id Mrs. Dornwood. "He wants me to keep
house for him, and I shall not feel like a dependant. I and my children
are his only legal heirs, though he may give his property away by will
to whomever he pleases."
"I don't exactly like the idea of living on him," added Dory. "I never
did like him, and I can't quite get over the old feeling."
"The old feeling was all wrong, my son. I should think you would like
to live with your uncle, when he has no end of boats, and the finest
steam-yacht on the lake," argued his mother.
"I have as good a boat as I want, and I feel sure that I can support the
family with it."
Just then there was a knock at the door, and the postman handed in a
postal card directed to "Theodore Dornwood." It was from the proprietor
of the Witherill House. Two of his guests wanted a sailboat and a
skipper for three days from Tuesday morning. He had given his address
and terms to the hotel-keeper, and here was the first call for his
services.
"Look at that, mother!" exclaimed the young boatman triumphantly. "Three
days, fifteen dollars! What's the use of being dependent upon uncle
Royal?"
Mrs. Dornwood read the postal, and it looked like an avalanche of
business even to her. Dory regarded his fortune as made. He must leave
for Plattsburgh after dinner, so as to be sure and be there in the
morning. Before this matter was disposed of, Captain Gildrock presented
himself at the house.
The owner of the Sylph spoke very kindly to Dory, and the conversation
soon turned to the events of the preceding Saturday. The captain was not
yet informed in what manner the Goldwing had finally escaped from him.
The young skipper explained it all. Mrs. Dornwood informed her brother
of the reason why her son had avoided him, but the captain did not
allude to this subject in the presence of the boy.
Dory showed the postal card to his uncle, and said he was going to sail
for Plattsburgh after dinner. Captain Gildrock did not like Dory's plan
for earning a living. He objected to it in the most decided manner. He
did not believe he could make a living in this way, for there would not
be sufficient demand for the boat to make it pay.
"But I have a fifteen-dollar job to start with," pleaded Dory.
"That will do very well for one week, Theodore; but you will not find
steady employment for the season. But this is not the strongest
objection to your plan," replied Captain Gildrock.
"I don't see what other objection the
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