Lawry was not quite willing to leave the wheel in charge of his brother, for he was painfully conscious that he could not always be trusted. Ben was not often in so pliable a frame of mind, and the little captain could not help suspecting that he had some object in view which was not apparent, for he had twice declared, that if he was not captain of the _Woodville_ no one should be. He was not prepared to believe that Ben would run the boat on the rocks, or set her on fire; but he deemed it prudent to keep his eye on him, and on the course of the steamer. Ben steered very well, and Lawry left the wheel-house. At the door he met Mr. Sherwood, just as that gentleman had discovered who was at the helm. "How's this, Lawry? Have you got more help?" asked his friend. "I didn't know Ben was on board till we were two miles from the wharf. I hope you don't object, sir." "Certainly not, Lawry. If you are satisfied, I have no reason to be otherwise." "Ben talks very fair this morning; and I'm sure I don't want to quarrel with him." "Of course not." "He still thinks he ought to be captain, and that it would be better for me;" and Lawry stated his brother's argument. "That's all very pretty," replied Mr. Sherwood. "If you wish to give your brother the command of your steamer, it is not for me to interpose any objection." "But I want to follow your advice." "I think you had better let things remain as they are, for the present, at least. Do as you think best, Lawry. I don't want to influence you." This conversation took place near the door of the wheel-house, and, though the parties had not so intended, Ben heard every word of it. "Do as you think best, Lawry," continued Mr. Sherwood. "I want to do what you think is best, sir." "You know my opinion. Your brother's habits--I am sorry to say it--are not good. I should not be willing to trust him. You cannot place much confidence in a young man who is in the habit of getting drunk. I don't want to hurt your feelings, Lawry, but I must be frank with you." Ben ground his teeth with rage, as he listened to this plain description of himself, and, in accordance with his usual practice in such cases, vowed to be revenged upon the man who had traduced him, which was his interpretation of Mr. Sherwood's candid statement of the truth. "I think you are right, sir," replied Lawry, realizing that Ben was not fit for the command of the _Woodville_, even if he was disposed to give it to him. "Lawry, I have been compelled to change this excursion into a partial business trip. I am going to buy the surplus-gold of a bank in Burlington, and you must leave me there and go on to Port Kent. On your return, you can stop for me," continued Mr. Sherwood. "What is your engagement for to-morrow." "At Whitehall, sir." "Capital! You can convey my gold through, so that I can take the morning train at Whitehall for New York." "If we get back to Port Rock by six, we can reach Whitehall by twelve."