“I’ll bet the left ear of little Solomon,” said Adam, “that that’s the brother of John Brewer. There’s a kind o’ family likeness about him.” The little man helped them to make the boat fast, and as he did so a smile of recognition seemed to flicker over his face. “Are you John Brewer’s brother?” said Adam, when he landed. “Yes,” said the other. “And that’s his boat, ain’t it?” Adam replied that it was, and explained the arrangement that had been made. “I’ve been a-waitin’ here for the mail-boat,” said the other, bringing out his words very slowly, “but now that this one’s here, I reckon I may as well take her.” “Don’t you think you’d a great sight better take her?” said Adam. “I consider this a tip-top chance for you to get back comfortable and save money.” “I reckon that’s so,” said the other. “Goin’ up to the hotel?” “Yes,” said Adam, “and if you’ll come along, we’ll give you the money that we owe your brother,--that is, if the treasurer says so.” “All right,” said Phœnix. And after making the boat secure, the valises and other traps were taken out, and the whole party walked up the broad, gravel path which led to the hotel. [Illustration] CHAPTER XXII. THE COLONEL. As the party approached the hotel, they saw on the wide porch which ran along the front of the main building a man in a wheeled chair. “That’s the colonel,” said Adam. “He owns the hotel and pretty much the whole town besides.” “He’s in an invalid’s chair,” remarked Phil; “but he don’t look very sick.” “Sick!” laughed Adam. “Not much! But he’s been in that chair a long time.” They now reached the porch and ascended the steps. The colonel, who had been steadfastly watching them as they came up the path, was a heavy, vigorous-looking man, broad-chested, and sun-burned, with a clear, piercing eye and a powerful voice. One of his feet was affected by chronic rheumatism, and thus being unable to walk, he spent all his waking time in his wheeled chair, in which he moved about the premises, sometimes turning the wheels himself, and sometimes being pushed by a servant. At meal times he was wheeled to the head of the table; when business was to be attended to, he was rolled to the clerk’s desk, and wherever he was needed, there he and his chair were sure to be found. He had been a pioneer and a soldier in his time, and had been noted for his great energy and high spirit. These qualities, which had once made him conspicuous in border warfare, and had carried him through many dangers, both by land and sea, had now made him the master spirit of this little settlement on the Indian River. He had projected the settlement; owned the greater part of it; held its principal offices, and exercised a general power, which resembled that of an ancient baron over his feudal subjects.