Among all of Frank’s friends, Diamond was the only one for whom Hodge entertained real feelings of jealousy. He could not help being jealous of the Virginian; but, profiting by Merry’s example and teachings, he tried to crush the feeling out of his heart and be just with the Southerner.
In the cool shadows of a perfect summer evening they reached Newport, which is a summer resort at the present time, although it was originally a camp-meeting ground. Located at one of the most beautiful spots around Penobscot Bay, it was but natural that Northport should become something more than a place where a religious sect met to worship one week every year. From a small beginning it had grown to a village of handsome summer cottages and a first-class hotel, which are occupied all through the warm summer months, and is literally overflowing with visitors the last of August. Beyond the limits of the “camp ground” on the “South Shore” are various places of amusement, such as bowling alleys, billiard rooms and a dance hall, where dances are held at regular intervals through the season and every afternoon and evening during “camp-meeting week.” There is also a hotel on the South Shore and a host of cottages, owned by persons who do not care to be restricted at any season by the rules of the camp ground.
Northport is a place of gayety at the height of the season, and of the crowds that swarm there camp-meeting week, not one out of ten goes to attend the meeting.
Two miles to the south of Northport, at Temple Heights, is a spiritualist camp ground that is rapidly becoming a popular resort.
The Boston boat touches at Northport during the “season,” and a stage line connects with the railroad at Belfast, so the resort is easily accessible.
Many business men of Belfast own cottages at Northport and spend the hot summer months there, riding to and from the city, mornings and nights, on bicycles or the small steamer that makes several trips a day.
The cycling party from Belfast came down the curving road toward the Northport House, their bells ringing merrily. They made a pretty show in the dim evening light, even though they had not lighted their lanterns.
The girls went straight to a Belfast cottage, while the boys took their wheels to the Northport House, where they were cared for by attendants.
Diamond strolled away by himself. Merriwell went out upon the broad veranda of the hotel and looked away over the bay, where the moon was just rising.
On the green in front of the hotel some wandering musicians were playing “Kathleen Mavourneen,” and a hundred people were listening on the benches and the grass.