"I've got a hack," observes the man, in a casual way, as if the fact might
possibly interest.

"O, you have, have you? Well, then, put us into it, and drive to Liverpool
Wharf; and hurry."

Either the distance was less than the hackman fancied, or else he drove
thither with unheard-of speed, for two minutes later he set them down on
Liverpool Wharf. But swiftly as they had come the steamer had been even
more prompt, and she now turned toward them a beautiful wake, as she
pushed farther and farther out into the harbor.

The hackman took his two dollars for his four passengers, and was rapidly
mounting his box,--probably to avoid idle reproaches. "Wait!" said the
chief pleasurer. Then, "When does the next boat leave?" he asked of the
agent, who had emerged with a compassionate face from the waiting-rooms on
the wharf.

"At half past two."

"And it's now five minutes past nine," moaned the merrymakers.

"Why, I'll tell you what you can do," said the agent; "you can go to
Hingham by the Old Colony cars, and so come back by the Hull and Hingham
boat."

"That's it!" chorused his listeners, "we'll go;" and "Now," said their
spokesman to the driver, "I dare say you didn't know that Liverpool Wharf
was so near; but I don't think you've earned your money, and you ought to
take us on to the Old Colony Depot for half-fares at the most."