"Yes, Lawry; there was no one else to go, unless I called you, and I couldn't bear to take you away from your work. I've been over in the ferry times enough to know how to manage the boat."
"Ben said he would take care of the ferry."
"He doesn't always do as he promises," said Mrs. Wilford sadly.
Lawry thought it was very kind of his mother to run the ferry-boat, rather than disturb him at his work; but he did not like to have her do such labor. When he went out after supper, he found the wind was still quite fresh, and he was afraid that some accident might happen to the steamer in the night. If the casks got loose, she would sink again. While he and Ethan were talking about it, Ben Wilford returned home; and it was evident from his looks and actions that he had been drinking too much.
CHAPTER XI
ME. SHERWOOD AND PARTY
"Well, Lawry, I don't see the steamer at the ferry-landing," said Ben Wilford. "You know, you promised to have her up here to-night; but I knew you wouldn't."
"We thought we wouldn't bring her up to-night," replied Lawry coldly.
"I knew you wouldn't, my boy. You didn't keep your promise."
"And you didn't keep yours."