“I don’t think he will. We get along very well together, sir.” “Better than you did with me, I suppose,” replied he, with a grim smile. “But I never knew you before, Wolf. It would be different if you should come over to Centreport again.” “I will have the boat ready in a few moments,” I replied, wishing to change the subject. I carried the colonel’s clothing to him. It had been nicely dried, and in a few moments he appeared on deck. I could hardly believe he was the Colonel Wimpleton who had been so unjust, not to say savage, towards me. He was a lamb now, and I was very willing to believe that his three hours of peril had done him a great deal of good, though I was afraid the impression would be removed when he returned to his usual associations. I helped the great man into the boat, and pushed off. “Have you thought of the offer that I made you, Wolf?” said the colonel, as I gave way at the oars. “It is useless for me to think of it, sir. I cannot leave Major Toppleton while he wishes me to stay with him.” “But I offer you double your present wages.” “The major has been very kind to me, and was a good friend to our family when we needed a friend. It would not be right for me to leave him, and I cannot think of such a thing.” The magnate of Centreport seemed to me to be more nettled by my refusal than I thought the occasion required. But I enjoyed a certain triumph in finding him thus teasing me to return to his side of the lake--a triumph which was none the less grateful because I had won it by kindness. The colonel was silent for a few moments, hitching about in the boat as though the seat was not comfortable. “How old are you, Wolf?” he asked, with sudden energy. “Sixteen in July, sir.” “I have one more offer to make you,” he added. “It won’t do any good, Colonel Wimpleton; for, as I have said, I never desert my friends while they use me well. If you would fill this boat up with gold, it wouldn’t make any difference with me,” I replied, rather warmly. “Don’t be obstinate, Wolf.” “I am very much obliged to you, sir, for your kind offer, and I would accept it if I could.” “You shall be captain of the new steamer, and have two dollars a day for your services. You will have a nice state-room in the boat, and nothing to do but superintend the management of her. I find you are very popular, not with the boys alone, but with the men and women, and it is for my interest to have you on the steamer.” “I thank you very much, sir; but I cannot leave my present place.” “Think of it, Wolf; and talk the matter over with your father. If you like, he shall be the engineer of the steamer.” “I thought the boat was to be managed by boys.” “But I can’t trust every boy in the engine-room. If I can’t get you as engineer, I must have a man.”