At quarter-past eight, the old Ruoara made her appearance, and moored at the wharf just above the Ucayga. It was a meager show of passengers which landed from her, and I could well understand the rage which filled the bosom of the major and his son, as they stood upon the hurricane-deck gazing at the new steamer. I wondered what their next move would be, for it was not in the nature of either of them to submit to the mortifying defeat they had sustained. I could think of nothing that it was possible for them to do to retrieve their misfortune, unless the major built new steamers, or continued the Lake Shore Railroad to Hitaca.
As they did not come near me, I did not devote much attention to a consideration of their case. Having nothing more to do on board, I took a walk on shore with Waddie. I visited a clothing-store, and purchased a suit of blue clothes, which included a frock coat. When I got up the next morning, I put on the new garments, and surveyed myself in the glass. The effect was decidedly satisfactory. I had a glazed cap, for I was not quite ready to don a high hat. As I surveyed myself, I had hopes that I should not again be accused of being a boy.
At quarter of six the Ruoara left the wharf. I could not see more than a dozen passengers on board. I looked in vain for Tommy and his father. Soon after, the people began to pour in upon the decks of the Ucayga, to the great satisfaction of Colonel Wimpleton. Our handbills had accomplished their purpose, and our triumph was to be even greater than that of the day before. I was very much excited by the lively scene around me. Carriages and other vehicles were constantly arriving with freight and passengers, and I found enough to do in answering questions and hurrying up the men engaged in loading freight. Five minutes before the hour of starting, the scene became a little more quiet. I stood upon the wharf, looking at the situation, when I saw Major Toppleton and his son, accompanied by a stranger, approaching me.
“There he is!” said Tommy, pointing to me with his finger. “Grab him!”
Hearing the words, I deemed it prudent to hasten on board, for I concluded that this was the sequel to the affair of the day before in Middleport. I hurried to the plank; but before I could reach the deck, the stranger seized me by the collar. I struggled to escape, but the man was too strong for me.
“I have a warrant for your arrest,” said he.
A trick of the enemy!
CHAPTER XXV.
THE STEAMBOAT EXCURSION.
“Hold on to him!” shouted Tommy. “This is our next move.”
“I am sorry to trouble you, Captain Penniman; but I must do my duty,” said the constable.