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 Matthew Watson was stirring in the matter of taking advantage of the first open water to have the boat begin her trips to and from Philadelphia. Through the winter he had talked much with William Blake in glittering generalities, but thought and planned more with himself, down to the minutest details. In spite of the golden future he set forth to his partner, there lingered a feeling of distrust on William's part, and he was ready to sell out at any time, if not at a loss; and Matthew's propositions all required some sacrifice.

Worn almost to illness and wholly despairing of gaining the affections of Ruth, William thought seriously of his partner's suggestion to return to England with her, and who knows what change might take place in the girl's mind when away from all her old acquaintances but him. Matthew Watson had hinted of this and of leaving him as his agent in the boating business. He could then speak of his investments in America, Matthew had suggested, and the words had a charm for William's weak mind that was powerful if not quite overpowering. Should he sell or make