“By no means, sir.”
“Do you not understand that Wimpleton’s steamer and the Lake Shore Railroad are running against each other?” demanded my late patron severely.
“I do, sir; but I do not think that a fair business competition means any personal ill-will. If it does, it is entirely a matter between you and Colonel Wimpleton. I am not the owner of the Ucayga, and she will run just the same whether I go in her or not.”
Major Toppleton bit his lips. Perhaps he felt that my point was well taken.
“You ran the steamer this afternoon, and, by your knowledge of the Horse-Shoe Channel, made a quick trip. Those who know say you took the steamer through in fifteen minutes less than her usual time. I hold you responsible, therefore, for this day’s work.”
“Of course I did the best I could for my employers, as I was in the habit of doing when I ran on the railroad.”
“After doing as much as I have for you and your father, I did not expect to see you both arrayed against me.”
“But you discharged us both, sir. What could we do? We could not afford to refuse good offers.”
“If the Evil One should offer you a price, would you sell your soul to him?”
“Decidedly not, sir. It did not happen to be the Evil One who made us the offers, and they were accepted.”