So he raised his hand to clasp hers in token of her ready sympathy when his fingers closed over something that gave him a sharp jab.
“Ouch—by heck! That pesky pin!”
He held it out and looked hard at the cause of his recent generous offer while every one laughed freely at his predicament.
“Oh, thou false and treacherous woman! Had I back once more the salty tears I shed o’er yon ferns while seeking for this glittering bauble! Moved by your pretended distress we have wasted the golden moments of this glorious day for naught!”
The Islanders laughed again while Aunt Miriam smiled.
“But it was not wasted time nor loss of tears—for both impelled you to act the Good Samaritan,” said his wife.
“Boys, how much do you suppose I’ll have to donate now, to ease off my conscience regarding that launch?” asked Uncle Bill.
Opinions varied. Billy, taking the part of his namesake thought the man deserved little because of his evident carelessness in carrying gasoline in barrels on his launch.
Fred suggested that every one chip in to help, but Fred had a larger allowance than the younger boys, so Paul, Billy and Dudley made no reply to this plan.
Then, as usual, the feminine contingent carried the vote in the interests of charity and Uncle Bill was mulcted a goodly sum.