"Emmons, here, is going to start today with a gang of mules for
Augusta. You can help him on that far, and in payment he will buy you
a ticket to Savannah. I will give you a letter to my cousin, and also
write him by mail that you are on the way. Now, what do you think of
that?"
"Sounds mighty nice--almost too nice," thought Ralph, who was shrewd
enough to wonder why Shard--whom he had been warned against--should put
himself out to serve a Granger.
"Perhaps he is sick of the feud, like me. I'm sure I would do him a
favor, if he is half a Vaughn. By granny! I believe I will take him
up. Aunt Dopples don't know everything."
"Think over it well," added the captain, noticing the boy's reflective
manner. "A sailor's life is by no means easy, yet a bright, active lad
can rise. Many a captain began before the mast."
Shard was smiling seductively, though his gaze seemed hard and
penetrating. He hung over the lad not unlike some bird of prey,
waiting for a favorable chance to pounce.
"All right," said Ralph at last. "I will go and feel thankful for the
chance, if you will answer me one question. Why should you be so--so
willing to do a favor to me. In the mountains folks would think you
were crazy."
"Ha! That miserable old feud again. My boy, I have outgrown it; have
been too much in the world. I see in you a bright lad, who only needs
to be started in order to make his own way. Why should I not start you
as well as any one else, especially when it costs me nothing but the
stroke of a pen? Besides your going to Augusta saves me the expense of
hiring an extra hand.
Pages:
43
44
45
46
47
48
49
50
51
52
53
54
55
56
57
58
59
60
61
62
63
64
65
66
67