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+The Project Gutenberg EBook of Breaking Away, by Oliver Optic
+
+This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with
+almost no restrictions whatsoever.  You may copy it, give it away or
+re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included
+with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.org
+
+
+Title: Breaking Away
+       or The Fortunes of a Student
+
+Author: Oliver Optic
+
+Illustrator: Kilburn
+
+Release Date: August 29, 2007 [EBook #22433]
+
+Language: English
+
+Character set encoding: ISO-8859-1
+
+*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK BREAKING AWAY ***
+
+
+
+
+Produced by David Edwards, Emmy and the Online Distributed
+Proofreading Team at http://www.pgdp.net (This file was
+produced from scans of public domain material produced by
+Microsoft for their Live Search Books site.)
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+  [Illustration: BREAKING AWAY
+        AMERICAN
+        BOYS
+        SERIES]
+
+
+
+
+THE STARRY FLAG SERIES,
+
+BY OLIVER OPTIC.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+          I. THE STARRY FLAG; OR, THE YOUNG FISHERMAN OF CAPE ANN.
+
+         II. FREAKS OF FORTUNE; OR, HALF ROUND THE WORLD.
+
+        III. BREAKING AWAY; OR, THE FORTUNES OF A STUDENT.
+
+         IV. SEEK AND FIND; OR, THE ADVENTURES OF A SMART BOY.
+
+          V. MAKE OR BREAK; OR, THE RICH MAN'S DAUGHTER.
+
+         VI. DOWN THE RIVER; OR, BUCK BRADFORD AND HIS TYRANTS.
+
+[Illustration: THE REBELLION IN THE PARKVILLE LITERARY
+INSTITUTE.--Page 30.]
+
+
+
+
+BREAKING AWAY;
+
+OR,
+
+THE FORTUNES OF A STUDENT.
+
+BY
+
+OLIVER OPTIC,
+
+        AUTHOR OF "YOUNG AMERICA ABROAD," "THE ARMY AND NAVY STORIES,"
+           "THE WOODVILLE STORIES," "THE BOAT-CLUB STORIES,"
+                 "THE RIVERDALE STORIES," ETC.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+        BOSTON:
+        LOTHROP, LEE & SHEPARD CO.
+
+
+
+
+ Entered, according to Act of Congress, in the year 1867, by
+        WILLIAM T. ADAMS,
+ In the Clerk's Office of the District Court of the District
+ of Massachusetts.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+        COPYRIGHT, 1895, BY WILLIAM T. ADAMS.
+               _All rights reserved._
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+        BREAKING AWAY.
+
+
+
+
+                    TO
+
+             MY YOUNG FRIEND,
+
+           _HARLAN H. BALLARD_,
+
+                This Book
+
+        IS AFFECTIONATELY DEDICATED.
+
+
+
+
+PREFACE.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+"BREAKING AWAY" is the second of the series of stories published in
+"OUR BOYS AND GIRLS," and the author had no reason to complain of the
+reception accorded to it by his young friends, as it appeared in the
+weekly issues of the Magazine; but, on the contrary, he finds renewed
+occasion cordially to thank them for their continued appreciation of
+his earnest efforts to please them.
+
+After an experience of more than twenty years as a teacher, the writer
+did not expect his young friends to sympathize with the schoolmaster
+of this story, for doubtless many of them have known and despised a
+similar creature in real life. Mr. Parasyte is not a myth; but we are
+grateful that an enlightened public sentiment is every year rendering
+more and more odious the petty tyrant of the school-room, and we are
+too happy to give this retreating personage a parting blow as he
+retires from the scene of his fading glories.
+
+Rebellions, either in the school or in the state, are always dangerous
+and demoralizing; but while we unequivocally condemn the tyrant in
+our story, we cannot always approve the conduct of his pupils. One
+evil gives birth to another; but even a righteous end cannot justify
+immoral means, and we beg to remind our young and enthusiastic readers
+that Ernest Thornton and his friends were compelled to acknowledge
+that they had done wrong in many things, and that "Breaking Away" was
+deemed a very doubtful expedient for the redress even of a real wrong.
+
+As it was impossible for Ernest to relate the whole of his eventful
+history in one volume, Breaking Away will be immediately followed by a
+sequel,--"Seek and Find,"--in which the hero will narrate his
+adventures in seeking and finding his mother, of whose tender care he
+was deprived from his earliest childhood.
+
+ HARRISON SQUARE, MASS.,
+   September 23, 1867.
+
+
+
+
+CONTENTS.
+
+
+        CHAPTER I.                                           PAGE
+  IN WHICH ERNEST THORNTON INTRODUCES HIMSELF.                 11
+
+        CHAPTER II.
+  IN WHICH THERE IS TROUBLE IN THE PARKVILLE LIBERAL
+    INSTITUTE.                                                 22
+
+        CHAPTER III.
+  IN WHICH ERNEST IS EXPELLED FROM THE PARKVILLE LIBERAL
+    INSTITUTE.                                                 33
+
+        CHAPTER IV.
+  IN WHICH ERNEST SAILS THE SPLASH, AND TAKES A BATH.          44
+
+        CHAPTER V.
+  IN WHICH ERNEST DECLINES A PROPOSITION.                      55
+
+        CHAPTER VI.
+  IN WHICH ERNEST FINDS HIS FELLOW-STUDENTS IN OPEN REBELLION. 66
+
+        CHAPTER VII.
+  IN WHICH ERNEST ATTENDS THE TRIAL OF BILL POODLES AND DICK
+    PEARL.                                                     78
+
+        CHAPTER VIII.
+  IN WHICH ERNEST VANQUISHES THE SCHOOLMASTER.                 89
+
+        CHAPTER IX.
+  IN WHICH ERNEST STRIKES A HEAVY BLOW, AND WINS ANOTHER
+    VICTORY.                                                  100
+
+        CHAPTER X.
+  IN WHICH ERNEST HAS AN INTERVIEW WITH HIS UNCLE.            111
+
+        CHAPTER XI.
+  IN WHICH ERNEST IS DISOWNED AND CAST OUT.                   122
+
+        CHAPTER XII.
+  IN WHICH ERNEST RAISES THE SPLASH, AND THERE IS A GENERAL
+    BREAKING AWAY AMONG THE STUDENTS.                         132
+
+        CHAPTER XIII.
+  IN WHICH ERNEST IS CHOSEN COMMODORE OF THE FLEET.           144
+
+        CHAPTER XIV.
+  IN WHICH ERNEST IS WAITED UPON BY A DEPUTY SHERIFF.         155
+
+        CHAPTER XV.
+  IN WHICH ERNEST AND THE COMMISSARY VISIT CANNONDALE.        166
+
+        CHAPTER XVI.
+  IN WHICH ERNEST CONVEYS THE STUDENTS TO PINE ISLAND.        177
+
+        CHAPTER XVII.
+  IN WHICH ERNEST FINDS THERE IS TREASON IN THE CAMP.         188
+
+        CHAPTER XVIII.
+  IN WHICH ERNEST AND HIS COMPANIONS LAND AT CANNONDALE.      199
+
+        CHAPTER XIX.
+  IN WHICH ERNEST AND HIS FRIENDS ARE DISGUSTED WITH MR.
+    PARASYTE'S INGRATITUDE.                                   211
+
+        CHAPTER XX.
+  IN WHICH ERNEST TAKES THE WHEEL OF THE ADIENO.              222
+
+        CHAPTER XXI.
+  IN WHICH ERNEST CONTINUES TO ACT AS PILOT OF THE STEAMER.   233
+
+        CHAPTER XXII.
+  IN WHICH ERNEST PILOTS THE ADIENO TO "THE SISTERS."         244
+
+        CHAPTER XXIII.
+  IN WHICH ERNEST TAKES COMMAND OF THE EXPEDITION.            255
+
+        CHAPTER XXIV.
+  IN WHICH ERNEST ENGAGES IN AN EXCITING STEAMBOAT RACE.      266
+
+        CHAPTER XXV.
+  IN WHICH ERNEST PILOTS THE ADIENO TO PARKVILLE.             277
+
+        CHAPTER XXVI
+  IN WHICH ERNEST FINDS A CHANGE IN THE MANAGEMENT OF
+    THE INSTITUTE.                                            287
+
+
+
+
+BREAKING AWAY;
+
+OR,
+
+THE FORTUNES OF A STUDENT.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER I.
+
+IN WHICH ERNEST THORNTON INTRODUCES HIMSELF.
+
+
+"Ernest Thornton!" called Mr. Parasyte, the principal of the Parkville
+Liberal Institute, in a tone so stern and severe that it was
+impossible to mistake his meaning, or not to understand that a tempest
+was brewing. "Ernest Thornton!"
+
+As that was my name, I replied to the summons by rising, and
+exhibiting my full length to all the boys assembled in the
+school-room--about one hundred in number.
+
+"Ernest Thornton!" repeated Mr. Parasyte, not satisfied with the
+demonstration I had made.
+
+"Sir!" I replied, in a round, full, square tone, which was intended to
+convince the principal that I was ready to "face the music."
+
+"Ernest Thornton, I am informed that you have been engaged in a
+fight," he continued, in a tone a little less sharp than that with
+which he had pronounced my name; and I had the vanity to believe that
+the square tone in which I had uttered the single word I had been
+called upon to speak had produced a salutary impression upon him.
+
+"I haven't been engaged in any fight, sir," I replied, with all the
+dignity becoming a boy of fourteen.
+
+"Sir! what do you mean by denying it?" added Mr. Parasyte, working
+himself up into a magnificent mood, which was intended to crush me by
+its very majesty--but it didn't.
+
+"I have not engaged in any fight, sir," I repeated, with as much
+decision as the case seemed to require.
+
+"Didn't you strike William Poodles?" demanded he, fiercely.
+
+"Yes, sir, I did. Bill Poodles hit me in the head, and I knocked him
+over in self-defence--that was all, sir."
+
+"Don't you call that a fight, sir?" said Mr. Parasyte, knitting his
+brows, and looking savage enough to swallow me.
+
+"No, sir; I do not. I couldn't stand still and let him pound me."
+
+"You irritated him in the beginning, and provoked him to strike the
+blow. I hold you responsible for the fight."
+
+"I had no intention to irritate him, and I did not wish to provoke
+him."
+
+"I hold you responsible for the fight, Thornton," said the principal
+again.
+
+I supposed he would, for Poodles was the son of a very wealthy and
+aristocratic merchant in the city of New York, while I belonged to
+what the principal regarded as an inferior order of society. At least
+twenty boys in the Parkville Liberal Institute came upon the
+recommendation of Poodle's father, while not a single one had been
+lured into these classic shades by the influence of my family--if I
+could be said to belong to any family. Besides, I was but a day
+scholar, and my uncle paid only tuition bills for me, while most of
+the pupils were boarders at the Institute.
+
+I am writing of events which took place years ago, but I have seen no
+reason to change the opinion then formed, that Mr. Parasyte, the
+principal, was a "toady" of the first water; that he was a
+narrow-minded, partial man, in whom the principle of justice had never
+been developed. He was a good teacher, an excellent teacher; by which
+I mean only to say that he had a rare skill and tact for imparting
+knowledge, the mere dry bones of art, science, and philosophy. He was
+a capital scholar himself, and a capital teacher; but that is the most
+that can be said of him.
+
+I have no hesitation in saying that his influence upon the boys was
+bad, as that of every narrow-minded, partial, and unjust man must be;
+and if I had any boys to send away to a boarding school, they should
+go to a good and true man, even if I knew him to be, intellectually,
+an inferior teacher, rather than to such a person as Mr. Parasyte. He
+"toadied" to the rich boys, and oppressed the poorer ones. Poodles
+was the most important boy in the school, and he was never punished
+for his faults, which were not few, nor compelled to learn his
+lessons, as other boys were. But I think Poodles hated the magnate of
+the Parkville Liberal Institute as much as any other boy.
+
+Parkville is situated on Lake Adieno, a beautiful sheet of water,
+twenty miles in length, in the very heart of the State of New York.
+The town was a thriving place of four thousand inhabitants, at which a
+steamboat stopped twice every day in her trip around the lake. The
+academy was located at the western verge of the town, while my home
+was about a mile beyond the eastern line of the village.
+
+I lived with my uncle, Amos Thornton. His residence was a vine-clad
+cottage, built in the Swiss style, on the border of the lake, the lawn
+in front of it extending down to the water's edge. My uncle was a
+strange man. He had erected this cottage ten years before the time at
+which my story opens, when I was a mere child. He had employed in the
+beginning, before the house was completed, a man and his wife as
+gardener and housekeeper, and they had been residents in the cottage
+ever since.
+
+I said that my uncle was a strange man; and so he was. He hardly ever
+spoke a word to any one, and never unless it was absolutely necessary
+to do so. He was not one of the talking kind; and old Jerry, the
+gardener, and old Betsey, the housekeeper, seemed to have been cast in
+the same mould. I never heard them talking to each other, and they
+certainly never spoke to me unless I asked them a question, and then
+only in the briefest manner.
+
+I never knew what to make of my uncle Amos. He had a little room,
+which he called his library, in one corner of the house, which could
+be entered only by passing through his bedroom. In this apartment he
+spent most of his time, though he went out to walk every day, while I
+was at school; but, if he saw me coming, he always retreated to the
+house. He was gloomy and misanthropic; he never went to church
+himself, though he always compelled me to go, and also to attend the
+Sunday school. He did not go into society, and had little or nothing
+to do with, or to say to, the people of Parkville. He never troubled
+them, and they were content to let him alone.
+
+As may well be supposed, my life at the cottage was not the
+pleasantest that could be imagined. It was hardly a home, only a
+stopping-place to me. It was gloom and silence there, and my uncle was
+the lord of the silent land. Such a life was not to my taste, and I
+envied the boys and girls of my acquaintance in Parkville, as I saw
+them talking and laughing with their fathers and mothers, their
+brothers and sisters, or gathered in the social circle around the
+winter fire. It seemed to me that their cup of joy was full, while
+mine was empty. I longed for friends and companions to share with me
+the cares and the pleasures of life.
+
+Of myself I knew little or nothing. My memory hardly reached farther
+back than the advent of my uncle at Lake Adieno, and all my early
+associations were connected with the cottage and its surroundings. I
+had a glimmering and indistinct idea of something before our coming to
+Parkville. It seemed to me that I had once known a motherly lady with
+a sweet and lovely expression on her face; and I had a faint
+recollection of looking out upon a dreary waste of waters; but I could
+not fix the idea distinctly in my mind. I supposed that the lady was
+my mother. I made several vain efforts to induce my uncle to tell me
+something about her; if he knew anything, he would not tell me.
+
+Old Jerry and his wife evidently had no knowledge whatever in regard
+to me before my uncle brought me to Parkville. They could not tell me
+anything, and my uncle would not. Though I was a boy of only fourteen,
+this concealment of my birth and parentage troubled me. I was told
+that my father was dead; and this was all the information I could
+obtain. Where he had lived, when and where he died, I was not
+permitted to know. If I asked a question, my uncle turned on his heel
+and left me, with no reply.
+
+The vision of the motherly lady, distant and indistinct as it was,
+haunted me like a familiar melody. If the person was my mother, why
+should her very name be kept from me? If she was still living, why
+could I not go to her? If she was dead, why might I not water the
+green sod above her grave with my tears, and plant the sweetest
+flowers by her tombstone? I was dissatisfied with my lot, and I was
+determined, at no distant day, to wring from my silent uncle the
+particulars of my early history. I was so eager to get this knowledge
+that I was almost ready to take him by the throat, if need be, and
+force out the truth from between his closed lips.
+
+I never had an opportunity to speak with him; but I could make the
+opportunity. He took no notice of me; he avoided me; he seemed hardly
+to be conscious of my existence. Yet he was not a hard man, in the
+common sense of the word. He clothed me as well as the best boys in
+the Institute. If I wanted anything for the table, old Jerry was
+ordered to procure it. When I was ten years old a little row-boat was
+furnished for me; but before I was fourteen I wanted something better,
+and told my uncle so. He made me no reply; but on my next birthday a
+splendid sail-boat floated on the lake before the house, which Jerry
+said had been built for me. I told my silent lord that I was much
+obliged to him for his very acceptable present, when I happened to
+catch him on the lawn. He turned on his heel, and fled as though I had
+stung him with the sting of ingratitude.
+
+If I wanted anything, I had only to mention it; and no one criticised
+my conduct, whatever I did. I was free to go and come when I pleased;
+and though in vacation I was absent three days at once in my boat, no
+one asked me where I had been, or what I had done. Neither my uncle
+nor his silent satellites ever expressed a fear that I might be
+drowned in my voyages in night and storm on the lake; and I came to
+the conclusion that no one would care if I were lost.
+
+I do not know how, under such a home government, I ever became a
+decent fellow. I do not know why I am not now a pirate, a freebooter,
+a pickpocket, or a nuisance to myself and the world in some other
+capacity. I have come to believe since that my inherited good
+qualities saved me under such an utter neglect of all home influences.
+It is a marvel to me that I was not ruined before I was twenty-one;
+and from the deepest depths of my heart I thank God for his mercy in
+sparing me from the fate which generally and naturally overtakes such
+a neglected child.
+
+At the age of twelve, after I had passed through the common school of
+the town, I was admitted to the Parkville Liberal Institute, which I
+wished to attend because a friend of mine in the town was there. My
+uncle did not object--he never objected to anything. Without pride or
+vanity I may say that I was a good scholar, and I took the highest
+rank at the academy. When I was about twelve years old, some
+instructions which I received in the Sunday school produced a strong
+impression on my mind, and led me to take my stand for life. I tried
+to be true to God and myself, to be just and manly in all things.
+Whatever the world may sneeringly say of goodness and truth, I am sure
+that I owe my popularity among the boys of the Parkville Liberal
+Institute to these endeavors--not always successful--to do right.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER II.
+
+IN WHICH THERE IS TROUBLE IN THE PARKVILLE LIBERAL INSTITUTE.
+
+
+I wish to say in the beginning, and once for all, that I did not set
+myself up as a saint, or even as a model boy. I made no pretensions,
+but I did try to be good and true. I felt that I had no one in this
+world to rely upon for my future; everything depended upon myself
+alone, and I realized the responsibility of building up my own
+character. I do not mean to assert that I had all these ideas and
+purposes clearly defined in my own mind; only that I had a simple
+abstract desire to be good, and to do good, without knowing precisely
+in what the being and the doing consisted. My notions, many of them, I
+am now aware, were crude and undefined.
+
+I have observed that I was a favorite among the boys of the
+Institute, a kind of leader and oracle among them, though I was not
+fully conscious of the fact at the time. While I now think I owe the
+greater portion of the esteem and regard in which I was held by my
+companions to my desire to be good and true, I must acknowledge that
+other circumstances had their influence upon them. I was the owner of
+the best boat on Lake Adieno, and to the boys this was a matter of no
+small consequence. There were half a dozen row-boats belonging to the
+academy, but nothing that carried a sail.
+
+I always had money. I had only to ask my uncle for any sum I wanted,
+and it was given me, without a question as to its intended use. I
+mention the fact to his discredit, and it would have been a luxury to
+me to have had him manifest interest enough in my welfare to refuse my
+request.
+
+I was naturally enterprising and fearless, and was therefore foremost
+in all feats of daring, in all trials of skill in athletic games.
+Indeed, to sum up the estimate which was made of me by my associates
+in school and the people of Parkville, I was "a smart boy." Perhaps
+my vanity was tickled once or twice by hearing this appellation
+applied to me; but I am sure I was not spoiled by the favor with which
+I was regarded.
+
+Though I was not an unhappy boy, there was an aching void in my heart
+which I could not fill, a longing for such a home as hundreds of my
+young friends enjoyed; and I would gladly have exchanged the freedom
+from restraint for which others envied me for the poorest home in the
+town, where I could have been welcomed by a fond mother, where I could
+have had a kind father to feel an interest in me.
+
+During the spring, summer, and autumn months, when the wind and
+weather would permit, I went to school in my sail-boat. My course lay
+along the shore, and if I was becalmed and likely to be tardy, I had
+only to moor my craft, and take to the road. At the noon intermission,
+therefore, my boat was available for use, and I always had a party.
+
+On the day that I was called up charged with fighting, the Splash--for
+that was the suggestive name I had chosen for my trim little
+craft--was lying at the boat pier on the lake in front of the
+Institute building. The forenoon session of the school had just
+closed, and I had gone to the boat to eat my dinner, which I always
+carried in the stern locker.
+
+Before I had finished, Bill Poodles came down with an Arithmetic in
+his hand. It was the dinner hour of the boarding students, and I
+wondered that Bill was not in the refectory. Our class had a difficult
+lesson in arithmetic that day, which I had worked out in the solitude
+of my chamber at the cottage the preceding evening. The students had
+been prohibited, under the most severe penalty, from assisting each
+other; and it appeared that Bill had vainly applied to half a dozen of
+his classmates for help: none of them dared to afford it.
+
+Bill Poodles was a disagreeable fellow, arrogant and "airy" as he was
+lazy and stupid. I doubt whether he ever learned a difficult task
+alone. The arithmetic lesson was a review of the principles which the
+class had gone over, and consisted of a dozen examples, printed on a
+slip of paper, to test the knowledge of the students; and it was
+intimated that those who failed would be sent down into a lower class.
+Bill dreaded anything like a degradation. He was proud, if he was
+lazy. He knew that I had performed the examples, and while his
+fellow-boarders were at dinner, he had stolen the opportunity to
+appeal to me for the assistance he so much needed.
+
+Though Bill was a disagreeable fellow, and though, in common with a
+majority of the students, I disliked him, I would willingly have
+assisted him if the prohibition to do so had not been so emphatic. Mr.
+Parasyte was so particular in the present instance, that the following
+declaration had been printed on the examination paper, and each boy
+was required to sign it:--
+
+_"I declare upon my honor, that I have had no assistance whatever in
+solving these examples, and that I have given none to others."_
+
+Bill begged me to assist him. I reasoned with him, and told him he had
+better fail in the review than forfeit his honor by subscribing to a
+falsehood. He made light of my scruples; and then I told him I had
+already signed my own paper, and would not falsify my statement.
+
+"Humph!" exclaimed he, with a sneer. "You hadn't given any one
+assistance when you signed, but you can do it now, and it will be no
+lie."
+
+I was indignant at the proposition, it was so mean and base; and I
+expressed myself squarely in regard to it. I had finished my dinner,
+and, closing the locker, stepped out of the boat upon the pier. Bill
+followed me, begging and pleading till I was disgusted with him. I
+told him then that I would not do what he asked if he teased me for a
+month. He was angry, and used insulting language. I turned on my heel
+to leave him. He interpreted this movement on my part as an act of
+cowardice, and, coming up behind me, struck me a heavy blow on the
+back of the head with his fist. He was on the point of following it up
+with another, when, though he was eighteen years old, and half a foot
+taller than I was, I hit him fairly in the eye, and knocked him over
+backwards, off the pier, and into the lake.
+
+A madder fellow than Bill Poodles never floundered in shallow water.
+The lake where he fell was not more than two or three feet deep, and
+doubtless its soft bosom saved him from severe injury. He picked
+himself up, and, dripping from his bath, rushed to the shore. He was
+insane with passion. Seizing a large stone, he hurled it at me. I
+moved towards him, with the intention of checking his demonstration,
+when his valor was swallowed up in discretion, and he rushed towards
+the school building.
+
+For this offence I was brought to the bar of Mr. Parasyte's uneven
+justice. Poodles had told his own story after changing his drabbled
+garments. It was unfortunate that there were no witnesses of the
+affray, for the principal would sooner have doubted the evidence of
+his own senses than the word of Bill Poodles, simply because it was
+not politic for him to do so. My accuser declared that he had spoken
+civilly and properly to me, and that I had insulted him. He had walked
+up to me, and placed his hand upon my shoulder, simply to attract my
+attention, when I had struck him a severe blow in the face, which had
+knocked him over backwards into the lake.
+
+In answer to this charge, I told the truth exactly as it was. Bill
+acknowledged that he had asked me some questions about the review
+lesson, which I had declined to answer. He was sorry he had offended
+so far, but was not angry at my refusal. He had determined to
+sacrifice his dinner, and his play during the intermission, to enable
+him to perform the examples. I persisted in the statement I had
+already made, and refused to modify it in any manner. It was the
+simple truth.
+
+"Ernest Thornton," said Mr. Parasyte, solemnly, "hitherto I have
+regarded you with favor. I have looked upon you as a worthy and
+deserving boy, and I confess my surprise and grief at the event of
+to-day. Not content with the dastardly assault committed upon William
+Poodles,--whose devotion to his duty and his studies has been
+manifested by the sacrifice of his dinner,--you utter the most
+barefaced falsehood which it was ever my misfortune to hear a boy
+tell."
+
+"I have told the truth, sir!" I exclaimed, my cheek burning with
+indignation.
+
+"Silence, sir! Such conduct and such a boy cannot be tolerated at the
+Parkville Liberal Institute. But in consideration of your former good
+conduct, I purpose to give you an opportunity to redeem your
+character."
+
+"My character don't need any redeeming," I declared, stoutly.
+
+"I see you are in a very unhappy frame of mind, and I fear you are
+incorrigible. But I must do my duty, and I proceed to pronounce your
+sentence, which is, that you be expelled from the Parkville Liberal
+Institute."
+
+"Bill Poodles is the biggest liar in the school!" shouted a daring
+little fellow among my friends, who were astounded at the result of
+the examination, and at the sentence.
+
+"That's so!" said another.
+
+"Yes!" "Yes!" "Yes!" shouted a dozen more. "Throw him over! Bill
+Poodles is the liar!"
+
+Mr. Parasyte was appalled at this demonstration--a demonstration which
+never could have occurred without the provocation of the grossest
+injustice. The boys were well disciplined, and the order of the
+Institute was generally unexceptionable. Such a flurry had never
+before been known, and it was evident that the students intended to
+take the law into their own hands. They acted upon the impulse of the
+moment, and I judged that at least one half of them were engaged in
+the demonstration.
+
+Poodles was a boy of no principle; he was notorious as a liar; and the
+boys regarded it as an outrage upon themselves and upon me that he
+should be believed, while my story appeared to have no weight
+whatever.
