On Time; or, Bound to Get There

by Oliver Optic

“I will be responsible for the consequences,” added Colonel Wimpleton, who could afford to be good-natured, as he saw his great rival defeated in his purpose.

To my surprise, both Major Toppleton and his son followed us on board, and did not offer to go on shore when the plank was hauled in, and the fasts cast off. They had evidently remained at Hitaca for the purpose of carrying out the little scheme they had contrived; and, having done their worst, they had no further business there. Probably they could not endure the idea of remaining at the upper end of the lake while the battle between the two lines was going on at the other end. They had learned from our handbills, so profusely scattered through the town, that the Ucayga would make another through trip in the afternoon, and it was necessary for them to be at Ucayga to attend to the interests of the Lake Shore Railroad.

It was plain to me that Major Toppleton had come up to Hitaca with the warrant in his pocket, not to obtain justice for the injury which Tommy had sustained, but to interfere with the operations of the new line. I should have been arrested the day before if Grace Toppleton, whom I had come to regard as an angel of peace in my path, had not given me warning. My enemies must have been entirely satisfied that they could not hold me responsible for the damage done to Tommy, and my arrest was only intended as a blow at the steamboat line. At Hitaca, doubtless, they expected to detain my boat long enough, at least, to make her lose her connection at the lower end of the lake.

The arrival of the Ucayga at Hitaca, and the announcement of a new daily line, at reduced rates, had created no little excitement in the town. The people believed that they were to be better accommodated, and, very naturally, their sympathies were with the new line, as the large number of passengers we carried fully proved. The constable told me that he had been called upon to serve the warrant only a few minutes before he made his appearance on the wharf. He saw at once that it was a trick to annoy the new line, but he could not help himself. The moment Colonel Wimpleton showed him how he could discharge his duty without injury to the enterprise, he promptly embraced the opportunity. Major Toppleton and Tommy were doubtless sorely vexed at their failure; but they went into the cabin, and I did not see them again for some time.

It was a beautiful autumnal morning when the Ucayga started upon her trip, crowded with passengers. Colonel Wimpleton, alive to the importance of this day’s work, had engaged the Hitaca Cornet Band to enliven the passage with their music. The weather was warm, and the soft haze of the Indian summer hung over the hills on the shore, where the woods presented the many hues of the changing foliage. The water was as tranquil as a dream of peace, and the inspiring strains of the band completed the pleasure of the occasion.

I explained to Colonel Wimpleton, Waddie, and others who were interested in the matter, the occasion of the proceedings against me. It is needless to say that I had no lack of friends; and, with the consent of the constable, it was arranged that he should take me before the magistrate at noon, while the boat was at Centreport. No charge could be proved against me, and I hardly gave the subject a thought.

The passage down the lake was a delightful one. We passed the old Ruoara just before we made the landing at Gulfport. At this town we saw Major Toppleton and his son go ashore, for the purpose of taking the railroad boat on her arrival. Neither of them showed himself on the trip, and I only hoped they appreciated the new steamer, and enjoyed the delightful music. I was rather afraid the colonel would court a collision with his powerful rival; but I am happy to say he was too good-natured, in the flush of his success, to exult over his enemy.

We made all our landings, and, passing through the Horse-Shoe Channel as usual, arrived at Ucayga on time. This concluded our first round-trip to the head of the lake. It was a success far beyond our most sanguine hopes, and the exchequer of the steamboat company was largely benefited by it. The future was as bright as the present, and really I could not see that the Lake Shore Road had any chance against us.

But this was to be a day of excitement. Colonel Wimpleton landed at Centreport for the purpose of organizing a grand steamboat excursion to Ucayga and back in the afternoon; and when the boat returned I found the town in a blaze, for a pleasure trip, with a band of music, was no small affair to the people. Handbills were scattered throughout the place, and, as we had the advantage of a magnificent day, there was no want of enthusiasm on the subject.

As soon as the steamer reached Centreport, I went with the constable, Colonel Wimpleton, and the ablest lawyer in the place, over to Middleport. We found Captain Portman at the hotel, and hastened to the office of the magistrate. Like my friend from up the lake, I waived the examination, and was simply bound over to appear before the court several weeks hence for trial. Colonel Wimpleton and one of his friends gave bonds for my appearance, and the excitement in this direction was ended.