“But what can we do?” demanded Waddie, intensely nettled by this movement of the other side.
“We can do nothing, just now. I expected this thing, though not quite so soon.”
“As the matter stands now, we are beaten.”
“Just now we are; but I think we shall not stay beaten long,” I continued good-naturedly. “Your father understands the matter perfectly, and has not lost a moment in preparing for the emergency. When we have the other steamer, we shall be on the top of the wave again.”
“But must we keep quiet until the other boat is completed?”
“Perhaps not, Waddie, though we cannot fully compete with the other side till we have the new boat. I wonder if your father came down in that steamer.”
“I don’t know. I think not. He has not had time to do his business in Hitaca.”
“I have a plan to propose and, when we have time, I will talk it over with you.”
“You always have a plan to propose,” said Waddie, beginning to look more hopeful. “Perhaps I will see you when you return, for I must go to school this morning. I haven’t forgotten what I said on Saturday.”
“I hope not. If I were you, I would not say anything to any one that I had made certain good resolutions. Let them find it out by your actions rather than your promises.”