Page_169">[169]</span> +you did for our party yesterday. My father believes +that Tommy Toppleton is in love with Minnie, +or I with Grace. He hates the Toppletons as badly +as ever, and I am afraid he would rather see us dead +than have a marriage between the two families.”</p> + +<p>“Does he say anything?”</p> + +<p>“Not a word; it isn’t his style. If he caught us +together he would. He spoke of going to Europe +this morning for his health, and of taking Minnie +and me with him. He is thinking how he can separate +us from the Toppletons. From his taking you +with him yesterday, he must have supposed you +knew what was going on.”</p> + +<p>“Why should he suppose so?” I asked.</p> + +<p>“I don’t know. Then you sent Nick Van Wolter +to warn us to keep out of the way.”</p> + +<p>“He could not have known that.”</p> + +<p>“Perhaps he did.”</p> + +<p>“How?”</p> + +<p>“I have about come to the conclusion that Nick +is a snake.”</p> + +<p>“Do you think so?” I added, rather startled by +the suggestion.</p> + +<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_170">[170]</span></p> + +<p>“John says Nick did not leave my father till after +one o’clock last night; and I know he was in the +library to-day.”</p> + +<p>“What makes you think Nick is a snake?”</p> + +<p>“I don’t like his actions. He is a regular swell, +to begin with. I am not sure of anything, but I +can’t help thinking that Nick told my father you +sent him to warn us to keep out of his way. If he +knew that he would not look at you again as long +as he lives.”</p> + +<p>“It may be so.”</p> + +<p>“I shall keep an eye on Nick, and find out, if possible, +what is going on between him and my father.”</p> + +<p>“I hope Nick is not playing foul,” I added, musing.</p> + +<p>“I shall follow your advice, Wolf, and keep still +for a while; but I am not going to let this thing rest +as it is a great while. My father told me to pay you +your last week’s salary. Here is a check for the +amount.”</p> + +<p>I took the check, for I had fairly earned the money. +Waddie was determined to know more, and only his +fear of opening a tender subject prevented him from +taking a stand at once in my favor. He left me, and +<span class="pagenum" id="Page_171">[171]</span> +I continued to plant potatoes till night. I had a +feeling that justice would be done me in the end, +and that I could afford to wait. I determined to +keep quiet for a few days, and the result of this +decision was, that a great deal of work was done in +our garden. But it was soon known that I had been +discharged, or had voluntarily retired, from the command +of the steamer. Many of my friends came to +see me. Tom Walton was ready to give up the +Belle; but I told him I was satisfied with the present +arrangement, and would sell him the boat for +whatever she would bring at auction. Tommy Toppleton, +at the suggestion of his father, offered me the +position of agent of the Lake Shore Railroad and +Steamboat Line, at the same salary I had been receiving +in the Ucayga.</p> + +<p>This was a tempting offer; but I felt that I could +do nothing for the line, and I reserved my answer +for a future time. I could not suggest any plan +which would enable the line to compete with the +steamer, and I did not wish to increase the ill feeling +between the two great men. I told Waddie of the +offer made me, and he was reasonable enough to +<span class="pagenum" id="Page_172">[172]</span> +think I ought to accept it. After his father had discharged +me, he had no further claims upon me. I +asked him to mention the subject to his father as a +“feeler,” and he promised to do so. Colonel Wimpleton +believed he had given me ten thousand dollars, +and probably regarded this sum as a retainer +against the enemy, if nothing more.</p> + +<p>A few days after my dismissal, I went over to +Centreport to draw the check given me for my last +week’s pay. As I walked up from the wharf, I met +Colonel Wimpleton in his buggy. He glanced at +me, and then looked the other way, true to his promise +to treat me as a stranger. I obeyed his injunction, +and did not presume to bow or otherwise recognize +him. I met Nick Van Wolter, who only nodded to +me, and hurried on as though he did not wish to +speak with me. I could not help thinking of what +Waddie had said of him, and his impression of +Nick’s double dealing seemed to be confirmed by his +present conduct.</p> + +<p>I walked up the hill towards the Institute, for I +wished very much to see Waddie, and learn what +his father had said about my taking the agency of +the Lake Shore Line.</p> + + +<hr class="chap x-ebookmaker-drop"> +<div class="chapter"> + +<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_173">[173]</span></p> + + + <h2 class="nobreak" id="CHAPTER_XVI"> + CHAPTER XVI. + <br> + <span class='chap-title'>THE UCAYGA IN TROUBLE.</span> + </h2> +</div> + + +<p class='drop-cap'><span class='allcap'>It</span> was nearly noon when I reached the Institute +grounds, and, as the forenoon session would soon +be over, I waited for Waddie to come out. I could +not help smiling, as I recalled the stiff look of the +colonel when I met him. But I was pleased to see +that he appeared better than usual. His face was +not so red, and it was easy to believe that he had +tippled in moderation, if at all, since our visit to +Grass Springs. Waddie joined me when the bell +rang, and put an end to my moral reflections. We +walked together into the grove to get away from +the rest of the students.</p> + +<p>“What did your father say, Waddie?” I asked, +opening the subject which was uppermost in my +thought.</p> + +<p>“He is rather non-committal,” replied my friend. +“He says it is for you to do as you think proper.”</p> + +<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_174">[174]</span></p> + +<p>“Did he make no objection?”</p> + +<p>“He said, if you could accept any position on the +Lake Shore Line after what had passed between you, +he should have nothing to say.”</p> + +<p>By “what had passed between us” I judged that +he meant the check for ten thousand dollars; but, +if he had made the inquiry at the bank, he must +have known that the check had not been presented +for payment.</p> + +<p>“Was that all?”</p> + +<p>“Every word. He didn’t want to say anything; +and I dragged this out of him.”</p> + +<p>“That is not very satisfactory,” I replied.</p> + +<p>“You are a queer fellow, Wolf!” laughed Waddie, +stepping back a couple of paces. “After my father +has discharged you, without any explanation, and +told you to regard him as a stranger, you want to +ask his permission to accept another situation.”</p> + +<p>“I don’t ask his permission. I only want to know +what he thinks of it. I don’t wish to stir up the +old rivalry again. If I can quietly take the place +offered me, I should like to do so.”</p> + +<p>“Take it, Wolf, and ask no more questions,” said +he, as we walked towards the town.</p> + +<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_175">[175]</span></p> + +<p>I was far from satisfied. I could not mention the +check the colonel had given me, and which I had +destroyed; but this was the key to the whole matter +between the magnate and myself. It was necessary +for him to know that I had destroyed the check, and +the reasons why I had done so. If I wrote to him +to this effect, I had no doubt that he would send me +another check for the same sum; for nothing could +be more offensive to him than for me to say he had +drawn the check when he was not in condition to +do business. If it had been for a hundred thousand +dollars, he would have insisted on paying the money, +rather than admit the mortifying truth. If he insisted +on compensating me with this large sum for +my discharge, why should I refuse to take it? I was +poor and proud. The money looked like “hush-money,” +and I was afraid it would burn my fingers.</p> + +<p>I decided to write to the colonel a true statement +in regard to the check, without alluding to any other +subject. If he sent me another, I would return it, +with the assurance that whatever had been confidential +between us would remain so, but my silence +could not be purchased. I was not the magnate of +<span class="pagenum" id="Page_176">[176]</span> +Centreport, or of Middleport; but, so far as anything +which looked dishonorable or belittling was concerned, +I was as proud as either of them. Having +reached a conclusion which was quite satisfactory to +me, I parted with Waddie, and walked towards the +bank.</p> + +<p>It is said that the evil one is always near when +you speak of him; but it is more true that the angels +are near when you think of them. As I walked +along I met Captain Portman, of whom I had thought +several times while at work in the garden, and whom +I intended to visit if my involuntary vacation was +prolonged. He invited me to dine with him at the +hotel, and we were on our way thither, when Waddie +Wimpleton, driving one of his father’s horses, +drew up in the street beside us.</p> + +<p>“I want you, Wolf,” said he, in excited tones.</p> + +<p>“What’s the matter?” I inquired.</p> + +<p>“Jump in, and I will tell you,” he replied, impatiently.</p> + +<p>“I have just accepted an invitation to dine with +Captain Portman,” I added.</p> + +<p>“Perhaps he will be kind enough to excuse you +to-day.”</p> + +<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_177">[177]</span></p> + +<p>“Certainly, if you desire,” said my friend, in a low +tone.</p> + +<p>“I will return, if possible,” I answered, as I jumped +into the buggy with Waddie.</p> + +<p>I was satisfied that something important had happened, +and I was curious to know what it was.</p> + +<p>“The Ucayga is aground in the Horse Shoe Channel!” +said Waddie, as he started.</p> + +<p>“Indeed! I am very sorry to hear it,” I replied; +and my first thought was of Van Wolter, who had +all my sympathy in his misfortune.</p> + +<p>“It’s so. She went on this morning, at a little +after nine, and they have been at work ever since, +trying to get her off.”</p> + +<p>“I am sorry for the captain.”</p> + +<p>“He will kill the line in a month,” replied Waddie, +fretfully, “He missed his connection yesterday, and +now the boat is aground.”</p> + +<p>“Van Wolter is a first-rate man.”</p> + +<p>“He’s a first-rate man, but he isn’t fit for captain.”</p> + +<p>“I don’t know about that. The Horse Shoe Channel +is all that troubles him.”</p> + +<p>“Well, he must go through there in order to be on +<span class="pagenum" id="Page_178">[178]</span> +time. He lost the trains yesterday by going round +the South Shoe.”</p> + +<p>“But where are you going?” I inquired, for Waddie +had turned his horse, and was driving furiously +towards the steamboat wharf.</p> + +<p>“I want you to go up and get her off.”</p> + +<p>“Me!” I exclaimed. “I don’t know that I can +get her off.”</p> + +<p>“I know you can,” added Waddie, confidently. +“She will stay there till doomsday if you don’t get +her off.”</p> + +<p>“O, come, Waddie, you are rather extravagant in +your ideas,” I protested. “If Captain Van Wolter +cannot get her off, I shall not be likely to succeed +any better.”</p> + +<p>“You can get her off, if you will. Everybody +says you can. The passengers are still on board, as +mad as maniacs at the detention. They say they +will never go in the Ucayga again till you are restored.”</p> + +<p>“You are making it rather strong, Waddie.”</p> + +<p>“I’m not! By the great horn spoon, I’m only +telling you just what the messenger that came down +<span class="pagenum" id="Page_179">[179]</span> +for assistance says. They are firing up the old tow-boat, +and you must go down with me in her.”</p> + +<p>“I am willing to go, so far as I am concerned, +though it is rather embarrassing to have so much expected +of a fellow as you require of me. What does +your father say?”</p> + +<p>“I haven’t seen him. He has gone down to Gulfport, +I believe. I was unanimously elected president +of the Steamboat Company, and I am going to get +her out of the scrape without waiting the return of +my father,” continued Waddie, earnestly.</p> + +<p>“I am not willing to go down without his knowledge +and consent, especially if there is any dissatisfaction +among the passengers. Your father might +say I went down to make trouble. If he wishes me +to go, I will.”</p> + +<p>“But he is not here.”</p> + +<p>“He will be back, perhaps, before the tow-boat is +ready to start. She can’t get off under an hour.”</p> + +<p>“Very well; I will see him.”</p> + +<p>“In the mean time, I will go over to Middleport. +I will return by half past two.”</p> + +<p>Reluctantly he consented to my plan; and I borrowed +<span class="pagenum" id="Page_180">[180]</span> +the Raven of him, in which to cross the lake. +I was willing to believe, with Waddie, that the +steamboat line would be ruined in a short time if +these accidents were repeated. I was sorry for poor +Van Wolter, and I could not imagine how he had +contrived to get aground. It did not seem to me I +could have done so if I had tried. I was going over +to Middleport for a purpose. The tow-boat on which +they were getting up steam was a wheezy old thing, +and I was confident she could do nothing to help the +Ucayga out of her trouble, even if they had anybody +on board who knew the channel well enough to get her +through the passage to the place where the Ucayga lay.</p> + +<p>The Horse Shoe Channel had never been used by +steamers till I took the Ucayga through it. There +was not a pilot on the lake who was familiar with its +bearings except Van Wolter and myself. As the +unfortunate boat had taken the ground in going +down the lake, and at the point where the channel +bends between the Horse Shoe and the North Shoe, +it was necessary to approach her in the same way, +for she could only be hauled off the shoal in the +opposite direction from that she had gone upon it.</p> + +<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_181">[181]</span></p> + +<p>I crossed the lake, and hastened to the house of +Major Toppleton. I saw Tommy first, and told him +the news. A year before he would have rejoiced at +it; now he was apparently sorry. I told him that +the accident afforded a splendid opportunity for his +father to do a magnanimous deed. He listened to +me with deep interest, while I proposed that the +Ruoara, the railroad boat which arrived from Hitaca +at half past two, should go down to the assistance of +the Ucayga. It would be returning “good for evil;” it +would be an illustration of the divine precept, “Love +your enemies.” Tommy was delighted with the suggestion, +but he was doubtful whether his father would +consent to it. We went together to see him. He +laughed at us at first; but we argued the case very +earnestly, and were assisted by Mrs. Toppleton and +Grace. We carried the point at last, and he wrote +an order placing the boat at my disposal for three +hours, for she must return in season to take the passengers +up the lake. It was nearly two when I +embarked in the Raven to cross back to Centreport. +Waddie was on the wharf, very nervous, when I +arrived.</p> + +<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_182">[182]</span></p> + +<p>“I have seen my father,” said he, as soon as I came +within hailing distance of him.</p> + +<p>“What does he say?” I asked, as I came up to +the wharf.</p> + +<p>“He would not say anything about you, but he +told me I might get the boat off the best way I +could; and I am going to have you do it.”</p> + +<p>“I am satisfied with this arrangement,” I answered, +and proceeded to explain the provision I had made +on the other side to meet the emergency.</p> + +<p>The tow-boat was all ready, and Waddie was impatient +to be off. I told him to send her along, and +we should overtake her before she reached the channel. +We crossed at once to Middleport in the +Raven, for the Ruoara was coming, a little ahead of +her time. The order was delivered to the captain, +and in a short time the boat was headed down the +lake. From the statement of Waddie I knew just +where the Ucayga lay. Van Wolter had hugged the +shore a little too closely in going round the bend of +the channel, and had run his bow into the sand. I +used all my time in studying the situation, and the +means to be used for getting the boat off, and I was +<span class="pagenum" id="Page_183">[183]</span> +reasonably confident that I should be able to realize +Waddie’s high hope of my ability.</p> + +<figure class="figcenter illowp95" id="i_p183" style="max-width: 63.625em;"> + <img class="w100" src="images/i_p183.jpg" alt=""> + <figcaption> + THE UCAYGA IN TROUBLE. + </figcaption> +</figure> + +<p>When we passed the tow-boat, I told Waddie to +send her round the Horse Shoe, and let her come +up the channel from the north, because her captain +could not take her through the narrow passage. I +took the wheel of the Ruoara, and backed her +through the channel myself, stopping her wheels just +astern of the grounded steamer. I then took a jolly-boat, +with a couple of deck hands to row, and +hastened to examine the position of the steamer. +Waddie went with me, because he was too nervous +to remain idle while anything was going on.</p> + +<p>The position of the Ucayga had been correctly +described to me. She had run her bow upon the +sands which bordered the sides of the channel, and +was listed over on the port side. As my boat pulled +towards her bow, the crowd of passengers on board +of her rushed forward to see what was to be done.</p> + +<p>“Three cheers for Captain Wolf Penniman!” +shouted some one on the deck; and the cheers were +given with a will that confounded me; for, as I have +said twenty times before, I am a modest man, and +applause embarrasses me.</p> + +<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_184">[184]</span></p> + +<p>I continued my survey of the position of the Ucayga, +as though I did not understand the cheers; but +they were repeated, and I was obliged to take off my +cap and acknowledge the salute, which seemed to +satisfy my friends. I then went on board the steamer, +to consult with Captain Van Wolter.</p> + + +<hr class="chap x-ebookmaker-drop"> +<div class="chapter"> + +<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_185">[185]</span></p> + + + <h2 class="nobreak" id="CHAPTER_XVII"> + CHAPTER XVII. + <br> + <span class='chap-title'>AN ACT OF COURTESY.</span> + </h2> +</div> + + +<p class='drop-cap'><span class='allcap'>“Captain Penniman</span>, I have been tempted +to jump overboard and drown myself,” said +Van Wolter, as he grasped my hand when I stepped +on board of the Ucayga.</p> + +<p>His face was the impersonation of abject misery, +and I realized that he was suffering intensely.</p> + +<p>“Don’t take it so hard, captain,” I replied, pressing +his hand. “Accidents do happen to the best +of men.”</p> + +<p>“I am ruined!” groaned he.