I went home, and invited my mother and sisters to the excursion in the afternoon. Of course I had a long story to tell of the history of the trip to Hitaca, and I had attentive listeners in the dear ones at home. I knew that my mother dreaded and deprecated the fearful rivalry which was going on between the two sides. I assured her that the best way to make peace was not always by giving up. One party was as nearly right as the other, and when each had shown his full strength there would be a better opportunity to heal the breach. I told her that, so far as I was concerned, and Waddie also, there was no ill-feeling. It was a business competition, in which neither had any reason to complain of the other, so long as he did not trench upon his rights.
As I walked down to the lake with my mother and sisters, I saw Grace Toppleton in her father’s garden. I wished that I could invite her to the excursion, for nothing could have added so much to its pleasure as her presence. But it was not proper for me to ask her, and it would not have been proper for her to accept if I had. I was proud and happy as I went on board of the Ucayga with my mother and sisters. The steamer was already filled with passengers, and at half-past two we started. The band struck up an appropriate air as the wheels began to turn, and I never saw a happier party than that which crowded the decks of the Ucayga. In spite of the excitement, in spite of the throng on board, we were, as usual, on time.
When we touched the wharf near the railroad, the ferry-boat had arrived, and I saw Major Toppleton and Tommy on shore, listening to the music and observing the multitude which covered our decks. I hoped I should not meet them, face to face, again; for I knew that our success had only increased their bitterness toward me. But they did not seem to be so ugly as when I had last seen them. Indeed, there was a smile upon their faces, as though the music delighted them. When our bow line was thrown ashore, they stepped on board, and came upon the hurricane-deck, where I stood.
“You seem to be having a great time to-day, Wolf,” said Tommy.
“Only a little excursion,” I replied. “But the music is good, and I rather enjoy it.”
“So do I, Wolf,” answered Tommy graciously. “I am going up with you, if you have no objection.”
“Certainly not. Here is my stateroom; and if you and your father will walk in, I will do the best I can to make you comfortable,” I replied, pointing to my apartment.
“Thank you; I prefer to be on deck,” added Tommy. “You have beaten us all to pieces to-day, Wolf, and we give it up now. What’s the use of quarreling about it?”
“None at all, most assuredly,” I replied, with enthusiasm. “There is Waddie Wimpleton, who is just of your opinion.”
“Well, I don’t think much of Waddie, as you know, Wolf. I only meant that you and I wouldn’t quarrel.”