wever, was not so
sanguine. He knew, better than they, how skilful Frank was; and, if the
Zephyr had not labored under the disadvantage of having a new member, he
would have been sure of being beaten.

"There is another subject which comes up for consideration to-night--I
mean the gift of Mr. Walker. He has left it so that it may be divided
among us, or held and used as common property," continued Tony.

The boys looked at each other, as if to pry into the thoughts of their
neighbors. There was a long silence, and it was in vain that Tony called
for the opinions of the members; they did not seem to have any opinions
on the subject.

"We will do just as you say, Mr. Chairman," said Little Paul.

"So we will," added Henry Brown.

"I shall not say," replied Tony. "It is a matter for you to decide.
George says we can put it in the Savings Bank, if we don't divide it,
and keep it till we find a use for it. Perhaps, though, some of your
parents may want it. If they do, we had better give each his share."

"Let us put it in the Savings Bank," said Dick Chester.

But Henry Brown looked at Little Paul, whose father was a very poor man,
and had not been able to work for several months.

"Perhaps we had better divide it," suggested he.

"If you agree to divide it, each member shall have a thirteenth part of
the whole four hundred dollars," added Tony.

"That wouldn't be right," replied Little Paul. "He gave a hundred to
you; and certainly you are better entitled to a hundred than we are to a
penny apiece."

"I will not take more than my share."

"We will only take what Mr. Walker awarded us," said Henry.

"That we won't," added several members.

"No!" shouted the whole club.

"But you _shall_, my lads," said Tony, stoutly. "George and I have
agreed to that."

"But the commander of the ship ought to have a bigger share than the
crew; besides, what could we have done without you?" argued Little Paul.

"And what could I have done without you?"

"It was your skill and courage, as the Mercury says, which did the
business."

"It was your prompt obedience that crowned our labors with success. I
tell you, boys, it is just as broad as it is long. The money shall be
equally divided."

"Then we won't divide it," said Henry Brown.

"Very well; I will agree to that. We shall be equal owners then,"
replied Tony, with a smile of triumph; for in either case his point was
gained.

"But what shall we do with it? Four hu