Mr Willett then, rising and cutting short an altercation between two late competitors in the 16-foot race, came hurrying forward with Palmerston, ever loyal, in his wake.  For the boy, without blaming anyone, anxious only to fulfil a responsibility that weighed on him, was aware that Mr Willett—­whether considered as a man or as a treasurer—­ had taken in overmuch beer, and might need support in either capacity or in both.

But while Mr Willett advanced, in a series of hasty plunges,—­as though the Committee vessel were ploughing the deep with all sail set,—­voices around Mrs Bosenna had already begun to call for a speech; and the cry was quickly taken up from the many boats overside, now gathered in a close throng.

“A speech! a speech!”

Mrs Bosenna laughed, and turned about prettily.

“I did not bargain for any speech,” she protested.  “I—­in fact I never made a speech in my life.  If—­if Captain Hocken would say a few words—­”

“Ay, Cap’n,” exhorted a voice, “speak up for her, like a man now!  Seems to us she’ve given you the right.”

There was a general laugh, and it brought a heightened flush to Mrs Bosenna’s cheek.  Cai, not noting it, cleared his throat and doffed his tall hat.  “Here, hold this,” said he, catching sight of Palmerston, and cleared his throat again.

“Friends and naybours,” said he, and this opening evoked loud applause.  As it died down, he continued, “Friends and naybours, this here has been a most successful regatta. Of which, as a fitting conclusion, the Brave has received his reward at the hands of the Fair.”

“Lord! he means hisself!” interrupted a giggling voice from one of the boats.

This interruption called forth a storm of applause.  Oars were rattled on rowlocks and feet began stamping on bottom boards.

“By the Brave,” continued Cai, pitching his voice higher, “I mean, of course, our respected fellow-citizen, Mr Walter Sobey, whose handling of his frail craft—­”

("Hear!  Hear!”)

“—­Whose handling of his frail craft to-day was of a natur’ to surprise and delight all beholders.”

At this point Mr Willett, the Treasurer, who had for some seconds been staring at the speaker with glazed uncertain eye, interrupted in a voice thick with liquor—­

“The question is, Who wants me?”

“Nobody, you d—­d old fool!” snapped the Hon. Secretary.  “Can’t you see Cap’n Hocken is makin’ a speech?”

“I see,” answered Mr Willett with drunken deliberation, “and, what’s more, I don’t think much of it. . . .  Gentlemen over there ‘pears t’ agree with me,” he added:  for from the rear of the group a scornful laugh had endorsed his criticism.

“Any one can tell what hasn’t agreed with you this mornin’,” retorted the Hon. Secretary, still more angrily.  “Go home, and—­”