</p> + +<p>“Not at all! There is no ruin about it. How +did it happen?”</p> + +<p>“I hardly know. I suppose I gave her a little +too much helm, and she got to swinging.”</p> + +<p>“Did you stop her wheels?”</p> + +<p>“Yes; but I had to hug the port side to keep +her from swinging, and then she ran on.”</p> + +<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_186">[186]</span></p> + +<p>“She has gone on pretty hard, I see.”</p> + +<p>“Yes, she has; I have done everything I could +to haul her off; but she sticks tight.”</p> + +<p>“You had nothing to work with, and you could +hardly expect to get her off. But what have you +done?” I inquired.</p> + +<p>“I have doubled up all the hawsers, and carried +them ashore to that tree on the Shooter. Then we +heaved on the capstan, till the hawser parted. But +I have tied the parts together, and we were going +to try again just as you came.”</p> + +<p>“All right. That’s a good idea,” I added.</p> + +<p>“But I don’t see what you can do with that boat +in the Horse Shoe Channel. If you attempt to haul +us off with her, you must keep her in the deep +water, and that will only pull us on the harder.”</p> + +<p>“I think we can manage that,” I replied, moving +towards the engine-room, where my father was in +charge.</p> + +<p>The passengers crowded around me, and not a +few of them were unkind enough to say things +which must have wounded the feelings of Van Wolter. +I found that my father had kept steam up, +<span class="pagenum" id="Page_187">[187]</span> +and I told him in brief the plan upon which I intended +to operate. I have said before that I had +always been a diligent student in scientific subjects, +especially in the department of mechanics and machinery. +I am confident now that I could never +have taken the Ucayga through the narrow and +curving channel of the Horse Shoe without the information +thus obtained; and it was the want of +this scientific knowledge which had caused Van +Wolter to run the boat on the shore. He knew +the channel, and had the bearings, but he had made +his blunder in handling the boat.</p> + +<p>“Now, captain, we will go to work,” said I. “Let +your men bring that hawser to the shaft.”</p> + +<p>He promptly followed my directions, without asking +any questions.</p> + +<p>“Pass the rope under and over the shaft. Give +it about three turns,” I continued.</p> + +<p>“I see the idea,” replied Van Wolter; “but I +am afraid the hawser will part.”</p> + +<p>“You must not let it part. If it strains too hard, +ease it off,” I answered, giving him a fuller explanation +of my plan.</p> + +<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_188">[188]</span></p> + +<p>Having seen the hawser properly adjusted, I returned +to the jolly-boat at the bow. While I was +engaged at the shaft, Waddie had been talking with +the passengers, and as he joined me, I heard him +assure a group of them that I should be restored +to my former position.</p> + +<p>“You must not be too fast, Waddie,” said I, as +the boat pulled towards the tug, which had by this +time arrived at the upper end of the channel.</p> + +<p>“I am not too fast.”</p> + +<p>“I think you are. You are very kind; but I am +not sure that your promises can be redeemed.”</p> + +<p>“If they cannot be, the Steamboat Line is ruined. +The passengers say they will never go in the Ucayga +again while she is under her present management; +and I don’t blame them either,” added Waddie, +warmly.</p> + +<p>“But I am not sure that your father will consent +to any change.”</p> + +<p>“He must consent.”</p> + +<p>We boarded the tug-boat, which was plentifully +supplied with hawsers for towing canal-boats. I +ran her under the starboard quarter of the Ucayga, +<span class="pagenum" id="Page_189">[189]</span> +and carried off a stout rope, which was made fast +to a big cleat on deck. I pointed out a barn on +the main shore, and directed the captain to run for +it when I gave him the signal.</p> + +<p>Taking one of the tow-boat’s heaviest hawsers +into the boat, the end of which had been made fast +at the stern of the Ucayga, I carried it to the +Ruoara, where it was secured. By the several arrangements +I had made, four different forces were +to act upon the grounded steamer—her own paddles, +the hawser on her shaft, made fast to the tree +on the Shooter, the line to the tow-boat, and the +one to the Ruoara. The last two, however, were to +form a compound force. The tug-boat was to pull +at right angles with the keel of the Ucayga, while +the Ruoara was to act, at an acute angle, on the +opposite side of the keel. The latter line would +haul her more on the sand, while the former would +pull her square off. The resultant of these two +forces would carry her in the direction opposite +that in which she had run on the bank. The hawser +fastened to the tree, and the Ucayga’s wheels, +would both act in the same direction.</p> + +<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_190">[190]</span></p> + +<p>Returning to the jolly-boat again, I took position +near the grounded steamer, where the captains of +the three boats could see me. I had told the mate +of the Ruoara to steer for a point which would +keep him in the channel. At the word from me, +all three steamers were to start their wheels, the +Ucayga back, and the other two forward.</p> + +<p>“Are you all ready?” I shouted.</p> + +<p>“All ready,” replied the captains, one after another.</p> + +<p>“Go ahead!” I called.</p> + +<p>I confess that my heart beat wildly as the wheels +of the three steamers began to turn. I had laid +my plan very carefully, and a minute more was to +decide whether it was success or failure. The hawser +to the tree straightened, strained, and groaned, +and the water splashed and rolled behind the wheels +of the boat.</p> + +<p>“She moves!” cried Captain Van Wolter; and I +thought I could hear the keel grate upon the sand.</p> + +<p>The moment the Ucayga felt the full force of the +power exerted, she slid off the bank and righted. +The crowd of passengers on deck gave three deafening +cheers.</p> + +<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_191">[191]</span></p> + +<p>“Stop her!” I shouted, at the top of my lungs, +at the same time making violent gestures to the +three boats.</p> + +<p>The order was promptly obeyed.</p> + +<p>“Go ahead, Ucayga!” I continued, fearful that she +would take the ground on the other side of the +channel.</p> + +<p>Van Wolter started the wheels, and checked her; +but she lay obliquely across the channel, where it +was impossible to start her.</p> + +<p>“Cast off the hawser on the quarter!” I called +to Van Wolter, as my boat pulled under the Ucayga’s +counter. “Go ahead, Ruoara!” I added, to the captain +of this boat.</p> + +<p>The Ruoara went ahead until I told her to stop, +and the effect was to haul the stern of the Ucayga +round, so that she lay square in the channel. After +the hawser to the tree had been cast off, I went +on board of her, and hastening to my accustomed +place in the wheel-house, I started her ahead, taking +the helm myself. As she had no headway on, +it was not necessary to hug the port side of the +channel as closely as usual—an apparent neglect +<span class="pagenum" id="Page_192">[192]</span> +which bothered Van Wolter. I explained to him +the reasons for my action, assuring him that the +only difficulty in going through the passage was in +correctly providing for the swing of the boat.</p> + +<p>“I shall never take her through there again,” +said he.</p> + +<p>“You will soon get the hang of it,” I replied, as +I rang to stop her. “I will help you.”</p> + +<p>“Are you not going down with us?”</p> + +<p>“No; I must return to Centreport. You can go +round the Horse Shoe on your up trip,” I answered, +as I hastened to the jolly-boat, which was towing +astern.</p> + +<p>The passengers greeted me very warmly, and said +ever so many complimentary things; but I did not +want to hear any of them. I assured them that +they were in season for the afternoon trains; and +Waddie and I leaped into the boat, which pulled +for the Ruoara. As we passed the tug-boat, she +was directed to return to Centreport. I piloted the +steamer in which I had come up out of the narrow +passage, and we arrived at Middleport in ample season +for her to make her trip up the lake.</p> + +<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_193">[193]</span></p> + +<p>Major Toppleton and Tommy were on the wharf +when we landed, and I informed them of the success +of the plan we had adopted. The father seemed +to be a little nervous; and I think he was really +pleased with what he had done, though his pride +would not permit him to say so.</p> + +<p>“Do you think your father would do as much for +me, Waddie, if one of my boats got aground?” +said he, after we had discussed the matter.</p> + +<p>“I am afraid not, sir; but I would,” replied Waddie.</p> + +<p>“Give my regards to your father, and tell him I +am glad the Ucayga has got off;” added the major, +laughing, so that we could not tell whether he was +in jest or in earnest.</p> + +<p>“I will, with pleasure, sir,” answered Waddie, as +the major left the spot.</p> + +<p>“Does he mean it?” asked Waddie, after musing +a moment.</p> + +<p>“I don’t know,” I replied.</p> + +<p>“Neither do I,” said Tommy; “but I have sometimes +thought that, if Colonel Wimpleton would +meet him half way, he would be glad to heal up +all the old sores.”</p> + +<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_194">[194]</span></p> + +<p>“Well, I must go home,” continued Waddie. +“Good by.”</p> + +<p>“Hold on; I am going over with you,” I interposed. +“I have your father’s check, which I intended +to draw, though I suppose the bank is closed by +this time.”</p> + +<p>“No matter if it is. You shall have your money, +if they have to open the bank for you.”</p> + +<p>I went over with him in the Raven, more because +I wanted to hear what people said on the +other side than because I was anxious to get my +money that day. Colonel Wimpleton was on the +wharf, talking with the captain of the tug-boat, +which had just arrived. He had heard the result +of the efforts to relieve the Ucayga by this time, +and the captain appeared to be giving him the details +of the movement. He saw me as we landed, +but he took no notice of me.</p> + +<p>“Major Toppleton sends his regards to you, and +says he is glad the Ucayga has been got off,” said +Waddie.</p> + +<p>“What!” exclaimed the magnate, his cheeks reddening.</p> + +<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_195">[195]</span></p> + +<p>His son repeated the message, and I waited with +intense interest to observe the effect upon him. To +my surprise, he did not go into a passion, though +I saw him frown,—perhaps from the force of habit. +For my own part, I could not see how the colonel, +after this kind and conciliatory act by his rival, +could say or think any harsh thing. It was true +we, the young peacemakers, had rather extorted the +courteous deed from the major; but it had been +done.</p> + +<p>“Did you pay for the use of the boat?” asked +the colonel, after frowning and pursing up his lips +for a moment, as if to hide his vexation.</p> + +<p>“No, sir; certainly not. It would have been little +less than an insult to offer to pay for what was +done simply as an act of courtesy.”</p> + +<p>Colonel Wimpleton was evidently very much troubled; +but, instead of pursuing the matter any farther, +he began to question the captain of the tow-boat +in regard to the event of the day. I did not consider +myself justified in listening to the conversation, +and so I walked up the wharf. Waddie followed +me.</p> + + +<hr class="chap x-ebookmaker-drop"> +<div class="chapter"> + +<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_196">[196]</span></p> + + + <h2 class="nobreak" id="CHAPTER_XVIII"> + CHAPTER XVIII. + <br> + <span class='chap-title'>THE MYSTERY OF THE CHECK.</span> + </h2> +</div> + + +<p class='drop-cap'><span class='allcap'>“I will</span> go with you to the bank, and see that +you get your money, Wolf,” said Waddie.</p> + +<p>“What does your father think about the boat?”</p> + +<p>“I don’t know. It is impossible to tell what he +thinks about anything of this kind. If he had +known of it in season, he would not have permitted +us to ask the major for the use of the Ruoara. He +would have let the Ucayga rot in the sand before he +would have done it.”</p> + +<p>“Major Toppleton stands first rate, just now,” I +added.</p> + +<p>“He would make up, I think, if my father would.”</p> + +<p>We discussed the matter on our way to the bank, +and both of us were hopeful that some good would +come out of the event of the day. The bank was +closed; but the cashier was in the room, at work +<span class="pagenum" id="Page_197">[197]</span> +upon his books and papers. I handed him my check. +Waddie requested him to pay it, and then walked +into another room.</p> + +<p>“I paid a pretty large check in your favor to-day, +Captain Penniman,” said he, with a smile, as he took +the one I gave him.</p> + +<p>“In my favor!” I exclaimed, confounded by the +statement, and rather inclined to think he was quizzing +me.</p> + +<p>“Yes; ten thousand dollars.”</p> + +<p>“You don’t mean so!”</p> + +<p>“Certainly I do,” answered the cashier, very good-naturedly, +I thought, considering that there was a +suspicion of something wrong about the matter.</p> + +<p>“I think you are joking, sir.”</p> + +<p>“Not at all. I am entirely serious,” he added, +still smiling.</p> + +<p>I was not intimate enough with the bank officer to +be on joking terms with him; but the persistent smile +he wore, after I had intimated that I knew nothing +about the check, seemed to indicate that he did not +mean what he said. I had destroyed the check +which Colonel Wimpleton gave me, and of course +<span class="pagenum" id="Page_198">[198]</span> +it was not possible that the cashier had paid it. I +was quite sure that I had burned the valuable paper, +and even scattered the tinder after it had been destroyed.</p> + +<p>“Am I to understand, sir, that you paid a check +for ten thousand dollars in my favor?” I demanded, +rather warmly.</p> + +<p>“That is precisely what I did,” answered the +cashier, squarely.</p> + +<p>“And to me?”</p> + +<p>“Certainly not to you in person.”</p> + +<p>“Who presented it?”</p> + +<p>“Van Wolter.”</p> + +<p>“What, the mate of the Ucayga—or rather the +captain?” I continued, beginning to be somewhat +excited.</p> + +<p>“No; to his son—Nick Van Wolter,” replied the +cashier, who obstinately persisted in being calm, and +in wearing a smiling face, notwithstanding my conduct +must have convinced him that something was +wrong.</p> + +<p>“I can only say that somebody has been swindling +you.”</p> + +<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_199">[199]</span></p> + +<p>“O, no, I think not. Of course I should not pay +such a large sum to a young man like Nick Van Wolter +without making sure that there was no mistake. +I took the check to Colonel Wimpleton, who told +me it was all right, ordered me to pay it, and say +nothing about it to any one,” replied the official, +whose name was Barnes, with a very significant +smile.</p> + +<p>“It’s a fraud, sir!” I protested, vehemently.</p> + +<p>“Please don’t speak so loud. Waddie is in the +directors’ room, and may hear you. I understood, +from what Colonel Wimpleton said, that this affair +was to be private between you and him.”</p> + +<p>“Private! But I tell you I sent no check, and I +have not seen the money,” I replied.</p> + +<p>“You need not be afraid of me, Captain Penniman. +The secret is safe with me. Nick said you sent him +because you did not wish any one to know that the +colonel paid you so much money.”</p> + +<p>“I don’t understand you, sir. I have never spoken +a word to Nick about a check, much less sent him +to cash one for me. I tell you there is something +wrong about this business.”</p> + +<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_200">[200]</span></p> + +<p>“What’s the matter;” demanded Waddie, returning +to the banking-room. “Can’t you pay the check, +Mr. Barnes?”</p> + +<p>“Certainly, Waddie; there is no trouble about +that. We were speaking of another matter,” answered +the cashier. “Here is the evening paper.”</p> + +<p>Waddie took the paper, and returned to the +directors’ room.</p> + +<p>“I do not see how there can be anything wrong +about the business, when Colonel Wimpleton declared +that the check was good, and ordered me to pay it.”</p> + +<p>“But I say, sir, so far as I am concerned, the +business is all wrong. I had nothing whatever to do +with it, and don’t know anything about it.”</p> + +<p>“Let me ask you one question: Did or did not +Colonel Wimpleton give you a check for ten thousand +dollars?” continued Mr. Barnes, who had begun +to be a little perplexed himself.</p> + +<p>“He did, but⁠—”</p> + +<p>“Very well; and I paid it.”</p> + +<p>“No, sir; you did not. I burned the check, and +took pains to scatter even the ashes of it. I don’t +understand it, sir.”</p> + +<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_201">[201]</span></p> + +<p>“I don’t know that it makes any difference whether +you understand it or not. You acknowledge that +the colonel gave you a check for ten thousand dollars. +I have paid one for that amount, in your favor, and +the colonel examined the check, and declared that it +was all right.”</p> + +<p>“That may satisfy you, but it does not satisfy me,” +I added.</p> + +<p>“It is plain enough, Captain Penniman, that your +relations with our friend the colonel are disturbed. +He is as careful to conceal the existence of this check +as you are. It seems to me nothing more need be +said about it. The secret is safe in my keeping, for +I do not even enter your name on the books of the +bank. The check is cancelled, and will be returned +to Colonel Wimpleton on the first of the month, +when I balance his account.”</p> + +<p>“Mr. Barnes, do you regard me as a liar?” I demanded, +indignantly.</p> + +<p>“Certainly not.”</p> + +<p>“Then I say again, that I have sent no check to +the bank, and I have not received the money you +paid.”</p> + +<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_202">[202]</span></p> + +<p>“That is your lookout.”</p> + +<p>“Will you let me see the check?”</p> + +<p>“Of course.”</p> + +<p>He took the paper from a drawer, and handed it +to me. There was no doubt in my mind that it was +a genuine check. The truth suddenly flashed upon +me. This was the first check which Colonel Wimpleton +had drawn at the hotel; the one which had disappeared, +and for which I had made such diligent +search in and around the house. I came to the conclusion +at the time that the magnate had torn it up +with the pledge I had written, though I had been +unable to find any of the pieces.</p> + +<p>“Do you understand it now?” asked the cashier.