Kennedy now came alongside in the skiff, bringing a warp-line from the shore, by which the Maud was hauled up to the wharf. The spectators went on board, and examined the work. Many of them crawled into the cabin and cook-room, and all of them were enthusiastic in their praise, though a few seasoned it with wholesome criticism. Some thought the cabin ought to be longer, evidently believing that it was possible to put a quart of water into a pint bottle; others thought she ought to be rigged as a schooner instead of a sloop, which was a matter of fancy with the owner; but all agreed that she was a beautiful yacht. In honor of the event, and to please the young people, Mr. Rodman had prepared a collation at his house, to which the members of the Yacht Club and others were cordially invited. Kennedy and the other men who worked on the Maud were included in the invitation, and the afternoon was to be a holiday. Laud Cavendish, who had moored the Juno and come on shore, liberally interpreted the invitation to include himself, and joined the party, though he was not a member of the club. Some people have a certain exuberance on the side of their faces, which enables them to do things which others cannot do. "I want to see you, Don John," said Laud, as the party began to move from the wharf towards the mansion of Mr. Rodman. "I'll see you this evening," replied Donald, who was anxious to gain a position at the side of Miss Nellie Patterdale. "That will be too late. You saw the man in the Juno with me--didn't you?" continued Laud, proceeding to open his business. "I saw him." "Did you know him?" "No; though I thought I had seen him before," replied Donald, as they walked along in the rear of the party. "He is the man who was beaten within an inch of his life over to Lincolnville, a while ago." "Hasbrook?" "Yes, his name is Jacob Hasbrook." "He was with us in the library of Captain Patterdale the day we were there, when the man had a sun-stroke." "Was he? Well, I don't remember that. Folks say he is a big rascal, and the licking he got was no more than he deserved. He was laid up for a month after it; but now he and the sheriff are trying to find out who did it." Donald was interested, in spite of himself, and for the time even forgot the pleasant smile of Nellie, which was a great deal for him to forget. "Has he any idea who it was that beat him?" "I don't know whether he has or not. He only asks questions, and don't answer any. You know I met you over to Turtle Head the morning after the affair in Lincolnville." "I remember all about it," answered Donald. "I saw you in the Juno afterwards. By the way, Don John, you didn't tell me how you happened to be in the Juno at that time. I don't recollect whether you had her at Turtle Head, or not. I don't think I saw her there, at any rate." "No matter whether you did or not. Go on with your story, for we are almost to Mr. Rodman's house," replied Donald, impatiently.