The great man seemed to be intensely annoyed at my obstinacy; and it certainly was a hard case for him that he was not permitted even to do me a favor. My pride would not permit me to accept a gift from one who had treated me so badly as he had; but it was a pleasure to serve him, to heap the fiery coals of kindness upon his head. As I had feared, the wind died out entirely, and the Grace lay helpless upon the smooth surface of the lake. But below, everything was cheerful--even Colonel Wimpleton. The lamps burned brightly in the cabin and state-room, and I enjoyed myself hugely, not caring whether the wind blew or not. I gave the great man his underclothing when it was dry, and he put it on. He wanted to talk, and he did talk in his bed till nearly midnight, when a breeze from the southward sprang up, which compelled me to take my place at the helm. The wind freshened, and the Grace flew before it, so that we came to anchor at two o’clock off Major Toppleton’s mansion. CHAPTER XIV. COLONEL WIMPLETON BIDS HIGH. During the run of twenty miles down the lake, I had sat alone at the helm the greater portion of the time, for my companions were disposed to sleep. Colonel Wimpleton snored so that I could hear him in the standing-room. Skotchley had turned in, occupying the port state-room, while Tom Walton lay on a locker, where I could call him in a moment if his services were needed. While I sat there I did a great deal of heavy thinking, mostly over the relations of Toppleton and Wimpleton. When that magnificent steamer was completed, there would be lively times on the lake. The offer which Colonel Wimpleton had made me of the position of engineer on board the new steamer was very tempting to me, and I wished very much that I could honorably accept it; but it was no use to think about it. Whatever might be said of Major Tommy, his father had invariably treated me very handsomely. He had come to my father’s assistance at a time when he needed help, and had actually put over two thousand dollars into his pocket. I felt it to be my duty to endure a great deal from the son for the sake of the father, as, it now appeared, the former was the chief man of the two. As we approached Middleport, I called Tom Walton, and, with as little noise as possible, anchored the Grace. It was a moonlight night, and since the wind had come up from the southward, the weather was warm and pleasant. The sleepers below had not been disturbed; but, after Tom and I had made everything snug on deck, I waked Colonel Wimpleton, and told him where we were. I offered to row him across the lake in the little tender of the Grace. “Thank you, Wolf. I will get up at once,” said he. “What time is it?” “About half past two, sir.” “I have slept well. I had no idea of getting home to-night.” “We are at anchor off Major Toppleton’s house.” “Then I think I had better leave as soon as possible. I hope the major won’t punish you for what you have done for me.”