+
+Mr. Parasyte trembled, not alone with rage, but with fear. The
+startling event then transpiring threatened the peace, if not the very
+existence, of the Parkville Liberal Institute. I folded my arms,--for
+I felt my dignity,--and endeavored to be calm, though my bosom heaved
+and bounded with emotion.
+
+"Boys--young gentlemen, I--" the principal began.
+
+"Throw him over! Put him out!" yelled the students, excited beyond
+measure.
+
+"Young gentlemen!" shouted Mr. Parasyte.
+
+"Three cheers for Ernest Thornton!" hoarsely screamed Bob Hale, my
+intimate friend and longtime "crony."
+
+They were given with an enthusiasm which bordered on infatuation.
+
+"Will you hear me, students?" cried Mr. Parasyte.
+
+"No!" "No!" "No!" "Throw him over!" "Put him out!"
+
+The scene was almost as unpleasant to me as to the principal, proud as
+I was of the devotion of my friends. I did not wish to be vindicated
+in such a way, and I was anxious to put a stop to such disorderly
+proceedings. I raised my hand in an appealing gesture.
+
+"Fellow-students," said I; and the school-room was quiet.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER III.
+
+IN WHICH ERNEST IS EXPELLED FROM THE PARKVILLE LIBERAL INSTITUTE.
+
+
+"Fellow-students," I continued, when the school-room was still enough
+for me to be heard, "I am willing to submit to the rules of the
+Institute, and even to the injustice of the principal. For my sake, as
+well as for your own, behave like men."
+
+I folded my arms, and was silent again. I felt that it was better to
+suffer than to resist, and such an exhibition of rowdyism was not to
+my taste. I glanced at Mr. Parasyte, to intimate to him that he could
+say what he pleased; and he took the hint.
+
+"Young gentlemen, this is a new experience to me. In twenty years as a
+teacher, I have never been thus insulted."
+
+This was an imprudent remark.
+
+"Be fair, then!" shouted Bob Hale; and the cry was repeated by others,
+until the scene of disorder promised to be renewed.
+
+I raised my hand, and shook my head, deprecating the conduct of the
+boys. Once more they heeded, though it was evidently as a particular
+favor to me, rather than because it was in keeping with their ideas of
+right and justice.
+
+"I intend to be fair, young gentlemen," continued Mr. Parasyte; "that
+is the whole study of my life. I am astonished and mortified at this
+unlooked-for demonstration. I was about to make a further statement in
+regard to Thornton, when you interrupted me. I told you that I
+purposed to give him an opportunity to redeem his character. I intend
+to do my duty on this painful occasion, though the walls of the
+Parkville Liberal Institute should crumble above my head, and crush me
+in the dust."
+
+"Let her crumble!" said a reckless youth, as Mr. Parasyte waxed
+eloquent.
+
+"Will you be silent, or will you compel me to resort to that which I
+abhor--to physical force?"
+
+Some of the boys glanced at each other with a meaning smile when this
+remark was uttered; but I shook my head, to signify my disapprobation
+of anything like resistance or tumult.
+
+"Thornton," added Mr. Parasyte, turning to me, "I have fairly and
+impartially heard your story, and carefully weighed all your
+statements. I have come to the conclusion, deliberately and without
+prejudice, that you were the aggressor."
+
+"I was not, sir," I replied, as gently as I could speak, and yet as
+firmly.
+
+"It appears that Poodles placed his hand upon your arm merely to
+attract your attention; whereupon you struck him a severe blow in the
+face, which caused him to reel and fall over backward into the lake,"
+said Mr. Parasyte, so pompously that I could not tell whether he
+intended to "back out" of his position or not.
+
+"Poodles hit me in the head, and was on the point of repeating the
+blow, when I knocked him over in self-defence."
+
+"It does not appear to me that Poodles, who is a remarkably
+gentlemanly student, would have struck you for simply refusing to
+assist him about his examples. Such a course would not be consistent
+with the character of Poodles."
+
+"No, sir, I did not strike him at any time," protested Poodles.
+
+"I find it impossible to change my opinion of the merits of this case;
+and for the good of the Parkville Liberal Institute, I must adhere to
+the sentence I have already--with regret and sorrow--pronounced upon
+you. But--"
+
+There were again strong signs of another outbreak among the pupils,
+and I begged them to be silent.
+
+"The conduct of Thornton in this painful emergency merits and receives
+my approbation. His love of order and his efforts to preserve proper
+decorum in the school-room are worthy of the highest commendation,"
+continued Mr. Parasyte; "and I would gladly remit the penalty I have
+imposed upon him without any conditions whatever; but I feel that such
+a course, after the extraordinary events of this day, would be
+subversive of the discipline and good order which have ever
+characterized the Parkville Liberal Institute. I shall, however,
+impose a merely nominal condition upon Thornton, his compliance with
+which shall immediately restore him to the full enjoyment of his
+rights and privileges as a member of this academy. I wish to be as
+lenient as possible, and, as I observed, the penalty will be merely
+nominal.
+
+"As the quarrel occurred when the parties were alone, so also may the
+reparation be made in private; for after Thornton's magnanimous
+behavior to-day, under these trying circumstances, I do not wish to
+humiliate or mortify him. I wish that it were consistent with my ideas
+of stern duty to impose no penalty."
+
+Mr. Parasyte had certainly retreated a long way from his original
+position. I did not wish to be expelled, and I hailed with
+satisfaction his manifestation of leniency; and rather than lose the
+advantages of the school, I was willing to submit to the nominal
+penalty at which he hinted, supposing it would be a deprivation of
+some privilege.
+
+"I have not resisted your authority, sir; and I do not mean to do so
+now," I replied, submissively; for, as the popular sentiment of the
+students sustained me, I could afford to yield.
+
+"Your conduct since the quarrel is entirely satisfactory; I may say
+that it merits my admiration." This was toadying to the boys, whom he
+feared. "I have sentenced you to expulsion, the severest penalty known
+in the discipline of the Parkville Liberal Institute; but, Thornton, I
+propose to remit this penalty altogether on condition that, in
+private, and at your own convenience, but within one week, you
+apologize to Poodles for your conduct. I could not make the condition
+any milder, I think."
+
+Mr. Parasyte smiled as though he had entirely forgiven me; as though
+he had, in some mysterious manner, wiped out the stains of falsehood
+upon my character. I bowed, but made no reply. I was sentenced to
+expulsion; but the penalty was to be remitted on condition that I
+would apologize to Poodles.
+
+Apologize to Poodles! For what? For his attack upon me, or for the
+lies he had told about me? It was no more possible for me to apologize
+for knocking him over when he assailed me than it would have been for
+me to leap across Lake Adieno in the widest place. I did not wish to
+deprive myself of the advantages of attending the Parkville Liberal
+Institute; but if my remaining depended upon my humiliating myself
+before Poodles, upon my declaring that what I had done was wrong, when
+I believed it was right, I was no longer to be a student in the
+academy.
+
+The exercises of the school proceeded as usual for a couple of hours,
+and there were no further signs of insubordination among the boys. At
+recess I purposely kept away from my more intimate friends, for I did
+not wish to tell them what course I intended to pursue, fearful that
+it would renew the disturbance.
+
+An hour before the close of the session, the boys were required to
+bring in their examination papers in arithmetic. Every student, even
+to Poodles, handed in solutions to all the problems, and Mr. Parasyte
+and his assistants at once devoted themselves to the marking of them.
+In half an hour the principal was ready to report the result.
+
+Half a dozen of the class had all the examples right, and I was one of
+the number. Very much to my astonishment, Poodles also was announced
+as one of the six; and when his name was mentioned, a score of the
+students glanced at me.
+
+I did not understand it. I was quite satisfied that Poodles could not
+do the problems himself, and it was certain that he had obtained
+assistance from some one, though the declaration on the paper was duly
+signed. He had found a friend less scrupulous than I had been. Some
+one must have performed the examples for him; and as he had them all
+correct, it was evident that one of the six, who alone had presented
+perfect papers, must have afforded the assistance. After throwing out
+Poodles and myself, there were but four left; and two of these, to my
+certain knowledge, had joined in the demonstration in my favor:
+indeed, they were my friends beyond the possibility of a doubt.
+Between the other two I had no means of forming an opinion.
+
+During the afternoon Mr. Parasyte had been very uneasy and nervous. It
+was plain to him that he ruled the boys by their free will, rather
+than by his own power; and this was not a pleasant thing for a man
+like him to know. Doubtless he felt that he had dropped the reins of
+his team, which, though going very well just then, might take it into
+its head to run away with him whenever it was convenient. Probably he
+felt the necessity of doing something to reëstablish his authority,
+and to obtain a stronger position than that he now occupied. If, with
+the experience I have since acquired, I could have spoken to him, I
+should have told him that justice and fairness alone would make him
+strong as a disciplinarian.
+
+"Poodles," said Mr. Parasyte, just before the close of the session, "I
+see that all your examples were correctly performed, and that you
+signed the declaration on the paper."
+
+"Yes, sir," replied Poodles.
+
+"When did you perform them?"
+
+"I did all but two of them last night."
+
+"And when did you do those two?" continued the principal, mildly, but
+with the air of a man who expects soon to make a triumphant point.
+
+"Between schools, at noon, while the students were at dinner and at
+play."
+
+"Very well. You had them all done but two when you met Thornton to-day
+noon?"
+
+"Yes, sir."
+
+"Thornton," added Mr. Parasyte, turning to me, "I have no disposition
+to hurry you in the unsettled case of to-day, though the result of
+Poodles's examination shows that he had no need of the assistance you
+say he asked of you; but perhaps it would be better that you should
+state distinctly whether or not you intend to apologize. It is quite
+possible that there was a misunderstanding between you and Poodles,
+which a mutual explanation might remove."
+
+"I do not think there was any misunderstanding," I replied.
+
+"If you wish to meet Poodles after school, I offer my services as a
+friend to assist in the adjustment of the dispute."
+
+"I don't want to meet him," said Poodles.
+
+Mr. Parasyte actually rebuked him for this illiberal sentiment; and
+while he was doing so, I added that I had no desire to meet Poodles,
+as proposed. I now think I was wrong; but I had a feeling that the
+principal intended to browbeat me into an acknowledgment.
+
+"Very well, Thornton; if you refuse to make peace, you must take the
+consequences. Do you intend to apologize to Poodles, or not?"
+
+"I do not, sir," I replied, decidedly.
+
+"Then you are expelled from the Parkville Liberal Institute."
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER IV.
+
+IN WHICH ERNEST SAILS THE SPLASH, AND TAKES A BATH.
+
+
+Difficult as the task was, I had thus far kept cool; but my sentence
+fell heavily upon me, and I could not help being angry, for I felt
+that I had been treated unfairly and unjustly. Poodles's statement had
+been accepted, and mine rejected; his word had been taken, while mine,
+which ought at least to have passed for as much as his, was utterly
+disregarded.
+
+I turned upon my heel and went to my seat. My movement was sharp and
+abrupt, but I did not say anything.
+
+"Stop!" said Mr. Parasyte, who evidently believed that the moment had
+come for him to vindicate his authority.
+
+I did not stop.
+
+"Stop, I say!" repeated the principal.
+
+I proceeded to pick up my books and papers, to enable me to comply
+literally with my sentence.
+
+"Come here, Thornton."
+
+I took no notice of the order, but continued to pack up my things.
+
+"Do you hear me?" demanded Mr. Parasyte, in a loud and angry tone.
+
+"I do hear you, sir. I have been expelled, and I don't care about
+listening to any more speeches."
+
+"If you don't come here, I'll bring you here," added the principal,
+with emphasis.
+
+Somewhat to my surprise, but greatly to my satisfaction, the boys made
+no demonstration in my favor. They seemed to think I was now in a mood
+to fight my own battle, though they were doubtless ready to aid me if
+I needed any help. Mr. Parasyte appeared to have begun in a way which
+indicated that he intended to maintain his authority, even at the risk
+of a personal encounter with me and the boys who had voluntarily
+espoused my cause.
+
+Having packed up my books and papers, I took the bundle under my arm,
+and deliberately walked out of the school-room. The principal ordered
+me to stop; but as he had already sentenced me to expulsion, I could
+see no reason why I should yield any further allegiance to the magnate
+of the institution. He was very angry, which was certainly an
+undignified frame of mind for a gentleman in his position; and I was
+smarting under the wrong and injustice done to me. Mr. Parasyte
+stopped to procure his hat, which gave me the advantage in point of
+time, and I reached the little pier at which my boat was moored before
+he overtook me.
+
+I hauled in the painter, and pushed off, hoisting the mainsail as the
+boat receded from the wharf. Mr. Parasyte reached the pier while I was
+thus engaged.
+
+"Stop, Thornton!" shouted he.
+
+"I would rather not stop any longer," I replied, running up the
+foresail.
+
+"Will you come back, or I shall bring you back?" demanded he,
+fiercely.
+
+"Neither, if you please."
+
+"If you wish to save trouble, you will come back," said he.
+
+"I'm not particular about saving trouble. If you have any business
+with me, I will return."
+
+"I have business with you."
+
+"Will you please to tell me what it is?"
+
+"No, I will not."
+
+"Then you will excuse me if I go home," I added, as I hoisted the jib.
+
+There was only a very light breeze, and the Splash went off very
+slowly. I took my seat at the helm, trying to keep as cool as
+possible, though my bosom bounded with emotion. I was playing a
+strange part, and I was not at home in it. I could not help feeling
+that I was riding "a high horse;" but the injustice done me seemed to
+warrant it.
+
+"Poodles, call the men," I heard Mr. Parasyte say to his flunky, and
+saw him run off to execute the command.
+
+"Once more, Thornton, I ask you to come back," said the principal,
+still standing on the pier, from which the Splash had receded not more
+than a couple of rods.
+
+"If you have any business with me, sir, I will do so," I replied. "You
+have expelled me from the school, and I don't think you have anything
+more to do with me."
+
+"I want no words or arguments. It will be better for you to come
+back."
+
+"Perhaps it will; but I shall not come."
+
+There was not breeze enough to enable me to make a mile an hour, and I
+had some doubts in regard to the result, if Mr. Parasyte persisted. He
+did persist, and presently Poodles returned with two men, who were
+employed upon the school estate, and whose services were so often
+required in the boats that they were good oarsmen. I comprehended the
+principal's plan at once. He intended to chase me in the boat, and
+bring me back by force. I was rather amused at the idea, and should
+have been more so if there had been a fair sailing breeze.
+
+The Splash was the fastest boat on the lake, or, at least, faster than
+any with which I had had an opportunity to measure paces. But it made
+but little difference how fast she was, as long as there was hardly
+wind enough to stiffen the mainsail. Mr. Parasyte ordered the men to
+take their places on the thwarts, and ship their oars. I saw that a
+little farther out from the shore there was a ripple on the water, and
+putting one of my oars out at the stern, I sculled till I caught the
+breeze, and the Splash went off at a little livelier pace.
+
+By this time all the boys had gathered on the bank of the lake to see
+the fun, and it _was_ fun to them. I knew that their sympathies were
+with me, and I only wished for a better breeze, that I might do
+justice to myself and to my boat. But the chances for me were
+improving as the Splash receded from the shore. Mr. Parasyte had taken
+his place in the stern sheets of the row-boat, and was urging forward
+the men at the oars, who were now pulling with all their might. I
+could not conceal from myself the fact that they were gaining rapidly
+upon me. Unless the wind increased, I should certainly be captured;
+for the two men with the principal would ask no better sport than to
+overhaul and roughly handle an unruly boy.
+
+But the wind continued to increase as I went farther out upon the
+lake, and I soon had all that was necessary to enable me to keep a
+"respectful distance" between the Splash and the row-boat. By this
+time my anger had abated, and I had begun to enjoy the affair. With a
+six-knot breeze I could have it all my own way. I could still see the
+boys on the shore, watching the chase with the liveliest interest and
+satisfaction. They were not silent observers, for an occasional cheer
+or shout was borne to my ears over the lake, and I could see the
+waving of hats, and the swinging of arms, with which my friends
+encouraged me to persevere.
+
+Mr. Parasyte was resolute. He felt, doubtless, that the reputation of
+the Parkville Liberal Institute, and his own reputation as a
+disciplinarian, were at stake. The tumult in the school-room early in
+the afternoon would weaken his power and influence over the boys,
+unless its effects were counteracted by a triumph over me. Right or
+wrong, he probably felt that he must put me down, or be sacrificed
+himself; and he continued to urge his oarsmen forward, intent upon
+capturing and subduing me.
+
+While I had the breeze I felt perfectly easy. I had stood out from the
+shore with the wind on the beam, and there was nothing to prevent my
+running before it directly to the cottage of my uncle. I was disposed
+to tantalize my pursuer, and wear out his men. I knew that my silent
+guardian would not thank me for leading Mr. Parasyte into his
+presence, and I was willing to gratify him in this instance. Besides,
+the students on the shore seemed to derive too much enjoyment from the
+scene to have the sport cut short. Hauling aft the sheets, I stood
+down the lake, close to the wind, until I had brought my pursuer
+astern of me. I then brought the Splash up into the wind, and coolly
+waited for the row-boat to come up within hailing distance.
+
+Mr. Parasyte, deceived by my position, thought his time had come. He
+was much excited, and with renewed zeal pressed his oarsmen to
+increase their efforts. When he had approached within a few rods of
+me, I put up the helm, and dashed away again towards the pier. Again I
+distanced him, and ran as near to the pier as I dared to go, fearful
+that I might lose the wind under the lee of a bluff below the school
+grounds. The boys hailed me with a cheer, which must have been
+anything but soothing to the feelings of Mr. Parasyte. Then, "wing and
+wing," I ran off before the wind; and, still unwilling to deprive my
+friends of the excitement of witnessing the race, I again stood out
+towards the middle of the lake.
+
+The principal could not give up the pursuit without abandoning the
+high position he had taken, and subjecting himself to the derision of
+the students. He followed me, therefore, and I led him over the same
+course he had gone before. On my return I unfortunately ran in a
+little too near the shore, and got under the lee of the bluff, which
+nearly becalmed me. I realized that I had made a fatal blunder, and I
+wished I had disappointed the boys, and continued on my course across
+the lake, where the wind favored me. I tried to scull the Splash out
+of the still water before Mr. Parasyte came up.
+
+"Pull with all your might, men!" said the principal, excitedly; and
+they certainly did so.
+
+Seeing that he was upon me, I attempted to come about, and run off
+before the wind; but I had lost my steerage-way. I suppose I was
+somewhat "flurried" by the danger of my situation, and did not do as
+well as I might have done.
+
+"Pull! Pull!" shouted Mr. Parasyte, nervously, as he steered the
+row-boat.
+
+Thus urged, the men did pull better than I had ever known them to do
+before. The principal of the Parkville Liberal Institute was no
+boatman himself, and his calculations were miserably deficient, or
+else his intentions were more vicious than I had given him credit for.
+He was angry and excited; and as I looked at him, it seemed to me that
+he did not know what he was about. The Splash lay broadside to him.
+She was a beautiful craft, built light and graceful, rather than
+strong and substantial. On the other hand, the row-boat was a solid,
+sharp, ram-nosed craft, setting low in the water; and on it came at
+the highest speed to which it could be urged by the powerful muscles
+of the strong men at the oars.
+
+"Pull! Pull!" repeated Mr. Parasyte, fiercely, under the madness of
+the excitement and the resentment caused by the hard chase I had led
+him.
+
+"Down with your helm, or you will smash me!" I shouted, seeing that a
+collision was inevitable.
+
+If Mr. Parasyte did not intend to run me down, my warning was too
+late. The row-boat came upon me like a whirlwind, striking the Splash
+on the beam, below her water-line, and staving in her side as though
+she had been a card box. I do not know whether this was a part of the
+principal's programme or not; but my boat was most effectually
+smashed, and, being heavily ballasted, she went down like a rock. It
+was hardly an instant after the shock before I felt her sinking
+beneath me. The two men at the oars of the principal's boat, without
+any order from Mr. Parasyte,--for he knew not what to do,--backed
+water. I could swim like a fish; and as the Splash sank beneath me, I
+struck out from the wreck, and was left like a waif floating upon the
+glassy surface of the lake.
+
+[Illustration: ERNEST SAILS THE SPLASH AND TAKES A BATH. Page 54.]
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER V.
+
+IN WHICH ERNEST DECLINES A PROPOSITION.
+
+
+The battle had been fought and lost to me. Mr. Parasyte, roused to the
+highest pitch of anger and excitement, seemed to be determined to
+overwhelm me. He was reckless and desperate. He had smashed my boat
+apparently with as little compunction as he would snap a dead stick in
+his fingers. He was thoroughly in earnest now; and it was fully
+demonstrated that he intended to protect the discipline of the
+Parkville Liberal Institute, even if it cost a human life for him to
+do so.
+
+I was then "lying round loose" in the lake. I had no idea that I was
+in any personal peril from the water; all that disturbed me was the
+fact that I could not swim fast enough to keep out of the principal's
+way. The treacherous breeze had deserted me in the midst of my
+triumph, and consigned me to the tender mercies of my persecutor.
+
+I swam away from the boat which had been pursuing me, as though from
+an instinct which prompted me to escape my oppressor; but Mr.
+Parasyte, without giving any attention to my sinking craft, ordered
+his men to pull again; and he steered towards me. Of course a few
+strokes enabled him to overtake me. If I had had the means, I would
+have resisted even then, and avoided capture; for I could easily have
+swum ashore. But it would have been childish for me to hold out any
+longer; and when one of the men held out his oar to me, I grasped it,
+and was assisted into the boat.
+
+"Are you satisfied, Thornton?" said Mr. Parasyte, with a sneer, as I
+shook myself like a water dog, and took my seat in the boat.
+
+"No, sir; I am not satisfied," I replied.
+
+"What are you going to do about it?"
+
+"I don't know about that; I will see in due time."
+
+"You will see in due time, I trust, that the discipline of the
+Parkville Liberal Institute is not to be set at defiance with
+impunity."
+
+"I have not set the discipline at defiance. I submitted myself, and
+did what I could to make others do so. You can't say that I did
+anything wrong while I was a member of the academy. You turned me out,
+and I was going quietly and in order, when you began to browbeat me."
+
+"I ordered you to come to me, and you did not come. That was downright
+disobedience."
+
+"It was after you had turned me out; and all I had to do was to go."
+
+"You were still on my premises, and were subject to my orders."
+
+"I don't think I was."
+
+"I shall not argue the matter with you. I am going to teach you the
+duty of obedience."
+
+"Perhaps you will; but I don't believe you will," I replied, in a tone
+of defiance.
+
+"We'll see."
+
+"There's another thing we'll see, while we are about it; and that is,
+you will pay for smashing my boat."
+
+"Pay for it!" exclaimed he.
+
+"I think so."
+
+"I think not."
+
+"You will, if there is any law in the land."
+
+"Law!" ejaculated he; but his lips actually quivered with anger at the
+idea of such an outrage upon his magnificent dignity, as being sued,
+and compelled in a court of justice to pay for the boat he had
+destroyed.
+
+"You had no right to run into my boat--no more right than I had to set
+your house on fire."
+
+"We will see."
+
+He relapsed into a dignified silence; but he was thinking, I fancy,
+how very pleasant it would be for him to pay three or four hundred
+dollars for the Splash; not that he would care much for the money, but
+it would make him appear so ridiculous in the eyes of the students.
+
+The men were pulling for the shore; but I observed that Mr. Parasyte
+did not head the boat towards the pier, where the boys were waiting
+our return. Probably he feared that they would attempt to resist his
+mighty will, and deliver me from his hands. He intended, therefore, to
+land farther down the lake, and convey me to the Institute buildings
+by some unfrequented way.
+
+For my own part, I was not much disturbed by Mr. Parasyte's intentions
+or movements. The only thing that really distressed me was the loss of
+my boat; for the Splash had been one of my best and dearest friends. I
+was a little sentimental in regard to her; and her destruction gave me
+a pang of keen regret akin to anguish. I had cruised all over the lake
+in her; had eaten and slept in her for a week at a time, and I
+actually loved her. She was worthy to be loved, for she had served me
+faithfully in storm and sunshine. It is quite likely that I had some
+feelings of revenge towards the tyrant who had crushed her, and I was
+thinking how he could be compelled to pay for the damage he had done.
+
+As soon as I had, in a measure, recovered my equanimity, I tried to
+obtain the bearings of the spot where the Splash had disappeared
+beneath the waters, so that, if I failed to obtain justice, I might
+possibly recover my boat. If raised, she was in very bad condition;
+for her side was stove in, and I feared she could not be repaired so
+as to be as good as she was before.
+
+As the row-boat neared the shore, I made my preparations to escape
+from my captor; for it was not my intention to be borne back in
+triumph to the Institute, as a sacrifice to the violated discipline of
+the establishment. When the boat touched the beach, I meant to jump
+into the water, and thus pass the men, who were too powerful for me. I
+changed my position so as to favor my purpose; but Mr. Parasyte had
+been a schoolmaster too many years not to comprehend the thought which
+was passing through my mind. He picked up the boat-hook, and it was
+clear to me that he intended with this instrument to prevent my
+escape.
+
+The boat was beached; but I saw no good chance to execute my purpose,
+and was forced to wait till circumstances favored me. The spot where
+we had put in was over two miles distant from the Institute by the
+road, though not more than one by water. Mr. Parasyte directed one of
+the men to go to a stable, near the shore, and procure a covered
+carriage, compelling me to keep my seat in the stern of the boat near
+him, while the messenger was absent. He still held the boat-hook in
+his hand, with which he could fasten to me if I made any movement.
+
+When the vehicle came, the principal placed me on the back seat, and
+took position himself at my side. One of the men was to drive, while
+the other was directed to await his return, and then pull the boat
+back. I was forced to acknowledge to myself that Mr. Parasyte's
+strategy was excellent, and that I was completely baffled by it; but
+as I was satisfied that my time would soon come, I was content to
+submit, with what patience I could command, to the captivity from
+which I could not escape.
+
+The vehicle was driven to the front door of the Institute; and the
+boys, who were still on the shore of the lake, watching for the return
+of the boat, did not have any notice of the arrival of the prisoner. I
+was conducted to the hall of the principal's apartments first, and
+then to a vacant chamber on the third floor. Mr. Parasyte performed
+this duty himself, being unwilling to intrust my person to the care of
+one his subordinate teachers. A suit of clothes belonging to a boy of
+my own size was sent to me, and I was directed to put it on, while my
+own dress was dried at the laundry fire. This was proper and humane,
+and I did not object.
