They had work to do out there on the fishing-banks.

It was probable they reasoned that it was not their fault that these young people had fallen in their way.

They had dutifully rescued them from watery graves--or, in the case of Hodge and Merriwell--had permitted them to rescue themselves.

And thus, whatever obligation they may have been under as fellow human beings had been fully discharged.

They did not want Merriwell's money--and they certainly did not desire to run to New York.