</p> + +<p>“I am beginning to have an idea,” I replied, returning +to him the cancelled check. “Where may +I see you again this evening, sir?”</p> + +<p>“At my house,” he replied, indicating the locality +of it.</p> + +<p>I was afraid to detain Waddie any longer, and +unwilling to intrust him with his father’s secret. We +walked down to the wharf together, and there I +parted with him. He assured me that on the next +<span class="pagenum" id="Page_203">[203]</span> +morning I should be called to the command of the +Ucayga again.</p> + +<p>I got into my skiff; but I could not go home with +the mystery of the check unsolved; and I sat on the +thwart, considering the circumstances connected with +it. I recalled all the events of my visit to Grass +Springs. I had left the check on the table with the +paper I had written. The colonel tore up the latter, +and threw the pieces out the window, while I was +walking back and forth in the room. I then followed +him to the bar-room, where he had procured a glass +of brandy. He wished to go to the Horse Shoe, and +insisted that I should accompany him. Happening +to think of the check, I returned to the room for it, +but could not find it. I told the colonel that it had +disappeared, and I went out doors to see if I could +identify any of the pieces. While I was looking for +them I met Nick Van Wolter. When I returned to +the colonel, he had drawn up the second check.</p> + +<p>Nick was at the hotel while I was in the room +with the drunken magnate. He told me he had +spoken with the landlord about my patient. Therefore +he had been in the house. It was possible, and +<span class="pagenum" id="Page_204">[204]</span> +subsequent events rendered it probable, that he had +gone into the colonel’s chamber while we were at the +bar. Seeing the check upon the table, he had taken +it. This was the only theory I could devise to explain +the mystery. But all this could, perhaps, be +demonstrated, and I decided to see Nick at once. I +hastened to his father’s house. On my way I could +not help recalling Waddie’s strong saying, that Nick +was a snake.</p> + +<p>I knocked at the door, and Mrs. Van Wolter answered +the summons; but she informed me that her +son had gone up to Hitaca by the afternoon boat. +He expected to obtain a situation there as clerk in +one of the hotels, and had taken all his clothes with +him. If I wanted him, she would send for him. I +left the house. If Nick had obtained ten thousand +dollars, he would not be likely to stay long in Centreport. +I walked excitedly to the house of the +cashier; but he had not yet returned from the bank, +and I sought him there.</p> + +<p>“Well, captain, have you obtained any light?” he +inquired, as I entered.</p> + +<p>“Yes, sir; I have. Nick Van Wolter is a thief and +a swindler!” I replied, warmly.</p> + +<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_205">[205]</span></p> + +<p>“The loss comes on you, and not on the bank,” +added the prudent man of money.</p> + +<p>“It can hardly come on me, since I never had the +money to lose, though that makes but little difference. +Something must be done.”</p> + +<p>“Have you seen Colonel Wimpleton?”</p> + +<p>“No, sir; I have not. As you suggested, our relations +are disturbed,” I replied.</p> + +<p>“He is at home this evening, and you certainly +ought to inform him of the facts in this case. But I +cannot see how, if he gave you a check for ten thousand +dollars, and you destroyed it, that same check +could have been presented at the bank to-day for +payment,” said Mr. Barnes, with a significant smile. +“It seems to me utterly impossible.”</p> + +<p>“It was not the same check. Colonel Wimpleton +will understand that part of the story, if you do not. +I do not feel at liberty to explain it; he may, if he +pleases. I will write a note to him, if you will give +me pen and paper.”</p> + +<p>The cashier gave me a seat at his desk, and I wrote +a full statement of what I had done with the check +he had given me, adding that Nick Van Wolter had +<span class="pagenum" id="Page_206">[206]</span> +stolen the one paid that day. I told him I had no +desire to disobey his commands, and would not have +done so under any other circumstances. I concluded +by saying that, if the money was to be used at all, it +belonged to me. I should consider that Nick had +stolen it from me, and I should have him arrested. +I proposed to pursue him, in the absence of any directions +from the colonel. I should be at the bank for +half an hour, and would receive his answer there, if +he wished to make any reply. The cashier sent the +letter by the porter to the house of the magnate.</p> + +<p>“They say you are going to have the command of +the steamer again, Captain Penniman,” said Mr. +Barnes, after the messenger had gone.</p> + +<p>“I don’t know about that; I don’t think so myself.”</p> + +<p>“Van Wolter don’t make out very well.”</p> + +<p>“He will do very well indeed, except in the Horse +Shoe Channel. I think he is a first-rate man, obliging +and reliable. I am sorry his son is not more +like him.”</p> + +<p>“He is more like his mother than his father. There +has been a great deal of talk about Colonel Wimpleton +lately,” added the cashier, evidently intending to +lead the conversation into that channel.</p> + +<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_207">[207]</span></p> + +<p>Fortunately for me,—for I was not willing to be +questioned in regard to my relations with the great +man,—the messenger returned very soon, and delivered +a note to me. Eagerly I opened it, and found +only a single line: “I will see you in my library immediately.” +This was entirely satisfactory, and I +hastened to his house.</p> + + +<hr class="chap x-ebookmaker-drop"> +<div class="chapter"> + +<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_208">[208]</span></p> + + + <h2 class="nobreak" id="CHAPTER_XIX"> + CHAPTER XIX. + <br> + <span class='chap-title'>COLONEL WIMPLETON HUMILIATED.</span> + </h2> +</div> + + +<p class='drop-cap'><span class='allcap'>Colonel Wimpleton</span> was alone in his library +when I reached the house. He made a +gesture towards a chair, but he was as stiff in his +manner as he had been when I met him that day +in the street. Yet, in spite of this display of dignity, +I could see that he was troubled. He looked +rather pale, and the toddy-blossoms on his nose were +in stronger contrast than usual with the rest of his +face. If I read him right, he was sorely vexed and +perplexed.</p> + +<p>“I received your note, Wolf,” said he, struggling, +I thought, to appear colder and stiffer than he really +felt. “I am astonished at its contents.”</p> + +<p>“I supposed you would be, sir,” I replied.</p> + +<p>“Am I to believe that you destroyed the check +I gave you?” demanded he, sternly.</p> + +<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_209">[209]</span></p> + +<p>“That is the simple truth.”</p> + +<p>“Wolf, I have always believed you were honest, +whatever else you may have been; but this story +is incredible.”</p> + +<p>“I grant that it looks very strange, but it is none +the less true because it is strange. You remember +that you wrote two checks on the day we were at +the hotel in Grass Springs.”</p> + +<p>“Of course I remember it,” answered he, petulantly, +as though he deemed the question an intimation +that he was not in condition at the time to remember +it. “I tore up the first one, by accident, +with the paper you wrote.”</p> + +<p>“Well, sir, I was not sure at the time that you +did tear up the first one. I am satisfied now that +you did not. I could not find a single piece of it.”</p> + +<p>“Humph! That may be.”</p> + +<p>“Nick Van Wolter was at the hotel that day. I +met him in the street, when I was looking for the +pieces of the check.”</p> + +<p>“When you sent him over— No matter about +that,” said he, suddenly checking himself.</p> + +<p>But he had said enough to assure me that Nick +<span class="pagenum" id="Page_210">[210]</span> +had told him something; and I was now willing to +believe that the fellow was really the snake Waddie +had declared he was.</p> + +<p>“I met him in the street,” I continued, without +heeding the slip the magnate had made. “He told +me he had been into the hotel, and had seen the +landlord. I am confident he went into the room +where we were, and took the check.”</p> + +<p>“It don’t look probable.”</p> + +<p>“You wrote the check in a book you carried in +your pocket,” I proceeded, hoping I should be able +to convince him of the truth of what I said.</p> + +<p>“I did,” he replied, taking the check-book from +his pocket.</p> + +<p>“When you had written it, you tore it out?”</p> + +<p>“Yes, in this place;” and he pointed out the leaf +in his check-book, on which he had made the marginal +memorandum. “I tore the first check from +this margin, and here is the amount, and ‘Steamer,’ +indicating for what purpose it was paid.”</p> + +<p>“Where is the place from which you tore the +second check?” I asked, anxiously.</p> + +<p>“As the second was a duplicate, I wrote it at the +<span class="pagenum" id="Page_211">[211]</span> +end of the book, and made no memorandum in the +margin,” he replied, turning to one of the last leaves +in the volume.</p> + +<p>“Now, sir, I think you have the means of convincing +yourself that it was the first check, and not +the second, which was paid at the bank to-day,” I +continued. “That margin, where you tore off the +first check, is rather rough and uneven. The edge +of the check will correspond to it.”</p> + +<p>“We will go to the bank, if Mr. Barnes is there,” +said the colonel, more interested than I supposed he +would be.</p> + +<p>We walked to the bank, and the cashier handed +him the check. The edge where it had been torn +off was very irregular, and the colonel adjusted it +against the margin. It exactly fitted, as I knew it +would, and he could not escape the conclusion that +the first, and not the second check had been used. +I felt then that I had vindicated my veracity, and +I was satisfied. The magnate told the cashier that +he had drawn duplicate checks, and believed the +first had been destroyed; that my story was true, +in short; but he wished nothing said. He then told +me to return to his house with him.</p> + +<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_212">[212]</span></p> + +<p>“Wolf, I would rather give ten thousand dollars +than have this matter stirred up,” said the colonel, +when we were again seated in the library. “It has +already given me a great deal of trouble and uneasiness.”</p> + +<p>“But you do not intend to let Nick Van Wolter +run away with ten thousand dollars—do you?” +I inquired.</p> + +<p>“Has he run away?”</p> + +<p>“Yes, sir; I have no doubt he has. His mother +says he has gone to Hitaca to take a situation in a +hotel, and carried his clothes with him; but I warrant +he will not stay long in Hitaca.”</p> + +<p>“He is a scoundrel, then.”</p> + +<p>“Undoubtedly he is.”</p> + +<p>Colonel Wimpleton walked up and down the room +in deep thought. I did not know then what troubled +him; but I learned the truth before morning.</p> + +<p>“What can be done?” he asked, pausing before me.</p> + +<p>“Pursue and arrest him.”</p> + +<p>The great man pursed up his lips, and did not +seem to like the advice.</p> + +<p>“That would stir up the whole affair,” said he.</p> + +<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_213">[213]</span></p> + +<p>“What affair, sir?” I asked.</p> + +<p>“He stole the check at Grass Springs. I should +not like to listen to the testimony which would be +brought forward to prove that Nick was there that +day,” answered the colonel, with a sickly smile.</p> + +<p>“We need not arrest him, then. You can compel +him to give up the money,” I suggested.</p> + +<p>“Can we catch him?”</p> + +<p>“I don’t think he got away from Hitaca last night. +The train south leaves at twenty minutes past seven. +When I ran the Ucayga, I hurried her up so that +we were in season for it; but she was late yesterday +afternoon, and I know she lost it.”</p> + +<p>“But he may have left by some other conveyance.”</p> + +<p>“There is no other, unless he took a private vehicle. +If he did that, we can easily trace him. But +I think he will take the eleven o’clock train, south, +to-morrow forenoon. He will not expect any discovery +at once, and will not hurry himself. He +knows very well that there is no conveyance to +Hitaca till to-morrow forenoon, and he will be a +hundred miles off before the next boat arrives there.”</p> + +<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_214">[214]</span></p> + +<p>“How shall we get there? I don’t like to drive +twenty-five miles in the night. I am not very well,” +replied the colonel.</p> + +<p>“We will go in the Belle if you please. You +can take one of the berths, and go to bed. There +is a good breeze, and we shall be in Hitaca in three +or four hours.”</p> + +<p>“Very well; I will do so. Who goes with you?”</p> + +<p>“Tom Walton.”</p> + +<p>“Is it necessary that he should go with you?”</p> + +<p>“No, sir.”</p> + +<p>“I wish to talk with you about other matters,” +he added, with an air of embarrassment, “and do +not wish for any listeners.”</p> + +<p>“I will be alone then, sir.”</p> + +<p>Fluttering with excitement, I left him, promising +to be at the wharf with the Belle in an hour. I +crossed the lake, found Tom Walton, and told him +I wanted the boat till the next night. Fortunately +she was not engaged, though a gentleman had spoken +about a cruise up the lake in her. Tom went down, +and put her in order for the trip, while I went +home to tell my father and mother where I was +<span class="pagenum" id="Page_215">[215]</span> +going. My father was very curious to know what +was going on; but I could only stop long enough +to tell him that I thought everything was coming +around right again. As the check was the key to +all the other secrets between the colonel and myself, +I did not dare allude to it.</p> + +<p>Sailing the Belle across the lake, I found Colonel +Wimpleton on the wharf, muffled in his overcoat. +Tom had lighted the cabin, and it was all ready +for the reception of my passenger; but he preferred +a seat with me in the standing-room. Shoving off, +I headed the boat up the lake, and she soon began +to fly over the waves, under the influence of the +fresh north wind. Colonel Wimpleton was silent +for a time. Since I first met him, early in the +evening, I had been impressed by his altered manner. +Something apparently weighed heavy upon his +mind, and he appeared to be struggling, with the +pride of his character, to conceal it.</p> + +<p>“Wolf, this is bad business,” said he, when the +Belle was approaching Gulfport.</p> + +<p>“Bad for Nick Van Wolter, sir,” I replied.</p> + +<p>“For me too,” he added, after a long pause. “I +<span class="pagenum" id="Page_216">[216]</span> +would not have this matter stirred up for double the +sum Nick has stolen. It is better for me to give +you another check, and let the scoundrel go.”</p> + +<p>“I have no claim upon you, sir, for such a sum. +You are very generous, and I ought to be the last +one to impose upon your kindness.”</p> + +<p>“Why didn’t you draw the check, and not burn it?”</p> + +<p>“I did not think it was right for me to take so +much money under the circumstances. Pardon me, +sir; I do not like to allude to the matter again.”</p> + +<p>“If you had drawn the check the next day, there +would have been no trouble. If Nick had his check +then, I don’t see why he did not collect it.”</p> + +<p>“I haven’t been over to Centreport since the day +I was dismissed, and perhaps he thought it would +not be safe to present it, unless he knew I was in +town. I met him when I first came over, and he +drew the check as soon as he had seen me.”</p> + +<p>“It is a pity you burned the check,” mused the +magnate.</p> + +<p>I did not care to remind him of the unpleasant +affair at Grass Springs, and I kept still.</p> + +<p>“Wolf, tell me candidly why you burned that +check,” said he, after a silence of several minutes.</p> + +<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_217">[217]</span></p> + +<p>“I did not think it was right for me to use it. If +my father or mother found it upon me, I could not +tell how I came by it. I might lose it, and some +one else get the money,” I answered.</p> + +<p>“But why did you think it was not right for you +to use it?” he inquired.</p> + +<p>“I do not like to explain.”</p> + +<p>“Do so; I will not be angry.”</p> + +<p>“Well, sir, I did not think you were in condition +to do business; and if it were known that I drew +the check, people would think I had been swindling +you. It was partly for your sake and partly for my +own that I destroyed it.”</p> + +<p>“In my note to you the next day, I wrote that +the check would be paid.”</p> + +<p>“I had already destroyed it then.”</p> + +<p>There was another long pause in the conversation, +though two or three times the colonel began to +speak, and then checked himself. It was plain to +me that he was struggling to utter something at +which his pride revolted, and though I was very +curious to know what was coming, I deemed it prudent +to keep still.</p> + +<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_218">[218]</span></p> + +<p>“Wolf, I have been terribly humiliated,” said he, +with a desperate effort. “I have suffered intolerably +since that affair at the Springs. That one of my +employés, a mere boy, should tell me I was drunk,—<i>drunk</i>; +that’s the word,—has made me miserable.”</p> + +<p>“I am sorry⁠—”</p> + +<p>“Don’t apologize, Wolf,” he interposed. “It is +not so much that you said it, as because it was true.”</p> + +<p>He uttered the words with a long and heavy sigh; +and really he was so sad that I could not help pitying +him.</p> + +<p>“I am sorry it was true; but⁠—”</p> + +<p>“Hear me, Wolf. You have said to me what no +other living being ever said to me, or would have +dared to say.”</p> + +<p>“I hope you will excuse me, sir. It was very bold +in me to say it, even if it was true.”</p> + +<p>“Wolf, I haven’t drank a drop since that night. +I never will drink another drop,” he continued, taking +no notice of my apologies and explanations. “To +put it in the power of any one to look down upon +me is too humiliating. I have done it once. I never +will do it again.”</p> + +<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_219">[219]</span></p> + +<p>How far his conscience reproached him I had no +means of knowing, for he attributed his suffering +wholly to mortified pride. He was silent again, and +I thought it would be impudence in me to commend +his good resolution; but certainly nothing ever afforded +me more pleasure, for I knew that his natural +firmness, amounting to obstinacy, would keep +him true to his pledge.