the boy had injured him. It did not seem quite clear at present how
he was to punish Herbert, but he only waited for an occasion.

When Herbert learned, the next morning, from Mr. Melville, in what
manner Eben had tried to undermine him, and deprive him of his
situation, he was naturally indignant.

"I didn't think Eben Graham could be so mean," he exclaimed.

"It was certainly a mean thing to do, Herbert," said George
Melville; "but you can afford to treat young Graham with contempt,
as he has been unable to do you any injury."

"What shall we do this morning, Mr. Melville?" asked Herbert.

"I should like a row on the river," said Melville. "Do you know of
any boat we can have?"

"Walter Ingalls has a boat; I think we can hire that."

"Do you know him?"

"Yes, sir."

"Then you may go and ascertain whether we can have it, or I will go
with you to avoid loss of time."

The boat was readily loaned, and the two were soon on the river. Mr.
Melville first took the oars, but he was quickly fatigued, and
resigned them to Herbert, who was strong and muscular for his age.