“That Tom Speers, who is worth three millions of dollars now, would weigh down the whole of the money in gold,” continued the Prince; and he proceeded to tell the story of Tom’s noble conduct in saving the life of Miss Rodwood.
“I hope the money that comes to him will not spoil him. He had been brought up in poverty; and the change may turn his head,” added the principal.
“Not a bit of it!” exclaimed Mr. Frisbone. “Tom’s head is not one of the sort to be turned by money, or any thing else. He will do more good with that fortune than his uncle ever did; and I thank God it has fallen into good hands.”
“Let us hope so.”
“And believe so; for I know the young man through and through.”
“This is a fine steamer you have, Mr. Frisbone,” added the principal, looking about the cabin.
“It is a fine steamer you have, Mr. Lowington,” yelled the Prince, in his loudest tone. “She belongs to you, every timber and bolt in her! she was saved by your boys, or she would have gone to the bottom. More than this, I have a considerable sum of money from the salvage of the Castle William, which I shall pay over to you, deducting the expenses I have incurred in fitting up the ship, coaling and provisioning her.”
The Prince produced his accounts, and insisted upon paying over his balance in sovereigns to the principal; who received it under protest.
“What shall I do with the steamer?” asked Mr. Lowington.
“Use her instead of them two topsail schooners!” screamed the Prince, as he always did when he had a bright idea.