"We intend to have the first sail in this steamer," sneered Taylor. "I intend you shall not," said Mr. Sherwood. Unfortunately he had not money enough with him to discharge the claim against the ferryman, which, as it was a just debt, whatever might be said of the means taken to recover it, he had decided to pay, rather than give bonds for the steamer, and contest the attachment. He had invited several gentlemen to accompany him up the lake in the _Woodville_, who were now on the wharf, and from them he borrowed enough to make up the sum required. The money was given to Mrs. Wilford, with instructions to go to a certain lawyer and employ him to see that the mortgage on the house and land was properly canceled. "When we get our money, the attachment on the boat can be dissolved, not before," said the lawyer. "Mr. Sheriff, the debt is not paid yet." "I will put the money in your hands, if you desire," added Mr. Sherwood to the sheriff. "I am satisfied. You may go where you please with the boat, and as soon as you please," replied the official. "She will not go till this claim is settled, Mr. Sheriff," remonstrated the legal gentleman. "She may go now," responded the officer. "Ben Wilford, your services will not be needed. Now, gentlemen, we will go up to the village and settle the bills." The lawyer protested that the attachment could not be removed till the debt had been paid, but the sheriff was willing to take the responsibility of releasing the boat. "All aboard, Lawry!" shouted Mr. Sherwood. "I didn't expect you to do this, sir," said the young pilot; "but I will pay you every dollar, if the steamer ever earns so much." "We will talk about that some other time, my boy. We are all ready to be off now." Lawry, with a light heart, sprang to his place in the wheel-house; Ethan was already at his post in the engine-room, and the ladies and gentlemen of the party hastened on board. "Put that basket ashore," said Lawry to the deckhands, as he pointed to the "stores" of the party. The basket was tumbled on the wharf, to the imminent peril of the glassware it contained. Ben Wilford stood on the pier, leaning against one of the posts to which the steamer was fastened. He looked sour and disappointed. "Cast off the bow-line," said Lawry, when all was ready. At this moment Ben jumped on board. "Stop her!" said Mr. Sherwood sharply, as Lawry rang the bell to back her. "What's the matter, sir?" asked the pilot. "Young man," said Mr. Sherwood, stepping up to Ben Wilford, "you will oblige me by going on shore." "What for?" demanded Ben crustily. "We do not need your company." "But I want to go." "I do not wish you to go." "I think it is rather steep for you to tell me I can't go in my brother's boat." "Steep as it may seem, you can't go," added Mr. Sherwood firmly. "Can't I go, Lawry?" continued Ben.