Part 42 (1/2)
”He seems to be a very fine little fellow,” added George.
”That he is; why, only last Fourth of July he gave mother all the money he had saved for the occasion, instead of spending it. What do you say to that?”
”That was n.o.ble. My poor mother! Was she indeed reduced to such extremity as that?”
”She didn't want it; but he would give it to her, and she bought new dresses for herself and Mary with it.”
”It was very generous, and he shall lose nothing by it.”
”Charley Hardy did the same, and both of them stayed at home on the Fourth.”
”They shall be rewarded. But the new boat, Tony?”
”I don't think we need another.”
”If you had another, you could race a little, and manoeuvre together.”
”That would be nice, wouldn't it?”
”I will speak with Captain Sedley about it. Here comes the boat,” added George Weston.
”We have come to row you up to my father's,” said the c.o.xswain.
”Thank you, Frank,” replied George. ”We shall be very happy to accompany you.”
Mrs. Weston and Mary were all ready, and the party seated themselves in the stern-sheets of the Zephyr. On their way down the lake, the scheme of having another club-boat was discussed and fully matured.
”What will you call her, Tony?” asked Charles.
”I don't know,” said Tony, musing. ”What do you think of the b.u.t.terfly?”
”Capital!” exclaimed George.
The matter was all arranged; and the party soon reached the boat-house, and spent a pleasant evening in the hospitable mansion of Captain Sedley.
CHAPTER XXI
THE CONCLUSION
The first two weeks of the organization of the boat club pa.s.sed away, and the members were a.s.sembled in Zephyr Hall to elect a c.o.xswain.
According to the const.i.tution, Frank's term of office had expired.
”Whom do you intend to vote for, Fred?” asked Charles Hardy, who appeared to be very anxious about the election.
”I don't know; I haven't decided yet,” replied Fred Harper. ”You know what Captain Sedley said the other day about it.”
”Yes; but if I have got to vote, I want to get my mind made up. I don't see what harm there can be in talking about it a little.”