"You have done well, Randy," said the master of the steamboat. "I fancy this will cook Mr. Amos Bangs's goose."

 

At Nyack, Mr. Shalley came on board and heard what our hero had to say.

 

"I am glad you have a witness," said he. "I have heard of Mr. Budmister before."

 

"A good business man," said Captain Hadley. "He will make a good witness—if the case comes to a trial."

 

But it never did come to a trial. Andrew Shalley received one letter from a lawyer, threatening the suit, and in return wrote back the particulars of what Randy had learned, and added that if he heard any more of the matter he would bring suit against Amos Bangs for conspiracy¹ to defraud². There the matter ended.

 

The captain was so pleased that when Randy asked for a three-days' leave of absence, that he might visit his home, it was readily granted. The boy was also given some extra pay for his work at Catskill.

 

Randy's homecoming brought a warm smile to the faces of his father and his mother. His mother kissed him tenderly and his father shook hands.

 

"How are you feeling, father?"

 

"I am almost well, Randy. I expect to go to work next week."

 

"But not in a cellar," said the son, quickly.

 

"No, Mr. Jackson is going to build a wing on his house and has given me the whole contract."

 

"That is good."

 

"I will be able to make more money than if I was working for a boss," went on Mr. Thompson.

 

"Well, you won't be sorry for that," said Randy, with a smile.

 

He found matters on the farm moving along nicely. The late vegetables were coming in well and their neighbor, Jerry Borden, had given them a helping³ hand.

 

"Say, you're a-gittin' to be a regular sailor, ain't you?" said Sammy to Randy.

 

"Hardly a sailor," answered Randy, with a laugh. "I am a steamboat deckhand."

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