After listening to Mr. Benton's proposition to return the boats, Budd, as spokesman for the firm, replied:
"Mr. Benton's act not only caused us a great deal of personal annoyance, but it interfered with our business arrangements. Again, we do not know how soon he may annoy us in some other way. We propose to make this affair a good lesson to him, and we will therefore settle it on three conditions:
"First, that he shall return the boats unharmed to our dock at the island.
"Second, that he pay all costs that have accrued on account of his arrest.
"Third, that he pay us twenty-five dollars for the annoyance and business delays he has caused, and give bonds for his future good behavior.
"These are the only conditions on which we will settle, and he can accept them or stand his trial in court."
After a great deal of protestation Mr. Benton agreed to all but the giving of bonds for his good behavior, and as he solemnly promised to let them alone in the future, the lads yielded. The money was paid to them, the costs were settled, the boats returned before night, and the young firm withdrew their complaint.
"You have completely silenced one of your enemies, Budd," remarked Judd, that evening. "Now, if only some opportunity will come for you to bring Bagsley into a spot where you can dictate your terms, your triumph will be complete."
"I hope it may," was the response.
That opportunity was nearer at hand than either of the lads thought, for on the following Monday the whole community was startled by learning that the most daring robbery ever committed in that vicinity had taken place some time between the hours of twelve o'clock on Saturday night and six o'clock on Monday morning. A jeweler's store on the main street of the village had during that time been entered and completely gutted. Watches, gold and silverware, jewelry and precious stones, had been carried away to the amount of over five thousand dollars.