This, in addition to previous losses, so far crippled Mr. Courtney that he was compelled materially to change his way of living, and Phil had to come down in the social scale, much to his mortification.
But the star of the young boatman was in the ascendant.
On his return to Pine Point he found Mr. Jackson, the New York broker, about to leave the hotel for a return to the city. He congratulated Grit on his success as an amateur detective, and then asked:
"What are your plans, Grit? Probably you won't care to remain a boatman?"
"No, sir; I have decided to give up that business, at any rate."
"Have you anything in view?"
"I thought I might get a situation of some kind in Boston. The prize-money will keep us going till I can earn a good salary."
"Will your mother move from Pine Point?"
"Yes, sir; she would be lonely here without me."
"I have an amendment to offer to your plans, Grit."