"Pooh! no one will run off with it. Probably your friend will want to be brought on board; we will help to bring him. Meanwhile I will stay here and look after things, and my friend will take you to Massa Bob, as you call him."
Clip saw no objection to this plan. He was too simple-minded to suspect a trick, and being very much attached to his young master he was anxious to be taken to him.
He put on his hat and expressed himself ready to go.
"Very well; Minton, show him the house, and see if the boy is fit to be moved."
Clip did not see the wink that accompanied the last words.
The two started on their journey. Clip, though the smaller, walked so fast that Minton was obliged to quicken his pace. He plied Minton with questions till the latter was tired.
"I can't tell you much about it," said the man, at length. "My friend and I saw young Burton lying by the side of the road. He was groaning with pain. We took him up and carried him to a house close by."
"He won't die?" faltered Clip, in a tone of anxious inquiry.
"Oh, no! He's as safe to live as you or I. A broken leg doesn't amount to much."
"I don' see why he lef' the boat," said Clip, mournfully.