Part 7 (2/2)
”Say, I believe, your brother started this kick-up,” observed the clerk.
”What?” demanded Sam, in pretended astonishment.
”I say, I think he started this kick-up.”
”What kick-up?”
”The one with the bear, of course.”
”Why, my brothers helped to catch the beast.”
”I know that; but one of 'em started it. What do you want?”
”I want to pay our bill. How much is it?”
”Going to leave?”
”Yes.”
”Think you had better, eh?”
”We only hired our room until this noon.” Sam drew himself up.
”If you want your pay you be civil.”
”Yes, but--” The clerk broke off short. ”That will be six dollars, please.”
”All right, there you are,” and Sam shoved the bills over. ”Now don't say we created a muss or I'll report you to the proprietor.”
”Yes, but see here--”
”I've not got my gla.s.ses just now. Good-by, and--”
”That man hasn't got his monkeys yet, and--”
”What's that to you? Are you afraid the proprietor will put one of 'em in here in your place?” And before the clerk could say another word Sam ran off and joined his brothers at the river bank.
Soon the three reached the dock where the _Spray_ lay undergoing repairs. The deaf man was just finis.h.i.+ng his work.
”She'll be about as good as ever,” he said, in reply to d.i.c.k's question. ”She's a fine boat.”
”I guess he says that of every boat that brings him in a job,”
murmured Sam. ”Come on.”
He went aboard and the others followed. Dan Haskett was paid off, the mainsail was hoisted, and once more they stood up the river in the direction of the State capital. It was their intention to spend two days in Albany and then return to New York with the yacht. This would wind up their vacation, for Putnam Hall was to open on the following Monday.
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