Edward started. He recognized the voice of Uncle Peter.
“Is that you, Uncle Peter?” he called. “What is it?”
“You’s needed at home, Marse Edward.”
“All right. Pull over to the boat landing. I’ll meet you there. Will you take back the Firefly for me to-night?” he asked Edward Paxton.
“I’ll be glad to,” replied the other.
“You may expect me to-morrow morning,” added Edward l’Estrange in a low voice. “I’ll probably need that hundred dollars more than ever now. Before I go will you promise to take my place in every way until I come back?”
“I promise,” said the English boy.
He had not noticed that Clarence, seeing a chance to escape, had now advanced within hearing distance.
“And tell your blackguard cousin,” continued Edward l’Estrange, “that the apology is only postponed.”
“Edward,” said Billie, running after him as he hastened to the boat-house, “if you want to use the Comet to-night to get home in, you’re welcome to it.”