+
+When I had changed my clothing, Mr. Parasyte presented himself. By
+this time he had thoroughly cooled off. He looked solemn and dignified
+as he entered the little room, and seated himself in one of the two
+chairs, which, with the bed, formed the furniture of the apartment. He
+had probably considered the whole subject of his relations with me,
+and was now prepared to give his final decision, to which I was also
+prepared to listen.
+
+"Thornton," said he, with a kind of jerk in his voice.
+
+"Sir."
+
+"You have made more trouble in the Parkville Liberal Institute to-day
+than all the other boys together have made since the establishment was
+founded."
+
+"I didn't make it," I replied, promptly, intending to give him an
+early assurance that I would not recede from the position I had
+taken.
+
+"Yes, you did. You provoked a quarrel, and refused to apologize--a
+very mild penalty for the offence you had committed."
+
+"I deny that I provoked a quarrel, sir."
+
+"That question has been settled, and we will not open it again. I have
+shown the students, by my prompt pursuit of you when you set my
+authority at defiance, that I intended to maintain the discipline of
+this institution. I have taken you and brought you back. So far I am
+satisfied, Thornton."
+
+"I am not. You have smashed my boat, and you must pay for her," I
+added, calmly, but in the most uncompromising manner.
+
+"This is not a matter of dollars and cents with me. I would rather
+have given a thousand dollars than had this trouble occur; and I would
+give half that sum now to have it satisfactorily settled."
+
+Mr. Parasyte wiped his brow, for he was thrown into a violent
+perspiration by the mental effort which this acknowledgment caused
+him. It looked like "backing out."
+
+"Thornton, you are a very popular young man among the students; it
+would be useless to deny it, if I were disposed to do so. You have
+the sympathies of your companions, because Poodles is not popular."
+
+"The boys don't like Poodles simply because he is not a good fellow.
+He is a liar and a cheat, and--"
+
+"Nothing more of that kind need be said. What I have done cannot be
+undone."
+
+"Very well, sir; I have been expelled. Let me go; that's all I ask."
+
+"In due time you will have permission to go. I think I am,
+technically, legally liable for the destruction of your boat," he
+added, wiping his brow again; for it was hard work for him to say so
+much. "But you have defied me, and the well-being of this institution
+required that I should act promptly. I wish to make a proposition to
+you."
+
+He paused and looked at me. I intimated that I was ready to hear him.
+
+"In about an hour the boys will assemble for evening prayers," he
+continued, after rising from his chair and consulting his watch. "If
+at that time you will apologize to me for your conduct, in their
+presence, and before that time to Poodles, privately, I will restore
+you to your rank and privileges in the Parkville Liberal Institute,
+and--and pay you for your boat."
+
+"I will not do it, sir," I replied, without an instant's hesitation.
+
+Mr. Parasyte gave me a glance of mingled anger and mortification, and
+turning on his heel, left the room, locking the door upon me.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER VI.
+
+IN WHICH ERNEST FINDS HIS FELLOW-STUDENTS IN OPEN REBELLION.
+
+
+To apologize to Poodles was to acknowledge that I had done wrong. Had
+I done wrong so far as my fellow-student was concerned? Seriously and
+earnestly I asked myself this question. No; I had told the truth in
+regard to the affair exactly as it was, and it would be a lie for me
+to apologize to Poodles. I could not and would not do it. I would be
+cut to pieces, and have my limbs torn piecemeal from my body before I
+would do it.
+
+As far as the principal was concerned, I felt that, provoked and
+irritated by his tyranny and injustice, I had exhibited a proud and
+defiant spirit, which was dangerous to the discipline of the school. I
+was sorry that, when he called me back, I had not obeyed. While I was
+in the school-room, or on the premises of the academy, I should have
+yielded obedience, both in fact and in spirit; and I could not excuse
+my defiant bearing by the plea that I had been expelled. I was
+willing, after reflection, to apologize to Mr. Parasyte.
+
+He proposed to pay for my boat. This was a great concession on his
+part, though it was called forth by the belief that he was legally
+liable for its destruction. He was willing to do me justice in that
+respect, if I would humiliate myself before Poodles, and publicly heal
+the wound which the discipline of the Institute had received at my
+hands. Even at that time it seemed to me to be noble and honorable to
+acknowledge an error and atone for it; and I am quite sure, if I could
+have felt that I had done wrong, I should have been glad to own it,
+and to make the confession in the presence of the students. There was
+a principle at stake, and something more than mere personal feeling.
+
+While I was debating with myself what I should do, Mr. Parasyte
+appeared again. It was a matter of infinite importance to him. The
+prosperity, if not the very existence, of his school depended upon
+the issue of this affair; and he was naturally nervous and excited.
+The students were in a state of incipient rebellion, as their conduct
+in the afternoon indicated, and it was of the highest moment to the
+Institute to have the matter amicably adjusted.
+
+On the one hand, if I apologized to Poodles and the principal, the
+"powers that be" would be vindicated, and the authority of the master
+fully established. On the other hand, if I declined to do so, and the
+sentence of expulsion was carried out, the boys were in sympathy with
+me, and the rebellion might break out afresh, and end in the total
+dissolution of the establishment. Under these circumstances, it was
+not strange that Mr. Parasyte desired to see me again.
+
+"I hope you have carefully considered your position, Thornton," said
+he.
+
+"I have," I replied; "and I am willing to apologize to you, but not to
+Poodles."
+
+"That is something gained," added he; and I could see his face
+brighten up under the influence of a hope.
+
+"My manner was defiant, and my conduct disobedient. I am willing to
+apologize to you for this, and to submit to such punishment as you
+think proper to inflict."
+
+"That is very well; but it does not fully meet the difficulty. You
+must also apologize to Poodles, which you are aware may be done in
+private."
+
+"I cannot do it, sir, either in public or in private. Poodles was
+wholly and entirely to blame."
+
+"I think not; when I settled the case it was closed up, and it must
+not be opened again; at least not till some new testimony is obtained.
+I cannot eat my own words."
+
+"You may obtain new testimony, if you desire," I suggested.
+
+"What?"
+
+"Poodles signed the declaration that he had performed the examples on
+the papers without assistance."
+
+"He did. Have you any doubt that such is the case?" asked Mr.
+Parasyte, though he must have been satisfied that Poodles did not work
+out the examples.
+
+"I am entirely confident that he did not perform them. Mr. Parasyte,"
+I continued, earnestly, "I desire to stay at the Institute. It would
+be very bad for me to be turned out, and I am willing to confess I
+have done wrong. If you give Poodles the paper with the examination on
+it, and he can perform one half of the examples, even now, without
+help, I will apologize to him in public or in private."
+
+"That looks very fair, but it is not," replied the principal, rubbing
+his head, as if to stimulate his ideas.
+
+"If Poodles can do the problems, I shall be willing to believe that I
+am mistaken. In my opinion, he cannot perform a single one of them,
+let alone the whole of them."
+
+"I object to this proceeding," said he, impatiently. "It will be
+equivalent to my making a confession."
+
+The bell rang for the boys to assemble for the evening devotions. It
+gave Mr. Parasyte a shock, for the business was still unsettled. I had
+submitted to him a method by which he could ascertain the truth or
+falsehood of Poodle's statements; but it involved an acknowledgment
+that he, Mr. Parasyte, was in the wrong. He seemed to be afraid it
+would be proved that he had made a blunder; that he had given an
+unjust judgment. I was fully aware that the principal's position was a
+difficult and painful one, and I was even disposed to sympathize with
+him to a certain extent, though I was the victim of his partiality and
+injustice. The perils and discomforts of his situation, however, had
+been produced by his own hasty and unfair judgment; and it would have
+been far better for him even to apologize to me. He would have lost
+nothing with the boys by such a course; for never in my life did I
+have so exalted an opinion of a schoolmaster, as when, conscious that
+he had done wrong, he nobly and magnanimously acknowledged his error,
+and begged the forgiveness of the boy whom he had unintentionally
+misjudged.
+
+I feel bound to say, in this connection, and after a longer experience
+of the world, that many schoolmasters, "armed with a little brief
+authority," are the most contemptible of petty tyrants. Their
+arrogance and oppression are intolerable; and I have often wondered,
+that where such men have been planted, they have not produced more of
+the evil fruit of strife and rebellion. Mr. Parasyte was one of this
+class; and the fact that he was a splendid teacher did not help his
+influence in the slightest degree.
+
+"There is the bell for evening prayers, Thornton, and it is necessary
+for me to know instantly what you intend to do," said the principal.
+
+"I shall not apologize to Poodles; I will to you."
+
+"Think well of it."
+
+"I have done so. If Poodles can do one half the examples on the paper,
+I will apologize."
+
+"I have decided that question, and shall not open it again."
+
+"I have nothing more to say, Mr. Parasyte," I replied, with becoming
+dignity, as I braced myself for the consequences of the decision I had
+made.
+
+"You are an obstinate and self-willed fellow!" exclaimed the
+principal, irritated by the result.
+
+I made no reply.
+
+"The consequences be upon your own head."
+
+I bowed in silence.
+
+"You have lost your good character and your boat."
+
+I glanced out of the window, and saw the boys filing into the
+school-room.
+
+"I shall explain this matter to your fellow-students, and tell them
+what I proposed."
+
+"Do so," I answered.
+
+He could not help seeing that I was thoroughly in earnest, and that I
+did not intend to yield any more than I had indicated. He was vexed,
+annoyed, angry, and bolted out of the room, at last, in no proper
+frame of mind to conduct the religious exercises of the hour. It was
+quite dark now; and I lay down upon the bed, to think of what had
+passed, and to conjecture the result of my conduct. How I sighed then
+for some kind friend to advise me! How I wished that I had a father
+who would tell me what to do, and fight my battle for me! How I longed
+for a tender mother, into whose loving face I could gaze as I related
+the sad experience of that eventful day! Perhaps she would bid me
+apologize to Poodles, for the sake of saving my good name, and
+retaining my connection with the school. If so, though it would be
+weak and unworthy, I could humble myself for her sake.
+
+I felt that I had done right. I had made all the concession which
+truth and justice required of me, and I was quite calm. I hardly
+inquired why Mr. Parasyte was keeping me a prisoner in the Institute
+after he had expelled me, or what he intended to do with me. About
+nine o'clock my own clothes were brought back to me by one of the
+servants; but the door was securely locked when he retired.
+
+A few minutes later, and before the sound of the servant's retreating
+footsteps had ceased, I heard some one thrust a key into the door. It
+did not fit, and a dozen others were tried in like manner, but with no
+better success. I heard a whispered consultation; and then the door
+began to strain, and crack, until the bolt yielded, and it flew open.
+My sympathizing friends, the students, headed by Bob Hale, had broken
+it down.
+
+"Come, Ernest," said Bob. "You needn't stay in here any longer. We
+want you down stairs."
+
+"What are you going to do?" I asked, quietly, of my excited
+deliverers.
+
+"There is no law or justice in this concern; and we are going to put
+things to rights," replied Tom Rush, a good fellow, who had spent a
+week's vacation with me circumnavigating Lake Adieno in the Splash.
+
+"You know I don't approve of any rows or riots," I added.
+
+"No row nor riot about it. We have taken possession of this
+establishment, and we are going to straighten things out,--you can bet
+your life on that."
+
+"Where is Mr. Parasyte?"
+
+"He has gone up to see your uncle. He told us, at evening prayers,
+what an obstinate boy you were; how kind, and tender, and forgiving he
+had been to you, and how he had exhausted good nature in trying to
+bring you to a proper sense of duty."
+
+"Did he say that?"
+
+"He did, and much more. But come with us. The fellows have captured
+the citadel, and we hold the school-room now, waiting for you."
+
+"I will go with you; but I don't want the fellows to make a
+disturbance."
+
+"No disturbance at all, Ernest; but we have turned the assistant
+teachers out, and mean to ascertain who is right and who is wrong in
+this matter."
+
+The rebellion had actually broken out again; and the students, in the
+most high-handed manner, had established a tribunal in the
+school-room, to try the issue of my affair with the principal. I
+followed Bob Hale, Tom Rush, and half a dozen others, who constituted
+the committee to wait on me. They conducted me to the main
+school-room, which was a large hall. At every door and window were
+stationed two or three of the larger boys, with their hockies, bats,
+and rulers as weapons, to defend the court, as they called it, from
+any interruption.
+
+About two thirds of the students were there assembled; and though the
+gathering was a riotous proceeding, the boys were in as good order as
+during the sessions of the school. In an arm-chair, on the platform,
+sat Henry Vallington, one of the oldest and most dignified students
+of the Institute, who, it appeared, was to act as judge. Before him
+were Bill Poodles and Dick Pearl,--the latter being one of the six
+whose examples were all right,--arraigned for trial, and guarded by
+four stout students.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER VII.
+
+IN WHICH ERNEST ATTENDS THE TRIAL OF BILL POODLES AND DICK PEARL.
+
+
+I confess that I was appalled at the boldness and daring of my
+fellow-students, who had actually taken possession of the Parkville
+Liberal Institute, and purposed to mete out justice to me and to Bill
+Poodles. There was a certain kind of solemnity in the proceedings,
+which was not without its effect upon me. My companions were
+thoroughly in earnest, and the affair was not to be a farce.
+
+Mr. Parasyte, after prayer, had made a statement to the students in
+regard to the unpleasant event of the day, in which he represented me
+as a contumacious offender, one who desired to make all the trouble he
+could; an obstinate, self-willed fellow, whose example was dangerous
+to the general peace, and who had refused to be guided by reason and
+common sense. He told the students that he had even offered to pay for
+my boat--a concession on his part which had had no effect in softening
+my obdurate nature. He appealed to them to sustain the discipline of
+the Parkville Liberal Institute, which had always been celebrated as a
+remarkably orderly and quiet establishment. He then added that he
+should consult my uncle in regard to me, and be guided in some measure
+by his judgment.
+
+The students heard him in silence; but Bob Hale assured me that it was
+with compressed lips, and a fixed determination to carry out the plan
+which had been agreed upon while the boys were watching the chase on
+the lake, and which had not been modified by the wilful destruction of
+the Splash.
+
+I glanced around at my fellow-students as I entered the hall; and
+though they smiled as their gaze met mine, there was a look of
+earnestness and determination which could not be mistaken. Henry
+Vallington, the chairman, judge, or whatever the name of his office
+was, had the reputation of being the steadiest boy in the school. It
+was understood that he intended to become a minister. He was about
+eighteen, and was nearly fitted to enter college. He never joined in
+what were called the "scrapes" of the Institute, but devoted himself
+with the closest attention to his studies. He was esteemed and
+respected by all who knew him; and when I saw him presiding over this
+irregular assemblage, I could not help regarding the affair as much
+more serious than it had before seemed, even to me, the chief actor
+therein.
+
+Poodles and Pearl, I learned, had been captured in their rooms, and
+dragged by sheer force into the school-room, to be examined on the
+charges to be preferred against them. Poodles looked timid and
+terrified, while Pearl was dogged and resolute.
+
+"Thornton," said Henry Vallington, as my conductors paused before the
+judge, "I have sent for you in order that we may ascertain the truth
+of the charges brought against you by Mr. Parasyte. If you provoked
+the quarrel to-day noon with Poodles, it is no more than fair and
+right that you should make the apology required of you. If you did
+not, we intend to stand by you. Have you anything to say?"
+
+"I wish to say, in the first place, that, guilty or innocent, I am
+willing to submit to whatever penalty the principal imposes upon me."
+
+"That is very well for you, but it won't do for us," interposed the
+judge. "If such gross injustice is done to one, it may be to another.
+We act in self-defence."
+
+"I don't know what you intend to do; but I am opposed to any
+disorderly conduct, and to any violation of the rules of the
+Institute."
+
+"We know you are, Thornton; and you shall not be held responsible for
+what we do to-night. If you are willing to tell us what you know about
+this affair, all right. If not, we shall go on without you."
+
+"I am willing to tell the truth here, as I have done to-day. As there
+seems to be some mistake in regard to what transpired between Mr.
+Parasyte and myself, up stairs, I will state the facts as they
+occurred. He agreed to pay for my boat on condition that I would
+apologize, privately, to Poodles, and publicly to the principal. I
+offered to apologize to Mr. Parasyte, but not to Poodles, who was the
+aggressor in the beginning. I told him, if Poodles would perform half
+the examples now, I would make the apology to him."
+
+"That's it!" shouted half a dozen boys.
+
+"Order!" interposed the judge, sternly.
+
+"I think that would be a good way to prove that Poodles did or did not
+tell the truth, when he said he had performed the examples,"
+interposed Bob Hale.
+
+"Capital!" added Tom Rush.
+
+"I approve the method; but let us have no disorder," replied
+Vallington. "Conduct Poodles to the blackboard."
+
+The custodians of the culprit promptly obeyed this order, and led him
+to the blackboard, which was cleaned for immediate use. The
+school-room was well lighted, and the expression on the faces of all
+could be distinctly seen.
+
+"Poodles, we desire to have justice done to all," said Vallington,
+when the culprit had taken his place at the blackboard. "You shall
+have fair play in every respect. You shall have a chance to prove
+that you were right, and Thornton wrong."
+
+"Well, I was right," replied Poodles.
+
+"Did you perform all the examples on your paper without any help?"
+
+"Of course I did."
+
+"Then of course you know how to perform them. Here is an examination
+paper. If you can perform five of the ten examples you shall be
+acquitted."
+
+"Perhaps I don't choose to do them," said Poodles, looking around for
+some way to escape his fate.
+
+"Are you not willing that the truth should come out?"
+
+"I told the truth to-day."
+
+"All right, if you did. You surely will not object to _prove_ that you
+did. You shall have fair play, I repeat."
+
+"Suppose I don't choose to do them?" asked Poodles, doubtfully.
+
+"Then we shall take it for granted that you did not do them, as you
+declared on your paper."
+
+"You can take it for granted, then, if you like," answered Poodles, as
+he dropped the chalk.
+
+"You refuse to perform the examples--do you?" demanded Vallington,
+sternly.
+
+"Yes, I do."
+
+"Then you may take the consequences. Either you shall be expelled from
+the Institute, or at least fifty of us will petition our parents to
+take us from this school. We have done with you."
+
+Bill Poodles smiled, and was pleased to get off so easily; but I
+noticed that Dick Pearl turned pale, and looked very much troubled. He
+was a relative of Mr. Parasyte, and it was generally understood that
+he was a free scholar, his parents being too poor to pay his board and
+tuition. While he expected to be ducked in the lake, or subjected to
+some personal indignity, after the manner in which boys usually treat
+such cases, his courage was good. Now, it appeared that the boys
+simply intended to have Poodles expelled, or to ask their parents and
+guardians to remove them; and as most of the students were from
+fourteen to eighteen years of age, they would probably have influence
+enough to effect their design.
+
+"Pearl," said the judge, while the other culprit was apparently still
+attempting to figure out the result of the trial.
+
+"I'm here," replied Pearl.
+
+"We are entirely satisfied that Poodles had some assistance in
+performing his examples. It is believed that you gave him that
+assistance. If you did, own up."
+
+"Who says I helped Poodles?"
+
+"I say so, for one," added the judge, sharply.
+
+"Can you prove it?"
+
+"I will answer that question after you have confessed or refused to
+confess. You shall have fair play, as well as Poodles. If you wish to
+put yourself right on the record, you can do so; if not, you shall
+leave, or we will."
+
+Pearl looked troubled. He was under very great obligations to Mr.
+Parasyte. If he denied that he had helped Poodles, and it was then
+proved against him, the boys would insist that he should be expelled.
+If he stood out, he must either be expelled or the Institute be broken
+up. He did not appear willing to take such a responsibility.
+
+"You can do as you please, Pearl; but tell the truth, if you say
+anything," continued Vallington.
+
+"I did help Poodles," said he, looking down at the floor.
+
+"How much did you help him?"
+
+"I lent him my examination paper, and he copied all the solutions upon
+his own."
+
+"And after that you were willing to declare that you had not assisted
+any one?" demanded the judge, with a look of supreme contempt on his
+fine features.
+
+"I had not helped any one _when_ I signed my paper."
+
+"Humph!" exclaimed Vallington, with a withering sneer. "That is the
+meanest kind of a lie."
+
+"I didn't mean to assist him; he teased me till I couldn't help
+myself," pleaded Pearl.
+
+A further examination showed that Poodles had browbeaten and
+threatened him; and we were disposed to palliate Pearl's offence, in
+consideration of his poverty and his dependent position, after he had
+confessed his error.
+
+"Are you willing to make this acknowledgment to Mr. Parasyte?" asked
+the judge, in a tone of compassion.
+
+"I don't want to; but I will. I suppose he will send me home then,"
+replied the culprit.
+
+"We will do what we can for you," added the judge.
+
+Pearl had been a pretty good fellow among the boys, was generally
+popular, and all were sorry for him. But his confession in a manner
+absolved him, and the students heartily declared that they would stand
+by him.
+
+"Our business is finished," said Vallington, "unless Poodles has
+something more to say."
+
+Poodles had listened with consternation to the confession of Pearl,
+and he now appeared to be dissatisfied with himself rather than with
+the court.
+
+"I didn't think Dick Pearl would let on in that way," said he, casting
+a reproachful glance at his fellow-culprit.
+
+"He has told the truth. If he had not confessed, we could have proved
+that he helped you," added Vallington. "I have seen the six papers
+that were all right myself. Pearl performed the third example in a
+very peculiar and roundabout way; and Poodles had it in the same way,
+while the other did it by the most direct method."
+
+"I suppose it's of no use to stand out now," said Poodles, timidly.
+
+"Will you confess now?"
+
+"I will, if it will do any good."
+
+"If you will tell the truth to Mr. Parasyte, that is all we want. The
+fellows haven't anything against you. Will you do so?"
+
+"I will if you say I shall not be expelled," whined Poodles.
+
+"I can only say that we will not ask for your expulsion. I suppose
+there is no danger of Mr. Parasyte expelling _you_," added the judge,
+with a dry humor, appreciated by all the students.
+
+"Mr. Parasyte!" exclaimed one of the sentinels at the door.
+
+There was an attempt on the part of the principal to pull the door
+open, but it was well secured upon the inside.
+
+"Let him in," said the judge.
+
+The door opened, and Mr. Parasyte entered the school-room.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER VIII.
+
+IN WHICH ERNEST VANQUISHES THE SCHOOLMASTER.
+
+
+Mr. Parasyte had evidently obtained some information in regard to the
+great rebellion before he entered the school-room; for though he
+looked extremely troubled, he did not seem to be so much astonished as
+might have been expected. He was admitted by order of the judge, and
+took off his hat as he walked up the aisle to the platform, wiping
+away the perspiration which gathered on his heated brow under the
+severe mental struggles his position induced.
+
+"What does all this mean?" he demanded, with a sternness which we
+could not help seeing was assumed.
+
+The boys were all orderly and quiet; the school room was as still as
+during the regular sessions of the Institute. The sentinels, with
+their bats and clubs, stood immovable at their stations, and the
+scene produced its full impression upon the mind of the principal. As
+he did not seem to be prepared to receive an answer to his question,
+none was given; and Mr. Parasyte glanced uneasily around the room,
+apparently seeking to obtain a better understanding of the scene.
+
+"What does all this _mean_?" demanded he, a second time.
+
+"It means, sir," replied Henry Vallington, "that the boys are
+dissatisfied, and intend to have things set right."
+
+"Is this a proper way to express their dissatisfaction--to take
+advantage of my absence to get up a riotous assembly?"
+
+"We have been perfectly orderly, sir," added the judge, in respectful
+tones.
+
+"How came you here, Thornton?" continued the principal, as his gaze
+rested on me.
+
+"We brought him here, sir," promptly interposed Vallington, anxious to
+relieve me of any responsibility for my escape from my prison-chamber.
+
+"Vallington, I confess my astonishment at seeing you engaged in an
+affair of this kind," said Mr. Parasyte, reproachfully; and he fixed
+his gaze upon the judge, and again wiped the perspiration from his
+forehead. "I have always regarded you as an orderly and well-behaved
+boy."
+
+"I do not expect to forfeit my reputation as such by what I have done.
+Mr. Parasyte, the boys are dissatisfied. We are not little children.
+We have all reached the years of discretion, and we know the
+difference between right and wrong, between justice and injustice."
+
+"Do you intend to read me a lecture?" demanded the principal, angrily.
+
+"No, sir; I had no such intention--only to state the facts."
+
+"But you are arraigning me, the principal of the Parkville Liberal
+Institute," added Mr. Parasyte, measuring the judge from head to foot.
+
+"You may call it what you please, sir."
+
+"May I ask what you purpose to do?" continued the principal, in a
+sneering tone, not unmingled with timidity.
+
+"Poodles," said the judge, turning to the lank toady, "stand up."
+
+He obeyed; and being now with the majority of the boys, I think he was
+mean enough to enjoy the discomfiture of Mr. Parasyte, for there can
+be no real respect or true sympathy in the relation of one flunky with
+another.
+
+"Are you ready to tell the whole truth?" demanded Vallington.
+
+"I am," replied Poodles.
+
+"Perhaps you will be willing to inform Mr. Parasyte, in the beginning,
+whether you do so of your own free will and accord, or not."
+
+"I do so of my own free will and accord."
+
+"Did you perform the examples on the examination paper without any
+assistance?"
+
+"I did not."
+
+"How many did you do yourself?"
+
+"None of them."
+
+"Who struck the first blow in the affray on the pier with Thornton?"
+
+"I did," answered Poodles, with a silly leer. "Thornton told the facts
+just exactly as they were."
+
+"You may sit down."
+
+Mr. Parasyte wiped his brow again.
+
+"Pearl," continued Vallington.
+
+This culprit, unlike his companion in guilt, looked sheepish and
+crestfallen, as he slowly rose from his seat. He was not so base and
+low-minded as Poodles, and he felt a genuine shame for the mean
+conduct of which he had been guilty.
+
+"Have you anything to say, Pearl?" asked the judge.
+
+"I lent my paper to Poodles, who copied the solutions from it,"
+replied Pearl, with his glance fixed upon the floor.
+
+"That's all; you may sit down."
+
+Pearl seated himself; and if a pin had fallen to the floor then, it
+might have been heard in the anxious silence that followed. Mr.
