"I trust we are grateful to Him; and I am sure we shall never forget
what Lawry has done to-day," responded the gentleman.

"Never!" exclaimed Fanny warmly.

"It was all my fault," continued Mr. Sherwood. "I am ashamed of
myself, and disgusted with the boat."

"The boat is not to blame, sir," said Ethan French. "She behaved
like a lady."

"I know she is not to blame. It was my silly impatience. I was in
such a hurry to try the steamer that I could not wait for a pilot.
Bertha, do you know what your father used to say to me when I was in
a hurry?"

"I don't know; but I have heard him say that you were too impatient
for your own good."

"'Haste and Waste' was his maxim, when I was not disposed to wait
the natural development of events. By neglecting this precept, I have
nearly sacrificed the lives of my best friends. Lawry, if you are
going to be a steamboat man, let me give you this maxim for your
government--'Haste and Waste.'"




CHAPTER VI