Part 20 (1/2)
”Back of the village, yes. There are no folks stopping in the village itself.”
”No, but that helps to liven up things, of course--buying stuff and mailing letters.”
He paused again.
”Yes, they have to come there for goods, and that makes the stores do very well. And the post office is a lively enough place at mail times.”
”Always is, when there are summer boarders around.” The man laughed lightly. ”Can I help you with the boat?” he went on, changing the subject.
”You can hold the tiller while I hoist the jib,” said Ralph. ”The storm is over, I guess.”
The jib was unfurled and the mainsail let out full, and once again the little craft went bounding on her way.
Ralph did not take to his pa.s.senger's appearance, and said very little during the remainder of the trip. The man also relapsed into silence, as if resolving some scheme in his mind.
Before sundown Westville was reached. At the bridge the man got off, and tossed Ralph a silver dollar. In a moment more he was out of sight.
Little did Ralph imagine under what exciting circ.u.mstances he and Dock Brady were to meet again.
CHAPTER XV.
LOOKING FOR WORK.
Mrs. Nelson was surprised to see Ralph come in almost soaked to the skin from the rain.
”Why, Ralph, why didn't you go under shelter!” she cried.
”Because I couldn't get under,” he laughed, and then he explained that he had been on the lake instead of over to Eastport.
”And I've earned two dollars by the operation,” he added.
”I am thankful you escaped injury by the storm,” she shuddered. ”It must have been fearful out on the water.”
”It was pretty rough, I admit,” he said. ”But it is over now, and no harm done.”
”You had better change your clothes before you sit down to eat.”
”I will,” said Ralph, and went upstairs for that purpose.
When he came down again he found the evening meal on the table, and, being hungry, he ate his full share.
Mother and son spent a quiet evening at home, and retired early. In the morning Ralph was up before sunrise, putting things in order around the house.
By eight o'clock he was on his way to Eastport. As he was crossing the bridge, Dan Pickley stopped him.
”Ain't you got an extra key to the bridge lock?” he asked. ”I want one for myself and one for Andy Wilson, who is going to help me.”
”There is but one key,” returned Ralph. ”I always left that in a safe place in the office, and whoever was here used it.”