“You are hard on my boy, Capt. Trustleton,” said Swikes, shaking his head. “No harder than I am on my own son. I think that both of them have been bad boys, and it is better for us to look the matter square in the face than it is to blind our own eyes to the facts. But it is almost time for that train home; and we can settle the matter just as well there as here. But what shall be done with this boat?” “I suppose Wade Brooks can take it back,” replied Swikes. It was settled that Wade should sail the boat back to Midhampton, while the two fathers and sons returned by the train. “And, when he does get back, I mean to have him taken up and sent to the House of Correction for stealing that money,” said Swikes bitterly. “I think if you get the case into court, you will be more likely to send your own son there. I have no doubt Matthew is the thief,” replied the captain. “Why do you keep your money in an open closet, and then tell a boy like Wade Brooks where it is?” “I didn’t tell where it was,” added Swikes. “How did he know, then?” “I didn’t know; I had no idea there was any money in the closet. If you please, Mr. Swikes, I should like some breakfast before I sail the boat home,” said Wade very respectfully. “You won’t git nothin’ till you git home,” replied the stingy farmer. “Do you suppose I’m going to spend money to feed you down here?” Swikes thought a thing so absurd ought not to be expected of him; and he did not give it a second thought. “I didn’t have any supper last night, as I told you; and I only found some crusts of brown bread when I got up in the night, and I’m almost starved,” pleaded poor Wade, whose stomach was protesting violently against the injustice done to it. “I can’t help it. You hadn’t any business to come down here.” “I didn’t come of my own accord; and if I hadn’t come, you never would have got your money again,” added Wade. “I can’t sail the boat back without something to eat.” “Then you may walk back, for I won’t pay your fare on the cars,” said Swikes, who was by all odds the meanest man in Midhampton. “I think it is a hard case, my lad,” interposed Capt. Trustleton; “and here is a dollar to buy your breakfast.” “I thank you, sir! I am very much obliged to you, and I hope that some time I may be able to do something for you,” said Wade warmly. “He don’t need all that money, Capt. Trustleton, and you will spoil the boy,” growled Swikes, who was disgusted with this prodigality. The captain and his son walked towards the station, followed by Matt; but Swikes lingered behind for some reason. “Here, Wade Brooks, give me that dollar,” said the skinflint. “I ain’t a-going to have no sich waste of money. Here is five cents to buy some crackers for you; and that’s enough till you git home.” “Capt. Trustleton gave the money to me, and I am going to keep it,” replied Wade stoutly; and he meant what he said.