“Well,” said Henry Burns, “if you won’t hit me, just read that letter to me aloud, anyway. Perhaps I’ll believe it if I hear you read it.”
“It seems to be addressed to you and Jack Harvey both,” said George Warren. “Perhaps I need his permission, too, to read it.”
“No you don’t. Go ahead,” demanded Henry Burns.
The letter read as follows:
“Mayville.
“Henry Burns and Jack Harvey,
“My dear Young Men:—You have each of you proved yourselves heroes in the events of the last few weeks. To you, Henry Burns, I am indebted for the rescue of my devoted Jerry, my pet and companion of many years. To you and your companions, I am, indeed, indebted for my own life. To you, Jack Harvey, I am indebted for the saving from disgrace of these young friends of mine. As you may know, the yacht captured from the man Chambers was condemned by the county officials, advertised, and finally put up at auction and sold, her former owner, if there ever was another besides Chambers, not having claimed her. She was, I am informed, a very expensive boat; but as there were few bidders among the fishermen, I was enabled to bid off the boat at a figure easily within my means. This letter is to inform you that I have presented the yacht to you, to be owned equally by you two. The papers will be made out later and sent to your parents or guardians. Hoping that you will enjoy many happy days aboard her, I remain,
“Sincerely yours, “Anna Newcome.
“P. S. Don’t upset her and get drowned.”
“Henry, old fellow,” cried George Warren. “Let me congratulate you. You are the two luckiest—”
But Henry Burns was running as fast as his legs could carry him in the direction of Harvey’s camp.
THE END.
BOOKS FOR YOUNG PEOPLE
THE LITTLE COLONEL BOOKS
(Trade Mark)