+Parasyte's chest heaved with emotion. He wanted to storm, and scold,
+and threaten, but seemed to be afraid to do so.
+
+"I have nothing more to say at present, Mr. Parasyte. In the name and
+in behalf of the students, I have brought the facts to your notice,"
+said Vallington, breaking the impressive stillness, as the principal
+did not seem disposed to do so.
+
+"After the riotous proceedings of this afternoon, I might have
+expected this; but I did not," the principal began. "You appear to
+have intimidated Poodles to such an extent that he has entirely
+modified and reversed the statements he made this afternoon. He is a
+weak-minded boy, and it was not difficult to do so."
+
+This remark roused the ire of Poodles, and it required a sharp
+reprimand from the judge to repress his impertinence.
+
+"Pearl is a poor boy, upon whose fears you seem to have successfully
+wrought. A confession from either of them, under the circumstances, is
+not reliable. I do not countenance this meeting, or these proceedings.
+I am not to be intimidated by your action. In regard to what you have
+done, I have nothing to say; but I require you to separate, and go at
+once to your rooms."
+
+"Will you be kind enough to inform us what you intend to do, Mr.
+Parasyte?" said Vallington.
+
+"I am not to be taken to task by my pupils."
+
+"We do not intend to resort to any disorderly proceedings," added the
+judge. "Poodles and Pearl, without compulsion, have acknowledged
+their errors, and it has been fully proved that Thornton was not to
+blame for the affair on the pier. We ask, therefore, that Thornton be
+restored to his rank and privileges as a member of the Institute. If
+this is not done, at least fifty of us will sign a paper urging our
+parents and guardians to take us away from this school."
+
+"I will grant nothing under these circumstances--promise nothing,"
+replied the principal, doggedly.
+
+"We are in no haste. We leave the matter for your consideration, Mr.
+Parasyte. We will all go to our rooms now."
+
+Vallington left the chair, and walked out of the school-room, followed
+in good order by all the students who had taken part in these
+irregular proceedings. I was going out with the rest, when Mr.
+Parasyte intimated that he had something to say to me, and I remained.
+When the boys had all gone, he invited me to accompany him to his
+private office--a small apartment, opening from the main hall, near
+the front door, in which he received callers, and sat in state when
+not employed in the school-room.
+
+There is an old saying that "you must summer and winter" a man before
+you know him. Mr. Parasyte was considered a tyrant; not a coarse and
+brutal tyrant, but a refined and gentlemanly one, who cows you by his
+polite impertinence. He seldom indulged in harsh speech, never in
+personal violence--at least no instance of it was known to the
+students. He indulged in sneers and polished browbeating. A boy was
+never stupid--he lacked common intelligence; never a blockhead--his
+perceptions were very dull. His polite epithets were more cutting than
+good round invectives would have been.
+
+He had a will of his own; and he was obstinate, mulish, pig-headed. If
+he had been surprised into declaring that black was white, then black
+would continue to be white, in spite of positive demonstration to the
+contrary. He was dogmatic to the last degree; and this is a fault to
+which the schoolmaster is peculiarly liable. It required the event of
+the day whereof I speak to enable us fully to comprehend Mr. Parasyte.
+We had summered him before; now we were to winter him.
+
+What he had said in the school-room indicated that he intended to
+regard the confessions of Poodles and Pearl as extorted from them by
+intimidation, and that he purposed to persist in persecuting me. I had
+no desire to be a martyr; but I did not see how I could help myself.
+
+"Thornton, I see you intend, if possible, to break up the Parkville
+Liberal Institute," said he.
+
+"No, sir, I do not. I hadn't anything to do with what took place in
+the school-room," I replied.
+
+"You did not seem to be a martyr there," sneered he. "The boys have
+made a mistake; so have you. They don't know me; you don't. You got up
+a quarrel this afternoon."
+
+"No, sir, I did not."
+
+"Don't contradict me," said he, sharply. "I say you got up a quarrel
+this afternoon."
+
+"And I say I did not."
+
+"I am in no humor to trifle with you," said he, opening a desk, and
+taking out a cowhide.
+
+I was willing to confess, when I saw that implement, that I had not
+known him before. He was about to step down from refined to brutal
+tyranny.
+
+"Poodles himself has confessed that he lied," I added, taking no
+further notice of the cowhide.
+
+"Confessed!" exclaimed Mr. Parasyte, savagely. "The boys have either
+bribed or frightened him into this confession. It will have no effect
+upon me."
+
+"I have nothing to say, then," I answered, with dignity. "If you will
+look into the case again, and require Poodles to do the examples, you
+will see that you, and not the boys, have made a mistake."
+
+"Silence, sir! I don't intend to be addressed in that impudent way by
+any student. I have attempted to suppress this rebellion by mild
+means; but they have failed. I have been to see your uncle. As I
+supposed he would, he has taken a proper view of the case. He does not
+wish to have you expelled, and I revoke my sentence; but he desires to
+have you reduced to subjection."
+
+My uncle had actually spoken, and taken sides with the tyrant. I was
+astonished, but not intimidated.
+
+"I have drawn up a paper for you to sign, which shall be read to the
+boys to-morrow morning. There it is."
+
+[Illustration: RESISTANCE TO TYRANNY.--Page 99.]
+
+I glanced at the document. It was an acknowledgment of all Mr.
+Parasyte charged me with, and a promise to behave myself properly. I
+refused to sign it. The principal rolled up his sleeves, and took the
+cowhide in his hand. He looked cool and malignant.
+
+"Then I shall do as your uncle wishes me to do--reduce you to
+subjection," said he. "Consider well what you are doing."
+
+"I have considered, sir. If you strike me with that cowhide, I shall
+do the best I can to defend myself."
+
+"Do you threaten me?" demanded Mr. Parasyte, stepping towards me with
+a jerk.
+
+"No, sir; but I will not submit to a blow, if it costs me my life."
+
+"Won't you? We'll see."
+
+He did see. He struck me. The blow cut my soul. I sprang upon him with
+all the tiger in my nature let loose. I kicked, bit, scratched. I
+clawed at his throat like a vampire, and, though severely belabored, I
+finally wrenched the cowhide from his grasp, and hurled him back so
+that he fell full length upon the floor.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER IX.
+
+IN WHICH ERNEST STRIKES A HEAVY BLOW, AND WINS ANOTHER VICTORY.
+
+
+I was astonished at my own prowess, as I stood, with heaving breast,
+gazing at the prostrate form of the vanquished tyrant. I was a stout
+young fellow, heavy enough and strong enough for a boy of fifteen; but
+I did not regard myself as a match for a full-grown man. I suppose the
+fury and impetuosity of the onslaught I made had given me the victory
+before Mr. Parasyte was able to bring all his power to bear upon me.
+
+I was satisfied with what I had done, and did not care to do any more.
+I wished to leave; but the principal had locked the door, and put the
+key into his pocket. I glanced at the window, hoping to find a means
+of egress in that direction, though it was at least ten feet above the
+ground. But ten feet are nothing to a boy of spirit; and I was moving
+towards the window, intending to take the leap, when Mr. Parasyte
+sprang to his feet, and confronted me again. If ever a man wore the
+expression of a demon, the principal of the Parkville Liberal
+Institute did at that moment; and it was patent to me that, unless I
+could effect my escape, my trials and troubles had but just commenced.
+
+I was more disposed to use strategy than force; for, in spite of the
+victory I had won, I was fearful that the tyrant "carried too many
+guns" for me. The malignity of his aspect was accompanied by an
+expression of pain, as though he had been injured by his fall. This
+was in my favor, if I was to be again compelled to break a lance with
+him.
+
+"You villain!" gasped Mr. Parasyte, with one hand upon his side. "How
+dare you resist?"
+
+"I have no fancy for being cut to pieces with a cowhide," I replied,
+as coolly as I could, which, however, was not saying much.
+
+"Your uncle wished me to reduce you to subjection, and to flog you
+till you came to your senses."
+
+"I am not very grateful to my uncle for his request; and I have to
+say, that I will not be tamely flogged either by you or by him."
+
+"What do you mean to do?" demanded he, apparently astonished to find
+me so resolute.
+
+"I mean to resist as long as I am flogged," I replied, twisting the
+cowhide I still held in my hand.
+
+Saying this, I jumped upon the window-seat, and unfastened the sash.
+
+"Stop!" said he, moving towards me.
+
+"I know what you mean now; and if you come near me, I will hit you
+over the head with the butt-end of this cowhide," I replied, raising
+the sash.
+
+"I intend to reduce you to subjection at any hazard," he added.
+
+Without making reply, I attempted to get out of the window in such a
+way that I could drop to the ground, or "hang off" with my hands. In
+doing this, I laid myself open to the assault of the enemy, who was
+prompt in perceiving his advantage, and in availing himself of it.
+Seizing me by the collar with both hands, he dragged me back into the
+office, and hurled me heavily upon the floor, at the same time
+wrenching the cowhide from my grasp. I sprang to my feet with the
+celerity of a wounded tiger; but the principal began to beat me with a
+zeal corresponding to his malignity.
+
+A heavy round ruler on the desk, which had before attracted my
+attention, was available as a weapon, and in the fury of my passion I
+grasped it. Without thought or consideration except in my own defence,
+I sprang upon the tyrant again, and dealt him several heavy blows with
+the implement, until one was planted in such a place on his head that
+it knocked him insensible upon the floor. Panting like a hunted deer
+from the rage which filled my soul, and from the violence of my
+exertions, I gazed upon the work I had done. Mr. Parasyte lay
+motionless upon the floor. I took the key from his vest pocket, and
+unlocked the door.
+
+In the hall I found several persons, including Mrs. Parasyte, and Mr.
+Hardy, one of the assistant teachers. They had been sitting in the
+parlor opposite the office, and had heard the noise of the desperate
+struggle between the principal and myself.
+
+"What have you done!" exclaimed Mrs. Parasyte, greatly alarmed when
+she saw her husband lying senseless upon the floor.
+
+"This is bad business," added Mr. Hardy, as he hastened to the
+assistance of the principal.
+
+"Is he dead?" asked the wife, in tremulous tones.
+
+"No--O, no! But he has had a heavy blow on the temple," replied the
+teacher.
+
+I assisted Mrs. Parasyte and Mr. Hardy in carrying my foe to his
+chamber. I was alarmed myself. I feared that I had done more than I
+intended to do. I went for the doctor at the lady's request; but
+before my return Mr. Parasyte had come to his senses, and complained
+of a severe sickness at his stomach. The physician carefully examined
+him, and declared that his patient was not seriously injured. I need
+not say that I was greatly relieved by this opinion. I left the room,
+intending to depart from the house, though it was now nearly eleven
+o'clock at night. Mr. Hardy followed me out into the hall, and wished
+to know where I was going.
+
+"Home," I replied.
+
+"I'm afraid you have got into difficulty, Thornton," added he.
+
+"I can't help it if I have. I didn't mean to hurt him so badly; but it
+was his own fault."
+
+"How did it happen?"
+
+I told him how it happened; but Mr. Hardy expressed no opinion on the
+merits of the case. He knew, as well as I did, that Mr. Parasyte had
+been wrong from the beginning; but being in a subordinate position, it
+was not proper for him to condemn his principal.
+
+"The boys are in a riotous condition, and it is fortunate they do not
+know of this affair. I hope you do not intend to inform them--at least
+not to-night," he added.
+
+"No, sir, I do not. I have tried from the first to keep the peace.
+Poodles confessed to Mr. Parasyte that he had lied about the affair on
+the pier, but he refused to believe him. I am sorry there has been any
+trouble; but I couldn't help it."
+
+Mr. Hardy was really troubled; but he could not say anything, and he
+did not. He was a poor man, trying to earn the means to study a
+profession by teaching, and a word or a look of sympathy to a rebel
+like me would have cost him his situation. He was a just and a fair
+man, and as such was loved and respected by all the students. Many of
+the boys had often wished that he might be the principal of the
+academy, instead of Mr. Parasyte, who had established and who still
+owned the institution.
+
+There was nothing more to be said or done, and I left the academy for
+home. I was sincerely sorry for what had happened. Even a quarrel in
+which I had been the victor had no pleasant reflections for me. I
+would have submitted to any punishment except the flogging, and borne
+the injustice of it without a complaint; but I had been required to
+confess that of which I was not guilty, and I could not do that. I
+hated a lie of any kind, and I could not tell one to save myself from
+the consequences of the tyrant's rage and injustice.
+
+I considered all the events of the day as I walked home, and came to
+the conclusion that I was not to blame for the mischief that had been
+done. If I had been haughty and disobedient, it was because I had been
+treated badly. I certainly did not deserve flogging, and it would have
+been impossible for me to submit to it. If I had been guilty, I could
+have borne even that.
+
+My uncle had counselled Mr. Parasyte to reduce me to subjection; and
+much I marvelled that he had found words to say so much. It was an
+evidence of interest in me which he had never before manifested. It
+was plain that, in the settlement of the difficulty, I must count upon
+the opposition of my uncle, who had already espoused the principal's
+side of the quarrel. But I did not make any rash resolves, preferring
+to act as my sense of right and justice should dictate when the time
+for action came.
+
+As I approached the cottage by the lake, I saw a light in my uncle's
+library. My guardian sat up late at night, and rose early in the
+morning. He did not sleep well, and he always looked pale and haggard.
+He was a misanthrope in the worst sense of the word. He seemed to have
+no friends, and to care for no one in the world--not even for himself.
+Certainly he had no regard for me.
+
+Of his past history I knew nothing; but I had already concluded that
+he had been subjected to some terrible disappointment or injustice. He
+appeared to suffer all the time; and if he would have permitted it,
+how gladly would I have assuaged his woe by my sympathy! He was cold
+and forbidding, and would not permit me to speak a word to him. I had
+once tried to make him tell me something about my father and mother;
+but, with an expression of angry impatience upon his face, he had
+turned and fled in disgust from me.
+
+I longed to know who and what my mother was; but my questions brought
+no answer. One day, when my uncle was away, I had crept into his
+library, and tried vainly to obtain some information from his books
+and papers. He caught me in the room, and drove me out with a curse
+upon his lips. After that a spring lock was put upon the door, the key
+of which he carried in his pocket.
+
+On the present occasion I had nothing to expect from my uncle; but I
+wished to see him, and tell him my story. I knew that he could talk;
+for, during the preceding year, a man of thirty, elegantly dressed,
+came to the cottage one afternoon, and walked with my uncle into the
+grove by the lake. They had business together, and it was not of a
+pleasant nature; for, prompted by curiosity, I rowed my skiff up to
+the shore, to learn what I might of the stranger's purpose. I could
+not understand a word that was said; but my uncle talked rapidly and
+fiercely, and a violent altercation ensued, which I feared would end
+in blows. The stranger did not come back to the cottage, and the
+supper which Betsey had prepared for the guest was not needed.
+
+Learning from this that my uncle had a tongue, I asked him who the
+stranger was. The answer was only a savage frown. He had no tongue for
+me. Neither old Jerry nor his wife was any better informed than I was,
+for both assured me they did not know the stranger. Satisfied,
+therefore, that my uncle could talk, I was determined to see him
+before I went to bed, though it was nearly midnight. Perhaps, also, I
+was disposed to adopt this course, because my guardian had given such
+bad advice to Mr. Parasyte. I was not insensible to the indulgence
+with which I had ever been treated; and seeing that my silent uncle
+wished to avoid me, I had generally favored him in doing so. It was
+different now. He had given an order or a permission to have me
+brutally punished, and I was determined to make him "face the music."
+
+I entered the house, and passing through my uncle's chamber, stood at
+the door of the library, which was fastened by the spring lock.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER X.
+
+IN WHICH ERNEST HAS AN INTERVIEW WITH HIS UNCLE.
+
+
+With my resolution still at the highest pitch of firmness, I knocked
+at the library door. I expected a storm; it was hardly possible to
+avoid one; but I hoped, if I could induce my stern and silent guardian
+to speak or to listen, that I might make an impression upon him. There
+was no answer to my knock, and I repeated it. Then I heard a stir in
+the library, and my uncle opened the door. When he saw me, he was
+about to close the door in my face, doubtless regarding my conduct in
+knocking at his door as impudent in the highest degree. I was not
+disposed to be shut out, and anticipating his purpose, I stepped
+nimbly into the room.
+
+"Uncle Amos, I wish to speak with you for a few moments, if you will
+be kind enough to hear me," I began, in tones as humble as the veriest
+tyrant could have required.
+
+He sat down in his arm-chair, leaned his head upon his hand in such a
+way as to cover his face, but made me no reply, either by word or by
+sign.
+
+"I would not trouble you if it were not necessary to do so," I
+continued. "Will you permit me to tell my story?"
+
+He removed his hand, and gave me an affirmative nod; but it was
+evident to me that my presence was the occasion of positive suffering
+to him. I knew of no reason why I should be personally disagreeable to
+him, and it seemed to me that his aversion was caused wholly by a kind
+of obstinacy, which I could not understand.
+
+"I have had a difficulty with Mr. Parasyte; but I was not to blame, as
+I can prove by more than half the students in the academy," I
+proceeded; and then I rehearsed all the particulars of my affray with
+Poodles, on the pier, including the rebellion of the students, and the
+confession of the guilty ones.
+
+My uncle may have heard me, and he may not; but he took not the least
+notice of me, appearing to be absorbed in his own meditations during
+the recital of my wrongs.
+
+"Mr. Parasyte called me into his private office, and informed me that
+he had been to see you," I added.
+
+My uncle removed his hand from his face, glanced at me, nodded his
+head, which was the first indication he had given that he was
+conscious of my presence, after I began to relate my story. The look
+that accompanied the nod was anything but a pleasant one. There was
+something like malignant satisfaction in the glance that he bestowed
+upon me.
+
+"Then you did request Mr. Parasyte to reduce me to subjection, as he
+expressed it?"
+
+"I did," replied he, decidedly, as he again uncovered his face, and
+nodded to emphasize his reply.
+
+This was hopeful, for I had at least got an answer out of him, though
+the reply was cold-blooded and cruel.
+
+"Did you request him to flog me?" I demanded, a little excited by the
+fact that my uncle was likely to prove as malignant as the
+schoolmaster.
+
+"I did," he added; and his eyes seemed to glow like two coals of fire.
+
+It was not difficult now for me to understand the situation. My uncle
+hated me,--why I knew not. I could not reconcile such a feeling with
+the indulgence he had always extended to me. I could not see why, if
+he hated me, as that fierce glare of his eyes indicated, he had always
+allowed me to have my own way, had always given me money without
+stint, and had permitted me to go and come when and as I pleased, and
+rove at will over the broad and dangerous lake.
+
+I have since learned that this indulgence was perfectly consistent
+with hatred, and that the judicious parent, who truly loves his son,
+would deprive him of such unhealthy and dangerous indulgences. As he
+hated me, so he let me have my own way. Had he loved me, he would have
+restrained me; he would have inquired into my conduct when away from
+home; and above all, he would not have allowed me to risk my life upon
+the stormy lake as I did.
+
+"You _did_ request him to flog me, and without understanding the
+merits of the case!" I replied, indignantly.
+
+He nodded again.
+
+"Uncle Amos, I have tried to do my duty faithfully at school, and to
+be respectful and obedient to my teachers. This is the first time I
+have had any trouble. I say, most solemnly, I was not to blame."
+
+"You were," said my uncle.
+
+"Will you hear the evidence in my favor?"
+
+"No."
+
+"You will not?"
+
+"No."
+
+"What would you have me do?"
+
+"Obey your teacher."
+
+"Mr. Parasyte ordered me to apologize to Poodles."
+
+"Do it then."
+
+"But Poodles confesses that I was not to blame."
+
+"No matter."
+
+"I cannot do it, uncle."
+
+"The master must make you do it," added my uncle, with a sneer.
+
+"He attempted to do so. He began to flog me, and I knocked him down,"
+I replied, quietly, but sullenly.
+
+My uncle sprang to his feet, and stared at me with an intensity which
+would have made me quail if I had been guilty.
+
+"You struck him!" exclaimed he, trembling with emotion.
+
+"When he attempted a second time to flog me, I hit him on the head
+with a heavy ruler, and he fell insensible upon the floor."
+
+My stern guardian rushed furiously across the room, foaming with
+passion.
+
+"You villain!" gasped he, pausing before me. "You struck the master?"
+
+"I knocked him down, as I would any other man who insulted me with a
+blow," I replied, firmly; for I intended to have my uncle understand
+exactly how I felt.
+
+"You are an obstinate whelp!" ejaculated my guardian, who had
+certainly found a tongue now.
+
+"All the students think I am right."
+
+"The students! What do I care what they think?"
+
+"They understand the case."
+
+"Humph!" sneered my uncle.
+
+"I see, sir, that I have nothing to expect from you," I continued.
+
+"No!"
+
+"I have only to say that Mr. Parasyte can't flog me. If I were guilty,
+I would not resist; but I will fight as long as I have a breath left
+against such injustice."
+
+"Very pretty! May I ask what you are going to do with yourself?"
+
+"I don't know yet; only, if I am not wanted here, I won't stay here. I
+think I can take care of myself."
+
+"Do you consider this a proper return for all I have done for you?"
+asked he, more calmly.
+
+"I don't know what you have done for me. I asked you once something
+about my father and mother, and you did not answer me."
+
+"You have no father and mother," he replied, with visible emotion.
+"You need not ask any questions, for I will not answer them."
+
+"Did they leave any property for me?" I asked, mildly; and I had
+already concluded that they did, or my uncle would not have been so
+lavish of his money upon me.
+
+"Property! What put that idea into your head?" demanded he; and he was
+more agitated than the circumstances seemed to warrant.
+
+"I have no idea anything about it. I only asked the question."
+
+"It is enough for you to know that I am willing to take care of you,
+and pay your expenses, however extravagant they may be, as long as you
+behave properly."
+
+"I have always done so."
+
+"No, you haven't! You have resisted your teacher, knocked him down,
+killed him for aught I know. You are a bad boy."
+
+It seemed just as though my uncle intended to drive me to desperation,
+and compel me to commit some rash act. I could not see why he should
+refuse to tell me anything about my father and mother.
+
+"I asked you whether my parents left any property for me. You did not
+answer me," I continued.
+
+"I will answer no questions," replied he.
+
+"If they did, it is right that I should know it," I persisted.
+
+"If they did, you will know it when you are of age to receive it."
+
+"I would like to know whether you are supporting me out of your own
+property or with my own."
+
+"It doesn't concern you to know, so long as you are supported."
+
+"Yes, it does, and I insist upon knowing."
+
+"I shall answer no questions," replied he, more troubled now than
+angry.
+
+"If there is nothing belonging to me, I am very willing to go to work
+and support myself. I don't wish to be a burden upon one who cares so
+little for me as you do."
+
+"I did not say you were a burden. I have given you all you asked for,
+and am willing to do so still."
+
+"I don't wish to have you do so, if what you give me does not belong
+to me."
+
+"You are a foolish boy!" said he, impatiently.
+
+"You have hardly spoken to me before for a year; and you never said as
+much to me as you have to-night before in all my lifetime."
+
+"It was not necessary to do so."
+
+"Uncle Amos, I am old enough now to be able to think for myself," I
+continued, earnestly. "It is time for me to know who and what I am,
+and I am going to find out if it is possible for me to do so."
+
+"It is not possible," said he, greatly agitated, though he struggled
+to be calm. "What do you wish to know?"
+
+"About my parents."
+
+He walked the room for a moment with compressed lips, as if
+considering whether he should tell me what I wanted to know.
+
+"If I have concealed anything from you, it was for your own good,"
+replied he, with a desperate effort. "Your father is dead; he died
+eleven years ago."
+
+"And my mother?" I asked, eagerly.
+
+"She is a raving maniac in an insane asylum."
+
+This information came like a shock upon me, and I wept great tears of
+grief.
+
+"I thank you, uncle Amos, for telling me so much, sad as it is. One
+more question and I am satisfied. Did my father leave any property?"
+
+"No," said he.
+
+I fancied that this single word cost him a mightier effort than all he
+had said before, though I could not see why it should.
+
+"Where is my mother now?" I asked.
+
+"You were to ask no more questions; and it is not best for you to know
+where she is," he answered. "Now, Ernest, I wish you to make your
+peace with Mr. Parasyte."
+
+"How make my peace with him?"
+
+"Do what he requires of you."
+
+"I cannot do that; and I will not."
+
+"If you persist you will ruin me," said my uncle, bitterly.
+
+"I don't understand you, uncle Amos."
+
+"Mr. Parasyte owes me a large sum of money."
+
+Here was the hole in that millstone!
+
+"His Institute is mortgaged to me. If there is trouble there, the
+property will depreciate in value, and I shall be the loser."
+
+My uncle seemed to be ashamed of himself for having said so much, and
+told me to go to bed. I retired from his presence with the feeling
+that I must sacrifice myself or my guardian.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XI.
+
+IN WHICH ERNEST IS DISOWNED AND CAST OUT.
+
+
+I was so nervous and excited after the stirring events of the day,
+that I could not sleep when I went to bed, tired and almost exhausted
+as I was. I had enough to think of, and that night has always seemed
+to me like a new era in my existence. My father was dead; and my
+mother, somewhere in the wide world, was an occupant of an insane
+asylum. My uncle had told me I had no property, which was equivalent
+to informing me that I must soon begin to earn my daily bread, unless
+he chose to support me.
+
+I would not even then have objected to earning my own living; indeed,
+there was something pleasurable and exciting in the idea of depending
+upon myself for my food and raiment; but I was not satisfied with my
+uncle's statements. I could see no reason why he should not tell me
+where my father had lived and died, and where my mother was confined
+as a lunatic. I meant to know all about these things in due time, for
+it was my right to know.
+
+I could not help weeping when I thought of my mother, with her
+darkened mind, shut out from the world and from me. What a joy she
+would have been to me! What a comfort I might have been to her! My
+father was dead, and she had no one to care for her. Was she in a
+proper place? Was she kindly treated while overshadowed by her
+terrible infirmity? I shuddered when I thought of her, for fear that
+she might be in the hands of cruel persons.