</p> + + +<hr class="chap x-ebookmaker-drop"> +<div class="chapter"> + +<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_220">[220]</span></p> + + + <h2 class="nobreak" id="CHAPTER_XX"> + CHAPTER XX. + <br> + <span class='chap-title'>A NIGHT TRIP TO HITACA.</span> + </h2> +</div> + + +<p class='drop-cap'><span class='allcap'>It</span> seemed to me that pride had had a terrible fall +in the person of Colonel Wimpleton, though in +the better sense it was pride’s conquest over the low +and degrading.</p> + +<p>“I will not sign any paper, Wolf; but I mean what +I say,” said he, apparently feeling better for the confession +he had made.</p> + +<p>“I know you do, sir.”</p> + +<p>“I am aware, now, that three times on that day I +was saved from injury or death by others. First my +horse ran away with me.”</p> + +<p>“Your horse?”</p> + +<p>“You shall know all, Wolf. I had drank so much +in Ruoara, that I dropped the reins in driving home. +In trying to recover them, I frightened the horse, +and he ran with me. Nick stopped him. Then I +<span class="pagenum" id="Page_221">[221]</span> +came very near being run over by the train, and +drowned in the lake. It was all because I had been +drinking too much. It was time for me to brake up.”</p> + +<p>That was the very expression my father had used +in regard to him. It is not every drunkard who has +the power to “brake up” when he realizes the peril +of his condition. The colonel’s revelation had given +me a new light. He had seen Nick that forenoon. +I asked him about it, and he acknowledged that the +snake had informed him in regard to the “courting” +at the Horse Shoe. I could not then understand +Nick’s motive for doing so, but I have since learned it.</p> + +<p>“Do you know why I discharged you, Wolf?” +asked the colonel.</p> + +<p>“I supposed it was because you did not want one +in your employ who had seen you—as you were +that day.”</p> + +<p>“Partly for that, but more because you were working +against me.”</p> + +<p>“Against you, sir?”</p> + +<p>“Nick told me you sent him to the Horse Shoe to +warn the party of my approach.”</p> + +<p>“I did not wish to have Waddie and Miss Minnie +see you as you were then.”</p> + +<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_222">[222]</span></p> + +<p>“You were right, Wolf; and I thank you for +saving them that pain and shame,” he added, warmly. +“I had no idea of saying as much to you as I have; +and I should not if Nick’s rascality had not come to +light. I gave that villain five hundred dollars.”</p> + +<p>“What for?” I inquired, astonished at the acknowledgment.</p> + +<p>“For stopping my horse, for saving my life in the +boat, and for—for keeping my secret.”</p> + +<p>“What secret?”</p> + +<p>“That my horse ran away with me.”</p> + +<p>“He ought to have been satisfied with that, without +trying to steal any more,” I added, more disgusted +than ever with the conduct of Nick.</p> + +<p>The snake must have put in at Green Cove on his +return from the Horse Shoe, and had stopped the +colonel’s horse in the road near it. Here he had +told the great man the mischief that was in store for +his daughter. I could not fathom the motive of Nick +in this mean act. But really I did not trouble myself +much about him. I was more interested in the +colonel himself. I was amazed at the freedom with +which he talked to me. It had evidently caused him +<span class="pagenum" id="Page_223">[223]</span> +a severe mental struggle to open the subject; but, +after he had broken the way, it seemed to afford him +great relief. He owned that he had suffered intensely +since his late debauch, and I concluded that his +confession even to me, with its accompanying resolution, +eased his mind.</p> + +<p>Probably the effects of his intemperance wore heavily +upon him physically, and the sudden change in +his habits tended to produce depression. I had heard +my father say that what is called an appetite for intoxicating +drinks has no relation whatever to the +taste; but when a person accustomed to drink liquor, +moderately or otherwise, discontinues its use, he suffers +from a kind of aching void in his physical frame, +which nothing but the fiery fluid can supply. The +stimulus of life seems wanting, and the spirits are +fearfully depressed. This was doubtless the condition +of Colonel Wimpleton. Certainly it was something +extraordinary which had produced this change of his +very nature.</p> + +<p>He told me my words, declaring that he was +drunk, had been ringing in his ears ever since they +were uttered. He was not aware at the time how +<span class="pagenum" id="Page_224">[224]</span> +intoxicated he was. It was when he came to think +of it in his sober moments, and in the solitude of his +chamber, that he realized his situation. He felt that +he deserved the pity of his friends and the contempt +of his enemies. He shuddered when he thought of +the future, with the habit steadily increasing upon +him. Even his social position and great wealth could +not save him and his family from the shame and +disgrace which cling to the sot. His pride, rather +than his principle, saved him.</p> + +<p>“Wolf, do you think people generally knew that +I drank too much?” he inquired.</p> + +<p>“I am sorry to say they did. It was common +talk,” I replied, candidly.</p> + +<p>“I never suspected that any one knew it.”</p> + +<p>“On the very day that Nick stopped your horse, +he said to me that you were on a regular bat.”</p> + +<p>“A what?”</p> + +<p>“A regular bat; another would have said a spree.”</p> + +<p>“Is it possible I have sunk so low!” exclaimed +he, with something like a groan. “I alone have been +blind.”</p> + +<p>“I heard another say if you did not brake up, you +would go to ruin.”</p> + +<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_225">[225]</span></p> + +<p>“I did brake up on the day after we went to the +Springs. I feel better to-night than I have since we +parted after our return.”</p> + +<p>“Will you tell me, sir, why you gave me that +check?” I ventured to ask.</p> + +<p>“Because I felt that I was in your power. You +told me I was drunk, and money makes friends.”</p> + +<p>“Did you intend to discharge me then?”</p> + +<p>“No; though I did not like the idea of having +one in my employ who could talk to me in that way. +I did not decide to dismiss you till the next morning, +after Nick had told me you were working against me. +I took this as an excuse rather than a provocation. +You may resume your position as captain of the +steamer to-morrow.”</p> + +<p>“I am very grateful to you, sir; but I do not like +to displace Van Wolter, after he has been appointed.”</p> + +<p>“But he is not fit for the place.”</p> + +<p>“As fit as any man on the lake. You cannot find +a pilot who would take the Ucayga through the +Horse Shoe Channel.”</p> + +<p>“Perhaps you are right; but we will talk of that +another time,” replied the colonel.</p> + +<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_226">[226]</span></p> + +<p>He was silent and thoughtful again. I permitted +him to choose his own topic; but, as one good resolution +begets another, I hoped soon to find him in a +frame of mind which would allow me to introduce a +matter which was still near my heart. The magnate +did not speak again for half an hour. We were off +Port Gunga, and I heard a clock on shore strike +twelve. I suggested to the colonel that he could +sleep very comfortably in the cabin of the Belle.</p> + +<p>“I do not care to sleep, Wolf,” he replied, still +clinging to his meditations.</p> + +<p>I did not venture to disturb him, and we were +within five miles of Hitaca when he spoke again. I +was fearful that he regretted having said so much, +and was compensating for his freedom by his long-continued +silence. My fear was groundless, for when +he spoke again I realized that his thought had been +progress.</p> + +<p>“Wolf!” said he, and paused.</p> + +<p>“Sir.”</p> + +<p>“I was never so astonished in my life as when I +learned that Toppleton had sent his steamer to the +relief of the Ucayga,” he added.</p> + +<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_227">[227]</span></p> + +<p>“It was only an act of courtesy,” I replied, my +heart beating with emotion; for this was the topic +upon which I wished to talk with him.</p> + +<p>“Such acts of courtesy have not passed much between +Toppleton and myself of late years. Then he +even had the audacity to send me a message of congratulation +on the safety of the boat.”</p> + +<p>“I have no doubt he was sincere.”</p> + +<p>Another long pause.</p> + +<p>“Twenty years ago, Toppleton was a good fellow, +and we were the best of friends,” he continued.</p> + +<p>“He has done a great deal for me; and, though +he was sometimes unjust, I always felt very grateful +to him.”</p> + +<p>“I suppose I have been very unjust to you sometimes, +too.”</p> + +<p>“I never had any claims upon you or Major Toppleton, +and perhaps I am not as competent to judge +as a disinterested person would be.”</p> + +<p>“Toppleton has offered you a good place on the +railroad.”</p> + +<p>“Yes, sir; a very good place,” I answered, warmly.</p> + +<p>“Would you rather be in his employ than mine?”</p> + +<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_228">[228]</span></p> + +<p>“No, sir.”</p> + +<p>“If you would, I ought not to object.”</p> + +<p>“I would rather be in the employ of both of you,” +I suggested.</p> + +<p>“That cannot very well be.”</p> + +<p>“I think it can, sir.”</p> + +<p>“How?”</p> + +<p>“Major Toppleton offers to appoint me agent for +the Lake Shore Railroad. If you will also appoint +me agent of the steamboat, I shall be in the employ +of both.”</p> + +<p>“Agent for two rival lines!” exclaimed he. “That +is absurd.”</p> + +<p>“Of course I mean that the two lines shall be +united.”</p> + +<p>“You are at your old trick, Wolf,” replied the +colonel; but there was no bitterness in his tones.</p> + +<p>“I honestly think it would be best for both lines, +and best for the travelling public.”</p> + +<p>“But I don’t want Toppleton to think I am ready +to go down on my knees to him,” said the colonel, +with a little of his old spite.</p> + +<p>“Why, sir, Major Toppleton has, by his act of +<span class="pagenum" id="Page_229">[229]</span> +courtesy yesterday, opened the way for you to do a +similar one. He has met you more than half way +without a word from you.”</p> + +<p>“I suppose I can be as courteous as he can. If +one of his boats gets into trouble, mine shall help +her out; but I am not to be the first one to propose +a union of the two lines.”</p> + +<p>“But he has already proposed it.”</p> + +<p>“I will think of it, Wolf; but I do think we are +in a better condition to connect than ever before.”</p> + +<p>Not daring to push the matter too fast, I said +no more. At about two in the morning the Belle +reached the wharf at Hitaca. We went to the hotel +where the colonel usually staid, and, calling up the +landlord, took rooms and retired.</p> + +<p>I was so weary that it was after eight when I +waked. I went down, and I found the colonel had +not yet appeared. I called him, and after breakfast +we visited all the hotels, but obtained no tidings of +Nick Van Wolter. I had intended to get up soon +enough to go on board the Ucayga before she started, +but I had overslept myself, and she had been gone +an hour and a half when I got out of bed. I blamed +<span class="pagenum" id="Page_230">[230]</span> +myself for my neglect; but it could not be helped. +However, there was no doubt that Nick had come +up in the steamer, and was somewhere in Hitaca. +We could only lie in wait for him at the railroad +station.</p> + +<p>The railway from Hitaca has to overcome a very +steep grade, and to do this the train “beats” up +the hills, first running ahead, then switching off and +backing a considerable distance, and then going +ahead again on its course, thus saving the grade in +turning. It occurred to me that Nick might go out +to one of these switches, and enter the cars when +they stopped. Colonel Wimpleton was to take the +train at the station in town, while I went out in a +wagon to the switches. I left my team at the farther +one, and walked back to the first on the track. +My calculation was correct. Nick had evidently +heard of us in Hitaca, and expected to dodge us in +this way. I confronted him in the steep road near +the first switch, as the train was seen in the distance.</p> + +<p>Nick had a travelling bag in one hand, with a +breech-loading rifle over his shoulder. He turned +pale when I stepped into his path. I told him he +<span class="pagenum" id="Page_231">[231]</span> +must go back to Hitaca with me. Then he showed +fight; and, not liking the looks of his rifle, I sprang +upon him, for I was in earnest. He struggled desperately +to escape me, and we had a hard tussle; +but I finally wrenched the weapon from him, and +threw him on the ground. Seizing him by the collar, +I held him down till the train had passed.</p> + +<figure class="figcenter illowp95" id="i_p231" style="max-width: 63.5625em;"> + <img class="w100" src="images/i_p231.jpg" alt=""> + <figcaption> + NICK VAN WOLTER RESISTS. + </figcaption> +</figure> + + +<hr class="chap x-ebookmaker-drop"> +<div class="chapter"> + +<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_232">[232]</span></p> + + + <h2 class="nobreak" id="CHAPTER_XXI"> + CHAPTER XXI. + <br> + <span class='chap-title'>WHAT HAPPENED IN THE ROAD.</span> + </h2> +</div> + + +<p class='drop-cap dc-extra'><span class='allcap'>As</span> soon as the train had passed, and Nick’s +chance to escape had eluded him, I released +my grasp, and permitted him to rise.</p> + +<p>“What do you mean by pitching into me in that +way?” demanded Nick, puffing with the violence of +his struggles.</p> + +<p>“I have business with you,” I replied, as much out +of wind as he was.</p> + +<p>I stood in the road, by the side of his travelling +bag, resting upon the rifle. I had arranged with +Colonel Wimpleton to get out at the second switch, +and drive back the horse he would find near it, if +I did not join him. He was to understand by this +that I had captured the fugitive.</p> + +<p>“What do you want of me?” asked Nick, when +he had recovered his breath a little.</p> + +<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_233">[233]</span></p> + +<p>“You know very well what I want.”</p> + +<p>“No, I don’t.”</p> + +<p>“You do.”</p> + +<p>“How should I know?”</p> + +<p>“Your conscience, if nothing else, will tell you.”</p> + +<p>“It don’t. I’m going to California.”</p> + +<p>“Not just yet, Nick. You will give up some of +the money you have upon you before you go to California, +or anywhere else.”</p> + +<p>“What money?” said he, snappishly; but I saw +that his lip quivered.</p> + +<p>“Ten thousand dollars that you stole from me,” +I replied, impatiently.</p> + +<p>“I never knew you had so much money.”</p> + +<p>“You stole a check in my favor, for that sum, at +the hotel in Grass Springs.”</p> + +<p>“I didn’t take any check.”</p> + +<p>“It’s no use to lie about it, Nick. The whole +thing has come out. If you want to spend the next +twenty years of your life in the state prison, deny +it. Colonel Wimpleton will be here in a few moments,” +I added, as I heard the rattle of the wagon.</p> + +<p>“Colonel Wimpleton!” exclaimed Nick.</p> + +<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_234">[234]</span></p> + +<p>“Here he comes,” I continued, as the wagon began +to descend the hill. “If you try to get away +from me, I may find it necessary to break your +head.”</p> + +<p>“You have him,” said the colonel, as he stopped +the horse, and got out of the wagon.</p> + +<p>I picked up Nick’s travelling bag, for I suspected +that the money, or some part of it, was in it.</p> + +<p>“Nick, we can make short work of this business,” +said the colonel, confronting my prisoner. “We haven’t +brought any officers with us, but we can obtain +them when needed.”</p> + +<p>“What do you want of me, Colonel Wimpleton?” +asked Nick. “You gave me five hundred dollars for +what I did for you, and I’m going to California, to +see if I can’t do something.”</p> + +<p>“You may go to California, but you must give +up the ten thousand dollars you stole first.”</p> + +<p>“I haven’t any ten thousand dollars.”</p> + +<p>“Yes, you have; you stole my check for that +amount. It’s useless for you to deny it.”</p> + +<p>“I didn’t expect this of you, Colonel Wimpleton,” +added Nick, trying to assume an air of injured +<span class="pagenum" id="Page_235">[235]</span> +innocence, in which, however, he was not successful, +for he hardly understood the phases of that quality.</p> + +<p>“Instead of sending an officer after you, Nick, I +have come myself. You must acknowledge that this +was considerate.”</p> + +<p>“I saved your life, Colonel Wimpleton.”</p> + +<p>“If you did, that is no reason why you should +steal ten thousand dollars from me.”</p> + +<p>“Wolf says I took it from him.”</p> + +<p>“We will not quibble; it will come out of me +in the end.”</p> + +<p>“If I have to go back to Centreport, I think +there will be some talk about you, Colonel Wimpleton.”</p> + +<p>“If you go back, it will only be on your way to the +penitentiary. Will you give up the money, or not?”</p> + +<p>“What! the five hundred you gave me for pulling +you out of the lake?” exclaimed Nick.</p> + +<p>“No; the ten thousand you stole.”</p> + +<p>“I haven’t it.”</p> + +<p>I grasped Nick by the collar, for I thought, from +a movement he made, that he intended to run for +the woods.</p> + +<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_236">[236]</span></p> + +<p>“We need not parley with him,” I added. “We +had better search him at once.”</p> + +<p>“Let me alone, Wolf!” cried Nick, beginning to +struggle.</p> + +<p>Colonel Wimpleton came to my assistance, though +I did not need his help; for I was abundantly able to +manage Nick, and we held him fast. He made an +effort to release himself; but finding it fruitless, he +began to be more reasonable.</p> + +<p>“If you will produce the money, all right; if you +won’t, I shall search you,” said the colonel.</p> + +<p>“You have no right to do that,” blubbered Nick, +who was now able fully to comprehend the situation.</p> + +<p>“I shall take the responsibility,” added the colonel. +“Let me tell you in the beginning, Nick, that I do +not intend to prosecute you unless you compel me +to do so. You must give up the money you obtained +by fraud.”</p> + +<p>“I will, if you won’t send me to jail,” replied Nick.</p> + +<p>“I will not send you to jail. I have not forgotten +what you did for me a few days ago.”</p> + +<p>“I haven’t the money with me. I will send it to +you to-morrow, if you will let me go.”</p> + +<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_237">[237]</span></p> + +<p>“I will not let you go. Were you going to California +without your money? Where is it?”</p> + +<p>“In my bag.”</p> + +<p>“Open your bag,” said the colonel.