etly, saving for the mild
excitement of the working folks going and coming after factory hours, and
at dark Bob Sanderson came on duty.

"The sloop is gettin' on finely," said the old fellow, in response to
Ralph's inquiry. "The woodwork is about done, and I'll paint her first
thing in the morning."

"You want to make a first-class job of it, Mr. Sanderson. I know Mr. Kelsey
will pay the price."

"I'm a-going to, Ralph. What did he give you for hauling him from the
water?"

"Twenty dollars."

"Shoo! He must be rich."

"I imagine he is."

"What are you going to do with the money?"

"Nothing; I've lost it."

"Lost it?"

"Yes."

And Ralph related the particulars of his encounter with Percy Paget, and
how the money had disappeared during the fracas.

"It's a tarnal shame, Ralph! Thet air dude ain't worth your twenty-dollar
bill nohow!"

"I am sorry he came here. I hope he stays away hereafter."

"I wouldn't take none of his talk," grumbled Bob Sanderson, with a shake of
his grizzled head. "I reckon what he said about gettin' you into trouble is
all nonsense."

"I hope it is, for I couldn't afford to lose my place here."

"Squire Paget isn't so powerful as his son thinks. There are lots of folks
in this village gettin' tired of his domineerin' ways."

"I know he is not as powerful now as he was, but still he is squire, and
that counts."

"Why don't you go on another hunt for the bill? Maybe it has floated away
down the lake."

"I will go out. It will do no harm," said Ralph.

And neither did it do any good, for a half-hour's search on the lake and
along the shore brought nothing of interest to light. The young bridge
tender tied his boat up at the foot of the garden, and walked up to the
cottage.

Mrs. Nelson had the evening meal all prepared, and the two at once sat
down.

"You sent a very profitable visitor to the cottage this morning, Ralph,"
began his mother, as she poured the tea while he cut up the meat.

"You mean Mr. Kelsey?"

"Yes. He came here to get dry, and told me how you had rescued him from the
lake. He said you had acted very bravely."

"It was not much to do. But why do you say he was a profitable visitor,
mother? Did he pay you anything for what you did?"

"Yes, he paid me two dollars. I didn't want a cent, but he insisted on
it."

"Then he is certainly rich, mother, for he gave me twenty dollars in
addition."

"Why, Ralph!"

"But, hold on, mother, don't be too ple