“I shouldn’t care to go to Coney Island, and I don’t think Darry and Sam will care either,” said Mark.
“Let us all go to Manhattan,” broke in Sam. “I’ve often heard of the fireworks.” He had not the heart to give Hockley too much of a cold shoulder.
So it was arranged, on the way back to the Battery, and then there was nothing to do but ask the lank youth to dine with them.
“We are bound to have Glummy on us, sooner or later,” whispered Mark to Frank, while they were eating. “Perhaps it’s just as well to make the best of it. It will be time enough to turn on him when he does something which is openly offensive.”
When it came time to settle the bill, the lank youth wished to pay for everybody, but the others would not allow this.
“Let everybody pay for himself,” said Darry. “Then there won’t be any trouble.”
“I can pay as well as not,” said Hockley, sourly.
“So can any of us,” returned Mark, dryly; and there the subject dropped.
The trip to Manhattan Beach and the fireworks were very enjoyable, and before the evening came to an end everybody was in a much better humor, although both Mark and Frank felt that they would have enjoyed the trip more had Hockley not been present.
Hockley was stopping at the Astor House, and left them near the entrance to the Brooklyn Bridge. He had wanted them to have a late supper with him, and had even mentioned wine, but all had declined, stating they were tired and wished to go to bed.