“As a matter of fact,” Mr. Prescott replied, “the boat didn’t cost Mr. Delavan exactly a fortune. Motor boats are like automobiles, pianos and a lot of other things. After you’ve used them a while, if you want to sell, you’ve got to be satisfied with a fraction of the original price. Delavan secured this boat for three thousand dollars. As to its being right for you to accept, I tried to decide that for you. I believe you have a right to such a reward. Without your daring services Mr. Delavan would have been despoiled of his whole fortune.”
It was some time before the two young owners of the “Soudan” got over feeling utterly dazed. It was a much longer time before they outlived the feeling of exultation that this fine piece of property caused them.
“I have the deed to the boat for you, boys,” wound up Mr. Prescott, displaying a paper. “I’ll file it away for you until it’s needed. Now, take as good care of your own boat as you have of the boats of other people.”
Hank Butts, while they were talking, passed them on the run, the cabin bell having rung. Soon after Mr. Prescott left Tom and Joe, Hank came out of the cabin, his face a study in amazement.
“I—I have heard about your great luck fellows,” said Hank, eagerly. “So this fine boat is yours? Oh, I congratulate you.”
“Joe and I have just been talking it over,” replied Halstead. “You have had as much to do with this cruise, Hank, as we have had, and it seems to us you should have a third of the boat. So we’re going to ask Mr. Delavan——”
“Ask him nothing,” advised Hank, promptly. “Mr. Delavan was talking with me yesterday, though I didn’t know what he was up to. You see, my father is getting old, and my mother isn’t always well. I’m the only boy left at home, so I’ve got to be near them every little while. Mr. Delavan has given me more than I ever thought I’d own. That is, I’m to have it in a day or two, as soon as Mr. Delavan gets time to go around with me and look things over.”
“Then you haven’t been forgotten, or overlooked?” queried Halstead. “Oh, but we’re glad of that, old fellow.”
“Now, I don’t get quite such a fine boat as yours,” Hank went on quizzically. “Mine is to be a thirty-foot launch, suited for taking out pleasure parties in and around Shinnecock Bay. But Mr. Delavan is going to buy me a lot on the bay-front, and build a little pier, so I’ll have my own water frontage. Fellows, I’ll be fixed for life!”
“As we are,” throbbed Joe Dawson.