“I know you are; but I did not think you would be willing to take a step so decided as the one I shall propose, without the advice and consent of your father.”
“Let me hear what it is, and then I can tell you whether I will or not.”
“Come to my stateroom, then, and I will show you all the figures. If I mistake not, we can do a big thing, even before the keel of the Hitaca is laid down.”
“I have been thinking a good deal about our affairs to-day, Wolf,” said Waddie, as we went upon the hurricane-deck. “I have tried to feel kindly toward the folks on the other side. It’s hard work, and I’m not up to it yet—by the great horn spoon I’m not!”
“You must not try to overdo the matter,” I replied, pleased with his enthusiasm.
“They are endeavoring to injure us all they can. If Major Toppleton had not prevented his boat from coming to Centreport this morning, it would have been easier to feel right toward him.”
“You need not feel unkindly toward him on that account. Major Toppleton, as an individual, is one affair; his railroad and steamboat line is quite another. A fair competition is all right. We will not say a word, or do a thing, against the major or his son, personally; but we must do the best we can for the success of our line. We are in duty bound to do it, as much for the public good as our own. If we lessen the time between Hitaca and Ucayga by an hour, so far we confer a benefit upon the traveling community. We need have no ill-will toward any person. If the major and his son need our help, our kind words, let them be given. We will not say anything to injure their line; but we will do the best we can to build up our own.”
“But we don’t shorten the time between Hitaca and Ucayga by an hour, or even a minute,” said Waddie.
“Perhaps we shall. Sit down, and I will show you the figures,” I replied, as I took my program from the desk.