Hugh lost no time in doing as he was requested, and they soon reached the wharf. Gussie stepped ashore at once, glad to reach terra firma again; but as Dexie stepped forward to join her, Hugh turned sharply:
"Are you frightened, too? I thought you were made of something better."
The taunt aroused Dexie, and she replied:
"No, I'm not afraid. It was not I that asked to return."
Instantly Hugh stepped into the boat and, gave it a shove that sent it several rods, saying:
"Then we'll not lose our sail on Gussie's account," and he bent to the oars, sending the little boat far out into the stream.
Gussie stood on the wharf until she saw that they really meant to leave her there, and then walked thoughtfully home.
"I wonder what this means?" was Dexie's inward comment when she found herself alone with Hugh. "There is some method in this madness, for I see it in his eyes."
She did not offer to begin the conversation until she saw Hugh hoist the sail and turn towards Point Pleasant.
"Where are you going, Mr. McNeil? I thought we were going up the Basin."