</p> + +<p>Finding that his only hope of escaping the penalty +of his crime was by giving up the money, he +obeyed. Opening his bag, he took from a roll of +clothing a little package, carefully wrapped up in +brown paper, and gave it to Colonel Wimpleton. +The latter opened the parcel, and found that it really +contained the bank notes, which he hastily counted.</p> + +<p>“The money is all here, Wolf,” said the colonel. +“You may let him go now.”</p> + +<p>I released him; but he was not disposed to go.</p> + +<p>“Are you really going to California, Nick?” I +asked of him.</p> + +<p>“I was going there; but I haven’t money enough +now to pay my fare out and back, if I don’t find anything +to do,” he replied, doggedly; and it was plain +that he was more disappointed than burdened with +guilt at the failure of his plans.</p> + +<p>“I will give you more, Nick,” said the colonel; +“for I think my life is worth more than five hundred +dollars.”</p> + +<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_238">[238]</span></p> + +<p>“I shouldn’t have used this check if you had done +the handsome thing by me,” added Nick, with an effrontery +which moved me to indignation.</p> + +<p>“I will give you fifteen hundred dollars more,” said +the colonel.</p> + +<p>“I can get along with that,” answered Nick.</p> + +<p>“But I want to ask you a few questions first. Why +did you tell me that Wolf was working against me?”</p> + +<p>“Because he was. He knew very well that you +were after Waddie and the rest of them, and he +sent me over to the Horse Shoe to tell them to +clear out.”</p> + +<p>“Why did you tell Colonel Wimpleton that the +party were together, and that they were on better +terms than they ought to be?” I inquired.</p> + +<p>“That’s my business; but, as I shall not be seen +again in these parts, I don’t mind telling,” said he, +with a coarse grin. “Miss Minnie was rather fond of +me, and⁠—”</p> + +<p>“You impudent rascal!” exclaimed the colonel.</p> + +<p>“O, it was so! She told me so herself. I was a little +mad because Tommy Toppleton was likely to cut +me out.”</p> + +<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_239">[239]</span></p> + +<p>“You may go now. I don’t want to see or hear +any more of you,” replied Colonel Wimpleton, disgusted +with the fellow’s conceit.</p> + +<p>“Where can I go now? I have lost the train,” +added Nick, as he glanced at the wagon.</p> + +<p>“Go where you please; but don’t let me see you +in these parts again,” replied the great man, as he +stepped into the vehicle.</p> + +<p>I took my seat at his side. The colonel opened +the roll of bills which Nick had restored to him, and +gave him the sum he had promised. I could not +help thinking that it was a very handsome reward +for a small service. When this business was done, +I took the reins, and drove back to Hitaca. We +arrived just in time for the colonel to take the railroad +boat, which started at quarter of twelve. After +dinner, I obtained some provisions for the Belle, and +sailed for home. Unfortunately, the wind was light +from the north, where it had been on my voyage +up the lake, and from Port Gunga I was obliged +to beat all the way down. It was nine o’clock when +I arrived at Middleport, and I went directly home.</p> + +<p>“What’s going on, Wolf?” asked my father.</p> + +<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_240">[240]</span></p> + +<p>“Colonel Wimpleton and I have made it all up,” +I replied.</p> + +<p>“I’m so glad!” exclaimed my mother.</p> + +<p>“He told me I might take command of the Ucayga +again; but I don’t think I shall. How did Van +Wolter make out going down to-day?”</p> + +<p>“Lost the trains this morning; for he would not +go through the Horse Shoe Channel. He just saved +them this afternoon. There is a great deal of grumbling.”</p> + +<p>“I will go pilot in her to-morrow,” I added.</p> + +<p>“Why not captain?”</p> + +<p>“I’m really sorry for Van Wolter. He is a good, +honest man, and I don’t like to displace him. I hope +a new arrangement will be made soon.”</p> + +<p>My father was curious to know what had passed +between the colonel and myself; but I told him I +was not at liberty to inform him, and he was reasonable +enough not to require me to violate the +confidence of the magnate. I told him, however, +that we were better friends than ever before, and, +what I regarded as the best news of all, that Colonel +Wimpleton had stopped drinking.</p> + +<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_241">[241]</span></p> + +<p>For some reason or other, I felt happier that night +than for years before. I could not help believing +that there was “a good time coming.” Everything +looked more hopeful to me than ever before. One +thing was very surprising to me. In the long talk +I had had with Colonel Wimpleton, he had not even +alluded to the matter which had so excited his indignation +on the day we went to Grass Springs. +Not a word had he said about Tommy Toppleton +and Miss Minnie, or about Waddie and Grace. I +had expected him to speak of this subject, and I +feared it; for, as I was not disposed to deceive +him, it would have been a very embarrassing topic +to me. I was almost prepared to believe that he +intended to let the young people follow their own +inclinations, if they had any inclinations of this +kind.</p> + +<p>At half past eight the next morning I was on +the wharf when the Ucayga arrived from up the +lake. I saw John, the colonel’s man, hand Van +Wolter a note, as I went on board. He opened it, +and read its contents.</p> + +<p>“I’m glad to see you, Wolf,” said he, as I presented +<span class="pagenum" id="Page_242">[242]</span> +myself. “I am ordered to report to you as +captain of the Ucayga again,” said Van Wolter.</p> + +<p>“I have not received my appointment as captain,” +I replied. “Of course I cannot take the command +without authority.”</p> + +<p>“Here it is.”</p> + +<p>“That is not directed to me. I want you to keep +your place, Van Wolter, for the present. I will be +your pilot to-day; and, when I have seen Colonel +Wimpleton, I hope it will be all right with both +of us.”</p> + +<p>He objected, but I prevailed upon him at last to +pocket the note, and retain his position. I took the +Ucayga through the Horse Shoe Channel on that +trip, and she was on time. When I returned at +noon, Colonel Wimpleton came on board, and gave +me a very pleasant greeting.</p> + +<p>“What does Van Wolter say about his boy?” he +asked.</p> + +<p>“Not a word. Of course he does not know anything +about the affair of yesterday.”</p> + +<p>“You can tell him that Nick has gone to California, +if you believe he has gone there.”</p> + +<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_243">[243]</span></p> + +<p>“I do not believe it. I think we had better say +nothing about him. Probably he will come back +when he has spent his money.”</p> + +<p>“Well, what does Van Wolter say about losing +his place as captain?”</p> + +<p>“I don’t think he has lost it yet. I have not +been appointed.”</p> + +<p>“I thought you would consider what I said yesterday +as an appointment.”</p> + +<p>“Not exactly, sir,” I replied. “I was in hopes +that you would make me the agent of the line.”</p> + +<p>“I have thought about that matter, Wolf,” he replied, +struggling to conceal a frown. “We will consider +it.”</p> + +<p>We took seats in my state-room for this purpose.</p> + + +<hr class="chap x-ebookmaker-drop"> +<div class="chapter"> + +<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_244">[244]</span></p> + + + <h2 class="nobreak" id="CHAPTER_XXII"> + CHAPTER XXII. + <br> + <span class='chap-title'>SEVEN PER CENT. BONDS.</span> + </h2> +</div> + + +<p class='drop-cap'><span class='allcap'>“Wolf,</span> I have decided that I will have nothing +to do with the consolidation of the two +lines,” said Colonel Wimpleton, as he seated himself +in the state-room.</p> + +<p>“I am sorry for that, sir,” I replied, my heart sinking +under the declaration, for I had permitted my +hopes to run very high.</p> + +<p>“I cannot do anything which looks like receding +from my position.”</p> + +<p>“Though I am greatly disappointed, sir, of course +I have no right to complain.”</p> + +<p>“You shall have no reason to complain. I purpose +to leave the whole matter in the hands of +the Steamboat Company,” he added, with a smile on +his face which seemed to be struggling with a frown +for the mastery of his expression.</p> + +<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_245">[245]</span></p> + +<p>“To the students?” I inquired, unable to believe +that I heard him right; for leaving the matter to +the Steamboat Company was precisely the same thing +as yielding the point.</p> + +<p>“Yes, to the students,” he answered, pursing up +his lips, as though he were afraid I should see that +what he was doing afforded him pleasure.</p> + +<p>“Will you do me the favor to withdraw the order +you sent to Captain Van Wolter?” I asked, delighted +with the prospect, and almost giddy under +the sudden change of the colonel.</p> + +<p>“Certainly I will, if you desire it. Send for him.”</p> + +<p>I called Van Wolter from the wheel-house, and +he gave up the note he had received.</p> + +<p>“That means that you are still captain of the +boat,” said the colonel to Van Wolter.</p> + +<p>“I was quite satisfied to give up the place, sir; +for I want to say that I shall never dare to take +the boat through the Horse Shoe Channel again,” +replied the captain.</p> + +<p>“For the present I will act as your pilot,” I interposed.</p> + +<p>Van Wolter withdrew, and I was curious to know +<span class="pagenum" id="Page_246">[246]</span> +whether the colonel intended to give the Steamboat +Company definite instructions in regard to the consolidation +of the two lines, or leave it to the members.</p> + +<p>“Do you go up to Hitaca in the boat to-night, +Wolf?”</p> + +<p>“No, sir. I shall only act as pilot for the Horse +Shoe Channel until the Steamboat Company makes +its arrangement.”</p> + +<p>“Then I wish to see you in my library when you +return from Ucayga. I have a little business to +transact with you.”</p> + +<p>“I will be there, sir. But do you not intend to +indicate your wishes in regard to the union or consolidation +of the two lines?”</p> + +<p>“I do not, though I would like to hear what the +arrangement is before it is proposed to the other side.”</p> + +<p>“You shall be informed, sir.”</p> + +<p>He went on the wharf, and I saw him drive off +in his buggy. I was never so happy in my life. +The young peacemakers had a fine prospect of success, +and I was very impatient to see Waddie, and +inform him of what had taken place.</p> + +<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_247">[247]</span></p> + +<p>“What’s going on, Captain Penniman?” asked +Van Wolter, as I passed him on my way to the +shore.</p> + +<p>“There may be some change in the running of +the boat,” I replied.</p> + +<p>“But who is to be captain of the Ucayga?”</p> + +<p>“I don’t know yet; but, as you have been faithful +to me, I do not intend to desert you.”</p> + +<p>“Thank you, Wolf. You are a Christian,” added +he, with a grateful smile.</p> + +<p>“I will go down the lake with you this afternoon,” +I continued, as I stepped upon the wharf.</p> + +<p>I hastened to the Institute, and considered myself +justified in asking to see Waddie before the +session was closed; and we took a seat in the playground.</p> + +<p>“What’s the matter now, Wolf?” asked my friend, +satisfied from my coming at such a time that I had +something important to communicate.</p> + +<p>“Nothing is the matter.”</p> + +<p>“You went up to Hitaca with my father night +before last.”</p> + +<p>“I did; but that has nothing to do with my +<span class="pagenum" id="Page_248">[248]</span> +present business,” I replied, evasively. “Finding your +father in pretty good humor, after what Major Toppleton +had done, I opened the matter of uniting the +two lines again.”</p> + +<p>“Good!” exclaimed Waddie. “By the great horn +spoon, I wish it could be done.”</p> + +<p>“It can be.”</p> + +<p>“You don’t mean so.”</p> + +<p>“I think it can; though your father will not +have anything to do with it himself.”</p> + +<p>“How can it be done, then?”</p> + +<p>“He says he will leave it to the Steamboat Company, +and they may do as they think best.”</p> + +<p>“Then it is done!” shouted Waddie, jumping up, +and capering about like a crazy man.</p> + +<p>“Call a meeting at once.”</p> + +<p>“I’ll do it.”</p> + +<p>“At the close of the session this forenoon?”</p> + +<p>“Yes; but what shall we do?”</p> + +<p>“Simply appoint a committee of three, with full +powers to make any arrangement they think proper.”</p> + +<p>“Will you attend the meeting, Wolf?” asked +Waddie, anxiously.</p> + +<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_249">[249]</span></p> + +<p>“No; I cannot. I have to pilot the boat down +to Ucayga; but I will meet the committee, at half +past six, wherever you say,” I replied.</p> + +<p>“All right. This is first rate, Wolf—isn’t it?”</p> + +<p>“Yes, it is; ever so much better than I expected. +But I can stay no longer, for I have only time to +go over and see Tommy, and get him to call a +meeting of the Railroad Company.”</p> + +<p>“You are captain of the steamer again, Wolf,” +said Waddie, laughing.</p> + +<p>“No; Van Wolter was displaced, though I was +not appointed; but your father has recalled the order. +I’m ambitious, Waddie, and I am looking for +a better place than that of captain.”</p> + +<p>“What’s that?”</p> + +<p>“I want to be general agent of the two lines +when they are united. I think I can do more good +in that capacity than in any other.”</p> + +<p>“You shall have the place if you want it.”</p> + +<p>“I do,” I replied, as I left him.</p> + +<p>Crossing the lake, I found Tommy Toppleton at +his studies. I stated the case to him, and he promised +to call a meeting of the stockholders if his father +<span class="pagenum" id="Page_250">[250]</span> +consented. It did not occur to me that Major Toppleton +would offer any opposition to the plan, and +I returned to Centreport, satisfied that my hopes +would soon be realized. After making the trip down +the lake, I called upon Colonel Wimpleton, as I had +agreed to do.</p> + +<p>“Well, Wolf, what have you done about consolidation?” +he asked, with a smile.</p> + +<p>“Both companies were to call meetings, and by +this time I suppose each has chosen a committee of +conference.”</p> + +<p>“Very well; I don’t intend to meddle with the +matter. I wished to see you upon other business. +Have you heard anything more from Nick Van +Wolter?”</p> + +<p>“No, sir; not a word.”</p> + +<p>“Doesn’t his father say anything?”</p> + +<p>“Of course not. Probably he thinks his son is in +some hotel in Hitaca.”</p> + +<p>“But he would be likely to inquire about him, then, +for he spends the night at the upper end of the lake.”</p> + +<p>“He has not mentioned him to me. I don’t +think Nick will come back till his money is spent.”</p> + +<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_251">[251]</span></p> + +<p>“We are well rid of him. I suppose, Wolf, that +ten thousand dollars in cash would be rather embarrassing +to you; and instead of it, I have made +up the amount in good paying bonds, yielding seven +per cent.”</p> + +<p>“Bonds?” I inquired, bewildered by his speech.</p> + +<p>“If you prefer cash, you shall have it,” added he.</p> + +<p>“I don’t prefer either. I don’t understand what +you mean.”</p> + +<p>“Didn’t Nick rob you of your check?”</p> + +<p>“I didn’t regard it as my check. I burned mine.”</p> + +<p>“Come, Wolf, we will not be at loggerheads on +this matter. When I gave you that check I <i>gave</i> +it to you; and, if my pride would permit me to +withhold the gift now, my sense of duty would not. +You must take either the money or the bonds.”</p> + +<p>“I have no right to either, sir,” I pleaded. “I +don’t know but so much money would spoil me.”</p> + +<p>“I think nothing will spoil you, Wolf.”</p> + +<p>“I will not deny that it would be very pleasant +to me to have the money; but the manner of getting +it does not suit me so well. If it is to purchase +my silence⁠—”</p> + +<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_252">[252]</span></p> + +<p>“Nonsense!” interrupted he, impatiently. “You +have put more than double this amount into my +pocket by your management of the steamer. You +have saved my life, and saved me from shame and +disgrace. I insist that you take it. Shall it be in +cash or bonds?”</p> + +<p>“In bonds, sir,” I replied, yielding the point; and +for the first time in my life I felt that I was a rich +man.</p> + +<p>He handed me a package containing the securities.</p> + +<p>“I am all the richer, Wolf, for giving you this.”</p> + +<p>“I don’t know, sir, but that it will bother me to +conceal from my father and mother the reason for +my having so much wealth.”</p> + +<p>“Tell your father and mother as much as you +please, then; but don’t let me be talked about in +the streets, if you can help it.”</p> + +<p>“I will be very prudent, sir, and my father will +also.”</p> + +<p>“When does the committee of the Steamboat +Company meet, Wolf?”</p> + +<p>“At half past six this afternoon.”</p> + +<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_253">[253]</span></p> + +<p>“Will you tell Waddie I wish to see him before +they meet?”</p> + +<p>“Yes, sir.”</p> + +<p>“I do not intend to meddle with the business, +only to make a suggestion to him.”</p> + +<p>I left him, with the securities in my pocket, hardly +able to believe that I was Wolf Penniman. When +I saw Waddie, I sent him to his father; but he appeared +promptly at the place appointed for the +meeting of the Steamboat committee. The members +were Waddie, who had again been elected president, +Ben Pinkerton, and Dick Bayard.</p> + +<p>“I believe the world is coming to an end,” said +Ben, after he had cordially greeted me.</p> + +<p>“No; only the war between the two sides of the +lake,” I replied.</p> + +<p>“Well, Wolf, we are fully authorized to act for +our Company,” interposed Waddie, who was impatient +to proceed with the business. “We can do anything +we like with the Company, even if we sink it.”</p> + +<p>“You talk about consolidation and union,” said +Dick Bayard. “I don’t think these words mean the +same thing.”</p> + +<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_254">[254]</span></p> + +<p>“I know they don’t,” I replied.</p> + +<p>“Consolidation means union, but union don’t mean +consolidation,” added Ben Pinkerton. “By the former, +the two Companies would be fused into one; by +the latter, they would only run their respective lines +in connection with each other.”</p> + +<p>“I suppose we are to determine whether we unite +or consolidate,” said Waddie.</p> + +<p>“I shall be satisfied with either,” I replied.