While we were going through the passage, the Lightning Express dashed along the other side of the lake; and I was satisfied, from its increased speed and punctuality, that Lewis Holgate had been superseded. The locomotive was evidently under the charge of a skilful hand. But the spirited competition of Saturday, which I had anticipated would continue for a few days, seemed to be at an end. The Ucayga was on time, and so was the train. The passengers from the latter came over on the ferry, and as they landed, I saw Major Toppleton and Tommy. A great crowd of people had come down on the Lightning Express, the larger part of whom were through travelers.
To my surprise, my late patrons walked towards the boat. Both of them looked extremely pleasant, as well they might, after the large freight they brought down, at two dollars a head, from Hitaca. They saw me, as I stood on the hurricane-deck, overlooking the landing of our merchandise.
“Good morning, Wolf,” said the senior major. “I hope you are very well this morning.”
“Quite well, I thank you, sir,” I replied, as cheerfully as I could.
Both majors laughed; they could not help it after the victory they had won; and I tried to laugh with them, but it was rather hard work. The father and son came on board, and presently joined me on the upper deck.
“This is a magnificent boat, Wolf,” said the great man.
“Yes, sir, she is a very fine boat,” I replied.
“I had no idea she was so well fitted up. You did not have many passengers down—did you, Wolf?”
“Not so many as we desired, sir.”
“I suppose you remember what I said Saturday night?” chuckled the major.