"I left my money at home 'fore I come down here," explained the man, "fer I didn't know what ye fellers might do; but I'll pay ye to-morrow."
Before Judd could make answer, Budd, pitying the man, said:
"I promise not to go away before morning, Mr. Benton. But even if you go to the village, no officer will return with you, for after you left Mr. Wright also signed my bond."
Mr. Benton gave an exclamation of anger.
"He's always interferin' with me," he said; "but I'll go up an' see if it's as you say. Remember yer promise now," and he rowed off toward the village.
He found, on arriving there, that Budd had told the truth, but succeeded in getting his own name released after much persuasion; and realizing that his little game had been completely baffled, he started sullenly for home.
As he passed Fox Island his anger was again aroused, and he exclaimed, bitterly:
"'Twas all owin' to Wright's meddlin', an' that's what made Budd so lively. I wish I could get hold of su'thin' o' his; he'd not see it ag'in till he paid me them thirty dollers."
His eye just then caught the outline of the boys' sloop through the darkness.
"I have it!" exclaimed he. "I'll take their boats;" and without thinking that his act was theft he rowed quietly in to the island.