"My husband has already spoken"—
"Wat! t' ole Ransom? Wy, he a'n't got nothin' but a weelbarry." And Caleb, returning at the same moment with a somewhat perplexed air, corroborated this statement by saying,—
"This man has no carriage, but will get us one in a short time."
"But this boy," retorted Mysie, "says he has a carriage, and will carry us to Gay Head for two dollars."
"You hear that, ole feller?—they're a-goin' with me!" crowed triumphant Youth at disconcerted Mannikin, who nevertheless rapidly proceeded to pile the luggage upon his barrow and trundle it away.
This coup d'état was checked by Caleb, but afterward allowed, upon discovering that Youth's carriage was still reposing in his father's stable, "jist up here"; and Mannikin was consoled by being allowed to earn a quarter of a dollar by transporting the luggage to that destination. The procession at once set forth, including Dave, who strolled in the rear, softly whistling, and apparently totally unconcerned, yet all the while alive with feline watchfulness.
Arrived at the stable, the travellers were requested to wait there while Youth went to find his father and "borry a wip."
At these last words, a "subtle smile, foreboding triumph," broke over Dave's composed features, as he muttered,—
"Reckin you'll need one 'fore you reach Ga'ed Light."
The coast clear, Dave became a little more communicative, expatiated upon the dangers and discomforts of the road, the incapacity of Youth's horse, and the improbability that his father would ratify the bargain, concluding by offering to "do the job himself in good shape for four dollars," which offer was held in abeyance until we should learn the result of Youth's interview with his father.