But Bob Somers' strategy had upset all their plans.
[CHAPTER XXV]
MR. SOMERS' LAND
The "chief pirate of the bounding deep" was a most disgusted and mortified boy when he learned of the unfortunate result of his uncle's scheming.
All the facts became known at a stormy meeting between Mr. Wingate and Jenkins, which took place in the house on Chelten Road. Nat's uncle was very angry when he learned of Mr. Somers' visit. As is usual in such cases, each blamed the other, and in the war of words that followed Nat's presence was disregarded.
"Somers," said Nat, sheepishly, when he saw him later on, "this is the truth—Uncle Parson never told me the real reason why he wanted you kept back. 'It's a business matter,' he would say; 'there are other people trying to buy this land, and if Bob Somers gets out there he couldn't help discovering it.' I couldn't see any particular harm in what he wanted done. That's the reason I helped. It was only just a lot of sport to me."
"What made your uncle say anything about it in the first place?" asked Bob.
"I heard him talking over the 'phone one day, and found that he was trying to buy the land. He had to tell me, for fear I might say something to you."
"But when the 'Rambler' was stolen, then damaged, and at last blown up, didn't you know anything about it?"