CHAPTER XII
THE BISHOP ENGAGES THE ATTENTION OF THE GUIDES
When the boat touched the shore Margery ran to the cabin to assure Mrs. Archibald of her safety, if she had been missed.
The bishop was sticking the stake in the hole from which he had pulled it, when Martin came running to him.
“That’s a pretty piece of business!” cried the young man. “If you wanted to go out in the boat, why didn’t you come to me for the key? You’ve got no right to pull up the stakes we’ve driven down. That’s the same thing as stealing the boat. What’s the matter? Did you tumble overboard? You must be a pretty sort of an oarsman! If the ladies want to go out in the boat, I am here to take them. I’d like you to understand that.”
As has been said before, the bishop could smile under almost any circumstances, and he smiled now, but at the same time his brow wrinkled, which was not common when he smiled.
“I am going down to the shore to get my hat and shoes,” he said, “and I would like you to come along with me. I can’t stand here and talk to you.”
“What do you want?” said Martin.
“Come along and see,” said the bishop; “that is, if you are not afraid.”
That was enough, and the young man walked behind him until they reached the spot where the bishop had taken to the water. Then he stopped, and explained to Martin all that had happened.