+
+It seemed very strange to me that my uncle should spend money so
+freely upon me if I had no expectations. Why should he wish to conceal
+anything that related to my father and mother from me? Who was the
+person that came to the cottage and quarrelled with him? I had reached
+the years of discretion, and was able to think for myself. What my
+uncle told me, and what he refused to tell me, taken in connection
+with his conduct, his mode of life, and his misanthropic habits,
+convinced me that there was something wrong. I intended to ascertain
+what it was; and I was fully resolved, whether it was right or wrong,
+to explore the library in search of any letters, legal documents, or
+other papers which would throw some light on the mystery, now becoming
+painfully oppressive to me. It was my duty, as a son, to assure myself
+that my mother, in her helplessness, was kindly cared for.
+
+I went to sleep at last; and I did not wake the next morning till nine
+o'clock, which was my uncle's usual breakfast hour. I took my morning
+meal with him; but he did not speak a single word. After breakfast I
+went down to the boat-house. I missed the Splash very much indeed; for
+I wanted to take her, and sail away to some remote part of the lake,
+and consider what I should do. Then it occurred to me that my
+sail-boat might be raised and repaired; and I was getting into the
+row-boat, with the intention of pulling out and finding the place
+where the Splash had gone down, when my uncle made his appearance.
+
+"Ernest, have you considered what you mean to do?" said he. "Do you
+intend to go to school?"
+
+"No, sir, I do not," I replied, promptly and decidedly.
+
+"Then I disown you, and cast you out," he added, turning on his heel
+and walking back to the house.
+
+Was I becoming obstinate and self-willed? Was I refusing a reasonable
+service? I sat down in the boat to think over it. It was not right
+that I should apologize to Poodles, after he had confessed that the
+evidence on which I had been condemned was a lie; and it was of no use
+for me to return to the academy unless I could do so.
+
+Mr. Parasyte owed my uncle a large sum of money, secured by the estate
+and good-will of the Institute. If I was driven from the school, a
+majority of the boys would petition their parents to be taken from it
+also, and the establishment would be seriously injured. There was
+plainly an understanding between Mr. Parasyte and my uncle, or the
+tyrant would not have made war upon me as he did. Should I sacrifice
+myself in order to save my uncle's money, or to prevent the debt from
+being imperilled?
+
+No! I could not; but I hoped my uncle would not lose his money, though
+it would not be my fault if he did. I had just been "disowned and cast
+out." The sentence hardly produced an impression upon me. I was not
+banished from a happy home, where I had been folded in a mother's
+love, and had lived in the light of a father's smile; only from the
+home of coldness and silence; only from shelter and food, which I
+could easily find elsewhere.
+
+I took the oars and pulled towards the bluff off which the Splash had
+sunk. It seemed to me just then that I was breaking away from all my
+early associations, from my home and my school, and pushing out on the
+great ocean of life, as my boat was upon the lake. I must go out into
+the world, and make for myself a name and a fortune. There was
+something solemn and impressive in the thought, and I rested upon my
+oars to follow out the idea. Breaking away! To me it was not going
+away, it was _breaking_ away. There was no near and dear friend to bid
+me God speed on my journey of life. As for my uncle, he would not
+have cared if I had, at that moment, been forever buried beneath the
+deep waters of the lake.
+
+I was awed and solemnized by the thought that I was alone in the
+world. And looking up to the clear blue sky, I prayed that God would
+help me to keep in the path of truth and duty. I really hoped that, if
+I had done wrong, or was then doing wrong, I might be convicted of my
+error. I prayed for light. I was afraid that I had been wilful and
+wayward; but as I knew that I was right so far as Poodles was
+concerned, I could not accuse myself of obstinacy in refusing to
+apologize. On the whole, I was satisfied with myself, though willing
+to acknowledge that in some things I had rather overdone the matter.
+
+Resuming the oars, I pulled towards the bluff. My course lay near the
+shore until I had passed the northerly point of Parkville, where the
+steamboat wharf extends a hundred feet out to the deep water of the
+lake. Continuing beyond this long pier, I came in sight of the
+Parkville Liberal Institute. As it was then the middle of the
+forenoon, I did not expect to see any of the students; but, to my
+surprise, I discovered large numbers of them on the grounds between
+the buildings and the lake. They did not seem to be engaged in the
+usual sports, but were gathered in groups on various parts of the
+premises. Everything looked as though some important event had
+transpired, which the boys were busily engaged in discussing.
+
+I was tempted to pull up towards the Institute, and ascertain what had
+occurred, and why the students were not in the school-room, attending
+to their studies; but I was fearful that my presence might do
+mischief, and I reluctantly continued on my way to the bluff. As
+nearly as I could interpret the signs, the boys were in a state of
+rebellion, though it was possible that Mr. Parasyte was too ill to
+attend to his duties, and in the present excited state of the school,
+had deemed it best to give the boys a holiday.
+
+The bearings of the spot where the Splash sank had been carefully
+noted, after my capture, by the principal and his men, and without
+much difficulty I found the place. The bed of this part of the lake
+was composed of gravel, washed down by the continual wearing away of
+the bluff; and as the water was clear, I could see the bottom. The
+Splash lay in about twenty-five feet of water--as I found by measuring
+with a fish-line. She sat nearly upright on her keel, and the tops of
+her masts were not more than a foot below the surface.
+
+How could I coax her to the top of the water? The Splash had been
+father and mother to me, and I loved her. In my loneliness I wanted
+her companionship. It did not look like an easy task to raise her; and
+yet the most difficult things become easy when we hit upon the right
+method of doing them. The Splash was ballasted with ten fifty-sixes,
+each with a ring for lifting it. They were deposited on the bottom of
+the boat, where I could remove a portion of them when I had a large
+party to take out. I made up my mind, that with a long pole, having a
+hook on the end of it, I could fasten to the rings of the fifty-sixes,
+and raise them, one by one, to the surface; and when the ballast was
+removed, the boat would rise of herself.
+
+Satisfied that this idea was a practical one, I started for Parkville
+to procure the pole. As I took the oars, I discovered that one of the
+Institute boats, which I had not before noticed, was pulling towards
+me. At first I was startled, fearful that it might contain some of my
+tyrant's minions, sent out to capture me, and carry me back to the
+school. As the boat came nearer, however, I saw that it was filled
+with my friends, prominent among whom were Bob Hale and Tom Rush; and
+I lay upon my oars to await her coming.
+
+"Good morning, Ernest; I'm glad to see you," said Bob, as the
+Institute boat ranged up alongside of mine.
+
+"What is the matter at the Institute? Don't school keep to-day?" I
+asked, when I had returned the salutations of my friend.
+
+"There's big news there, Ernest, you'd better believe," replied Bob,
+in an excited tone.
+
+"What is it? What has happened?"
+
+"There has been an awful row between Mr. Parasyte and Mr. Hardy, and
+Mr. Hardy has been discharged--that's the first thing; and the fellows
+won't stand it, anyhow."
+
+"What was it about?"
+
+"We don't know. Mr. Hardy opened the school as usual at nine o'clock;
+but he didn't say a word to us about the troubles. A little after
+nine, Mr. Parasyte came in, with a black eye and a broken head. He and
+Mr. Hardy talked together a little while, and we saw that Parasyte was
+as mad as a hop. They went into the recitation-room to have it out;
+but in two or three minutes they returned, and Mr. Hardy said he was
+going to leave; but he didn't tell the reason--just bade us good by.
+If we had only known what the trouble was, we would have pitched
+Parasyte out of the window."
+
+"Then Mr. Hardy has gone," I added.
+
+"Left, and at once. Then Mr. Parasyte made a speech, in which he told
+us the school was in a state of rebellion; that Thornton had assaulted
+him, and struck him on the head with a heavy ruler, and that he
+intended to flog him till he apologized to Poodles, as his uncle
+wished him to do. We didn't wait to hear any more. We gave a yell, and
+rushed out of the school-room."
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XII.
+
+IN WHICH ERNEST RAISES THE SPLASH, AND THERE IS A GENERAL BREAKING
+AWAY AMONG THE STUDENTS.
+
+
+I listened, with astonishment and dismay, to the tale which Bob Hale
+told me. I could not help asking myself to what extent I was
+responsible for the troubles which overwhelmed the Parkville Liberal
+Institute. I told Bob how I felt, and he ridiculed the idea of my
+shouldering any portion of the blame.
+
+"Even the parson says you are not to blame, and that you have behaved
+like a gentleman from the beginning," said he, alluding to Henry
+Vallington, who, on account of his intended profession, often went by
+the name of the "parson."
+
+"Can you imagine why Mr. Hardy was discharged?" I asked.
+
+"We don't know; but it is easy enough to see that he blamed Mr.
+Parasyte, though he never said a word to the fellows. The idea of
+staying at the Institute after Mr. Hardy goes is not to be thought
+of," replied Bob, who, like myself, was a day scholar at the school.
+"What did Parasyte mean when he said your uncle wished him to flog you
+into subjection?"
+
+"He meant that; my uncle told him to do so," I replied, with shame and
+mortification, not for myself, but for him who should have been my
+guardian and protector.
+
+"Did he, though? Well, that was amiable of him," added Tom Rush. "He
+and Parasyte will do to go together."
+
+"They do go together. I find that Mr. Parasyte owes my uncle a large
+sum of money. I had no idea that they were even acquainted with each
+other before," I continued.
+
+"Then I wonder that Parasyte made a row with you, if he owed your
+uncle so much money."
+
+"I don't understand it; but I think Mr. Parasyte didn't expect any
+trouble. He judged hastily between Poodles and me, and when he had
+given his decision, he was too proud and too obstinate to alter it. I
+suppose he was a little afraid after what he had done, and went to see
+my uncle and ask for instructions."
+
+"But it was cold-blooded for your uncle to say what he did."
+
+"Probably Parasyte told his own story," I replied, willing to shield
+my uncle as much as possible.
+
+"What did your uncle say to you when you went home?" asked Bob Hale,
+full of interest and sympathy.
+
+"We had some words, and he disowned and cast me out--to use his own
+expression."
+
+"Turned you out of house and home!" exclaimed Tom Rush.
+
+"That was what he meant."
+
+"Don't mind it, Ernest," interposed Bob. "You shall come to my house."
+
+"I can take care of myself, I think," was my reply, rather proudly
+spoken.
+
+"Of course you can; but you shall have half my bed and half my dinner
+as long as I have any."
+
+"Thank you, Bob."
+
+"We will talk that over another time, Ernest; for at present we have a
+big job on our hands."
+
+"What is that?"
+
+"We'll tell you by and by. Parasyte says you assaulted him, and hit
+him over the head with a big ruler. How was that, Ernest?"
+
+I told them what had occurred after we left the school-room, and gave
+them all the particulars of my battle with the principal.
+
+"Served him right," was the verdict of the boys. "He didn't tell us
+that he attempted to flog you; only that you pitched into him,
+apparently without any cause or reason," added Tom Rush.
+
+"You all ran out of school," said I. "What is Mr. Parasyte going to do
+about it?"
+
+"We don't know, and we don't care. He is a tyrant, and a toady; and
+all but about a dozen of the fellows are going to quit the school."
+
+"But where are you going?" I asked, surprised at this decided step.
+
+"We have it all arranged, and are going to break away in a bunch. We
+are getting things ready; but we want you, Ernest."
+
+"Why me?"
+
+"Because you are a good sailor, and know all about boats?"
+
+That was highly complimentary in a direction where I was peculiarly
+weak--my love of boats and boating. Bob Hale then informed me that the
+students were going into camp on their own hook this year. This was an
+annual institution at the academy. Belonging to the Institute were
+seven tents, large enough to accommodate all the boys and all the
+teachers; and in the month of July the whole school camped out for one
+or two weeks. This custom did more for the popularity of the Institute
+than anything else, and without it, it was doubtful if the school
+could have been kept together; for it was an offset to the dislike
+with which a large majority of the boys regarded the principal.
+
+The students had begun to talk about camping out as soon as the spring
+opened, and when the rebellion broke out, it immediately ran into this
+channel. The camp during the preceding year had been in a piece of
+woods ten miles east of Parkville; but the rebels had already decided
+to establish it, at the present time, on Cleaver Island, two miles
+north-west of the steamboat pier, and including an area of about
+twenty acres, well covered with wood.
+
+I could not say that I approved of this scheme; but Bob Hale and Tom
+Rush said the students had unanimously agreed to it. I was not in
+favor of insubordination and rebellion. But the moral sense of the
+boys had been outraged; Mr. Parasyte had resorted to the grossest
+injustice, and they were determined to "break away" from him. Rather
+reluctantly I consented to join the insurrection. I ought not to have
+done so; but smarting as I then was under the injustice of my uncle
+and the principal, I found an argument to satisfy myself with my
+conduct.
+
+The Splash seemed to be necessary, in my estimation, for the success
+of the enterprise, and my friends volunteered to assist me in raising
+her. I went to Parkville, and procured a long spruce pole, to which
+the blacksmith attached a hook. Without much difficulty the ballast
+was hoisted out of the sunken craft, and obedient to the law of
+gravitation, she came to the surface. We towed her to a bank of the
+lake in the town, near the shop of a wheelwright, who promised to
+have her repaired in a few hours. One of the ribs was snapped off, and
+six of the "streaks" stove in. We hauled her up on the shore, and got
+the water out of her; and the wheelwright went to work upon her at
+once, assisted by his journeyman.
+
+I had regarded the Splash as a lost boat; and I was delighted with my
+success in raising her, and with the prospect of having her again as
+good as new; for the wheelwright assured me she was not materially
+injured in her timbers. The result of this enterprise rather inflated
+my spirits, and not without good reason; for, as I was now to take
+care of myself, it had already occurred to me that I could make money
+enough to support me by boating--for there were always residents and
+strangers enough in the town who wanted to sail to afford me a good
+business for at least three months in the year.
+
+"Now, Ernest," said Bob Hale, who had embarked with me in my row-boat,
+"how shall we get the crowd, the tents, and the provisions over to
+Cleaver Island?"
+
+"I don't think it is a very big job," I replied.
+
+"I do. Of course Parasyte will prevent us from going if he can," said
+he.
+
+"Too many cooks will spoil the broth," I added. "You want a leader, or
+captain, who shall manage the affair."
+
+"We will choose you."
+
+"No; I decline at the outset. I don't want the credit of being the
+ringleader in this scrape after what has happened."
+
+"What do you say to the parson?" asked he.
+
+"Capital!"
+
+We consulted the students in the other boat, and they agreed to this
+selection. Both boats then pulled to the pier at the Institute. As we
+approached, all the rebels gathered around us. Bob Hale immediately
+called them to order, and made a brief statement of the necessity of
+the hour, and then nominated Henry Vallington as leader of the
+enterprise. He was unanimously elected, and somewhat to my surprise he
+accepted.
+
+"Fellow-students," said the parson, in accepting the position, "if I
+didn't feel that every decent fellow in the Institute had been
+outraged and insulted by the conduct of the principal, I wouldn't
+have anything to do with such an affair as this. I want you all to
+understand that I, for one, am going into this thing for a purpose,
+and on principle."
+
+"So say we all of us!" shouted the boys.
+
+"Now, you must obey orders, and have no rioting or rows. We shall do
+this thing in order."
+
+The boys were excited; but the parson told them to keep cool, and,
+when the orders came, to execute them promptly, which they promised
+with one voice to do. By this time I had a scheme arranged in my mind
+for the conveyance of the forces to Cleaver Island, and the leader did
+me the honor to appoint me master of transportation. I stated my plan
+to Vallington and two or three of the more influential of the boys. It
+was cordially approved.
+
+At half past twelve the dinner bell of the Institute rang, as usual;
+and the boys, who had no idea of being deprived of their rations,
+marched in to dinner in order; and I went home with Bob Hale, who had
+invited me to dine with him. On our return, we learned that Mr.
+Parasyte had made a stirring appeal to the students, in the
+dining-room, to support the discipline of the school, and had
+intimated that he intended to prosecute Thornton in the courts for the
+assault upon him. I was rather startled at this intelligence, for a
+court was an appalling affair to me.
+
+The boys heard in silence what the principal had to say, and left the
+dining-room in as good order as usual. At quarter before two the
+school-bell rang; but only about twenty obeyed the summons. I was on
+the pier at this time, and shortly after I saw Mr. Parasyte coming
+down to see the students. Deeming it best to keep out of his way, I
+pulled over to the wheelwright's, to look after the Splash. An hour
+later, Bob Hale, Henry Vallington, and Tom Rush joined me, saying that
+Mr. Parasyte had been very gentle with the boys, and had used only
+mild persuasions. Having failed in all, he had taken his horse and
+gone away. This was favorable to our operations, and I advised the
+parson to hasten back, and do the job at once.
+
+At four o'clock the Splash was finished, and a coat of paint put on
+the new streaks. I got under way at once in her, taking my tender in
+tow. Near the Institute lived a man who owned a large flat-boat, or
+scow, used for bringing wood down the lake. Tom Rush had hired this
+clumsy craft for a week. The three row-boats belonging to the
+Institute had been manned by the boys, and were towing this scow down
+to the pier, according to the plan I had suggested to the parson. When
+the flat was near the pier, a signal was given, and the boys on shore
+all rushed to the building in which the tents were stored. There were
+enough of them to carry all the canvas, poles, and other materials at
+one load, and the students rushed down to the pier with them at a
+rapid pace, so that the work was accomplished before any of the
+assistant teachers or laborers could interfere.
+
+The tents were tumbled into the scow, and all the boys not needed in
+the row-boats embarked with the camp material.
+
+"All ready!" shouted Henry Vallington.
+
+"Give way!" I added to the oarsmen.
+
+[Illustration: OFF FOR THE ISLAND.--Page 143.]
+
+The long painter of the scow had been extended over, and fastened to,
+the three boats. As the wind was fresh, I went to the head of this
+line, attached a rope to the painter, and the procession of boats
+straightened out and moved off, dragging the scow after them.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XIII.
+
+IN WHICH ERNEST IS CHOSEN COMMODORE OF THE FLEET.
+
+
+The procession of boats went off in good style, after the line was
+straightened; but the flat-boat was large and heavy, and it required a
+hard pull to put her in motion. The boys rowed well, and the wind was
+fresh enough to enable the Splash to do her full share of the work.
+The distance from the Institute to the island was two miles and a
+half, and at the rate we moved, I calculated that it would take nearly
+two hours to accomplish the voyage.
+
+The movements of the students had been so sudden and so well arranged,
+that if any one saw them, there was not time to interfere before the
+boats were off. When the scow was fairly in motion, I saw Mr. Gaule,
+one of the teachers, and the two laborers on the estate, rushing down
+to the pier, apparently intent upon doing something.
+
+"Come back, boys!" shouted Mr. Gaule.
+
+No one made any reply, or took any notice of him.
+
+"Come back, I say!" he cried again, but with no better result than
+before.
+
+I was very glad that none of the boys made any insulting replies. They
+were as silent and dignified as so many judges. We all knew very well
+that Mr. Gaule had not force enough to attempt anything, and we did
+not expect to be molested until the return of Mr. Parasyte.
+
+In something less than the two hours I had allowed for the passage,
+the procession of boats reached Cleaver Island. I was perfectly
+familiar with every foot of the shore, and I decided that the landing
+should be effected on the western side, at a point of land which
+extended out a short distance into the lake. The rowers landed and
+carried the painter of the scow on shore, by which they pulled the
+clumsy craft up to the bank.
+
+The tents, cooking utensils, and other camp furniture, were landed and
+conveyed to the high ground in the southerly portion of the island. As
+soon as this work was done, Henry Vallington intimated that he wished
+all the boys to assemble near the point, for a "powwow," to consult
+upon the state of affairs. The word was passed from mouth to mouth,
+till all the rebels had gathered at the appointed place.
+
+"Now, fellows, we want to make arrangements for doing this business in
+good order. When Mr. Parasyte gets back to the Institute, and finds
+that we are gone, he will not be likely to take it as quietly as he
+has all day. Our breaking away has really broken up the Parkville
+Liberal Institute, and I shouldn't be surprised if its principal took
+some decided steps. I haven't any idea what he will do, but in my
+opinion he will do something."
+
+"What can he do?" asked Tom Rush.
+
+"He can do a great many things, and especially a great many foolish
+things. I suppose, when we come down to the niceties of the matter, we
+hadn't any right to take the boats or the tents. In fact, Mr. Parasyte
+stands _in loco parentis_ to us."
+
+"In what?" asked one of the boys who did not study Latin.
+
+"In the place of our parents; and therefore has authority to do
+anything which parents might do. I can't help saying that I have no
+respect for Mr. Parasyte; that I despise him from the bottom of my
+heart. He knows, just as well as we do, that Bill Poodles made the
+trouble yesterday, and he persists in punishing Thornton for it. For
+such a man I can have no respect."
+
+"So say we all!" shouted the boys.
+
+"There is no safety for any of us, if we permit such injustice. He may
+take a miff at any of us any time. I hope that something good will
+come out of this scrape; and I think that something will."
+
+I learned then, for the first time, that Vallington had drawn up a
+paper, setting forth the grievances of the students, in which several
+instances of Mr. Parasyte's injustice and partiality were related, and
+concluding with a full history of the affair between Poodles and
+myself. This paper had been signed by eighty-one of the students, and
+the publisher of the Parkville Standard had engaged to print it on a
+letter sheet, to be sent to the parents of the rebel scholars.
+
+"Mr. Hardy has been discharged. He was the best man in the
+Institute--just and fair. I don't know anything about it; but I am
+satisfied that he was sent away because he condemned Mr. Parasyte's
+treatment of Thornton."
+
+"That was the reason," added Bob Hale. "Mr. Hardy saw Ernest last
+night, after the row in the office."
+
+"I think we have the right of the case," continued Vallington, "though
+I suppose we are wrong in breaking away; but, for one, I won't see a
+fellow like Ernest Thornton browbeaten, and flogged, and ground down.
+If Mr. Parasyte wants to grind down one, he must grind down the
+whole."
+
+"I am very much obliged to you," I interposed; "but I want you to
+understand that I don't ask any one to get himself into a scrape for
+me."
+
+"When we protect you, Thornton, we protect ourselves. Your cause is
+our own. We won't say anything more about that matter. We are here now
+in a state of rebellion, and we must make the best of our situation.
+When Mr. Parasyte will give us fair play, we will return to the
+Institute."
+
+"We will," replied some of the boys; but I am free to say that they
+hoped he would not give them fair play until they had spent a week or
+more in camp.
+
+"Now, fellows, we will see how we stand, and make arrangements for the
+future. We have boats and tents, and these are about all we have. We
+have provisions enough for supper and breakfast. We must get a supply
+of eatables to-night or in the morning. It will require money, but I
+suppose all of you have some; at any rate, I told you to bring your
+money with you, if you had any."
+
+Most of the boys had some funds, which had been saved from their
+pocket money for a Fourth of July Celebration, planned months before.
+
+"We need some officers, and as I don't believe in one-man power, I
+shall ask you to elect them. Please to nominate a treasurer."
+
+"George Weston!" shouted one of the students.
+
+"George Weston is nominated. All in favor of his election will
+manifest it by raising the right hand."
+
+It was a unanimous vote, and the nominee was declared elected.
+
+"Now we want to raise the money, we need to buy provisions, fairly. If
+any one will make a motion, it will be in order," added the chairman.
+
+The Parkville Debating Society, an association connected with the
+Institute, had fully educated the students in parliamentary forms, and
+they were entirely "at home" in the business before them.
+
+"I move you, Mr. Chairman, that each fellow be assessed fifty cents
+for expenses," said one of the students.
+
+The motion was put and carried; and after Fred Mason had been elected
+clerk, the treasurer was instructed to collect the assessments
+forthwith. The next business was the selection of a commissary, and
+Tom Rush was chosen to this important office.
+
+"Mr. Chairman, I nominate Ernest Thornton for commodore of our
+squadron," said Bob Hale; and, though the nomination created some
+merriment, on account of the high-sounding title of the officer, the
+vote was unanimous.
+
+"I accept, Mr. Chairman; but I should prefer to be called simply the
+boatman," I replied.
+
+"That won't do!" exclaimed Bob. "Ernest is to have charge of all the
+boats, including the scow, and I am in favor of calling him
+commodore."
+
+"We won't dispute about titles," laughed Vallington; "but the boats
+are all under Thornton's charge. I advise the commissary to consult
+with the commodore, immediately, in regard to procuring a supply of
+provisions for the company."
+
+The rest of the business was soon completed. As an indication of the
+spirit of the boys, it was voted that the place should be called "Camp
+Fair Play." Vallington announced that six boys should be chosen each
+day to do the cooking and serve out the provision; that a watch should
+be kept around the camp night and day, to prevent a surprise from Mr.
+Parasyte and his forces; and that all work should be fairly divided
+among the students, with the exception of those who had been elected
+to offices. The boys then separated; and those who had been detailed
+to pitch the tents commenced their work.
+
+"Commodore," said Tom Rush, laughing at the title.
+
+"Mr. Commissary," I replied.
+
+"Good! We are even, except that you are a bigger officer than I am."
+
+"What can I do for you?"
+
+"About the provisions--how shall we get them?"
+
+"In the boats, of course," I replied.
+
+"Do you think it will be quite safe for us to go back to Parkville?"
+
+"We won't go there. It is only about six miles to Cannondale, on the
+other side of the lake. I think we had better go to-night, for we
+don't know what will happen to-morrow."
+
+"That's a capital idea! I was thinking how awkward it would be to
+answer the questions that would be asked of us in Parkville. To-night
+it is. How many of us shall go?"
+
+"Only you and I. The Splash will carry a good load. What are you going
+to buy?"
+
+"We must live cheap," replied the commissary.
+
+"I think we will bring off hams, potatoes, and bread or crackers."
+
+"Those will be good feed. I advise you to make out a list of what you
+will want."
+
+"I will do so."
+
+"But we need not buy everything we want. The lake is full of fish, and
+I know just where to catch them."
+
+"That's first rate," added Tom, with enthusiasm. "But it will take a
+heap of fish to feed all the fellows."
+
+"I have caught a boat-load of lake bass and salmon trout in a day. I
+will agree to catch fish enough to feed the crowd for a week. But the
+fellows will want something besides fish to eat. Potatoes are cheap,
+and so are pork and bacon."
+
+"When shall we start?"
+
+"The sooner we go the better. We have no time to spare. There is a
+good wind now, and we may not have it much longer. I will land you at
+Cannondale in an hour; and if the breeze holds, we shall return by
+nine o'clock."
