Part 9 (1/2)
”You must mind the boat; you must stop talking, if you can't do your duty without.”
John promised to be more careful, and Paul had no further occasion to complain of his inattention. The younger fisherman was a good boy, but he had not yet been trained to that steadiness of purpose which is necessary to success. He was only ten years old, and it was not to be expected that he should fully appreciate the earnestness of his brother's purpose, though he was beginning to realize that close attention was necessary in order to accomplish great deeds. He was fond of trying experiments, just for the fun of the thing; and when he had been permitted to take the helm on other occasions, he wanted to do something besides keep her in a direct course--to see how close she would lie to the wind without letting the sail shake, to run down a floating ma.s.s of seaweed, or chase a stick of wood; but on this trip, he was guilty of no greater indiscretion than carelessness.
Long before the boat reached Bayville, Paul had skinned and strung the fish; and their appearance on the line was creditable to his skill.
Leaving John to secure the boat, he took the fish and hastened up to the house of Captain Littleton. He found that gentleman in his garden with his guests.
”Well, Paul, what luck?” asked he, as the young fisherman came in sight.
”First-rate, sir.”
”How many have you got?”
”Six dozen.”
”Just the number I want. Carry them into the kitchen, Paul. I declare, you have dressed them very nicely.”
”I tried to have them right, sir, and I am glad they suit you,” replied Paul, modestly, as he walked towards the rear of the house.
”Stop, Paul; what have you got there?” said Captain Littleton.
”Tautog, sir; and if you will permit me, I will leave them in the kitchen with the perch.”
”You are a lucky fisherman Paul; those are handsome fish, and if you will leave them, I will make it all right when you come out. That is a luxury I did not expect.”
Paul was delighted by the commendation of his friend, and the splendid scheme of his future operations increased in importance with every word that was uttered. With a light heart he ran into the kitchen with his stock, and then returned to Captain Littleton.
”Here is two dollars, Paul,” said he, handing him a bill.
”That is too much, sir,” stammered Paul, overwhelmed at the idea of having made two dollars in one day.
”It is right, my boy; take it. You mustn't be bashful if you are going to fight your way through the world.”
”You are very kind, sir, but this is more than the fish come to,”
answered Paul, taking the bill.
”No, it isn't; the perch come to a dollar and twenty cents, the tautog to seventy-five, which make a dollar and ninety-five cents. So we will call it square, and I am very much obliged to you besides.”
”I didn't mean to charge you any thing for the tautog, sir.”
”Look here, Paul; when you get rich I will accept your gifts; but now, my boy, I will take the will for the deed, and I feel just as grateful to you as though you had presented me a service of plate. You have done well, and I am glad of it.”
”Thank you, sir; I am very much obliged to you for this, and for all you have done for my mother,” replied Paul, as he put the bank bill in his pocket.
”By the way, how about that place in the lawyer's office, Paul?” said Captain Littleton, as the young fisherman turned to go home.
”If you please, sir, I had rather not take the place.”
”You are going to do better, then?”