Page:Dick Hamilton's Steam Yacht.djvu/57

Rh but chief of all was a plan he had evolved to save Dick Hamilton from what the old man thought was a trip that would "waste" much money.

"I've got to do it," murmured Uncle Ezra to the darkness all about him. "It may not be accordin' to strict law, but it's justice. I've got to do it," and he turned wearily from one side of the bed to the other as he worked out the details of his plot.

"For land sakes!" exclaimed his wife at length, for she was being kept awake, "can't you doze off, Ezra?"

"No, I can't seem to, Samanthy."

"Maybe your railroad trip upsot ye?"

"No, I guess not. I think I'll sleep now. I've had lots to think of, Samanthy."

Once more he shifted his position and tried to close his eyes, but they would not stay shut. He found himself staring up at the ceiling in the darkness.

He arose, got a drink of water, and came back to bed. But he seemed more wideawake than ever.

"Ezra," called his wife again, "are you thinkin* of the dollar an' nineteen cents you once lost? Maybe that's what's keepin' you awake."

"No, it ain't that, Samanthy."

"Then, what is it?"

"I can't tell you."

"Why, Ezra. You ain't in trouble; be ye? You ain't goin' to keep a secret from me; be ye?"