If Eben had been sensitive, the cool reception which he met with at the hands of Mr. Melville would have disturbed him. As it was, he felt angry and disappointed, and desirous of “coming up with” Herbert, as he expressed it, though it was hard to see in what way the boy had injured him. It did not seem quite clear at present how he was to punish Herbert, but he only waited for an occasion.
When Herbert learned, the next morning, from Mr. Melville, in what manner Eben had tried to undermine him, and deprive him of his situation, he was naturally indignant.
“I didn't think Eben Graham could be so mean,” he exclaimed.
“It was certainly a mean thing to do, Herbert,” said George Melville; “but you can afford to treat young Graham with contempt, as he has been unable to do you any injury.”
“What shall we do this morning, Mr. Melville?” asked Herbert.
“I should like a row on the river,” said Melville. “Do you know of any boat we can have?”
“Walter Ingalls has a boat; I think we can hire that.”
“Do you know him?”
“Yes, sir.”
“Then you may go and ascertain whether we can have it, or I will go with you to avoid loss of time.”