"Yes; I can get a boy who will do it for half a dollar a day, and be glad of the chance. I will engage one."
"Lawry goes to Burlington to-night to take out a party to-morrow."
"To-night?"
"Yes; he must be there by eight in the morning."
Mrs. Wilford thought her son was having a hard time with the steamer; but she knew he would be satisfied as long as he was doing well. Mr. Sherwood, assured that there was nothing at home to detain the young pilot, left the house. Lawry soon after entered; but he had not time to tell his mother the particulars of his first trip on the Woodville. He could remain but a few moments, while the hands were "coaling up," from a cargo of coal deposited on the wharf that day, by the order of Mr. Sherwood.
At nine o'clock everything was ready for the departure. The fireman grumbled at being called upon to work at night; but Lawry promised to get another man to keep watch as soon as he could. It was a long day's work for all hands. When the young captain had gone to the wheel-house to start the boat, Mr. Sherwood rushed down the wharf, and jumped aboard.
"I was afraid I should be too late," said he, as Lawry met him on the main-deck. "I have been all over the village to find you another fireman, and I have succeeded in getting you a first-rate one—an old hand at the business."
"Thank you, sir; you are taking a great deal of trouble for me."
"There's another thing I quite forgot; I didn't pay you for the trip nor the dinners. Here is the money."
"I can't take it, Mr. Sherwood," protested Captain Lawry.