+
+Tom Rush went to the treasurer to procure the funds he had collected,
+and hastened down to the Splash; but before the commissary joined me,
+a messenger came from Vallington to inform me that the lookouts on the
+bluff at the southerly end of the island had discovered a boat pulling
+towards the camp. I had a small spy-glass in one of the lockers of the
+Splash, with which I repaired to the bluff, to ascertain who the
+intended visitors could be.
+
+"I suppose that boat bodes trouble to the camp," said the leader.
+
+"I think it does, for it contains Mr. Parasyte and Deputy Sheriff
+Greene," I replied, after examining the boat through the glass.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XIV.
+
+IN WHICH ERNEST IS WAITED UPON BY A DEPUTY SHERIFF.
+
+
+We had no means of knowing the object of Mr. Parasyte's visit to Camp
+Fair Play--whether he was coming to make a treaty of peace, or to
+declare and carry on the war. The boat in which he was approaching was
+a hired one, rowed by the two men who worked for him. His force was
+sufficient to do us a great deal of mischief; and the questions as to
+what he would, and what he could do, were full of interest to us. Four
+men are a formidable force to any number of boys; and the fact that
+Sheriff Greene was one of the party added to the seriousness of the
+visitation.
+
+"What can they do?" asked Vallington. "We can at least prepare for
+possibilities."
+
+"They can take the boats from us," answered Bob Hale, "and leave us
+here to be starved into submission."
+
+"It would be awkward to be obliged to return to the academy like
+whipped puppies; but I suppose we could be starved into it."
+
+"We will look out for that," I added.
+
+"How can you help it?"
+
+"Leave that to me," I replied, as I hastened down to the
+landing-place, where I summoned my boatmen for service.
+
+We took the three row-boats out of the water, and carried them some
+distance from the shore, hiding them in the bushes. The Splash was too
+large to be carried far; but we took her out of the water, and put her
+high and dry on the island. A force of twenty students had been placed
+under my command, and with a little engineering we made easy work even
+of these heavy jobs. The rudder of the sail-boat was unshipped, and
+concealed, so that she would be useless to the invaders, if they
+attempted to carry her off. There was no fear that they would try to
+tow the scow back to Parkville; for in doing this their punishment
+would be too severe.
+
+Having accomplished my work, I returned to the headland where
+Vallington had his headquarters, just as Mr. Parasyte's boat touched
+the shore below.
+
+"We are all right now," I remarked to the leader.
+
+"The boats are secure--are they?"
+
+"They are."
+
+"Very well; then we are ready to receive our visitors. I will appoint
+a committee of three to wait upon them and invite them to our
+headquarters."
+
+Three students were detailed for this duty, and they descended the
+bluff. Mr. Parasyte and the deputy sheriff followed them up the bank,
+where Vallington was ready to receive them in state, supported by his
+officers. The parson had instructed the rebels to treat our visitors
+with the utmost politeness, and enjoined them not to insult or annoy
+Mr. Parasyte. This was good advice, for some of the boys would have
+been glad to duck him in the lake, or to subject him to other
+indignities, now that they had the power to do so.
+
+The principal of the Parkville Liberal Institute had doubtless been
+very angry when he returned to the school, and found that a "breaking
+away" had taken place; but he had cooled off during his passage over
+the lake, and now he looked troubled and anxious, rather than angry.
+As he walked towards the spot where the officers of the camp stood, he
+gazed curiously around him; but he said nothing.
+
+"Vallington, I am very much surprised to find you with this party,"
+were the first words he spoke, as he discovered our leader, standing
+on his dignity, a little in advance of his supporters.
+
+"Considering the circumstances, Mr. Parasyte, I am not at all
+surprised to find myself here," replied the parson. "If it were a mere
+frolic for the love of mischief, I should not be here. I presume you
+come on business, sir."
+
+"On business!" exclaimed the principal, apparently taken aback by the
+remarks of Vallington. "I _did_ come on business."
+
+"You will oblige me by stating it, sir. I have been chosen the leader
+of this company, and I represent the students here assembled."
+
+"My business is to order you back to the Institute," continued Mr.
+Parasyte, becoming a little excited by the independent manner of our
+leader.
+
+"In behalf of those whom I represent, I must decline to obey the
+order--at least for the present."
+
+The eye of the deputy sheriff twinkled as he listened to these
+speeches. He seemed to regard the affair as a big joke, and to
+appreciate it accordingly. Though none of us had ever had any official
+relations with him, we knew him as what all the people called "a good
+fellow," witty, jovial, and never severe even in the discharge of his
+duties. It is more than probable that he knew Mr. Parasyte as the boys
+knew him, and despised him accordingly. At any rate, we judged from
+the expression on his round face, that he was at heart on our side,
+however his official position might compel him to act.
+
+"I am sorry, boys, that you have engaged in this rebellion, for it
+will not be pleasant for me to compel obedience," continued Mr.
+Parasyte, struggling to repress his anger.
+
+"I am sorry, also, that we have been compelled to take this unpleasant
+stand," replied Vallington, with dignity. "If you are willing to hear
+it, sir, I should like to state the position of the boys in this
+matter. Perhaps the difficulty can be arranged; if it can, we will at
+once return to the Institute."
+
+"If there are any real abuses, I am willing to correct them. I will
+hear what you have to say."
+
+Vallington briefly rehearsed the grievances of the boys, and demanded
+that Thornton should be restored to all his privileges, without
+punishment, and that Mr. Hardy should be reëngaged.
+
+Mr. Parasyte turned red in the face, and bit his lips with anger and
+vexation.
+
+"Are you the principal of the Parkville Liberal Institute, or am I?"
+said he, when the parson had finished.
+
+"Neither of us, I think, as the matter now stands, sir."
+
+"I see that you are determined to defy me," added Mr. Parasyte. "You
+ask me to restore Thornton without punishment of any kind. Are you
+aware that he assaulted me with a deadly weapon?"
+
+"We are aware that he defended himself when assaulted."
+
+"Assaulted!" gasped Mr. Parasyte, astounded to hear his own act
+called by such a name. "Are you aware of the powers which the law
+lodges in the hands of the teacher?"
+
+"I am."
+
+"Thornton refused to obey me; and, at his uncle's request, I intended
+to enforce obedience. It was my duty to do so."
+
+"May I inquire, Mr. Parasyte, in what Thornton refused to obey you?"
+asked Vallington, in the gentlest of tones.
+
+"I required him to apologize to Poodles privately, and to me publicly.
+He refused to do so."
+
+"I told Mr. Parasyte that I would apologize to him," I interposed,
+addressing our leader.
+
+"That wasn't enough," replied the principal.
+
+"At the time, sir, you knew Poodles had confessed that he alone was to
+blame for the affair on the pier. Thornton was innocent; and it had
+been fairly proved to you that he was innocent. Poodles himself
+assured you of the fact, and his evidence was fully confirmed by
+Pearl. In the face of this overwhelming proof, you attempted to flog
+Thornton into apologizing for that of which you knew he was not
+guilty. No boy with a soul would submit to be flogged under such
+circumstances. I would not, and I have no respect for any fellow that
+would. No boy was ever yet flogged in the Institute, and it was an
+outrage to attempt such a thing."
+
+Vallington was quite eloquent, and Mr. Parasyte actually quailed as he
+poured out his feelings in well-chosen words, and with an emphasis
+which forced their meaning home to the heart. The tyrant had gone too
+far to recede. He did what weak, low-minded men always do under such
+circumstances--he got furiously angry, and delivered himself in
+abusive terms. He declared that Poodles and Pearl had been frightened
+into their confession, and persisted in saying that I had caused the
+quarrel on the pier.
+
+"But it is no use to reason with you. I am going to compel obedience
+now. If you will not mind, I shall make you mind," foamed he, stamping
+the ground in his rage.
+
+"We have nothing to say, sir, except that we shall defend ourselves
+from assaults of all kinds," added Vallington.
+
+"Assaults! How dare you use that word to me! I am in the lawful
+exercise of my authority as the principal of the Parkville Liberal
+Institute. You were committed to my care by your parents, and I shall
+do my duty by you. As to Thornton, his case shall be settled by the
+court. Mr. Greene, you have a warrant for his arrest."
+
+"Yes, I have," replied the deputy sheriff, with a broad grin.
+
+"That's the boy," continued Mr. Parasyte, furiously, as he pointed to
+me.
+
+My companions were evidently disconcerted, as I certainly was, by this
+action of Mr. Parasyte. They had got up the rebellion on my account
+directly, though indirectly on their own, and it would be a sad defeat
+to have me carried off by an officer of the law. Mr. Greene walked up
+to me, still wearing his smiling face.
+
+"Well, Ernest, I am sorry for you; but I suppose I must do my duty. I
+have a warrant for your arrest."
+
+"I shall not resist," I replied.
+
+"You shall have fair play."
+
+"That's all I want."
+
+"I am sorry to take you away," he added, in a low tone; "for, between
+you and me, I think the boys have the rights of the matter; but I
+can't help serving the warrant."
+
+"Put him in irons, Mr. Greene. He is a violent fellow," said Mr.
+Parasyte, savagely.
+
+"I shall not do that," replied the sheriff. "I can handle him without
+any irons."
+
+"Mr. Greene," interposed Vallington, "will you allow me to look at
+your warrant?"
+
+"Certainly, if you want to."
+
+"Don't do it, Mr. Greene!" shouted Mr. Parasyte.
+
+"Don't be so grouty, sir. The young gentleman may see it, if he wants
+to do so," replied the sheriff, with a broad grin on his fat face, as
+he handed the warrant to the parson. "I don't belong to your school,
+Mr. Parasyte, and I suppose I can do as I please."
+
+The principal bit his lip again; and Vallington glanced at the legal
+document.
+
+"This warrant speaks about 'our county of Adieno,'" said the leader.
+"Are you aware, Mr. Greene, that this island is not in the county of
+Adieno?"
+
+"No! Isn't it though?" laughed the sheriff.
+
+"It certainly is not," added Vallington, returning the warrant to the
+sheriff.
+
+"What odds does that make?" demanded Mr. Parasyte, angrily. "The
+offence was committed in Adieno county."
+
+"Well, I don't know," said the sheriff. "I don't want to do anything
+that isn't lawful. It may be right to take him here; but I'm not sure,
+you see."
+
+"That is absurd, Mr. Greene."
+
+"I haven't been a deputy sheriff but about six months, and I'm not
+fully posted yet. We'll go back to Parkville, and if I find it's all
+right, I'll come over and arrest Ernest to-morrow. That will be soon
+enough."
+
+Mr. Greene seemed to be the happiest person on the island; and Mr.
+Parasyte was so angry he could hardly contain himself.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XV.
+
+IN WHICH ERNEST AND THE COMMISSARY VISIT CANNONDALE.
+
+
+Mr. Parasyte, angry as he was, had sense enough left to see that he
+could accomplish nothing by remaining longer at Camp Fair Play. The
+spirit of freedom that prevailed there was unsuitable to his
+constitution.
+
+"'I go, but I return,'" said he, in the language of Catiline to the
+Roman senate.
+
+"When you return we shall receive you with all due respect, Mr.
+Parasyte," said Harry Vallington.
+
+Mr. Greene chuckled, and shook his fat sides with suppressed mirth;
+and it was plain the principal had a very doubtful ally in the person
+of the deputy sheriff. And the ill-mated pair walked towards the
+landing, where we saw them embark, and leave the shore.
+
+"Mr. Parasyte has more pluck than I gave him credit for," said Bob
+Hale, after we had silently watched the departure of the boat. "Isn't
+it a pity a man who knows so much, and is such a good teacher, should
+be a tyrant?"
+
+"He is intellectually great and morally little," added the parson,
+with a savor of the cloth he was destined to wear. "He has always been
+politic, and we have felt his tyranny only in little things, which are
+all the more mean because they are small. He is now fully roused; he
+is too obstinate to back out, even when he knows and feels that he is
+in the wrong; and now he will lay policy aside. I tell you, fellows,
+you must make up your minds for a hard battle, for Mr. Parasyte is in
+earnest. He will leave no stone unturned to reduce us to subjection;
+and if I mistake not, 'breaking away' will prove to be no joke. If any
+of the students feel like giving up, now is the best time to take the
+back track, for the farther we go the deeper in the mire we shall be.
+If there are any who are sick of their bargain, they had better say so
+now."
+
+"No!" "No!" "No!" shouted the boys, till the sound became a unanimous
+voice.
+
+"I see you are all of one mind," continued Vallington. "I deem it
+right to tell you now that, in my opinion, Mr. Parasyte is no
+contemptible foe to deal with. He will make a good deal of trouble, if
+he does not cause much anxiety, perhaps suffering, in our ranks."
+
+"What can he do?" asked one of the boys.
+
+"I don't know. He hasn't told me what he intends to do, and probably
+he will not," replied our chief, facetiously.
+
+"Can't you guess?" asked another boy; and there seemed to be a general
+desire to anticipate the terrible things the principal would attempt
+in order to reduce the rebellious pupils to subjection.
+
+"I am no Yankee, and I can't guess. I can mention several things he
+might do."
+
+"Tell us, if you please!" called out one of the more timid of the
+boys.
+
+"Very likely he will attempt to starve us out by surrounding the
+island with boats, and preventing us from obtaining provisions. He
+must know that we have a very small stock of eatables on hand."
+
+"We will trust to our commodore to break his lines, if he blockades
+our camp," laughed Tom Rush.
+
+"He may come with a force of men in the night, and take away the
+boats."
+
+"You said we should keep a watch at night," suggested Fred Mason.
+
+"We hope the commodore will be able to protect his squadron," said Bob
+Hale.
+
+"I shall do my best to insure the safety of the boats, or to run the
+blockade, if one is established," I replied, with becoming modesty;
+and in fact I was getting so excited over the prospect, that I rather
+hoped there would be an attempt to blockade us, or to carry off the
+boats, that I might have an opportunity to exercise my talent for
+navigation and strategy.
+
+"And Mr. Parasyte may collect a force, and come over to capture the
+whole of us. He can charge us with stealing his boats, or something of
+that sort. He has already obtained a warrant for the arrest of
+Thornton, and to have him taken away from us would be about the worst
+thing that could happen," said Vallington.
+
+"We will not let them take him," interposed a belligerent student.
+
+"What will you do?"
+
+"Pitch the sheriff overboard," replied the spunky speaker.
+
+"That will not do," I added. "I hope no fellow will think of such a
+thing as resisting an officer of the law."
+
+"No, that wouldn't do," continued Vallington. "If Mr. Greene could not
+arrest Thornton because he was out of his county, Mr. Parasyte will
+get a sheriff from the proper county to do the job."
+
+"That's so," said Bob Hale. "He will do his worst, you may depend upon
+that."
+
+"I have an idea!" I shouted, under the inspiration of my new thought;
+and it really seemed to me like a brilliant suggestion.
+
+"What is it?" demanded our leader.
+
+"Suppose we change our quarters?"
+
+"Where shall we go?"
+
+"To Pine Island. It is about seven miles from here, or nine miles and
+a half from Parkville," I answered.
+
+"What shall we gain by moving?" asked Vallington, deeply interested in
+my proposition.
+
+"Several things. We are now six miles from Cannondale, where we must
+procure our provisions, while Pine Island is less than three."
+
+"That's a decided advantage, if we are to be starved out," added the
+commissary.
+
+"It is so far from Parkville that our movements could not be observed
+from the shore," I continued. "And Pine Island is at least four times
+as large as Cleaver Island, which would make it four times as
+difficult to blockade."
+
+"Pine Island! Pine Island!" shouted the rebels, in concert, as they
+began to perceive the advantages of the proposed location.
+
+"If the fellows don't object to working a part or the whole of the
+night, we might be in our new quarters before morning; and if we keep
+a good lookout, we may stay there two or three days before Mr.
+Parasyte finds out where we are."
+
+"Pine Island! Pine Island!" was the chorus which came from the throng
+of boys, all of whom had gathered near the bluff.
+
+"Those in favor of moving to-night, say ay," continued Vallington.
+
+"Ay!" shouted the students, with one voice.
+
+"Those opposed, say no."
+
+There was not a dissenting voice.
+
+"It is a unanimous vote," added the leader. "Commodore Thornton, you
+are charged with the execution of this order, and you will make your
+preparations accordingly."
+
+"But what shall we do for provisions?" asked the commissary, troubled
+about the proper administration of the affairs of his department. "We
+must have something to eat before dinner-time to-morrow; and if we are
+to keep out of sight, I don't see how we are to get anything."
+
+"Perhaps Commodore Thornton can afford us some information on that
+subject," said Vallington. "Our safety and success depend mainly upon
+the vulgar things which the stomach requires."
+
+"There is a good breeze now, General Vallington, and--"
+
+The students interrupted me with a hearty laugh at the new title I had
+given to the parson.
+
+"A truce to titles," laughed our leader.
+
+"You call me commodore, and I think it is no more than fair that I
+should give you your proper title."
+
+"But you were duly elected commodore of our squadron."
+
+"Mr. Chairman, I move that Henry Vallington be created
+general-in-chief of all our forces, by sea and by land," I continued.
+
+"Second the motion," added Bob Hale. "I call upon the secretary to put
+the question."
+
+The question was put by Fred Mason, and carried, unanimously.
+
+"I am very much obliged to you for the honor you have conferred upon
+me; but we can hardly afford the time now to talk about titles. You
+were going to say something about the breeze, Commodore Thornton."
+
+"I say that there is a good breeze now, General Vallington; and I
+think, if the commissary is ready, we can reach Cannondale in the
+Splash by nine o'clock. It is half past seven now," I replied, looking
+at my watch.
+
+"The commissary is all ready," said Tom Rush.
+
+"What time shall you return?" asked the general.
+
+"By eleven or twelve. I think the fellows had better turn in, and
+sleep till we return," I suggested. "There will be time enough then to
+load the scow, and reach the island by daylight."
+
+The general approved of this idea, but was afraid the boys were too
+much excited to sleep. I called those who had been detailed to serve
+as boatmen to assist in putting the Splash into the water, and, with
+Tom Rush alone, started for Cannondale. The breeze was fresh, and
+before the time I had mentioned we landed at our destination.
+
+Since I had owned the Splash, I had spent all my vacations and
+holidays, and indeed all my spare time every week day when boating was
+practicable, on the lake. A spirit of adventure had prompted me to
+make long trips, and I had sometimes spent half the night in my lonely
+cruises. The darkness, therefore, was not an obstacle with me to the
+navigation of those familiar waters. I knew every point, headland,
+bay, and inlet, at midnight as well as noonday.
+
+Lake Adieno, though a fresh-water lake, was not always the smoothest
+of navigation. Its shores were nearly level land, and there was
+nothing to shelter it from the blasts when the wind blew; and, with
+an uninterrupted reach of twenty miles from east to west, old Boreas
+had room enough to kick up quite a heavy sea. In a strong north-west
+or south-west wind, boating on the lake was no child's play.
+
+We landed at Cannondale, and secured the Splash at the steamboat pier.
+For several years I had purchased the groceries for the cottage of my
+uncle; and since I had owned the sail-boat, I had as often procured
+them at Cannondale as at Parkville, and I was nearly as familiar with
+the streets of the former as with those of the latter.
+
+We found a grocer and a provision-dealer, of whom Tom Rush purchased
+the supplies we needed. Of the former the commissary purchased ten
+kegs of crackers, and a variety of small stores, and of the latter
+sixteen hams, twenty pounds of salt pork, and twelve bushels of
+potatoes. At the baker's we obtained all the soft bread on hand--about
+a hundred loaves. These articles amounted to more than the assessments
+levied on the members, but Tom and I made up the balance. The
+provision-dealer harnessed his horse and carted the stores down to the
+pier; and, grateful for the patronage we had given him, and the cash
+paid him, he asked no troublesome questions; and we simply told him
+that the goods were for the school, which was then camping out.
+
+The Splash was loaded to her utmost capacity, and we decided to land
+the stores at Pine Island before we returned to our companions.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XVI.
+
+IN WHICH ERNEST CONVEYS THE STUDENTS TO PINE ISLAND.
+
+
+We landed the provisions at Pine Island, and being still favored with
+a fresh breeze, made a quick run over to Cleaver Island. It was bright
+moonlight now, and very pleasant sailing on the lake. As we approached
+the landing-place, I discovered a row-boat pulling round the point
+below. My first thought was, that Mr. Parasyte was paying a second
+visit to the camp, intent upon carrying out the threats he had
+uttered.
+
+"Can you make her out, Ernest?" asked Tom.
+
+"It is a boat full of men or boys--I don't know which," I replied. "We
+will run down to her, and see what she is."
+
+"It may be Parasyte."
+
+"Very likely it is," I added, heading the Splash towards the
+intruder.
+
+"What shall we do if it is?"
+
+"I don't know that we can do anything but keep an eye upon him. I have
+a great mind to serve him as he did me yesterday--run him down, and
+sink his boat; but I won't do it."
+
+I decided, however, to give him a scare; and with all sail drawing
+well, the Splash going through the water at a rapid rate, I ran
+directly for the row-boat. When we came within a few feet of the
+intruders, the fate that stared them in the face was too much for
+their nerves. They sprang to their feet, and begged me not to run them
+down. It was a startling scene for them; but at that moment I put the
+helm up, and ran astern of the row-boat, just grazing her as we went
+by.
+
+"Boat ahoy!" I shouted as I put the helm down, and the Splash came up
+into the wind on the other side of the row-boat.
+
+"Don't run into us," said one of the boys in the boat, whose voice I
+recognized as that of Bill Poodles; and by this time I had found that
+Mr. Parasyte was not one of the party.
+
+"Who are you?" demanded Tom Rush.
+
+[Illustration: ARRIVAL OF THE RECRUITS.--Page 178.]
+
+"It's me," replied Poodles.
+
+"Who's _me_?"
+
+It was a disgrace to the Parkville Liberal Institute that any member
+of the school should use such execrable grammar, and we were not quite
+willing to believe that the party were fellow-students, with the
+exception of Poodles, from whom nothing better in the shape of correct
+speech was to be expected.
+
+"I'm Bill Poodles--don't you know me?"
+
+"Bill Poodles!" exclaimed Tom, in disgust. "What do you want here?"
+
+"We have come over to see you," said another in the boat, whose voice
+was that of Dick Pearl.
+
+"Well, what do you want?"
+
+"We want to join you," answered Pearl.
+
+"I don't know that we want you. Have you any news from the shore?"
+added Tom.
+
+"We can tell you all that has happened since you left. We ran away
+after supper to join you," said Pearl. "If you will let us in, we will
+do all we can to help you."
+
+"I don't know; I will speak to the general, and if he is willing, you
+may join; but you can't go ashore till he gives you leave."
+
+Pearl, who seemed to be the leading spirit of the recruits, promised
+to wait off the shore till Vallington had been informed of his
+request, and his answer returned. The Splash filled away, and we
+landed at the point where the scow lay. We found that our enterprising
+general had not been idle during our absence. The tents had been
+struck, and the materials put on board the flat-boat. Everything was
+ready for the departure to Pine Island.
+
+The approach of the row-boat had been noticed by the vigilant
+sentinels on the bluff, and the whole company had watched our
+interview with the new comers. Tom Rush reported on the case to our
+general, and it was necessary to act upon the request of the party for
+admission to the camp. In this matter there was less unanimity than
+had before been manifested, and several of the students were opposed
+to granting the request. Bob Hale was the most earnest among them, and
+declared that Bill Poodles, Dick Pearl, and the rest of the party
+could not be trusted; they were mean fellows, and we should be better
+off without them than with them. They were the "creatures" of Mr.
+Parasyte, and they would make trouble if we admitted them.
+
+It would have been well for us if this advice had been heeded, as the
+sequel will show; but it was not. Some of our best declaimers urged
+that there was power in mere numbers; and the strength of an
+harmonious union was yielded to this idea. The vote was in favor of
+permitting the recruits to be received; but a very respectable
+minority voted against it. Bob cheerfully surrendered the point, and
+Poodles and his companions were invited to land. When they came on
+shore, Vallington questioned them in regard to their intentions. They
+all made fair promises, and assured the general they would be good and
+faithful subjects.
+
+Tom Rush had reported on the provision question, and gladdened the
+hearts of all the fellows when he stated what bountiful supplies of
+ham, bread, potatoes, and coffee had been deposited on Pine Island for
+the use of the party.
+
+"Now, we are all ready to move," said Vallington. "The boats are all
+loaded, and we submit the rest of the job to the skill of Commodore
+Thornton."
+
+"Move!" exclaimed Dick Pearl, and in the bright moonlight I saw him
+glance anxiously at Poodles.
+
+"We have decided to break up our camp here and move to Pine Island."
+
+"Be you?" said Poodles.
+
+"We _be_," answered Vallington.
+
+"If we had known it, I don't know that we should have come," added
+Pearl.
+
+"What possible difference can it make to you whether we camp at Pine
+Island or at Cleaver Island?"
+
+"I don't know."
+
+"It is too late to back out now; you have found out where we are
+going, and you must go with us, to help keep the secret," said our
+general, decidedly.
+
+Pearl and Poodles looked at each other, and evidently wished to
+consult together; but there was no opportunity.
+
+For my own part, I was not satisfied with their conduct, and I
+determined to keep a close watch upon them; for it seemed to me, from
+their appearance, that they intended to make mischief. I whispered my
+suspicions to Vallington, who thought it was well enough to keep an
+eye upon them; but he did not believe ten such fellows as they were
+would attempt to interfere with the plans of the company. I assured
+him Pearl was a smart fellow, and under his lead the party might make
+trouble.
+
+As the wind was not only fresh, but fair for our passage to Pine
+Island, I rigged one of the tent poles as a mast for the flat-boat,
+intending to save the boys the hard labor of towing her seven miles. I
+secured another pole across the mast for a yard, to which I bent on
+the canvas of one of the tents for a sail. There was a heavy steering
+oar in the boat, which answered the purpose of a rudder. Having
+adjusted all this gear to my satisfaction, we pushed off, and I took
+my station at the helm of the flat-boat, which was crowded with boys.
+
+I appointed Bob Hale, who had some experience as a boatman, to the
+charge of the Splash, though, as a matter of prudence, I directed him
+to set only the jib and mainsail. The row-boats were towed alongside
+the scow. The sail fully answered all my expectations, and the old
+"gundalow" actually made about three knots an hour under her new rig.
