"Sixty dollars!" ejaculated Grit, with a thrill of pleasure. "I never was so rich in all my life."
He felt that the sum was too large for him to accept, and he was half tempted to run after Mr. Jackson and say so. But quick reflection satisfied him that the generous New Yorker wished him to retain it, and, modest though he was, he was conscious that in saving the little boy's life he had placed his passenger under an obligation which a much larger sum would not have overpaid. Besides, he saw two new passengers walking toward his boat, who doubtless wished to be ferried across the river. They were Phil Courtney and Marion Clarke.
"We are just in time, Mr. Grit," said the young lady, smiling.
"Yes, my good fellow," said Phil condescendingly, "we will employ you again."
"You are very kind," answered Grit, with a smile of amusement.
"I like to encourage you," continued Phil, who was not very quick to interpret the looks of others.
Grit looked at Marion, and noticed that she, too, looked amused.
"Have you had any passengers since we came over?" asked Phil, in a patronizing tone.
He was quite ready to employ his old schoolmate, provided he would show proper gratitude, and be suitably impressed by his condescension.
"I have been across several times," answered Grit briefly.