What the campers, joining in the pursuit, saw shortly, was the figure of young Harry Brackett, fleeing down the highway toward the harbour, bawling loudly for mercy, as first one whip-lash and then another cut about his legs; and receiving no mercy, but, instead, as sound and thorough a horsewhipping as the squire himself had recommended for the guilty wretch.
Some time later, there limped into Southport village a sadder, if not wiser youth, stinging as though the whole nest of wasps had broken loose and settled upon him.
On the following morning, this same saddened youth, walking painfully, and somewhat dejected in mind, resulting from an interview with the elder Brackett, turned the corner where the main street was intersected by the road leading up to the Warrens cottage, and came most unexpectedly upon Jack Harvey. It was his first face-to-face meeting with Harvey since the episode out in the bay, and the subsequent accusation he had made against Harvey and Henry Burns.
It was disconcerting, but Harry Brackett resolved to put on a bold face.
Hello there, Harvey, he said, eying the other somewhat sheepishly despite his resolution.
Hello, yourself, replied Harvey, grinning at the doleful appearance presented by the other. Secretly, Jack Harvey had promised himself that he would thrash him at the first opportunity; but he had seen that done so effectively, only the night previous, that he was fully satisfied. He couldnt
have done it half so well himself.
Say, you had a lot of fun last night, didnt you? said Harvey. You did that in fine style. But say, what did you want to keep all the fun to yourself for? Why didnt you let us in on it?
Harry Brackett flushed angrily at the bantering, but, realizing he could not resent it, made no reply.
Howd the squire like it? continued Harvey.
Look here, you wouldnt think it any fun if you got what I did, exclaimed Harry Brackett.
No, but I think it good fun that you got it, said Harvey; and Ill tell you right now that it saved you one from me.
Harry Brackett eyed Harvey maliciously; but he had a mission to perform, and he was bound to go through with it.
Say, I know it wasnt the square thing to lay that upset out there in the bay to you fellows, he said, with an effort. But, you see, I knew father would be furious about the boat and, well, I told him the first thing that came into my head about it. I didnt think he would try to make trouble for you, though.
No? replied Harvey, skeptically. Probably you dont know him as well as some of the rest of us do.
Well, here, dont go yet, said Harry Brackett, as Harvey started to brush past him. Ive got something I want to talk to you about.
Harvey paused in surprise.
Its about the boat, explained Harry Brackett. You fellows dont need two boats and two such good ones as the Viking and the Surprise
Harveys wrath broke forth again at the mention of the Surprise .
That was a fine trick you tried to play on us, stealing the Surprise after we had her up, he said.
I didnt want to do it, said Harry Brackett. I told John Hart you fellows must have floated her in there, but he wouldnt believe it.
Any more than I believe you, sneered Harvey.
Harry Brackett twisted uneasily. He was making poor progress.
Say, Harvey, he said, abruptly, I want to buy that new yacht of yours, the Viking .
You mean you want to steal her if you get a chance, dont you? retorted Harvey.
No, I dont, cried Harry Brackett, the perspiration standing out on his forehead. I mean just what I say. I want to buy her, in dead earnest. Youve got the Surprise back, and you dont need the other one. Ill pay you fifteen hundred dollars for the Viking . Come, will you sell her?
Who wants to buy her? asked Harvey.
I do, myself, replied Harry Brackett. I tell you Ill pay you fifteen hundred dollars in cash for her.
Harvey winked an eye, incredulously.
You must be a millionaire, he said.
Well, I can afford to pay that much for a good boat, said Harry Brackett, with a well-feigned air of indifference as to money matters.
And have you talked it over with the squire since last night? inquired Harvey, whose curiosity was now aroused.
I havent talked it over with anybody, replied Harry Brackett, impatiently. I dont have to. Its my money.
Harvey gave a whistle denoting surprise. Well, he said, the Viking is not for sale. Besides, Henry Burns owns half of her. Youll have to talk with him. He wont sell, though, I know, because the boat was a gift to us.
Perhaps he would, if you urged him to, suggested young Brackett.
Well, I wont urge him, said Harvey, abruptly. But I tell you what I will do, he added, Ill sell you the Surprise . Shes a grand good boat, too; and shell be as good as ever when she is put in shape. No, I wont do that, either, he exclaimed, after a moments thought. That is, not this summer. Ive promised her to the crew, and I wont go back on it. No, I wont sell you the Surprise , either.
Would you let me hire either of them for the season? ventured Harry Brackett.