who was
more grateful for the gift than he would have been for its value in
cash. I am willing to acknowledge that it was against my principles to
give liquor to any one; but the probability was, that I should have a
battle with the master, who would perhaps be aided by the man; and I
regarded the whiskey as an ally of mine, as long as they, and not I,
drank it. As soon as Peter had departed, my cough improved, and I
ventured on deck again. I was sure that what I had written would make a
breeze, when Mr. Whippleton read it, and I tried to prepare myself for
whatever might happen.

CHAPTER XXII.

IN WHICH PHIL IS BEWILDERED, AND THE MARIAN SAILS FOR CHICAGO.

"What next, Philip?" asked Marian, when I had seated myself in the
standing-room.

"That boat will return next with Mr. Whippleton," I replied, picking up
the rifle which I had left upon the cushion.

"I hope there will be no violence," she added, anxiously.

"I hope not; but what shall I do? Shall I let him rob your father of
half the capital of the firm? Shall I let him rob his mother of nearly
all she has in the world? If I don't strike when I have an opportunity,
everything will be lost."

"What do you mean by his mother?"

"The package which Mr. Whippleton took from the safe was placed in my
charge by his mother, to keep it from falling into his hands. She was
very sick, and may not live many days. Your father had no idea what a
villain his partner was."

"I am sure he had not; but can't you manage it without any violence?"

"If I can, I will. I have no taste for a fight; but I have still less
for letting Mr. Whippleton run away with his ill-gotten gains. I should
be ashamed of myself if I did. Besides, your father accuses me of
concealing the villany of his partner, and even of being a participator
in it. He would have good reason to think so if I let him slip through
my fingers now. No, I will not do it. I will follow him to the end of
the earth, and if he don't give up his plunder there will be a fight,
though I may get my own head smashed in the scrape."

Marian said no more about peace on such terms, and I watched the boat
with interest, as it came up under the counter of the Florina. I did
not see Mr. Whippleton read the letter I had written; but I have no
doubt that he did read it, for in a few moments more he embarked in the
tender with Peter.

"There they come, just as you said!" exclaimed Marian, apparently in
despair.

"I k