CHAPTER XXIII.
STRANGE PASSENGERS.
Mrs. Nelson was glad to hear that Ralph had procured employment at Glen Arbor. She knew her son understood boats thoroughly, so she was not alarmed over the prospects, even though he had had such a thrilling experience at the time of Dock Brady's rescue.
"It will bring us in money steadily, mother," Ralph said, "and that is what we need."
"I do not know what I would do without you, Ralph," she returned, fondly. "You have been the supporter of the family since your poor father was taken away."
"I've been thinking, mother," went on the son, after a spell of silence. "I have a great mind to use fifteen dollars of that money I have in advertising for those missing property papers."
"Do you think it will do any good?"
"It won't do any harm. I hate to put out the money, but I guess we can stand it now. The boating season will last for two months and more yet."
"Yes, Ralph, and we can save all you earn over six dollars a week. Of course the money is yours——"
"No more mine than my dear mother's," he interrupted. "I think we ought to save what we can."