But being matter-of-fact folk, they contented themselves with lounging round the boat as she lay once more on the beach, staring at her, and wondering between their whiffs what the solicitors and judges would say now.
The skipper of the _Hail! Columbia_ had neither the time nor the patience to discover who just now was the lawful owner of the boat.
Some said Tom White; some said Tom White's partners; some said the pawnbroker.
The master disposed the problem off his mind very simply by setting down the _Martha_ on the beach, and letting those who chose to claim her settle their squabble among themselves.
The news of the return of the prodigal was not long in spreading; and by the time the Templeton boys came down for their afternoon bathe it was common property.
Our heroes heard it in the water, from Raggles, and immediately landed and dressed.

They scarcely exchanged a word till they stood at the side of the _Martha_, where she lay in almost the same spot where two of them had seen her three-and-a-half months ago.

Then Dick said:-- "Think of her turning up at last!" "I half guessed she would," said Georgie, "though I never expected it.
I say, this settles our row, doesn't it ?" "Pretty well.

But of course Tom White may catch it for pawning the boat.

He collared the money, you know." "Ah, but that's not got much to do with us," said Heathcote.
"Well," said Dick, "we ought to back him right up, while we are at it.
Besides, you know, we may still get into a row for letting her go, though she _has_ turned up." Altogether the "Firm" were not very sure how far their position was improved by the recovery of the _Martha_.