You see, Margaret, when they were
little, it was all right for Jerry to thrash him. He did it punctually
and thoroughly, every time they met, and it was very good for the boy;
but now of course it is out of the question."

"Why did he come here?" inquired Margaret. "Did ever any one manage to
make so much trouble in so short a time? the very air seems changed."

Bell shrugged her shoulders. "His mother made him come, probably," she
said. "He is really devoted to his mother; when you see him with her,
you forgive a great deal. She is very fond of my father, and is always
hoping that he may be able to influence Claud, and to appreciate him.
After all, the boy has no father, and he has been systematically spoiled
ever since he was born. I wish to-morrow were over."

"Then," said Margaret, slowly, "I am to say nothing about this matter."

"Please not!" said her friend. "My dear, I see you are troubled, because
you saw the horrid thing done; and you don't think it right to conceal
the truth, even for a time. I am just as angry as you, but remember,
there is 'a time to speak and a time to be silent.' This is a time to be
silent, I am very sure; if we were to tell the boys now, it would be a
match thrown into a powder-magazine. To-morrow, when Claud is safely off
to his Dunderblincks, we will tell them; there will be an explosion
then, but it will do no harm; and in a day or two the two boats can have
a race by themselves, and that will decide the case. Are you convinced,
Justitia?"

"Entirely!" said Margaret. "You are very wise, Bell; I suppose I was too
angry to see clearly; I have never been so angry in my life. As you say,
I suppose it is because I saw it; and it _was_ a horrid thing to see. I
too wish to-morrow were over."

* * * * *

The morrow came, and the morning passed peacefully enough. The wagon was
ordered which was to carry the visitor to the evening train. The elders
began to breathe freely, and it was with a mind comparatively at rest
that Mr. Merryweather strolled down to the float after dinner, to
inspect a boat which had been hauled up for repairs. The other
"menfolks" of the family followed him, and all stood round after the
fashion of their kind, saying little, but enjoying themselves in their
own way.

"I'd caulk her a bit, Jerry," said the Chief; "and then give her a
couple of coats of shellac. She'll do then for the rest of the season."

"All right, Pater!" said