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Lawry rang to "slow down," and informed Ethan that the boat was close to the wharf. The "fires were drawn," and in a few moments more the steamer was made fast to the wharf. After satisfying himself that everything was secure on board, the exhausted pilot went to his stateroom, and was soon fast asleep. Ethan followed him, after instructing the first fireman to get up steam early in the morning.
Your expenses, including coal, oil for machinery, and hands, will be about twenty dollars a day. If you add repairs, of which steamboats are continually in need, you will run it up to twenty-five dollars a day." "That will leave me a profit of twenty-five dollars a day," added Lawry, delighted at the thought.
Sherwood had insisted upon having everything put into her that was to be found in larger craft; and these quarters for the hands were now very convenient, if not indispensable. Lawry gave one of these berths to the first fireman, and appropriated the other to the use of the second and the two deck- hands.
"The river is narrow and crooked, and there is great danger of getting aground if I attempt to run in this fog." "That other steamer has gone, and if she can run, you can, if you know your business," replied one of the gentlemen. "I'm very sorry; but I don't think we should gain anything by starting now," added Lawry.
"What do you mean by we, Ben?" asked Lawry quietly. "Why, you and me, of course. I know something about steamers, and perhaps I should be willing to go captain of your boat, if you ever get her into working order." "Perhaps you would," answered Lawry. "Of course you mean to use the boat for the benefit of the family, now the old man is jugged and can't do anything more for them."
"No; the woodwork of the hull will hold up a portion of the weight of the engine, and we must furnish buoyancy enough to sustain the rest of it." "It will not take a great many casks, then will it?" "Not a great many; but the difficulty is to get them down to the bottom, and fasten them to the hull." "I can do that," replied Lawry confidently.
"She is safe, and on the top of the water; that's enough for me at the present time." "What does this mean?" he exclaimed. "I don't know. The water couldn't have run out of her without some help," replied Ethan. "I don't understand it," added Lawry. "The casks are all gone, and the steamer has been pumped out. Somebody must have done this work." "That's true," said Ethan.
Many laughed as they, listened to the account of the choking operation in the cabin, and everybody was satisfied with the result. Lawry and Ethan were too much excited to sleep that night, though they turned in at ten o'clock. At midnight the fireman on duty called them, and the steamer soon started for Whitehall with Mr. Sherwood and his gold, where she arrived in season for the morning train.
Some knew that the ferryman was lazy and thriftless, and wondered he had not robbed somebody before. Others had always regarded him as a person of no sagacity or forethought, but did not think he would steal. Many pitied his family, and some said that Lawry was "as smart as two of his father," and that his mother and the children would be well provided for.
Wilford was searched by the sheriff and constable, but the money was not upon his person. The house was then carefully examined, but with no different result. "Do you know anything about this business, Lawry?" said the sheriff, when the search was completed. "I don't think he had anything to do with it," interposed Mr. Randall.
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