+The students stretched themselves on the tents, and very likely some
+of them went to sleep, for it was now two o'clock in the morning, and
+most of them were tired out, and gaped fearfully.
+
+It was daylight when we ran into the little sheltered bay where we had
+landed the goods from the Splash. It was quite chilly in the morning
+air, and the fellows were glad of the exercise required to unload the
+scow and pitch the tents. But in a couple of hours the work was done,
+and the weary laborers were glad enough to stretch themselves on the
+beds of pine foliage in the tents. All the boats were hauled into an
+inlet, where they could not be seen by any passing craft on the lake,
+and I felt that everything was safe.
+
+Everybody was worn out, and I think everybody went to sleep, even to
+the sentinels, who were stationed where they could give notice of the
+approach of any intruders. I was so exhausted myself that I should
+have slept if I had known all the deputy sheriffs in the state had
+been after me. And there we all lay till noon, buried in slumber. And
+when we awoke there appeared to be no life anywhere but on the
+island. The lake was calm and silent, and from the distant shores not
+a sound came to disturb us.
+
+When the boys did wake they were wide awake, and immediately voted
+that "breaking away" was a capital idea. It was then unanimously
+resolved that it was time to have something to eat. The boys had had
+some experience in the culinary art in previous campaigns, and we had
+all the pots, kettles, and pans provided for such occasions. A fire
+was made in the woods, near the centre of the island, where it was
+hoped the smoke would not betray us, and potatoes and ham were soon
+hissing in the pans. About twenty of the students were employed in
+this work,--peeling potatoes, and preparing the pork and bacon,--while
+only four of the most experienced were intrusted with the care of the
+actual cooking. We had a big meal, though we had no knives and forks,
+or plates. The company was divided into messes of ten each, there
+being one large tin pan for each, from which the boys took the "grub"
+with sharpened sticks or jackknives. We enjoyed it quite as much as
+we did our dinners at the Institute.
+
+We passed a quiet day, without interruption from within or without. We
+neither saw nor heard anything from Mr. Parasyte, and the Poodles
+party behaved better than we had expected, so that we had learned to
+trust them. The necessary work of the camp was all we could do, and
+when night came we were glad to turn in at an early hour, for we had
+not yet fully recovered from the fatigues of the previous day and
+night.
+
+It was ordered by the general-in-chief that the watch during the night
+should be relieved every two hours, and that three should be on duty
+at once. A sufficient number of the company were detailed for this
+purpose, and a tent apart from the rest assigned to them, that others
+might not be disturbed when the watch was changed. How faithfully this
+watch performed their duty we learned from the developments of the
+next day.
+
+I turned out about five o'clock in the morning, intending to try my
+hand at fishing with Bob Hale and Tom Rush. We went down to the inlet
+where the squadron had been secured, to obtain one of the row-boats.
+
+There was not a boat there!
+
+Even the old scow had disappeared, and the Splash was nowhere to be
+seen!
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XVII.
+
+IN WHICH ERNEST FINDS THERE IS TREASON IN THE CAMP.
+
+
+What had become of the boats? I was a commodore without a squadron,
+and I felt so cheap that I would have sold out my commission for
+sixpence, and thrown myself in. The boats had been carefully secured,
+under my own direction, in the little inlet, and they could not have
+drifted away, I looked at Bob Hale, and Bob Hale looked at me; but
+neither of us could explain the disappearance of the fleet.
+
+"An enemy hath done this," I began, in Scripture phrase.
+
+"Of course it couldn't have been done by a friend," added Tom Rush.
+"It's lucky we have a good stock of provisions on hand."
+
+"But the stock won't last forever," suggested Bob.
+
+"We are not going to be starved out in a week, or a year, for that
+matter," I interposed. "We are not to be broken up by any such
+accident as this."
+
+"The commodore is spunky," laughed Bob, who was always good-natured,
+whatever happened.
+
+"I am not to be put down by any such expedient as this taking away the
+boats. When I want to visit the main shore, I shall do so, boat or no
+boat," I replied; for I already saw how I could counteract the
+misfortune of the loss of our squadron.
+
+"Parasyte has snuffed us out, I suppose, and sent a party up here in
+the night to take the boats," continued Bob Hale. "He means to starve
+us out."
+
+"He will discover his mistake. But let us take a look round the
+island; perhaps we may find out what has become of the boats;" and I
+led the way to the nearest point, at which a sentinel had been
+stationed.
+
+The student on watch there knew nothing of the absence of the boats.
+There had been no alarm given at the guard tent. We walked around the
+island without obtaining any information of the lost squadron. We
+reported the mishap to Vallington, who was both surprised and
+indignant.
+
+The occupants of the guard tent were all turned out, and those who had
+been on watch during the night were examined; but none of them knew
+anything about the boats. They had not heard any noise during the
+night, or seen anything on the lake. The general then mustered the
+company, and after stating what had occurred, called for any
+information; but no one had any to give.
+
+"Where is Bill Poodles?" suddenly demanded Bob Hale, as he glanced
+around among the students.
+
+"He is not here," replied Tom Rush, after he had scrutinized all the
+faces.
+
+"And Dick Pearl?"
+
+"Not here."
+
+"Is any of the party that came off that night present?" demanded the
+general.
+
+"No," answered several, after each fellow had looked his neighbor full
+in the face.
+
+"That's what's the matter!" exclaimed Bob Hale. "Bill Poodles and the
+rest of them have run away with the boats; and in my opinion that's
+what they joined us for."
+
+A further examination convinced all present that this was the fact. It
+looked as though Mr. Parasyte had sent off the ten boys who joined us
+on the first night, to rob us of the boats. We remembered the dismay
+with which Pearl and Poodles had listened to the announcement of our
+intended removal from Cleaver Island, and were fully confirmed in our
+view of the traitors' purpose.
+
+We found that the conspirators had all occupied the same tent, and one
+of the fellows who slept with them now remembered that he had half
+waked up, and heard Dick Pearl talking in a low tone to some one.
+Vallington called up the sentinels again, and spoke pretty sharply to
+them of their neglect of duty.
+
+"It would have been impossible for them to carry off the boats if you
+had been awake; and now you have got us into a pretty scrape. We shall
+have to back out, and march back to the Institute like whipped
+puppies," said he, with becoming indignation.
+
+But the sentinels protested that they had kept awake all the time.
+
+"Tell that to a dead mule, and he would kick your brains out," replied
+the general. "Who stood at the south station?"
+
+"I did from ten till twelve," answered Joe Slivers; "and I am sure no
+boat went out of the cove during that time."
+
+"And who from twelve till two?" continued the general.
+
+No one answered.
+
+"Who was it--don't you know?" demanded Vallington, sternly.
+
+"I know," replied Ben Lyons. "It was Carl Dorner, for I had the north
+station at the same time."
+
+"Carl Dorner!" exclaimed Bob Hale. "He was one of the Poodles party."
+
+"That accounts for it," added Vallington. "Who had the east station
+from twelve till two?"
+
+"Mat Murray," replied Slivers.
+
+"He's another of the Poodles tribe," added Bob. "It's as clear as mud
+now. We put traitors on guard, and we are sold out."
+
+"Ben Lyons, you had the north station from twelve till two," continued
+the general.
+
+"I did; but I was nearly half a mile from the cove," replied the
+sentinel.
+
+"And Carl Dorner and Mat Murray had the east and south stations at the
+same time."
+
+"They did."
+
+"Who called the fellows that were to relieve you?"
+
+"I did," answered Lyons.
+
+"Didn't you miss Dorner and Murray?"
+
+"I didn't notice them; but I did see the three fellows who went on
+guard at two o'clock. They started for their stations, and I turned
+in, without thinking anything about Dorner and Murray."
+
+It further appeared that the two traitors had used some "shuffling" to
+obtain the east and south stations. It was evident now that the
+conspirators had executed their plan shortly after midnight, while
+their associates were on guard at the two posts where their operations
+could be seen or heard. The south station was on a point of land which
+commanded a full view of the cove where the boats lay. From the east
+station the lake in the direction of Parkville and Cannondale could be
+seen. From the north station, which was considerably farther west
+than either of the other posts, nothing could be seen on the south
+side of the island.
+
+If the conspirators had gone to the eastward with the boats, they
+could easily have kept out of sight of the sentinel at the north
+station--the only true one on duty when the mischief was done--by
+hugging the main south shore of the lake. If they had gone to the
+westward, or farther away from Parkville,--which was not likely,--they
+could not have been seen by Ben Lyons till they had gone at least a
+mile.
+
+In the mud at the bottom of the cove we found a pole sticking up,
+which the traitors had probably used in pushing the scow out into the
+lake. This showed us in what manner they had gone to work; but I was
+satisfied that they had not attempted to tow the scow any distance; it
+would not have been possible for them to do so. It was comparatively
+easy to move her with setting-poles, but they could have done nothing
+with the unwieldy craft in the deep water. I therefore concluded that
+they had merely pushed her out into the lake, and then turned her
+adrift. It was probable that she had been driven ashore by the
+north-west wind somewhere in the vicinity of Cannondale.
+
+What the conspirators had done with the Splash was not so clear to me,
+for not one of them knew anything about the management of a sail-boat.
+She had a pair of oars on board, and it was probable they had rowed
+her, as they had the other boats. All the sentinels agreed in their
+statements that the wind had blown pretty fresh in the night, and I
+was not quite willing to believe that the ten faithless ones had
+pulled the four boats the whole distance to Parkville, which was nine
+miles, in the heavy sea that must have been caused by a brisk
+north-west wind. They were not boatmen enough to undertake such a job,
+or to carry it through if they did attempt it.
+
+Cannondale lay to the south-east of Pine Island, and with the
+prevailing wind of the night, it was an easy matter to accomplish the
+two miles which lay between them. After a great deal of thinking,
+reasoning, and studying, I came to the conclusion that the Splash,
+and perhaps two or three of the four row-boats,--for the conspirators
+had added one to our original number,--were not farther off than
+Cannondale. The wind was still fresh from the north-west, and the
+traitors would hardly care to pull even a single boat eight miles. The
+steamer, on her way to Parkville, would touch at Cannondale about one
+o'clock, and I surmised that the deserters would return in her.
+
+I made up my mind, in view of these facts and suppositions, that it
+would be advisable for some of our party to visit Cannondale before
+one o'clock. Pine Island had sometimes been used as a picnic ground,
+and the people had been conveyed thither in a steamer. Near the south
+station, in the deepest water, there was a rude pier of logs built
+out, for the convenience of landing the parties. This loose structure
+suggested to me the means of reaching the main shore; and, without
+waiting for breakfast, I "piped" away my boatmen, and proceeded to
+build a raft.
+
+Placing three large logs in the water, we lashed them together, and
+covered them with short pieces of board, from the ruins of an old
+cook-house on the island. The job was finished when breakfast was
+ready, about seven o'clock, including a mast and sail, the latter made
+of the curtain of a tent. The preparations I had been making had a
+wonderful effect in warming up the spirits of the boys, considerably
+depressed by the prospective calamities which were supposed to lie in
+the wake of the loss of our boats; and at least three quarters of them
+applied to me for permission to join my expedition to the main shore.
+I determined, however, to take but four with me, among whom were Bob
+Hale and Tom Rush.
+
+As soon as we had eaten a hearty breakfast, we embarked, and hoisted
+the sail on our clumsy craft. When she had passed out of the cove, she
+took the breeze, and went off at a very satisfactory pace towards
+Cannondale, plunging and rolling in the heavy sea like a ship in a
+gale. With us as navigators, "the die was cast," for it would be
+impossible to return to the island unless the wind changed, for the
+raft would only go before it.
+
+The craft dived down and jumped up, and every wave swept completely
+over it; but we had taken off our shoes and stockings, and rolled up
+our trousers' legs, so that we suffered no inconvenience. The fresh
+breeze carried us over in about half an hour, and the raft was thrown
+high and dry on the beach, a quarter of a mile below the town.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XVIII.
+
+IN WHICH ERNEST AND HIS COMPANIONS LAND AT CANNONDALE.
+
+
+We landed on the beach, put on our shoes and stockings, and walked
+towards the village of Cannondale. It was still early in the
+morning,--as people who lie abed till breakfast measure time,--and I
+was quite confident that I should find the boats, if not the deserters
+from our camp, at the town. The fact that none of the party were
+boatmen assured me they could not have gone on to Parkville. The wind
+must have brought them to Cannondale, and must have prevented them
+from leaving it.
+
+We followed the beach from the point where we had landed until we came
+to the steamboat pier, which was the usual landing-place for all
+boats.
+
+On the further side of the wharf, sheltered from the wind and the
+sea, was our entire squadron, with the exception of the flat-boat.
+
+"We are all right now," said Bob Hale; and we broke into a run, and
+hastened over to the point where the boats were secured.
+
+"Where do you suppose the deserters are?" asked Tom Rush.
+
+"Probably, as they didn't sleep any last night, they have gone to bed
+at the hotel," I replied. "It will be a good joke for them, when they
+wake up, to find they have had their labor for their pains."
+
+On the steamboat wharf there was a building used for the storage of
+goods. Just as I was about to go down the steps at the foot of which
+the Splash lay, with the row-boats made fast to her, a lame man came
+out of the warehouse, and hailed us.
+
+"What do you want?" he demanded, in no conciliatory tones.
+
+"I want this boat," I replied.
+
+"You can't have her," he added, decidedly.
+
+"Why not?"
+
+"Because you can't."
+
+"That doesn't seem to be a very good reason," I answered, descending
+the steps, and jumping into the Splash.
+
+"Do you hear what I say?" demanded he, in savage tones.
+
+"I do; I am not deaf, and you speak loud enough to be heard," I added,
+as I proceeded to remove the stops from the mainsail, preparatory to
+hoisting the sail.
+
+"Are you going to mind what I say, or not?" he shouted, in loud tones.
+
+"I am not."
+
+"That boat's in my charge, and you can't have her."
+
+"I don't care whose charge she is in. The boat belongs to me, and I
+intend to have her."
+
+"Who are you?"
+
+"It doesn't matter who I am; but I take it any one has a right to his
+own property, wherever he finds it."
+
+"Can you prove that the boat is your property?" asked he, in a milder
+tone.
+
+"I can, but I shall not take the trouble to do so," I replied, with
+more impudence than discretion.
+
+"All I've got to say is, that you can't have that boat," added he,
+angrily; and he came down the steps, and took position by my side in
+the Splash.
+
+"Come aboard, fellows!" I called to my companions.
+
+"I suppose you claim these row-boats too--don't you?" said the lame
+man, with a sneer.
+
+"I do not," I answered, concluding, under the circumstances, to go no
+farther than the facts would warrant. "Those boats belong to the
+Parkville Liberal Institute."
+
+"I know they do," growled the man, who seemed to be in doubt what to
+do.
+
+"Hoist the jib, Tom. If you wish to land, sir, now is your time," I
+suggested to the intruder, as I picked up the heavy oak tiller of the
+Splash.
+
+"What are you going to do with that tiller?" continued he, fixing his
+eye fiercely upon me.
+
+"I am going to steer the boat with it," I replied. "If you wish to go
+with us, I shall not object to your company."
+
+I saw that the man only wished me to bully and threaten him a little,
+to induce him to pitch into me, though it was plain he did not like
+the looks of the heavy tiller in my hand. I refrained from provoking
+him any further than to persist in claiming possession of my boat.
+
+"You say this boat is yours," said he, after a moment of deliberation.
+
+"I do; if you need any proof, I will now refer to Mr. Leman, the
+grocer, and Mr. Irwin, the provision-dealer; and if you belong on this
+wharf, you must have seen me land from her more than once."
+
+"I don't want to quarrel with you," he added. "I know the boat very
+well, and very likely I've seen you in her; but I don't remember. I
+live close to the shore beyond the village, and I was waked up in the
+night--it was about one o'clock, I guess--by a lot of boys hollering.
+I got up, and found all these boats heaved up on the beach, and the
+boys trying to get 'em off. I helped 'em a while, and then brought the
+boats round here, for they would all got stove to pieces there."
+
+The man talked very well now, and I met him in the same spirit.
+
+"The boys who got into the scrape ought to pay you for helping them
+out," I replied.
+
+"I don't like to be turned out of my bed in the night to do such a job
+for nothing."
+
+"You must make them pay you."
+
+"They said they would, or that the schoolmaster over to Parkville
+would, for he sent them to look out for some boys who had run away."
+
+"Did they?" I replied, glancing significantly at Bob Hale, for this
+acknowledgment implied that Mr. Parasyte had sent the deserters to do
+the work they had accomplished. "But I don't see that we have anything
+to do with the matter. If I were you, I would hold the other boats
+till they paid me for my trouble."
+
+"I'll do that."
+
+"How much do they owe you?" asked Bob.
+
+"Well, I don't know; they ought to give me a couple of dollars, I
+think," replied the man.
+
+We passed a few words among ourselves, and Tom handed the man two
+dollars.
+
+"That's to pay for saving this boat," said Tom. "We ought not to pay
+it, for our boat was stolen from us; but you must collect as much
+more before you let the other boats go."
+
+"Thank ye," replied the man, with a broad grin, indicative of his
+satisfaction, as he took the money. "I spoke rather sharp to you at
+first, because I thought you were going to take the boats without
+paying for the job I did. I didn't mean nothing by it, and I hope
+you'll excuse it."
+
+"It is all right."
+
+"You can take the other boats too, if you like," continued the man,
+magnanimously.
+
+We concluded that we did not want them. They were of no service to us,
+for with a south-west wind, I could work the scow over to Parkville;
+and I intended to go in search of her in the Splash.
+
+"Did the fellows that came in these boats say anything to you about
+where they came from?" asked Bob Hale of the man.
+
+"They told me all about it; but I knew something about it yesterday,
+for the schoolmaster came over here in the steamer, inquiring after
+you. He said you went to the Cleaver first, and then left--he didn't
+know where you was now."
+
+"Mr. Parasyte here!" exclaimed Tom Rush.
+
+"He's at the hotel, and he's going to find you and bring you back
+to-day," added the man, with a laugh. "You have done the handsome
+thing by me, and I don't mind telling you all about it."
+
+We could scarcely believe that this was the man who had been so intent
+upon quarrelling with us; but it seemed he supposed we were the same
+boys who had come in the boats, and intended to cheat him out of his
+money for the job he had done.
+
+"What is he going to do?" asked Bob Hale, rather excited.
+
+"He has engaged the Adieno, and is going to look for you."
+
+"The Adieno!" ejaculated Tom Rush.
+
+The Adieno was a small steamer, owned in Parkville and Cannondale,
+employed in towing, conveying pleasure parties, and other uses on the
+lake. She was lying at the other side of the steamboat pier, and the
+smoke was already rolling out of her smokestack. Our informant did not
+precisely know in what manner Mr. Parasyte intended to proceed; and
+we could not ascertain whether he intended to bring off our party by
+force, or to resort to some milder means to break up the camp; but we
+were very grateful for the information we had obtained. By this time
+Mr. Parasyte had learned from the deserters where we were.
+
+Our new-made friend, who, I think, had learned to respect me for the
+decision with which I had answered him, went up the steps. As he did
+so, he repeated his offer to allow us to take the other boats, which
+we again declined.
+
+"He's coming!" said our new ally, as he reached the cap-sill of the
+wharf.
+
+"Who?"
+
+"The schoolmaster, and all them boys. Be in a hurry! He's close by."
+
+I ran the mainsail up, and cast off the fasts which secured the
+Splash; but just as I had pushed off from the steps, Mr. Parasyte,
+attended by the deserters, appeared on the wharf. The eyes of the
+latter opened wide when they saw our party in the Splash, and it
+appeared to be a great mystery to them how we happened to be on the
+main shore, when they had left us on the island without a boat or
+craft of any kind. We were behind the wharf and building, so that the
+sails of the Splash did not get the wind, and I told a couple of my
+companions to take the oars.
+
+"Stop, Thornton!" shouted Mr. Parasyte.
+
+"Hold on a minute, and let us hear what he has to say," said Bob Hale.
+
+We waited, looking up at the principal of the Parkville Liberal
+Institute to hear what he had to communicate. Mr. Parasyte went down
+the steps with the deserters, and they got into a couple of the
+row-boats.
+
+"We are ready to hear anything you have to say," called Tom Rush.
+
+"I simply wish to know whether you intend to compel me to use extreme
+measures," said Mr. Parasyte, as, by his direction, Dick Pearl pushed
+the boat in which they stood towards the Splash.
+
+"We will return to the Institute when you comply with the terms stated
+by Henry Vallington," replied Bob Hale, as the bow of the row-boat
+came up to the stern of our craft.
+
+"Perhaps I did not clearly understand what that proposition was," said
+Mr. Parasyte, as he turned and said something to Pearl which we could
+not hear.
+
+Bob was going to restate the terms, when Pearl suddenly made fast the
+painter of his boat to a ring in the stern of the Splash.
+
+"Only to hold her for a moment," said the principal, as he stepped
+into the bow of the row-boat.
+
+We watched him closely. The other row-boat, in which six of the
+deserters had taken their places, was also working up to the Splash. I
+decided that we were getting into a scrape, and told my companions
+with the oars to pull. They obeyed, and in a moment we caught the
+stiff breeze; the Splash forged ahead, twitching the row-boat after
+it.
+
+"Hold on tight, Pearl!" said Mr. Parasyte, savagely, now indicating
+that he meant war, and not peace.
+
+I dragged the boat half a mile from the shore, and then, in tacking,
+gave it such a sudden twitch as to throw Mr. Parasyte, who was still
+standing, off his balance, and he went over the side into the angry
+waters.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XIX.
+
+IN WHICH ERNEST AND HIS FRIENDS ARE DISGUSTED WITH MR. PARASYTE'S
+INGRATITUDE.
+
+
+It was very imprudent in Mr. Parasyte to stand up in a boat, while
+being dragged through the water at such a rapid rate as the Splash was
+going. I tried my best, before the accident, to detach the painter of
+his boat; but Pearl had passed the rope through the ring, hauled it
+back, and made it fast on the stem of his own craft. It was my
+intention to cut it as soon as I came about, and I had taken out my
+knife for the purpose.
+
+When the Splash tacked, the row-boat ran up to her stern, slacking the
+painter. As this was a favorable moment for Mr. Parasyte, who was
+determined to "board" us, he was on the point of stepping forward. As
+soon as the sails of our craft caught the breeze, she darted off
+again, straightening the painter, and giving the principal's boat
+such a fierce jerk, that it not only upset Mr. Parasyte, but heeled
+his boat over so that she half filled with water.
+
+"Help! Help!" shouted Mr. Parasyte, in tones which convinced us that
+he fully appreciated the perils of his position.
+
+"Let go your painter, Dick Pearl!" I shouted.
+
+"I can't; we are half full of water," replied he.
+
+It was useless to argue the point, and with the knife I had open in my
+hand, I severed the half-inch rope, and permitted the row-boat to go
+adrift. There was a heavy sea for an inland lake, and the row-boat
+made very bad weather of it, in her water-logged condition.
+
+"Don't leave us, Thornton," said Dick, with what self-command he had,
+while Bill Poodles, who was with him, actually blubbered with terror.
+
+"Sit down and bale out your boat!" I called to them, as I put the
+Splash about to save Mr. Parasyte. "Keep cool and you are all right.
+Bale out your boat!"
+
+"We have no dipper."
+
+When my boat had come about, I ran her close to them, and tossed a
+small bucket to Pearl, with which he went to work to free his boat
+from water. The circumstances were by no means desperate, though Pearl
+was the only fellow among them who appeared to have any
+self-possession.
+
+"Help! Help!" shouted Mr. Parasyte, more feebly than before.
+
+"Go forward, Bob, with the boat-hook; and stand by, Tom, to help him.
+Let him get hold of the boat-hook."
+
+I swept round in the Splash, till I threw her up into the wind with
+Mr. Parasyte under the bow. Bob Hale extended the boat-hook to him,
+which he promptly grasped, and with some difficulty we hauled him on
+board. It was a warm day in June, and I did not think him any the
+worse for the bath he had taken; but I was perfectly satisfied that he
+would have been drowned if we had left him to be rescued by Pearl and
+his party. We felt that we had done a good thing--that we had rendered
+good for evil.
+
+For my own part, judging by what I should have felt in his situation,
+I expected some conciliatory proposition from him; and we waited,
+with no little interest and anxiety, till he had wiped his face and
+neck, and adjusted his damp linen as well as he could. He had the
+satisfaction of knowing that I, the rebel, who had resisted him, and
+whom he regarded as the author of all the mischief, had saved his
+life; and I am sure that it was a greater satisfaction to me than it
+was to him. I ran the Splash up towards the deserters, who were still
+employed in baling out their boat.
+
+Mr. Parasyte spoke at last. Though I knew he was a tyrant, though I
+knew there was nothing that could be called noble in his nature, I did
+not expect what followed. I supposed there was some impressible spot
+in his heart which might have been reached through the act we had just
+done.
+
+"So you meant to drown me--did you?" were the first words he said, and
+in a tone so uncompromising that we saw at once there was nothing to
+hope.
+
+I looked at Bob Hale, and Bob looked at me. Our surprise was mutual;
+and as there was nothing that could be said, we said nothing.
+
+"You meant to drown me--did you?" repeated Mr. Parasyte, with more
+emphasis than before.
+
+Bob and I looked at each other again. Grave as was the charge he
+indirectly preferred against us, there was something so ludicrous in
+the making of it by one whom we had just pulled out of the water, that
+I could not help smiling. Mr. Parasyte saw that smile, and as he
+always put the worst construction upon what was done by those not in
+favor, he misinterpreted it, and tortured it into a sneer.
+
+"I say you meant to drown me; and you sneer at me."
+
+"We did not mean to drown you, sir," replied Tom Rush, respectfully.
+
+"Yes, you did! And now you are laughing at your wicked deed," he
+replied, looking fiercely at me.
+
+"I was laughing, Mr. Parasyte, to think that one whom we have just
+pulled out of the water should accuse us of attempting to drown him,"
+I replied.
+
+"That's what you meant to do; but you didn't dare to do it. You were
+afraid of the consequences."
+
+"You are mistaken, sir; we had no such intentions," added Bob Hale,
+with due deference.
+
+"Didn't you, or didn't Thornton, throw me over into the lake?"
+demanded he, as if surprised that we should attempt to deny the
+charge.
+
+"No, sir; I did not," I answered.