</p> + +<p>The committee discussed the question for some +time, and finally agreed to make a proposition to +the Railroad Company, first, to consolidate, and then, +if this plan failed, to unite. All the terms of both +plans were settled, and this committee were prepared +to meet the other.</p> + +<p>“There is one more point,” said Ben Pinkerton. +“Whether we consolidate or unite, it is necessary +to have a general agent, and I move that this committee, +on its part, appoint Captain Wolf Penniman.”</p> + +<p>The motion was carried, after it had been seconded +by Dick Bayard.</p> + +<p>“I move that his salary, to be paid by the consolidated +<span class="pagenum" id="Page_255">[255]</span> +Company, or by both Companies, in the ratios +of the fares, be fifteen hundred dollars a year,” added +Dick.</p> + +<p>“I beg you will not mention this subject yet,” I +interposed. “It is rather premature.”</p> + +<p>“Not at all,” replied Waddie. “This must be +part of the bargain.”</p> + +<p>The motion was instantly carried; and I learned +that this was the matter upon which the colonel +had wished to see his son. The business was done, +and I went home. The next evening the two committees +met in conference.</p> + + +<hr class="chap x-ebookmaker-drop"> +<div class="chapter"> + +<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_256">[256]</span></p> + + + <h2 class="nobreak" id="CHAPTER_XXIII"> + CHAPTER XXIII. + <br> + <span class='chap-title'>THE COMMITTEE OF CONFERENCE.</span> + </h2> +</div> + + +<p class='drop-cap'><span class='allcap'>The</span> committee of conference met at the railroad +station in Middleport, and I was invited to +be present on the interesting occasion. On the part +of the Railroad Company, Tommy Toppleton, Ned +Skotchley, and Bob Briscoe appeared. Each was +ready to suggest a plan for a union of the two lines. +Major Toppleton had assented to the union; but he +insisted upon knowing the terms before final action +was taken.</p> + +<p>“I have a plan for consolidating the two Companies,” +said Waddie.</p> + +<p>“What, making one Company of the two?” asked +Tommy.</p> + +<p>“Yes.”</p> + +<p>“I don’t know about that. I don’t see how it +can be done.”</p> + +<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_257">[257]</span></p> + +<p>“Very easily, I think,” answered Waddie. “The +capital stock of the Railroad Company is two hundred +thousand; of the Steamboat Company one hundred +thousand. We make a new corporation, with a capital +of three hundred thousand, of which you own two +thirds, and we one third.”</p> + +<p>“But the Steamboat Company has not a hundred +thousand dollars’ worth of property,” suggested Tommy. +“The Ucayga did not cost that.”</p> + +<p>“No, she did not; but the Company have really +the monopoly of the through travel, and the line +pays a dividend of twenty per cent. on a hundred +thousand dollars. Our side does not gain anything +by consolidation. The people of Centreport and +Ruoara will not be so well accommodated under +the new arrangement as they are now,” responded +Waddie.</p> + +<p>“But you will have your share of the railroad +profits,” suggested Tommy.</p> + +<p>“What were your dividends last year?” asked the +President of the Steamboat Company, with a smile.</p> + +<p>“They will be much larger under the new arrangement.”</p> + +<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_258">[258]</span></p> + +<p>“And those of the steamer will be much smaller.”</p> + +<p>“We have spent fully two hundred thousand on +the railroad,” added Briscoe. “We have just laid +down new rails, and built a bridge over the river +at the foot of the lake.”</p> + +<p>“And we have two steamers,” added Skotchley.</p> + +<p>“Let the steamers be sold, if they are not wanted,” +said Ben Pinkerton.</p> + +<p>“And let the purchaser set up an opposition line,” +replied Tommy.</p> + +<p>“But Middleport would have two votes in a stockholders’ +meeting to one from Centreport.”</p> + +<p>“No; one of the conditions is, that the stock +may be equalized by the payment of its par value, +at the option of the Steamboat Company.”</p> + +<p>Each party felt it necessary to be very sharp, +and every point and proposition was disputed, for +the holders of the mortgage bonds of each company—Colonel +Wimpleton and Major Toppleton—were +to revise and approve their action. At nine +o’clock in the evening no progress had been made, +and I was satisfied that there were too many obstacles +in the way of consolidation. I thought it +<span class="pagenum" id="Page_259">[259]</span> +very doubtful whether the colonel would allow his +property in the steamer to pass into the control of +the other side. I suggested, therefore, that the other +and more simple method be considered.</p> + +<p>“Let each company run its own line on its own +hook,” said Waddie. “We will convey the passengers +from Hitaca to Middleport, and you to Ucayga. +Each party is to have the exclusive right to his +own share of the line.”</p> + +<p>“But that leaves two steamers on our hands for +which we shall then have no use,” objected Tommy.</p> + +<p>“They are not worth much,” laughed Ben Pinkerton.</p> + +<p>“They are worth too much to be permitted to rot +at the wharf,” answered Tommy. “We don’t want +steamers if we are to have no use for them.”</p> + +<p>“That’s so,” added Briscoe. “It is fair for the +Steamboat Company to buy our boats.”</p> + +<p>“What do you think, Wolf?”</p> + +<p>“I am not one of the high contracting powers, +and perhaps I ought not to say anything,” I replied, +lightly.</p> + +<p>“Don’t stand on any ceremony, Wolf.”</p> + +<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_260">[260]</span></p> + +<p>“Well, then, I think Briscoe’s suggestion is a +fair one.”</p> + +<p>“What do you ask for them?” inquired Waddie.</p> + +<p>“They ought to be appraised by three disinterested +men,” I added. “Both parties should be bound +to their award.”</p> + +<p>“I think we ought to have what they cost,” said +Tommy. “We paid the par value of the shares for +the stock we bought.”</p> + +<p>“I don’t think so,” interposed Dick Bayard, catching +the point. “They are not worth so much now, +when there is no use for them.”</p> + +<p>This point was discussed at considerable length; +but my proposition was finally adopted.</p> + +<p>“Now, how shall the fares be divided?” said +Tommy.</p> + +<p>“In the ratio of the distance which each line +carries the passengers,” replied Pinkerton.</p> + +<p>“That’s not fair,” added Briscoe. “It costs more +to run a railroad than a steamboat. The ratio of +the time ought to be taken into the account.”</p> + +<p>“I don’t see it,” interposed Waddie.</p> + +<p>“If we shorten the time half or three quarters of +<span class="pagenum" id="Page_261">[261]</span> +an hour by uniting the two lines, the Steamboat +Company has the benefit of it, though it is the +railroad that does it,” argued Briscoe. “The Ucayga’s +best time now is three hours and a half. If I understand +Captain Penniman, under the new arrangement +the time is to be three hours from Hitaca to +Ucayga.”</p> + +<p>“Exactly so,” I answered.</p> + +<p>“Then it is the railroad that shortens the time, +and the Steamboat Company has the benefit of it,” +continued Briscoe, triumphantly. “I move you the +division be equal. We take the Steamboat Company’s +checks, and they take ours. In settlement +each party shall pay the other one dollar to redeem +its own checks.”</p> + +<p>The committee on the part of the steamer yielded +this point, after some further discussion.</p> + +<p>“Now we want a general agent for both lines,” said +Waddie.</p> + +<p>“With your permission I will retire while this +subject is considered,” I interposed; and, without +waiting for a reply, I went out of the room.</p> + +<p>I had not been absent five minutes before I was +<span class="pagenum" id="Page_262">[262]</span> +recalled, and informed that I was to be recommended +as the general agent, at a salary of fifteen hundred +a year, half of which was to be paid by each +Company. I returned my thanks for the honor done +me, and for the liberality of the salary. Many other +details of the proposed union were settled, and it +was eleven o’clock before the business was finished. +I went with Tommy to his father’s house, and the +major carefully read the agreement, as it had been +drawn up by the secretary of the railroad committee. +Somewhat to my surprise, he took a pen and wrote +his approval upon it.</p> + +<p>“It’s a fair thing,” said he. “You have done the +business well, Tommy. I am afraid Wimpleton will +not agree to it.”</p> + +<p>“Why not, father?” asked Tommy, anxiously.</p> + +<p>“Because there are two things in the agreement +which may not seem to be fair on the face of them—the +purchase of our two steamers, and the equal +division of the fares;” and the major went over +about the same arguments that had been used in +the committee of conference.</p> + +<p>I confess that I went to bed that night not a little +<span class="pagenum" id="Page_263">[263]</span> +worried at the fate of the plan on the other +side of the lake. In the morning I went over to +take my place on board of the Ucayga. I found +Waddie there, and with rather a long face.</p> + +<p>“What does your father say?” I asked, though +Waddie’s face had already answered the question.</p> + +<p>“He said he would not have anything to do with +the matter.”</p> + +<p>“Will he indorse the agreement?”</p> + +<p>“He will give his formal assent to everything we +have done, but nothing more.”</p> + +<p>“That’s all we want.”</p> + +<p>“Not quite. He will not purchase the two old +steamers,” added Waddie. “He says they are old +tubs, of no use now, and he is not disposed to take +them off the major’s hands. Perhaps you can move +him, Wolf. Nobody else can.”</p> + +<p>Waddie was despondent. He had objected to +purchasing the steamers, and had only yielded after +consulting me. I was confident that the colonel +could be brought over.</p> + +<p>“If your father will agree to all the rest, Waddie, +I will see that the purchase of the steamers does +not break up the arrangement,” I replied.</p> + +<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_264">[264]</span></p> + +<p>“What can you do?”</p> + +<p>“O, I will buy them myself, and set up an opposition +line,” I answered, laughing.</p> + +<p>“You are the general agent, Wolf.”</p> + +<p>“I can resign.”</p> + +<p>“But you would not do that, even if you could +buy the steamers.”</p> + +<p>“Probably not; but here comes your father. I +will talk about the matter with him.”</p> + +<p>Colonel Wimpleton came on board. He looked +very good-natured.</p> + +<p>“I am going down to Ucayga, Wolf.”</p> + +<p>“I am glad of it, for I wish to speak with you,” +I replied.</p> + +<p>“Do you wish to convince me that I ought to +throw half our business into the hands of Toppleton, +and then compensate myself for the loss by +buying those old boats, which are not worth five +thousand dollars apiece, though they cost him double +that sum?”</p> + +<p>“I don’t wish to convince you against your judgment, +sir.”</p> + +<p>“I can’t buy them. If the Steamboat Company +<span class="pagenum" id="Page_265">[265]</span> +can make an arrangement to run in connection with +the railroad, I will offer no objection; but when they +ask me to buy two old tubs—that’s quite another +thing.”</p> + +<p>“Do you think the two boats are worth ten thousand +dollars?” I asked.</p> + +<p>“Just about that.”</p> + +<p>“Then I will buy them, sir,” I replied, as modestly +as I could in uttering so grand a proposition.</p> + +<p>“You, Wolf!”</p> + +<p>“I mean so, sir.”</p> + +<p>“What for?” he asked, opening his eyes in amazement.</p> + +<p>“I think I could get more than seven per cent. +for my money out of them.”</p> + +<p>“If you can, then I can.”</p> + +<p>“I might set up an opposition line with them,” +I replied, laughing.</p> + +<p>“An opposition line!”</p> + +<p>“Or, if I had not the conscience to do it myself, +some one else might. In a word, sir, if you are +going to run the Ucayga from Hitaca to Middleport, +you ought to control all the passenger steamers +on the lake.”</p> + +<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_266">[266]</span></p> + +<p>“That’s true, Wolf.”</p> + +<p>“If Major Toppleton keeps those boats, he has a +hold upon you which you may feel when any misunderstanding +occurs.”</p> + +<p>“Just so.”</p> + +<p>“Besides, you want those boats, sir. If you can +buy them cheap, it will pay to run them as ferry +boats—one between Centreport and Middleport, and +the other between Ruoara and Spangleport.”</p> + +<p>“Well, Wolf, I don’t care about bothering with +referees. You may offer Toppleton ten thousand +dollars for the two,” continued the colonel, who, I +was satisfied, did not really object to the terms of +the union, but, rather from the force of habit than +for any other reason, deemed it necessary to offer +some resistance to his old enemy.</p> + +<p>I had not expected this easy victory in the argument, +and I was convinced that Colonel Wimpleton +was an altered man. I doubt whether he had +seen a time in three years before when he was entirely +free from liquor. He had always been a regular +drinker, and for several years an immoderate one. +I was forced to attribute his former malignity to +the rum in which he had steeped himself.</p> + +<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_267">[267]</span></p> + +<p>The colonel went down to Ucayga in the steamer, +and went on shore. As he did so I saw the landlord +of the hotel at Grass Springs step up to him, +and, with an exceedingly supercilious air, present +him a paper. I was interested at once, and, while +the boat lay at the wharf, I observed them very +closely. The colonel appeared to be considerably +excited, and looked at the paper the landlord had +given him with great apparent interest. As the +bell rang for the steamer to start, he came on board, +followed by his companion.</p> + + +<hr class="chap x-ebookmaker-drop"> +<div class="chapter"> + +<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_268">[268]</span></p> + + + <h2 class="nobreak" id="CHAPTER_XXIV"> + CHAPTER XXIV. + <br> + <span class='chap-title'>THE MAGNATES JOIN HANDS.</span> + </h2> +</div> + + +<p class='drop-cap'><span class='allcap'>Just</span> as the deck hands were hauling in the +plank, Major Toppleton rushed down and leaped +on deck. Probably he was not aware of the fact +that Colonel Wimpleton was on board, or he would +not have incurred the liability of seeing him. I concluded +that he was nervous about the arrangements +for the union of the two lines, and wished to see +me in relation to them.</p> + +<p>I had nothing to do till the steamer reached the +North Shoe, and I sat down near the door of my +state-room. Presently Colonel Wimpleton appeared +on the hurricane deck, closely followed by the landlord +of the hotel.</p> + +<p>“Wolf, this little bill has just been handed to me,” +said the magnate of Centreport, giving me the paper.</p> + +<p>“What is it, sir?”</p> + +<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_269">[269]</span></p> + +<p>“Read it for yourself.”</p> + +<p>“Captain Penniman will see that it is all right,” +added the landlord, whose name was Sharp.</p> + +<p>I glanced at the bill. It was so absurd that I +could not help laughing. The charges were all for +damage done to his house and furniture by the colonel, +during his visit to the hotel. The items were +as follows:⁠—</p> + + +<table class='the-bill'> +<tr> +<td class="tdl">To damage done to bed and bedding,</td> +<td class="tdr">$400<br></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td class="tdl"> ” spilling ink, and spoiling carpet,</td> +<td class="tdr">300<br></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td class="tdl"> ” damage to bureau and chairs,</td> +<td class="tdr">200<br></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td class="tdl"> ” keeping still about it,</td> +<td class="tdr bb">300<br></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td class="tdl"></td> +<td class="tdr">$1200</td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p>“What do you mean by this, Mr. Sharp?” I inquired.</p> + +<p>“I mean just what it says in that bill,” he replied, +with a brazen face.</p> + +<p>“Do you expect me to pay that bill?” demanded +the colonel, indignantly.</p> + +<p>“I will leave that to you, sir; but I think you will +pay it, as much for your own sake as mine.”</p> + +<p>“This is the most impudent piece of extortion I +ever saw attempted,” added the magnate.</p> + +<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_270">[270]</span></p> + +<p>“Well, sir, if people will dance they must pay +the fiddler.”</p> + +<p>“Why, all the furniture in the room was not +worth a hundred dollars,” said the indignant colonel.</p> + +<p>“I don’t want to say much about the matter, Colonel +Wimpleton. If you are not willing to pay the +bill, I don’t care about arguing the matter. If you +don’t pay it up, it won’t be my fault if people don’t +know what took place in that room.”</p> + +<p>The great man turned pale. The consequences +of his debauch followed him in such humiliating +demands as this bill.</p> + +<p>“Why didn’t you put it all down under the last +item of ‘keeping still about it’?” added Colonel +Wimpleton; but he was alarmed at the threat of +the landlord, and his speech was very mild.</p> + +<p>“It is an outrageous imposition,” I ventured to +say, when I found it quite impossible to keep still.</p> + +<p>“That comes very well from you, Captain Penniman, +after you have had your nest feathered,” sneered +Sharp.</p> + +<p>In my turn, I was abashed at this home thrust, +though I could not believe that it was anything +more than a supposition on his part.</p> + +<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_271">[271]</span></p> + +<p>“I never attempted to extort money from any person,” +I replied. “I was with Colonel Wimpleton, and +I say this bill is a swindle. I hope he will not think +of such a thing as paying even a penny of it.”</p> + +<p>“He can do as he thinks best,” the fellow doggedly +replied.</p> + +<p>“There isn’t a shadow of justice in it,” I added, as +the colonel stepped into the state-room, and seated +himself there, evidently to prevent any one from +seeing him.</p> + +<p>“He was the drunkest man that ever came into +my house,” continued Sharp; “and, if he wants to +keep it out of the newspapers, he had better pay up.”</p> + +<p>“What’s the matter, Sharp?” said Major Toppleton, +approaching the spot at this moment.</p> + +<p>“Ah, I didn’t know you were here, sir!” exclaimed +the landlord, with a start.</p> + +<p>The major stopped before he came in front of the +state-room door, and he did not see that his old +rival was within. With the bill in my hand,—for I +had not yet given it back to the colonel,—I beckoned +the magnate of Middleport away from the dangerous +locality.