Mannikin first succeeded in gaining the attention of Caleb,--the efforts of Mysie, meanwhile, barely sufficing to restrain the Baron from plunging over the side of the wharf, in his anxiety to witness the departure of the steamboat. Mannikin, asserting earnestly that he had a "good conveyance" close at hand, danced around the group with vehement gesticulations, intended to strike despair into the souls of his two adversaries, who, nevertheless, retained their ground,--Dave lounging in the middle distance, a grim smile of derision upon his face, and Youth dodging in with loud offers of service, wherever Mannikin left a point undefended.
Caleb, at last, demanding to see the "good conveyance," was led away to the head of the wharf, when Youth at once seized the opportunity to rush in, and breathlessly inquire of Mysie,--
"Wher' ye goin', Ma'am? Wher' ye want to be kerried?"
"We are going to Gay-Head Light-house; but my"--
"Ga'ed Light? I kin kerry ye there fust-rate, and cheap too;--kerry ye there for two dollars!"
"Wat! t' ole Ransom? Wy, he a'n't got nothin' but a weelbarry." And Caleb, returning at the same moment with a somewhat perplexed air, corroborated this statement by saying,--
"This man has no carriage, but will get us one in a short time."
"But this boy," retorted Mysie, "says he has a carriage, and will carry us to Gay Head for two dollars."
"You hear that, ole feller?--they're a-goin' with me!" crowed triumphant Youth at disconcerted Mannikin, who nevertheless rapidly proceeded to pile the luggage upon his barrow and trundle it away.
This _coup d'état_ was checked by Caleb, but afterward allowed, upon discovering that Youth's carriage was still reposing in his father's stable, "jist up here"; and Mannikin was consoled by being allowed to earn a quarter of a dollar by transporting the luggage to that destination. The procession at once set forth, including Dave, who strolled in the rear, softly whistling, and apparently totally unconcerned, yet all the while alive with feline watchfulness.
Arrived at the stable, the travellers were requested to wait there while Youth went to find his father and "borry a wip."
At these last words, a "subtle smile, foreboding triumph," broke over Dave's composed features, as he muttered,--