Jack Carboy glowered upon the speaker with a look of contempt, murmuring as he moved away something about a “pollywog in a mud puddle.” Then he hailed with joy the return of “Captain Mercer,” and preparations for the start of the _Spray_ was no longer delayed. Amid wild shouts and prolonged huzzas the new steamer started upon her first trip, carrying with her not only a big crowd of passengers, but the good wishes of the thousands who would be only too glad to know that at last, proper accommodations for travel had been secured on the lake. Colonel Darringford, still under the influence of liquor, witnessed these demonstrations. “That boy!” thinking even then of his bargain with Tim Downey, “he has betrayed me. Hallo, Rodney! Where are you going?” “On board the _Warrior_, governor, of course. What a fuss they make over that new boat. I can’t see that she is more than an ordinary tub.” The _Warrior_ was soon upon her way, following nearly in the wake of the new steamer, which was soon lost to the sight of the lookout. Nor did the old boat again come in sight of her rival upon the trip. The _Spray_ fulfilled the expectations of her master and crew, even Jack Carboy gladly boasting that she was worthy of “bigger seas than the land-locked puddle.” The grandest sight was when they reached Millville. While her owner had maintained silence in regard to his intentions, it was generally known that the boat would soon be ready for its first trip, and that morning before Dean had started with the steamer, a dozen telephone messages had been sent over the wires, and the town was all agog over the new arrival. Some one, determined that a reception fitting the occasion should be made, hastily got the members of the local band together, and when the _Spray_ came in sight of the wharf, it seemed as if the whole town had poured out to meet it. The band was playing “See, the Conquering Hero Comes!” and everywhere manifestations of pleasure and rejoicing were to be seen. There were few, indeed, so stupid that they could not see that a new day had dawned for Millville. In all the town there was no prouder person than Judge Oglesby, who, from the vantage ground of his own wide veranda, watched the scene. With him were his wife and Evaline and Manly. In fact, this little group had been the first to discover the appearance of the steamer, as they had looked down the lake through the glass. “Will Dean come up here?” asked Eva. “Pardon me, my child, but Captain Mercer. Doubtless he will pay us his respects.” “I cannot quite get into the habit of calling Dean ‘captain’,” replied Evaline. “How I wish I was down on the shore!” cried Manly, enthusiastically. “See how many people there are all along the dock. Hear the band playing. Was there ever such a day in Millville, papa?” “Never, my son, never,” and if there was a ring of triumph in his voice, the speaker certainly had a right to feel elated over the success of his plans.