“No, I don’t repeat my offer,” said Mr. Smith hastily. “But I suppose I must pay my debt to our friend here. You come around to-morrow morning, Sonny,” he said to Tom, “and get your candy. I’ll send to the city for it by Captain Sackett.”
“Smart boy, isn’t he?” said one lady to another, as Tom went away. “He has such an honest face.”
Tom heard her words, and his ears turned red. But as he rowed home he thought triumphantly, “How good that candy will be!” and he smacked his lips.
CHAPTER X
THE OUTLAW
YES, it was fine candy! Tom thought he had never tasted anything half so good, as he took the first nibble. For Mr. Smith kept his promise, and the candy came safely in Captain Sackett’s care. Five pounds in a beautiful pink box tied with gold string!
Tom was eager to share it with his brothers and sisters and with the other pirates; for he was a generous boy.
“I’ll give them a surprise!” he said, chuckling to himself as he rowed home from the hotel. He knew where he should find the band, for Mary had said that they were all going that morning to play in the pirate cave. So he did not go straight home, but rowed on around the Point. He beached his boat before any one heard him, and ran up towards the cave, giving a loud war-whoop.
“Hello! where is everybody?” he cried.
The pirates came running from every direction. “Here’s Tom!” cried Mary. “Oh, Tom! Where have you been?”
“Welcome, Slippery Joe,” said the chief. “Have you had an adventure?”