"That's just the way the thing stands, pap," continued Dan, who looked upon his sire's exhibition of bewilderment and anger as a highly edifying spectacle. "If you think I am trying to make a fool of you, look out the winder."
Silas looked, and a single glance was enough to satisfy him that there was something unusual going on outside the cabin.
There were at least a score of men gathered about the flat, and among them Silas saw the town commissioner of highways. He could easily pick out the surveyor and his party, for the former held a tripod in his hand, and a queer-looking brass instrument under his arm, while one of his men carried a chain and the rest had axes on their shoulders.
A few steps away from this party, and apparently not in the least interested in what they were saying or doing, were Mr. Warren and Joe Morgan, who were talking earnestly about something.
Mr. Warren was the richest man in the country for miles around. He owned the hotel and most of the cottages at the beach; but he was seldom seen there, because he said he could find more rest and recreation in the woods, with his dog and gun for companions, than he could at a fashionable watering-place.
The cabin which the Morgans occupied, rent free, belonged to him, and so did the ground on which it stood; and it was owing to his influence that Silas had been permitted to establish his ferry.
But still Silas hated him, as he hated every one who was better off in the world than he was.
A little distance farther away stood a solitary individual, who, if the expression of his countenance could be taken as an index to his feelings, was mad enough to do something desperate.
He took the deepest interest in all that was going on before him, and indeed he had good reason for it. His livelihood depended upon what the commissioner and his jury of twelve disinterested freeholders might decide to do. A bridge at that particular place would ruin his occupation as effectually as it would break up the business of ferrying.
"That's Hobson," said Silas, looking around for his hat. "I don't wonder that he's mad. What do they want to put a bridge across here for, anyway? Ain't there a good ferry right in front of the door, and can't we take care of them that wants to go back and forth?"