Part 5 (1/2)
”We can all call if you feel that way about it,” answered our hero ”I rather think some of you were seneral laugh
It was some time before the last of the rowboats returned to the steaht a report to Captain Bradley and Mr
Lawrence, to which the boys listened with interest The ht on board the steaarette throay by one of theman named Ward Porton, but that this could not be proved The mate stated that the captain of the steam yacht was quite upset over the occurrence, as he considered that the fire was due to carelessness, and nothing else He had told theti-picture co all sorts of stunts on the shi+p, and taking pictures of 'em,” went on the ood people, but the rest of the bunch act like wild Indians”
”Ward Porton!” exclai felloe hauled out of the water!”
”That's right,” returned Phil ”Maybe he got scared when he found out that his cigarette had started the fire and that was one reason why he jumped overboard”
”I didn't like the manner of that fellow at all,” was Shadow's comment
”He looked like a pretty loose sort of a character”
”Well, I don't know I thought he looked like----” began Ben, and then stopped suddenly, in some confusion
”Looked like what, Ben?” asked Dave, curiously
”Oh, it doesn't matter, Dave,” answered his Crumville chum ”Just the sao”
”But what did you think he looked like, Ben?” put in Phil ”Come, what are you so mysterious about?”
”Oh, it doesn't matter, I tell you,” answered Ben, and now lookedto hide some deep and dark mystery,” put in Shadow ”Come now, little boy, unlimber your ot to know, I'll tell you I was thinking that in so like Dave”
”Say, that's right!” burst out Phil, and then added quickly to our hero: ”No offense, old ood-looking”
”Yes, there was soh to count; so Dave needn't worry”
”I guess Mr Ward Porton has a perfect right to his looks,” remarked Dave calmly ”And if he and I resemble each other, that is nobody's fault I don't suppose I'll ever see that fellow again” But in this surmise our hero was very reat deal of Ward Porton
It was not long after this when the _Eaglet_ resumed her run for Portland As the other vessel was headed in the opposite direction, they soon passed out of sight of the craft Then Portland Light ca the numerous islands of Casoby
”This would be a dandy place to pass the rest of the suer's co the beautiful scene as it was unfolded before the it in all directions made the spot one of unsurpassed beauty
”Froer, I think we'll find the vicinity of Mirror Lake just as beautiful as this,” answered Dave ”I have never been there, but they tell ht to have a good time, scenery or no scenery,”
answered the senator's son, ”with such a fine bunch of people as are going”
”Right you are!” broke in Phil ”We ought to have the best tied by Mr Lawrence that they should stop for three days at Portland, the owner of the stea that time the boys continued to sleep on board, but spent the days in visiting Old Orchard Beach, Cape Elizabeth, Peak's Island, Orr's Island, and various other nearby resorts
”It certainly is a great place,” re of the second day ”I think a fellow could spend his whole summer here, and have a dandy time”
It had been a question whether they would stop at Boston on the return trip, but at the last o direct to New York City, as he had been infor there for the steamer
”That cuts Dave out of his visit to Miss Ford,” reer, after this announcement was made
”I think it cuts you out just as er,” returned our hero, with a smile ”I think, behind it all, you would like first-rate to call on her”