I followed Tommy to the great mansion, and was ushered into the library, where the major was reading the newspapers which had just come by the mail.
“Well, Wolf, I’m glad to see you,” said the magnate of Middleport, laying aside his paper. “You have done more than a man’s work to-day, and I want to pay you for it. Will a hundred dollars satisfy you for your afternoon’s job?”
“Yes, sir, and more too; I don’t ask anything for what I have done,” I replied.
“Don’t be too modest, my boy,” added the major, placing a roll of bank bills in my hand.
“I am very much obliged to you, sir. I didn’t ask or expect anything. I only came over here because I had to leave Centreport, and I did the work for the fun of it.”
“Doubtless it was good fun; but you have done us a good turn, and I have not overpaid you. Now tell me about your difficulty with Wimpleton.”
I told him the story about the events of the day. I think it quite likely the major thought he was encouraging a rebel; but he did not express any dissatisfaction with my conduct. On the contrary he praised my spirit, and declared that Middleport would be glad to take me up, if Centreport wished to cast me out. He then offered me a dollar a day to run the dummy; but I told him I could not accept it till I had consulted my father and mother, and it was arranged that I should see him the next day.
I then went to the shore, took my skiff, and rowed across the lake, feeling like a rich man.
CHAPTER XVII.
MOTHER’S ADVICE.