</p> + +<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_272">[272]</span></p> + +<p>“What’s the matter, Wolf?” asked he, mystified +by my movement.</p> + +<p>“Colonel Wimpleton is in that state-room,” I replied, +when we had walked abaft the engine.</p> + +<p>“Whew!” whistled he. “I did not know he was +on board; but I wanted to see you about this union +of the two lines.”</p> + +<p>“He did not see you, sir; and Sharp has moved +away from the door, so he will not tell him you are +here.”</p> + +<p>“I don’t care about meeting him just now,” +laughed the major.</p> + +<p>“I thought you would not, and so I beckoned you +away. You know Sharp, the landlord?”</p> + +<p>I knew he did, for I was aware that the major +owned the hotel in Grass Springs, and had set Sharp +up in his business.</p> + +<p>“I know he is not the man I took him to be when +I assisted him to his present position,” replied the +major. “He seems to be excited about something.”</p> + +<p>“Read this bill,” I added, handing him the document.</p> + +<p>Major Toppleton opened his eyes as he examined +the account.</p> + +<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_273">[273]</span></p> + +<p>“Is this a joke?” he asked.</p> + +<p>“No, sir; Sharp actually demands twelve hundred +dollars of Colonel Wimpleton. The last item is +hush-money, but it all comes under that head.”</p> + +<p>“The miserable scoundrel!” exclaimed the major, +indignantly. “I am tempted to kick him.”</p> + +<p>“He says the colonel was the drunkest man that +ever entered his house, and, if he does not pay this +swindle, everybody shall know it.”</p> + +<p>“What if he was drunk? The man that sells +him the liquor is not the one to condemn and expose +him. I will give the scoundrel a lesson he will never +forget. Sharp!” said he, as the landlord, who was +pacing the deck rather nervously, passed within +hailing distance of him.</p> + +<p>“At your service, Major Toppleton,” replied Sharp, +in cringing tones.</p> + +<p>“What have you been doing? What does this +bill mean?”</p> + +<p>The wretch started when he saw the account in +the hands of his powerful patron. Knowing the +enmity which had so long existed between the two +sides of the lake, and especially between the two +<span class="pagenum" id="Page_274">[274]</span> +great men, he would have counted upon the assistance +rather than the opposition of Major Toppleton +in any movement against his rival.</p> + +<p>“Colonel Wimpleton came to my house the drunkest +man I ever saw,” replied he.</p> + +<p>“And you are going to swindle him for it!” +added the major, severely. “Sharp, your lease expires +in July; it will not be renewed. I will not +tolerate such a scoundrel.”</p> + +<p>“If you don’t think it is right⁠—”</p> + +<p>“Right! you villain! Is it ever right to swindle +a man?”</p> + +<p>“But it was Colonel Wimpleton, and⁠—”</p> + +<p>“No matter who it was. Colonel Wimpleton is a +gentleman, and if he were a hundred times my +enemy, I would stand up for him against any such +miserable trick as this.”</p> + +<p>“I won’t say anything more about it, Major Toppleton,” +pleaded Sharp.</p> + +<p>“But I will. I will go to every man within ten +miles of Grass Springs, and tell him you are a liar, +a swindler, and a scoundrel,” continued the major, +much excited, as he shook his fist in the face of the +<span class="pagenum" id="Page_275">[275]</span> +landlord. “In this matter Colonel Wimpleton is +my best friend.”</p> + +<p>“Major Toppleton!”</p> + +<p>To my surprise, Colonel Wimpleton stepped out +from behind the engine, and walking square up to +his old enemy, extended his hand to him.</p> + +<p>“I was not aware that you were near,” said the +major, rather startled.</p> + +<p>“I offer you my hand, Major Toppleton,” said the +colonel, his lip quivering with emotion.</p> + +<p>“I accept it,” replied the magnate of Middleport.</p> + +<figure class="figcenter illowp96" id="i_p275" style="max-width: 64.5625em;"> + <img class="w100" src="images/i_p275.jpg" alt=""> + <figcaption> + THE MAGNATES JOIN HANDS. + </figcaption> +</figure> + +<p>They grasped hands. If there had been any artillery +on board the Ucayga, I should have fired a +hundred guns in honor of this auspicious event. As +it was, I called Van Wolter, and asked him to display +every piece of bunting on the steamer. I was +so delighted that it seemed to me I should “go up.” +The young peacemakers had been at work for a year +to bring about this result; but both of the great men +had hung back. I did not consider that the reconciliation +was actually made on the deck of the Ucayga. +The major had been prepared for it for months, +and the colonel from the time the steamer was hauled +<span class="pagenum" id="Page_276">[276]</span> +off the sands by the Ruoara. Neither had had the +courage to approach the other, and I regarded the +coming of the landlord as a fortunate event.</p> + +<p>Sharp hung his head with shame, as he saw the +magnates join hands. He had brought his bill to a +bad market. I wondered whether Nick Van Wolter +had not put him up to this trick. The fellow +had boldly told me that my nest had been feathered, +and no one but Nick had known about the check +until it was drawn.</p> + +<p>“Major Toppleton, probably you understand this +matter now,” said the colonel, still trembling with +emotion.</p> + +<p>“I know nothing about it, except that this scoundrel +was trying to swindle you. I have already told +him his lease would not be renewed,” replied the +major, still holding the hand of his old rival. “Whatever +differences we have had, I know you to be a +gentleman and a man of honor; and I would protect +even an enemy from such a swindle as this.”</p> + +<p>“I trust we shall no longer be enemies,” added +Colonel Wimpleton.</p> + +<p>“Not by my choice, certainly,” answered the major. +<span class="pagenum" id="Page_277">[277]</span>“Our boys and girls have set us a good example. +They have made peace among themselves, and we +ought not to be behind them in this matter.”</p> + +<p>I was obliged to go to the wheel, as the steamer was +approaching the North Shoe; but I was so excited +by the auspicious event which had just transpired, +that I was afraid I should run the boat aground myself, +as Van Wolter had done. But I had hardly +taken my place at the wheel before both the major +and the colonel entered, and continued their conversation. +The unwonted sight of the two great men +talking together on friendly terms had been noticed +by the passengers, and they were gathering on the +hurricane deck to witness the strange exhibition. +The two gentlemen were annoyed by the interest +manifested in their affairs, and retreated to the wheel-house +to escape observation.</p> + +<p>“I must beg you to retire to the captain’s state-room, +gentlemen,” I interposed. “I am so interested +in what you say, that I am afraid I shall run the +steamer aground if I listen to it.”</p> + +<p>I pointed to the door which opened from the +wheel-house into the state-room, and they were considerate +enough to retire.</p> + +<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_278">[278]</span></p> + +<p>“The world’s coming to an end,” said Van Wolter, +standing opposite me at the wheel.</p> + +<p>“On the contrary, I think it is only just beginning +to exist,” I replied; and it did seem to me that we +were all about to enter upon a new life—a life of +peace.</p> + +<p>“They have really made up.”</p> + +<p>“They have indeed. I wish we had a twenty-four +pounder on board,” I continued. “I would make a +noise in honor of the event.”</p> + +<p>“I have put out all the bunting we have, and it +makes quite a show.”</p> + +<p>“Everything will go right now, and the union will +certainly be arranged,” I added.</p> + +<p>“What union?” asked Van Wolter, who had had +no hint of the negotiations in progress.</p> + +<p>“The union of the two lines. In a short time, this +boat will make two trips a day from Middleport to +Hitaca, connecting with the railroad.”</p> + +<p>“You don’t say it!” exclaimed Van Wolter.</p> + +<p>“The two companies split on only one point. That +will be arranged now.”</p> + +<p>“I suppose one of the captains of the old boats +will take this one, then,” added he, rather gloomily.</p> + +<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_279">[279]</span></p> + +<p>“Not at all. I am to be general agent for both +lines, and you will remain in command of this boat.”</p> + +<p>“Is that so?”</p> + +<p>“I shall insist upon this arrangement. I never go +back on a good friend.”</p> + +<p>“You are a Christian, Captain Penniman.”</p> + +<p>“I try to be one. You will have no more trouble +about the Horse Shoe Channel. You must make +yourself agreeable to your passengers, and I have no +doubt you will be as popular as you deserve to be.”</p> + +<p>As we approached the bend of the channel the +conversation was discontinued; but, when I could +leave the helm, I joined the magnates in the state-room.</p> + + +<hr class="chap x-ebookmaker-drop"> +<div class="chapter"> + +<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_280">[280]</span></p> + + + <h2 class="nobreak" id="CHAPTER_XXV"> + CHAPTER XXV. + <br> + <span class='chap-title'>MORE SEVEN PER CENT. BONDS.</span> + </h2> +</div> + + +<p class='drop-cap'><span class='allcap'>When</span> I entered the state-room where the +magnates were, Colonel Wimpleton was inviting +Major Toppleton to dine with him that day. +Men are apt to go from one extreme to the other, +and, from the exceeding cordiality of the reunion, I +was afraid they might overdo the matter. Yet they +had once been warm personal friends, and had chosen +this locality on the lake in order to be near +each other. Long and bitter had the quarrel been; +but now, by the influence of the young peacemakers, +it was happily ended.</p> + +<p>“Wolf, you must dine with us,” said Colonel Wimpleton, +as I entered the state-room. “We will smoke +the pipe of peace to-day.”</p> + +<p>“I thank you; I never smoke, but I will dine +with you,” I replied. “At what hour?”</p> + +<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_281">[281]</span></p> + +<p>“Three o’clock.”</p> + +<p>“Then I shall be obliged to decline, for I must +pilot the boat down this afternoon.”</p> + +<p>“We will make it six o’clock, then. Major Toppleton, +you must bring all your family with you.”</p> + +<p>“They will all be very happy to come,” answered +the magnate of Middleport.</p> + +<p>Then Grace would be there, which offered an +additional inducement to me. I concluded that the +colonel would not say anything more about “courting,” +though I happened to know that Tommy and +Miss Minnie had met two or three times since the +affair off the Horse Shoe.</p> + +<p>“You will excuse me, gentlemen, for speaking of +business at such a time as this; but I should like to +know if you have agreed upon the terms of the +union between the two lines,” I continued.</p> + +<p>“We have not mentioned the subject,” said Major +Toppleton. “Whatever Colonel Wimpleton agrees +to, I shall fully indorse.”</p> + +<p>“I am authorized to make you an offer for the +two steamers, Major Toppleton,” I added.</p> + +<p>“You needn’t make the offer, Wolf,” interposed +<span class="pagenum" id="Page_282">[282]</span> +the colonel. “I will accept the terms of the arrangement +in all respects, as drawn up by the committee +of conference.”</p> + +<p>“If the arrangement is not entirely satisfactory, +I will modify it in any manner my friend Colonel +Wimpleton may suggest.”</p> + +<p>“Everything is entirely satisfactory to me,” persisted +he of Centreport.</p> + +<p>“But you did raise an objection,” insisted he of +Middleport.</p> + +<p>“Colonel Wimpleton thought it was not worth +while to bother with referees to fix the value of the +two steamers,” I interposed. “Of course nothing +can be done till they have been appraised.”</p> + +<p>“That’s an excellent suggestion of my friend. +What was the offer, Wolf?” asked the major.</p> + +<p>“Don’t mention it, Wolf,” said the colonel.</p> + +<p>“I accept it, whatever it was,” continued the +major.</p> + +<p>“We had not met when I authorized Wolf to +make the offer. I am ashamed of it now,” added +the colonel.</p> + +<p>“I think I can settle this matter, gentlemen, to +<span class="pagenum" id="Page_283">[283]</span> +the satisfaction of both of you,” I ventured to say. +“You shall each mark the price on a piece of paper, +and the sum to be paid shall be found by splitting +the difference between the two.”</p> + +<p>“I agree,” said Major Toppleton, promptly.</p> + +<p>“So do I,” as promptly replied Colonel Wimpleton.</p> + +<p>I gave each of them a piece of paper and a pencil.</p> + +<p>“I shall take into consideration the fact that the +new arrangement renders the old boats of less value +than they are in the railroad line,” said the major, +as he wrote his valuation on the paper, and handed +it to me.</p> + +<p>Colonel Wimpleton made his figures, and gave +me his paper. One was eight thousand,—the major’s,—the +other twelve thousand. Half the difference +between them, added to the smaller, or taken +from the greater, gave the agreed price.</p> + +<p>“Just the amount I was authorized to offer,” said +I, exhibiting the two papers.</p> + +<p>“I am satisfied,” replied the colonel.</p> + +<p>“So am I,” added the major.</p> + +<p>“The question is settled, then,” I continued.</p> + +<p>“Wolf, where is Sharp?” asked the major.</p> + +<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_284">[284]</span></p> + +<p>“Probably he went on shore at Ruoara,” I replied.</p> + +<p>“I will clean him out on the first of next month.”</p> + +<p>“Not on my account,” interposed the colonel.</p> + +<p>“I will not permit so great a scoundrel as he is to +occupy a house of mine,” protested the major.</p> + +<p>“His tongue may cause me some annoyance,” added +the colonel, fixing his gaze upon the floor.</p> + +<p>“You may be sure that he will never utter a +word to your disparagement.”</p> + +<p>“I am aware that I have given him cause to⁠—”</p> + +<p>“My dear colonel, we are all human,” interrupted +Major Toppleton. “But, if Sharp says a word +against you, I shall consider it as said against myself. +Give yourself no uneasiness about it. I will take +care of him.”</p> + +<p>“You are very kind and considerate, major. I +wish to tell you what I told Wolf the other night—that +I have determined never to taste intoxicating +drinks in any form again. If there is no wine on +my table to-day,—and there will not be,—you +will understand the reason. It was absolutely necessary +for me to ‘brake up.’”</p> + +<p>Major Toppleton politely changed the topic, which +<span class="pagenum" id="Page_285">[285]</span> +was even more embarrassing to him than to the +colonel. The Ucayga was approaching the wharf +at Centreport, and the two gentlemen came out of +the state-room.</p> + +<p>“Why do you show so much bunting to-day, +Wolf?” asked Colonel Wimpleton, when, for the +first time, he discovered the display of flags.</p> + +<p>“In honor of the great event of the day,” I replied.</p> + +<p>“It is a great event—isn’t it?” he added, with +a smile.</p> + +<p>“The greatest thing that ever happened, sir!”</p> + +<p>The boat was made fast to the wharf, and, as the major +wished to return home at once, the colonel directed +Captain Van Wolter to run the Ucayga over to the +Middleport side, and went over himself. For my +own part, I went on shore, for I was in a hurry to +see Waddie, and give him the astounding news. I +hastened up to the Institute, and called him out.</p> + +<p>“What’s up, Wolf?” asked he, anxiously, as he +met me in the principal’s office. “I hope nothing +has gone wrong with the union.”</p> + +<p>“No; that’s all settled as square as a brick; but +the biggest thing that ever occurred on the Western +<span class="pagenum" id="Page_286">[286]</span> +Continent, since the landing of Columbus, took place +to-day,” I continued in high excitement.</p> + +<p>“What’s that, Wolf?”</p> + +<p>“What do you guess, Waddie?”</p> + +<p>“I can’t guess. Why don’t you tell me?”</p> + +<p>“Your father and Major Toppleton shook hands +to-day, and the war is ended.”</p> + +<p>“No! You don’t mean so!” exclaimed Waddie, +his eyes opening at the news.</p> + +<p>“It’s a fact.”</p> + +<p>“By the great horn spoon!”</p> + +<p>“O, it’s so! Do you see the Ucayga there, making +a landing at Middleport?” I asked, pointing out the +window.</p> + +<p>“I see her.”</p> + +<p>“Your father sent her over to land the major, and +he has gone with him himself.”</p> + +<p>“It’s too good news to be true.”</p> + +<p>I sat down and told him all about it—how they +happened to be on board of the Ucayga, and how +Sharp had brought about the reconciliation. I was +careful, however, not to expose the colonel’s secret +to his son, and there was something wanting to complete +the narrative, which troubled Waddie.</p> + +<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_287">[287]</span></p> + +<p>“Wolf, there is something about that visit to +Grass Springs which I don’t understand,” said he. +“Tell me honestly; was not my father—wasn’t +he⁠—”</p> + +<p>Waddie blushed, and hung his head.</p> + +<p>“I know what you mean, Waddie,” I interposed. +“It is all right now. Your father has not drank a +drop since, and he never will again. Everything +has turned out for the best, and we won’t say a word +about what is past and gone. Your father has invited +Major Toppleton and all his family to dine +with him at six o’clock to-day.”</p> + +<p>“By the great horn spoon, we must turn out the +regiment this afternoon, and escort the major up to +the house,” said Waddie. “Where is Tommy Toppleton?”</p> + +<p>“At home, I suppose.”</p> + +<p>“I must see him. Our battalion shall turn out, +at any rate. We’ll have a time over this.”</p> + +<p>Waddie was as enthusiastic as I supposed he would +be. I left him, and went on board of the Ucayga on +her arrival from the other side. I worked for an +hour on the programme for the new line, which had +<span class="pagenum" id="Page_288">[288]</span> +now become a fixed fact, and then went over to Middleport +to dinner. My father was at home, and the +good news had preceded me, though I had to answer +a great many questions.</p> + +<p>“When does the new arrangement go into effect, +Wolf?” asked my father.</p> + +<p>“Next Monday, I think, if we can get the bills +out in season.”</p> + +<p>“The Ucayga will not go down the lake then.”</p> + +<p>“No, sir. She will make two trips each way between +Hitaca and Middleport.”</p> + +<p>“We shall have to hurry up, I suppose.”</p> + +<p>“No, not much. The boat will have to land at +Hitaca, and return without any delay. At this end +of the route she will wait two hours between trips.”</p> + +<p>“Do you mean to leave me in Hitaca over night?”</p> + +<p>“No, sir; Christy will run the boat down in the +morning, and return in her at night; you will leave +Middleport at eleven, and be back again at three. +You will be on duty from ten till four.”</p> + +<p>“That will not make a very hard day’s work,” +laughed my father. “What are you going to do, +Wolf? Van Wolter is to command the boat.”</p> + +<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_289">[289]</span></p> + +<p>“I am to go and come, and draw my salary of fifteen +hundred a year.”</p> + +<p>“Fifteen hundred!” exclaimed my father.</p> + +<p>“Fifteen hundred dollars, Wolf!” repeated my +mother.</p> + +<p>“My total income will be about twenty-two hundred +dollars a year,” I added, as seriously as I could +speak.</p> + +<p>“Where is the rest of it to come from?” asked +my father.</p> + +<p>“From the income of my property.”</p> + +<p>“What property?”</p> + +<p>“I declare I believe I have forgotten to mention +that I am worth ten thousand dollars, besides what +I have saved up from my salary. But it is true. I +have the amount in bonds, which pay seven per cent.”</p> + +<p>“You don’t mean so, Wolf,” said my father.</p> + +<p>“I would show them to you, but I deposited them +in the vault of the Centreport bank for safe keeping.”</p> + +<p>“Where did you get so much money, Wolf?”</p> + +<p>As Colonel Wimpleton allowed me to inform my +parents, I told them the whole story about the check, +and our trip to Hitaca.</p> + +<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_290">[290]</span></p> + +<p>“Well, Wolf, you are a richer man than I am; +but I suppose you will help me out when I am +short.”</p> + +<p>“O, certainly! Can I do anything for you now?”</p> + +<p>“No; I’m doing very well myself, Wolf. This +place is paid for, and I have something laid up for +a rainy day.”</p> + +<p>“There’s somebody at the front door,” said my +mother, as the door bell rang.</p> + +<p>To my surprise Major Toppleton followed my sister, +who had opened the door, into the kitchen, +where we were at dinner.</p> + +<p>“Wolf, here is a package for you,” said the magnate, +dropping it on the table, as I was rising to +show him proper respect.</p> + +<p>“What is it, sir?” I inquired, picking up the parcel, +which had a marvellous resemblance to the one +the other magnate had presented to me.</p> + +<p>“It contains ten thousand dollars in seven per +cent. bonds.”</p> + +<p>“Really, sir, I don’t⁠—”</p> + +<p>“Yes, you do,” laughed the major. “You are in +a hurry; so am I, and we will make a short story +<span class="pagenum" id="Page_291">[291]</span> +of it. My friend Colonel Wimpleton”—the major’s +eyes twinkled—“told me what he had done for +you in this way. My conscience would not let me +do less than he has done. I am determined to be +even with him. Good morning, Wolf!”</p> + +<p>He turned on his heel, and fled from the house +as though an enemy were after him. My father +laughed, my mother cried, and I endeavored to keep +cool. But it was time to return to the steamer, +and we hastened to our duties.</p> + + +<hr class="chap x-ebookmaker-drop"> +<div class="chapter"> + +<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_292">[292]</span></p> + + + <h2 class="nobreak" id="CHAPTER_XXVI"> + CHAPTER XXVI. + <br> + <span class='chap-title'>IN HONOR OF THE RECONCILIATION.</span> + </h2> +</div> + + +<p class='drop-cap'><span class='allcap'>There</span> was evidently a conspiracy to make a +rich man of me; and, if there had been any +more magnates in the vicinity, I should certainly +have expected a contribution from all of them. Vast +as were the sums bestowed upon me, a poor boy, +these were really but drops in the bucket to the +<i>millionnaires</i> who gave them. I could find no excuse +for the liberality of Major Toppleton, but I +concluded not to quarrel with my destiny. The +magnate of Middleport was certainly in condition +to do business when he made the gift, and I was +not willing to hurt his feelings by declining the +princely present.</p> + +<p>On the trip down to Ucayga I completed the +programme for the new line. The trip from one +end of the lake to the other was to be run in less +<span class="pagenum" id="Page_293">[293]</span> +than three hours, with time enough to spare to +make up for a ten minutes’ detention in both steamer +and the railroad. The Ucayga was to leave Hitaca +at seven in the morning, which was quite a reasonable +hour. Connecting with the train at Middleport +at nine, passengers were to reach Ucayga in ample +time for the trains. On the return of the cars at +eleven, the boat was to leave Middleport for Hitaca, +and come back immediately, leaving Middleport +for the last trip up the lake at five, and arriving +at seven. The ferries were to convey passengers +across the lake from Ruoara and Centreport. +I was abundantly pleased with the programme, and +was sure it would give satisfaction to all parties.</p> + +<p>On the arrival of the boat at Ucayga, I was +rather surprised to see a couple of brass field-pieces +on the wharf, ready to be rolled on board. The +appearance of Tommy Toppleton explained the meaning +of them, though they were to be allowed to +speak for themselves in the course of the day. Tommy, +who was in full uniform as the colonel of the +regiment, came up to me, on the hurricane deck. +He was as lively and cheerful as the occasion required. +<span class="pagenum" id="Page_294">[294]</span> +He had seen Waddie, and the regiment +was to form at Centreport in season for the festivities. +He had procured the services of a detachment +of the Ucayga Artillery to fire the salutes, which +Waddie had suggested.</p> + +<p>“We are going to make a big time of it,” said +Tommy, with enthusiasm. “We have engaged the +band here, besides the one that belongs to the regiment— +There they come. Waddie is going to have +a grand collation in the grove near his father’s house. +If we don’t wake things up, it will be because we +haven’t spunk enough to do it.”</p> + +<p>“It’s a big thing, Tommy,” I mildly suggested.</p> + +<p>“That’s so, Wolf; and more than anybody else, +you have brought it about.”</p> + +<p>“Well, we have all been peacemakers,” I modestly +added.</p> + +<p>“I never expected to see the day when my father +and Colonel Wimpleton would shake hands and dine +together. We will let off a hundred guns at six +o’clock, when the two families sit down to supper,” +added Tommy. “By the way, Wolf, this is a splendid +thing for me.”</p> + +<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_295">[295]</span></p> + +<p>“It is for all of us.”</p> + +<p>“Well, I mean for me in particular,” replied he, +significantly.</p> + +<p>“Why?”</p> + +<p>“You needn’t try to be dull, Wolf. Wasn’t Colonel +Wimpleton after me with a sharp stick the day +we went down to Grass Springs?”</p> + +<p>“O, you mean Miss Minnie?”</p> + +<p>“To be sure I do—you are not stupid. I think +Minnie is the prettiest girl in the state, and if I +ever marry anybody, she will be my wife—that is, +if she consents;” and Tommy’s under jaw dropped +a little, as though he realized that he had been talking +too fast.</p> + +<p>I told him I would guarantee her consent for one +and a half per cent. of two and sixpence, whereat +his face livened up again. I asked him into the state-room +to examine the programme of the new line. +He indorsed it on the part of the Railroad Company.</p> + +<p>As the boat approached Centreport we saw that +there was an unusual stir on the wharf. The battalion +from Middleport was landing, and the other was +<span class="pagenum" id="Page_296">[296]</span> +drawn up on the shore. Tommy prinked up his +uniform, threw back his shoulders, and looked as +soldierly as possible. His sorrel pony stood waiting +for him, and Waddie was already mounted. As soon +as the steamer touched the wharf I left her, and +hastened to see the preparations for the great occasion.</p> + +<p>“You are to ride in the barouche with the Toppletons, +Wolf,” said Waddie, dashing his fiery steed +up to me as soon as I appeared, so furious that I +trembled for my corns, for these military people are +always very impressive.</p> + +<p>“Thank you, Waddie. I suppose I could walk, on a +pinch.”</p> + +<p>“No pinch about it; you must be escorted up to +the house with our guests.”</p> + +<p>“All right; I surrender,” I replied; when a toot +from a trumpet startled his horse, and again imperilled +my corns.</p> + +<p>Tom Walton was sailing the Toppletons over in +the Belle, which had nearly reached the shore. I +was not posted in regard to the order of exercises, +and I watched the proceedings with interest. The +<span class="pagenum" id="Page_297">[297]</span> +regiment was drawn up in line, with the band at +the head. Colonel Wimpleton’s barouche was at the +end of the wharf, ready to receive the honored +guests. The field officers were all mounted, and +they kept flashing up and down the line, just as +though something would burst if they did not make +haste, and look especially savage. They could not +have been more impressive if they had been engaged +in a great battle upon which the fate of the +nation depended.</p> + +<p>As the Belle drew near the landing stairs, I hastened +to greet the Toppletons. I had never seen +Grace look prettier or more interesting, and the +smile she bestowed upon me was a rapture to me. +I assisted her out of the boat and up the steps to +the carriage. Mrs. Toppleton and Grace occupied +the back seat, while the major and myself sat on +the front seat. Adjutant Briscoe mounted the box, +to see that the driver complied with all the military +forms.</p> + +<p>“Present—arms!” shouted Colonel Tommy Toppleton, +as the carriage started.</p> + +<p>The major and I uncovered, while the ladies waved +<span class="pagenum" id="Page_298">[298]</span> +their handkerchiefs. The band played “Hail to the +Chief,” though who the particular chief was I had +no means of knowing. We passed the line, and the +adjutant in charge of our party directed the driver +to draw up at the side of the road. Half the regiment +then marched by us, and a guard of honor, +composed of twelve sergeants, was stationed on each +side of the barouche.</p> + +<p>“Forward—march!” shouted Colonel Tommy +Toppleton.</p> + +<p>“Drive on,” added Briscoe; and the procession +moved off.</p> + +<p>Somewhat to the annoyance, perhaps, of the major +and his lady, the line of march was through the +principal streets of Centreport, and of course the +sensation was tremendous. But, as the young peacemakers +desired to make this display, no objection +was offered by the guests, and in the carriage we +voted that we were first-class lions. The procession +entered the grounds of Colonel Wimpleton, and when +the carriage stopped at the door of the mansion, the +magnate and his lady appeared to welcome their +guests. It was the first time the wives of the two +<span class="pagenum" id="Page_299">[299]</span> +magnates had met for many years; and, as they had +not shared in the enmity of their husbands, the occasion +was a joyful one to them. We were ushered +into the drawing-room, and as the clock struck six, +dinner was announced. At this moment, Colonel +Tommy Toppleton and Lieutenant Colonel Waddie +Wimpleton entered the room.</p> + +<p>“Bang! bang!” spoke the guns which had been +stationed in the grove, with a concussion that shook +the windows of the house, and was rather trying to +the nerves of the ladies.</p> + +<p>At the same time the Ucayga band struck up +“Met again,” a familiar Sunday school air, known to +everybody in that vicinity. Colonel Wimpleton gave +his arm to Mrs. Toppleton, and Major Toppleton escorted +Mrs. Wimpleton to the dinner table. Tommy +took Miss Minnie, and I offered my arm to Miss +Grace. Waddie, who seemed to be out in the cold, +conducted one of his younger sisters, while the clergyman +who had been invited led the other. When +the party were seated, the minister said grace, in +which he briefly alluded to the reconciliation, while +the booming guns and the melodious strains still +celebrated the happy event.</p> + +<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_300">[300]</span></p> + +<p>The dinner was a splendid affair, and, for one, I +did full justice to it, for I have a weakness for good +dinners, especially when they are given in honor of +great events. The conversation soon became general, +and the best feeling in the world prevailed. +We talked of the events of the past, as well as +of the present, and the reconciliation was perfect. +I need not attempt to tell how much I enjoyed the +society of Grace, who sat at my side.</p> + +<p>After dinner, the party walked out into the grove, +where the gallant soldiers of the regiment were +banqueting in honor of the occasion. Grace leaned +on my arm, and we had a delightful chat. When +she called me Mr. Wolf, I asked her to omit the +“Mr.,” which she was kind enough to do.</p> + +<p>“I suppose you know, Wolf, that you have done +more than any one else to bring about this happy +event,” said she.</p> + +<p>“I know that I have had it in my mind for several +years. Your father wanted to continue the +railroad to Hitaca, or build a new steamer; but I +always advised him to do neither. I have tried to +prevent quarrels; but, Grace, I think you have been +<span class="pagenum" id="Page_301">[301]</span> +the inspiration, in part at least, of my conduct. If +you only approve it, I am happy.”</p> + +<p>“I do approve it, with all my heart,” she replied, +blushing.</p> + +<p>I had not the courage to utter all that I felt, but +I was sure that she had a very kind regard for me.</p> + +<p>At eight o’clock the regiment again formed in +line, and we were escorted down to the wharf, where +we embarked in the Belle for Centreport. Major +Toppleton had invited the Wimpletons to dine with +him the next day, and the invitation had been accepted. +I was not neglected.</p> + +<p>With this happy occasion my story ought to close. +The peace which was made that day was a lasting +one, though, as is always the case even among the +dearest friends, it was sometimes necessary for them +to “<span class="allsmcap">BEAR AND FORBEAR</span>.” The two families dined +together, the next day, at the major’s, and the same +programme was repeated, even to the parade of the +regiment, the music, and the guns, that the Middleporters +might make no possible mistake in regard +to the reconciliation.</p> + +<p>Handbills, announcing the new arrangement of the +<span class="pagenum" id="Page_302">[302]</span>“Union Line,” as I called it, were immediately issued, +and on the following Monday all the Wimpletons +and all the Toppletons went over the new route. +We went Through by Daylight; the Lightning Express +was On Time, and we did not find it necessary +to Switch Off or Brake Up, in the moral sense, +though both were done on the Lake Shore Railroad. +The travelling public were pleased with the new arrangement, +and even those who had to cross the +lake in the ferries did not growl, for they were +amply compensated for the extra trouble by the +better time.</p> + +<p>We heard nothing more of Nick Van Wolter for +two months, though he turned up at the end of +that time. I had a long talk with his father about +him, and he acknowledged to me that the young +man’s mother was too ambitious in regard to him. +Certainly her husband had proved to her that a +faithful discharge of his duty in his own humble +sphere was the safer course.</p> + +<p>Colonel Wimpleton was true to his noble resolution. +He drank no more; and the change in his morals +was as great as in his manners. While his nature +<span class="pagenum" id="Page_303">[303]</span> +was the same, it was not depraved by intemperance, +and he was a different man, though he was not always +gentle and courteous.</p> + +<p>When you find yourself indulging as he did in a +bad habit, when you find your course of life is +wrong in any respect, do as he did—“<span class="smcap">Brake up</span>.”</p> + + +<hr class="chap x-ebookmaker-drop"> +<div class="chapter"> +<div class='transnote'> + <h2 class="nobreak" id="Transcribers_Notes"> + Transcriber’s Notes + </h2> + + +<ul> +<li>Illustrations relocated close to related content.</li> + +<li>Page number references in illustration captions removed.</li> + +<li>Obvious typographic errors silently corrected.</li> +</ul> +</div></div> +<div style='text-align:center'>*** END OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK 77372 ***</div> +</body> +</html> diff --git a/77372-h/images/cover.jpg b/77372-h/images/cover.jpg Binary files differnew file mode 100644 index 0000000..c98215d --- /dev/null +++ b/77372-h/images/cover.jpg diff --git a/77372-h/images/i_001.jpg b/77372-h/images/i_001.jpg Binary files differnew file mode 100644 index 0000000..e3521c6 --- /dev/null +++ b/77372-h/images/i_001.jpg diff --git a/77372-h/images/i_f001.jpg b/77372-h/images/i_f001.jpg Binary files differnew file mode 100644 index 0000000..47c2480 --- /dev/null +++ b/77372-h/images/i_f001.jpg diff --git a/77372-h/images/i_p051.jpg b/77372-h/images/i_p051.jpg Binary files differnew file mode 100644 index 0000000..eea1a2f --- /dev/null +++ b/77372-h/images/i_p051.jpg diff --git a/77372-h/images/i_p079.jpg b/77372-h/images/i_p079.jpg Binary files differnew file mode 100644 index 0000000..f7f5fd9 --- /dev/null +++ b/77372-h/images/i_p079.jpg diff --git a/77372-h/images/i_p138.jpg b/77372-h/images/i_p138.jpg Binary files differnew file mode 100644 index 0000000..dae7483 --- /dev/null +++ b/77372-h/images/i_p138.jpg diff --git a/77372-h/images/i_p183.jpg b/77372-h/images/i_p183.jpg Binary files differnew file mode 100644 index 0000000..ef124a8 --- /dev/null +++ b/77372-h/images/i_p183.jpg diff --git a/77372-h/images/i_p231.jpg b/77372-h/images/i_p231.jpg Binary files differnew file mode 100644 index 0000000..228b84a --- /dev/null +++ b/77372-h/images/i_p231.jpg diff --git a/77372-h/images/i_p275.jpg b/77372-h/images/i_p275.jpg Binary files differnew file mode 100644 index 0000000..972bf43 --- /dev/null +++ b/77372-h/images/i_p275.jpg diff --git a/LICENSE.txt b/LICENSE.txt new file mode 100644 index 0000000..6c72794 --- /dev/null +++ b/LICENSE.txt @@ -0,0 +1,11 @@ +This book, including all associated images, markup, improvements, +metadata, and any other content or labor, has been confirmed to be +in the PUBLIC DOMAIN IN THE UNITED STATES. + +Procedures for determining public domain status are described in +the "Copyright How-To" at https://www.gutenberg.org. + +No investigation has been made concerning possible copyrights in +jurisdictions other than the United States. Anyone seeking to utilize +this eBook outside of the United States should confirm copyright +status under the laws that apply to them. diff --git a/README.md b/README.md new file mode 100644 index 0000000..70477d8 --- /dev/null +++ b/README.md @@ -0,0 +1,2 @@ +Project Gutenberg (https://www.gutenberg.org) public repository for eBook #77372 +(https://www.gutenberg.org/ebooks/77372) |