+
+"Didn't you turn your boat, and jerk the painter so as to throw me
+into the water?"
+
+"I certainly changed the course of my boat, and that jerked the rope;
+but I did not intend to throw you into the water."
+
+"Yes, you did! It is worse than folly for you to deny it!" replied he,
+angrily.
+
+"If you had not been very careless, you could not have been thrown
+out!" I added.
+
+"Don't tell me I was careless!"
+
+"People acquainted with boats don't often stand up in them in such a
+sea as this, when they are towed."
+
+"Let me hear no more of your impudence."
+
+Discretion lay in silence, and we said no more. I ran the Splash up
+alongside the boat, from which Pearl and his companions had by this
+time dipped out all the water.
+
+"Here is your boat, Mr. Parasyte," said Bob Hale. "Will you get into
+her, sir?"
+
+"No, I will not," he replied.
+
+"May I ask what you intend to do, sir?" I demanded, out of patience
+with him, in his unreasoning malice.
+
+"You will take me to the shore."
+
+"I will not," I replied, bluntly.
+
+"You won't!"
+
+"No, sir."
+
+"We'll see," said he, rising to his feet.
+
+"Better sit down, sir, or you will be overboard again," interposed
+Bob, as I drew the heavy tiller from its socket, intending to defend
+myself from assault.
+
+The Splash lay with her sails shaking, and her position was a very
+uneasy one. Mr. Parasyte concluded to sit down, simply because he
+could not stand up, and I restored the tiller to the rudder.
+
+"If you don't choose to get into that boat, Mr. Parasyte, I will land
+you at Cleaver Island," I added, as I filled away again, and headed
+the Splash towards the point indicated.
+
+"Thornton, I want you to understand, that for all you have done you
+shall be brought to a strict account," said the principal, sternly,
+but vexed that he had failed to have his own way.
+
+"I am ready to face the music, sir."
+
+"No slang to me!"
+
+"Will you land on Cleaver Island, or will you get into that boat?"
+
+"I will get into the boat, but only that I may the sooner bring you to
+justice," said he, desperately.
+
+I came about again, and ran alongside of Pearl's boat. Mr. Parasyte,
+still dripping from his bath, embarked with his toadies.
+
+"The end is not yet," said he, shaking his head, as the Splash filled
+away once more. "You will soon hear from me again."
+
+We made no reply; and I was profoundly grateful that his life had been
+saved. My high hopes that what we had done for him might enable him to
+yield with better grace, and thus end the "breaking away," were dashed
+to the ground. With the wind on the beam, we ran by Cannondale, and
+stood down the lake near the shore, in search of the flat-boat,
+though it would be impossible for us to work her over to the island
+with the wind from the north-west.
+
+"It is no use of talking any more," said Bob Hale, after a silence of
+several minutes. "I can never go back to the Parkville Institute while
+Mr. Parasyte is the principal of it. He is too mean a man for me to
+sit under."
+
+"My sentiments exactly," replied Tom Rush.
+
+"I suppose I shall not go back, whoever is principal," I added.
+
+"Why not?"
+
+"I must take care of myself after this; and I can't afford to go to
+school."
+
+"Perhaps your uncle will think better about it," suggested Tom.
+
+"He may, but I don't believe he will."
+
+"There's the flat-boat!" exclaimed one of our party forward.
+
+"I see her; when the wind hauls round to the southward or eastward, we
+will come over, and work her back to the island," I replied. "She
+looks comfortable where she is, and we will return to our party."
+
+In a short time the Splash reached the cove, where we found all our
+company assembled to learn the news, for they had observed our
+movements on the water. Vallington was much surprised when he learned
+that Mr. Parasyte was the person who had fallen overboard, and been
+rescued by the Splash. We told him what our persecutor intended to do
+with the steamer, and a council was immediately called to decide upon
+our proper course.
+
+"What shall we do?" asked our general. "That's the question."
+
+"I don't see that we can do anything," answered Bob Hale.
+
+"Perhaps it will be best for us to keep still, and let things take
+their course," added Vallington.
+
+"But Mr. Parasyte will carry off our tents and provisions," I
+interposed. "Can't we conceal our hams and other eatables."
+
+"There comes the steamer!" shouted one of the boys.
+
+"There isn't time now to do anything," continued Vallington. "I will
+do the best I can for you, fellows."
+
+Some proposed one thing, and some another; but it was plain that, in
+the multitude of advisers, nothing could be adopted which promised to
+help our prospects; and it was finally voted to leave the course of
+action entirely to our general, who had thus far proved himself worthy
+of confidence. He was to be guided entirely by circumstances; and he
+assured us he would be prompt to take advantage of any favorable
+event.
+
+"Now, fellows, I want you all to keep together," said Vallington.
+"Don't one of you wander away from the rest. Leave all the talking to
+me--don't say a word to any one who comes in the steamer."
+
+Our whole company promised to obey these instructions to the letter,
+and to be in readiness for any movement which might be ordered. The
+steamer ran up to the rude pier, and made fast her bow-line to a
+tree.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XX.
+
+IN WHICH ERNEST TAKES THE WHEEL OF THE ADIENO.
+
+
+We watched with intense interest the proceedings of the men who came
+off in the steamer. After the exhibition of meanness on the part of
+Mr. Parasyte, it seemed that the rebellion was more serious than any
+of us had supposed. We made up our minds, with Bob Hale, that it would
+be impossible for us ever to be reconciled to him again. We felt as
+though the Rubicon had been passed, and what had commenced as a mere
+frolic was likely to end as a very grave affair. Though the boys
+talked solemnly at first about their rights, and had "struck" to
+vindicate a principle, they had no idea of the seriousness of their
+proceedings.
+
+I shall not pretend to justify all that was done by our boys, or even
+to acknowledge that "breaking away," under any circumstances, is
+justifiable; but I do say, that such a man as the principal of the
+Parkville Liberal Institute was not a fit person to instruct and
+discipline young men. He was grossly unjust and partial; he was a
+tyrant at heart, though for policy's sake he veiled his purposes; he
+was low-minded and narrow in his views; and I am happy to say that he
+was not a fair specimen of the teachers of our land.
+
+If the boys were wrong, he was so to a much greater degree, and his
+position and his influence made him responsible for the mischief he
+had driven the boys to perpetrate. It would have been better for them,
+as a body, to submit until redress could be obtained in a better
+way--as by the circular addressed to their parents, which was even
+then in the hands of the printer. I palliate, I do not justify, the
+conduct of the students.
+
+Matters had begun to assume a graver aspect. Mr. Parasyte had come
+with a steamer, and with about a dozen men, as nearly as we could
+judge, to accomplish some purpose not yet apparent to us. We were
+curious to know whether we were to be driven like sheep on board of
+the Adieno, or whether our persecutor intended to resort to strategy.
+He had sent off his toadies to take our boats away; but he had started
+them while we were upon Cleaver Island, and before we had laid in our
+stock of provisions. This plan had failed. We were not long left in
+doubt.
+
+Mr. Parasyte stepped on shore, followed by nine men, and then by the
+ten deserters from our camp. The men had sticks, bits of rope, and
+other articles in their hands. This looked like force, and we could
+not help glancing anxiously at Vallington, to ascertain, if we might,
+whether he intended to fight or to run away. We had no clubs or other
+weapons, but the pile of sticks which we had gathered for fuel was
+near. I saw the general glance at it; but I concluded that he did not
+intend to give battle, unless it was in self-defence.
+
+As soon as the party under the lead of Mr. Parasyte had landed, the
+man who was left on board as boat-keeper hauled in the plank, by Mr.
+Parasyte's order, apparently to prevent the students from going on her
+deck. I could not but smile at this precaution, for the Adieno lay in
+such a position that the removal of the plank was no hinderance to
+agile boys like the students, and we could go on board when we chose.
+
+Vallington stood on a stump near the path leading from the pier to the
+interior of the island, and his forces were gathered behind him,
+leaving the road open for the passage of the invaders.
+
+Mr. Parasyte marched solemnly up the path, closely followed by the men
+and boys of his party. He looked uglier than I had ever seen him look
+before. By this time he must have been convinced that the Institute
+was ruined; that such a host of rebels could never be reduced to
+subjection; and he appeared to be acting out of the malice of his
+heart. But even then something was due to appearances, and he halted
+opposite the stump on which our general stood.
+
+"Vallington!" said he, sharply and crustily.
+
+"Sir."
+
+"If you choose to go on board of that steamer, return to the
+Institute, and submit to the punishment you deserve, it is not too
+late for you to do so," continued Mr. Parasyte.
+
+"Do you allude to me alone?"
+
+"To all of you. I understand you to speak for the whole party."
+
+"We shall be happy to do so," replied our general; and I am sure he
+spoke the sentiment of all the students.
+
+"I am glad to see you are returning to reason," added the principal;
+but there was a look upon his face which showed how much pleasure he
+expected to derive from the proposed punishment.
+
+"May I ask whether we are to be punished equally?" asked Vallington.
+
+"You are to be punished in proportion to your offences--the
+ringleaders more, of course, than those who were simply led away by
+the influence of their leaders."
+
+"And we are to be punished only for this breaking away?"
+
+Mr. Parasyte bit his lips. It is possible he had a hope of restoring
+the Institute to its former condition.
+
+"I don't understand you," said he.
+
+"Is Thornton to be regarded as guilty only of breaking away, with the
+rest of us?"
+
+"Thornton's affair is to be settled by itself," replied Mr. Parasyte.
+
+"Then I have nothing more to say, sir," added Vallington, with
+becoming dignity.
+
+I interposed, and begged him not to consider me, but to make terms if
+he could, and permit me to settle my own affair. Bob Hale and Tom Rush
+protested; but no protest was needed to keep Vallington true to his
+purpose.
+
+"You reject my terms, Vallington," said Mr. Parasyte.
+
+"I do, sir."
+
+"I wish to do what I can to end this unhappy disturbance, and I am
+willing to say that the punishment shall be very mild--if you will
+return to your duty."
+
+"You have treated one of our number with shameful injustice, Mr.
+Parasyte. We can prove, and have proved, that he was not guilty of the
+charge brought against him. If you will do him justice, and through
+him all the rest of us, we will submit to such punishment as you think
+proper for breaking away."
+
+"Thornton!" exclaimed Mr. Parasyte, with a malignant sneer. "Do you
+expect me to receive the forced confession of Poodles and Pearl?"
+
+"The confession was not forced, sir."
+
+"Come here, Poodles," said the principal, sharply.
+
+Poodles stepped forward.
+
+"Did you make this confession?" demanded Mr. Parasyte, sternly.
+
+"I did--but I was afraid the fellows would kill me if I didn't do it,"
+whined the toady.
+
+"Do you hear that?"
+
+"I hear it, and do not wonder at anything he says," replied
+Vallington.
+
+Pearl told the same story; but our general protested that no
+compulsion had been used by the students; that two boys who were
+charged with deception were not to be believed in preference to eighty
+others. Vallington proposed that the case should be heard over again,
+and Poodles required to perform the examples. The principal was
+indignant, and refused all compromise.
+
+"Thornton is not only guilty, but this very day he attempted to drown
+me in the lake," said he. "Do you think I can forgive him, without--"
+
+"We don't ask you to forgive him, and he does not ask it. We only wish
+you to give him a fair trial."
+
+"I will hear no more about it!" replied Mr. Parasyte, impatiently.
+"Will you return or not?"
+
+"We will not."
+
+"Very well. I wish every one here to understand that I have given you
+an opportunity to return to your duty. You will not, and the
+consequences be upon yourselves."
+
+Mr. Parasyte walked up the path, followed by his party. As Pearl and
+Poodles passed us, a suggestion was made that we seize upon them, and
+punish them for the falsehoods they had uttered, and the meanness of
+which they had been guilty; but this proposition was promptly
+negatived by Vallington. We wondered what the invaders intended to do,
+and whether our general purposed to let them proceed without
+opposition. He stood calm and apparently unmoved on the stump,
+watching the enemy.
+
+The principal halted his forces at the point where our provisions and
+cooking utensils were kept. Every eatable, and every utensil, even to
+the wooden forks and spoons we had made, were seized and conveyed to
+the steamer. It was now clear that the enemy did not mean to use
+force, unless we attacked them. Mr. Parasyte intended to deprive us of
+our food, and starve us into subjection. But he was not satisfied yet;
+and when his party had deposited their burden on the deck of the
+steamer, and the plank had again been hauled in, he marched them by us
+once more.
+
+"We shall soon see how long you will be willing to stay here," said
+our tyrant, as he walked by the stump. "As Thornton said to the man in
+charge of the boats at Cannondale, this morning, I suppose I have a
+right to my own property, wherever I find it."
+
+"We paid for the provisions with our own money," replied Vallington.
+
+Mr. Parasyte made no reply, but continued on his way up the hill
+towards the tents. These also he meant to take from us; and then, or
+in the course of the day, he probably expected us to surrender,
+without conditions. The prospect did not look pleasant, for we were to
+be without food or shelter on the island. I was thinking how to save
+the Splash from capture, and I was about to suggest to Vallington that
+it would be better for me to put off in her, when our general spoke
+for himself.
+
+The invaders were busily employed in striking the tents, and rolling
+up the canvas, about forty rods from where we stood. In a few moments
+they would be ready to put them on board of the steamer.
+
+"Fellows," said Vallington, in a low and decided tone, "our time has
+come! We will take possession of that steamer. I have no idea of being
+starved into subjection. When I give the word, rush on board the best
+way you can."
+
+"There's a man on her deck," said one of the boys; and we were all
+appalled at the boldness of the venture.
+
+"Never mind him. Commodore Thornton, you will go to the wheel-house at
+once, and take the helm."
+
+"Who will be engineer?" asked Tom Rush.
+
+"I will be that myself. Bob Hale, you will run the Splash out from
+the shore, and come on board when we are clear of the pier; take two
+good fellows with you. Are you all ready?"
+
+"All ready!" replied the boys; and the voices of some trembled.
+
+"Forward then!" shouted Vallington; and he leaped from the stump, and
+ran down to the wharf, followed by the whole company.
+
+Bob Hale got into the Splash with two boys, and pushed her off. The
+rest of us leaped over the bulwarks, scrambled up to the hurricane
+deck, or rushed in at the gangway. Vallington cast off the bow-line
+himself, just as I reached the wheel-house.
+
+"Back her!" I shouted; and the word was passed through the boys to
+Vallington, who had now gone to the engine-room.
+
+We were not a moment too quick, for just as the steamer began to back
+from the pier, the invaders, laden with canvas and poles, appeared on
+the wharf.
+
+[Illustration: THE CAPTURE OF THE ADIENO.--Page 232.]
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXI.
+
+IN WHICH ERNEST CONTINUES TO ACT AS PILOT OF THE STEAMER.
+
+
+When I reached the deck of the Adieno I met the person who was in
+charge of the steamer. It was the lame man who had disputed my right
+to the Splash in the morning, and to whom we had given two dollars. He
+looked astonished at the sudden movement of the students, but he
+offered no resistance; and, without waiting to hear what he had to
+say, I ran up the ladder to the wheel-house, leaving Tom Rush to
+settle all questions in dispute with him.
+
+My heart bounded with excitement as we carried out our desperate
+enterprise, and I gave Henry Vallington credit for more daring and
+courage than I had ever supposed him to possess. He seemed to me just
+then to be a general indeed, and to be better fitted to fight his way
+through an enemy's country than to become a parson.
+
+"Back her!" I shouted, almost beside myself with excitement, as I saw
+Mr. Parasyte and his heavily-laden followers rushing down to the pier.
+
+My words were repeated by the boys on the forward deck, and Vallington
+hastened to the engine-room. I heard the hissing steam as it rushed
+through the cylinders, and without knowing what was going to happen
+next,--whether or not the boiler would explode, and the deck be torn
+up beneath me,--I waited in feverish anxiety for the result. Then I
+heard the splash of the wheels; the crank turned, rumbled, and jarred
+on its centre, but went over, and continued to turn. The Adieno moved,
+and the motion sent a thrill through my whole being. It was fortunate
+for us that she lay at the pier in such a position as to require no
+special skill in handling her. The open lake was astern of her, with
+clear sailing for two miles.
+
+I was not a steamboat man; I had never even steered any craft with a
+wheel, and I did not feel at all at home. But I had often been up and
+down the lake in this very steamer, and being of an inquiring mind, I
+had carefully watched the steersman. It had always looked easy enough
+to me, and I always believed I could do it as well as anybody else. I
+tried to keep cool, and I think I looked cool to others; but I was
+extremely nervous. I did not exactly know which way to turn the wheel.
+
+When I found there were no obstructions astern of the steamer, I
+brought the flagstaff on the bow into range with the end of the
+pier,--or rather I found them in range,--and with these to guide me, I
+soon learned by experience which way to turn the wheel; and the moment
+I got the hang of the thing, I had confidence enough to offer my
+services to pilot any steamer all over the lake. The paddles kept
+slapping the water, and the boat continued to back until she was a
+quarter of a mile from the land, when I thought it was time to come
+about, and go forward instead of backward. There were two bell-pulls
+on the wheel-frame, and at a venture I pulled one of them. I did not
+know whether Vallington understood the bells or not; but there was
+only one thing to be done in this instance, and he did it--he stopped
+the machinery.
+
+After pausing a moment for the steamer to lose her sternway, I rang
+the other bell, intending to have her go ahead; but the engineer did
+not heed my summons. A moment afterwards Vallington appeared on the
+forward deck, wiping from his brow the perspiration, which indicated
+that the engine-room was a hot place, or that his mental struggles
+were very severe.
+
+"What was that last bell for?" he asked, hailing me in the
+wheel-house.
+
+"To go ahead," I replied.
+
+"You haven't got the hang of the bells, commodore," said he, with a
+smile; "but come down, and we will talk the matter over, and find out
+what we are going to do."
+
+I went down to the forward deck, quite as anxious as any one else to
+know what was to be done, for it seemed to me that we had "drawn an
+elephant" as a prize. When I reached the deck, Vallington was writing
+with his pencil, and handed me the paper as I joined him.
+
+"Here are your directions, Mr. Pilot," said he.
+
+"I know the lake, but I never had any experience in a steamer," I
+replied, in self-defence, as I read the paper, on which was written:--
+
+_"One bell--ahead, slowly.
+
+Two bells--stop.
+
+Three bells--back.
+
+Four bells--ahead, full speed."_
+
+"There are two bell-pulls in the wheel-house," I added.
+
+"You pulled the right one the first time; the other is for the men to
+shift the chain-box," he replied. "Now, fellows, what shall we do? is
+the next question."
+
+Nobody seemed to know what we were to do; and all were quite willing
+to leave the question with our bold general.
+
+"Where is the lame man who had charge of the steamer?" he asked.
+
+"I have fixed him," answered Tom Rush, with a significant smile.
+
+"How have you fixed him?"
+
+"I told him we should throw him overboard if he didn't keep quiet,
+and gave him three dollars I picked up among the fellows."
+
+Tom was fit to be a member of the diplomatic corps--bully and bribe in
+the same breath! Probably the lame man, who was only a deck hand,
+employed but for that day, was not disposed to make any very active
+opposition to our plans. At any rate, he sat on the chain-box as
+contented as though everything was going on regularly on board of the
+boat. Mr. Parasyte had pressed all hands into his service, even to the
+captain and engineer, in bringing off the provisions and tents. I
+suppose that it never occurred to the principal, or to the officers of
+the boat, that a crowd of boys would attempt such a desperate
+enterprise as the capture of the Adieno, or they would have taken some
+precautions to avoid such an event. It is not strange that they did
+not think of such a thing, for if it had been proposed to me
+beforehand, I should as soon have thought of carrying off the island
+as the steamer.
+
+Mr. Parasyte, the captain, and engineer stood on the edge of the pier.
+The principal looked astonished and overwhelmed; the captain was
+gesticulating violently to us; and the rest of the party looked like
+so many statues. There was no remedy for their misfortune; they had no
+boat, and could do nothing. Mr. Parasyte now had the same pleasant
+prospect which he had spread out before us--that of staying on Pine
+Island without food till some one came to his assistance. We hoped he
+enjoyed it; and in the mean time we turned our attention to our own
+immediate future.
+
+"Fellows, I am afraid we have got into a bad scrape," said Vallington,
+again wiping his heated brow; and we could not help seeing that he did
+not feel just right in view of what he had done.
+
+"All right; we will take our chances," replied one of the students;
+and this was the prevailing sentiment.
+
+"Although I think we were right in the beginning, I am afraid we are
+overdoing the matter. But what could we do?" continued our general,
+with energy. "We couldn't stay on that island and be starved out. We
+paid for the provisions with our own money, and they had no right to
+take them from us."
+
+"No!" shouted the boys, indignantly.
+
+"Now we have the steamer; what shall we do with her?"
+
+"Let us go on a cruise," suggested Fred Mason.
+
+"I did not take possession of the boat with the intention of making
+any use of her only to get away from the island while it was possible
+to do so," replied Vallington.
+
+"O, let's have some fun in her, now we have got her," added Mason.
+
+"We are drifting over to Cannondale pretty rapidly, general," I
+interposed. "We must go ahead, or we shall run ashore."
+
+"I don't exactly know what to do, or where to go," continued our
+perplexed leader.
+
+"We must go ahead now, and settle that question by and by," I added.
+
+"Can you steer her, commodore?" he asked.
+
+"Certainly I can. I understand the wheel now, and I know all about the
+lake. If you can manage the engine, I can take care of the steering."
+
+"My brother is an engineer on a Hudson River boat, and I have spent
+many a day with him in the engine-room. I think I understand the
+engine pretty well," he replied.
+
+"Let us go ahead then," said one of the impatient fellows.
+
+"We will start her again, commodore; and I wish you would take her to
+some place where we can lie to, and decide upon our future course."
+
+"I will do so, general; but I don't think it will hurt those on the
+island to wait a while," I answered.
+
+"Very well; we will go where you pilot us, commodore," added
+Vallington, as he returned to the engine-room.
+
+Three of the students were sent down into the fire-room, after being
+instructed in their duty by the general, who was careful to tell them
+not to put too much wood in the furnaces. By this time the Splash had
+come alongside, and was made fast to the stern. I invited Bob Hale and
+Tom Rush to occupy the wheel-house with me, and I took my place at the
+spokes.
+
+"What are we going to do?" asked Bob, who had not been present at the
+conference on the forward deck.
+
+"That is not decided," replied Tom. "We are going to lie to
+somewhere, and talk the matter over."
+
+"I don't know about this steaming it on the lake," added Bob, shaking
+his head. "Suppose the boat should burst her boiler--where should we
+be?"
+
+"No danger of that; Vallington knows all about engines, and the
+commodore knows how to steer," said Tom, lightly.
+
+I struck one bell, after looking at the paper which Vallington had
+given me, to make sure that I was right. In response to my signal, the
+wheels began to turn, and the Adieno went "ahead slowly." I soon
+brought her to bear on the helm, and finding I had the boat under
+perfect control, I ventured to strike the four bells, which indicated
+that she was to "go ahead, full speed."
+
+The steam was rather low in the boilers, and "full speed" I found was
+not very rapid. The boat steered easily, and minded her helm so
+promptly, that I soon became quite fascinated with my occupation.
+There was something very exhilarating in the fact that I was directing
+the course of what to me was an immense craft; and every time I moved
+the wheel, and saw the bow veer in obedience to her helm, it afforded
+me a thrill of delight, and I wholly forgot the enormity of the
+enterprise in which our party were engaged. I was so pleased with my
+employment that I came very near devoting my life to the business of
+piloting a steamboat.
+
+I steered the Adieno to the northward, until she had passed clear of
+Pine Island, when I put her head to the west, intending to run for a
+couple of islands six miles down the lake, called "The Sisters."
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXII.
+
+IN WHICH ERNEST PILOTS THE ADIENO TO "THE SISTERS."
+
+
+"There comes the Champion!" exclaimed Bob Hale, pointing to the
+steamer that regularly made her trip round the lake every day, as she
+came out from behind a point of land on the north shore, beyond which
+she made a landing.
+
+"We must give her a wide berth," I replied.
+
+"Why so? Her people will not know that it isn't all right with the
+Adieno."
+
+"We are in no immediate danger; but suppose the captain of this boat
+should find means to get to Cannondale before the Champion does, he
+might engage her to go in pursuit of us."
+
+"That would be jolly!" said Tom Rush. "We should have a glorious
+race!"
+
+"But the chances are against us in a race," I replied, confounded by
+the temerity of Tom in thinking of such a thing as contending with the
+steamboat men on their own ground.
+
+"Not a bit of it, Ernest. The Adieno is the faster boat of the
+two--that has been tried a dozen times," added Tom, as much excited as
+though the race had actually commenced.
+
+"We must not attempt to beard the lion in his den."
+
+"Why not? We might as well be hung for an old sheep as a lamb. We are
+in a scrape, and even Vallington thinks it is a bad one by this time.
+The more advantage we gain, the better terms we can make."
+
+"I don't know about it, Tom. I feel as though we had carried this
+thing about far enough, and the sooner we get out of the scrape, the
+better it will be for us."
+
+"Those are my sentiments. My father is part owner in this boat, and I
+think he will not enjoy the idea of our going off on a cruise in her,"
+added Bob Hale.
+
+"Pooh! we won't hurt her," replied Tom.
+
+"We don't intend to hurt her; but we are following a business just now
+that we don't know much about."
+
+"Don't you know the lake, and don't Vallington know all about the
+engine?"
+
+"Neither of us has had any experience."
+
+"That's so," added Bob. "In my opinion breaking away is about played
+out. We have made up our minds that we can't have anything more to do
+with Mr. Parasyte, and we may as well return to Parkville, and go to
+work in a more reasonable way. We can send the circulars to our
+parents, and dig out of the difficulty the best way we can."
+
+"I agree to that," I answered. Not that I cared for myself, for my
+"breaking away" was a much more serious matter than that of my
+fellow-students; but I thought it better for them to get out of the
+mud before they sank any deeper into the mire.
+
+"I am willing to do as the rest of the fellows do; but I don't want to
+be whipped round a stump when there is no need of it," continued Tom.
+"If the Champion chases us, I go for keeping out of the way till we
+can retire from the field without any broken heads."
+
+"So far I shall agree with you, Tom," I replied. "I am not in favor of
+surrendering, to be kicked and cuffed by these steamboat men, who are
+not exactly lambs in their dispositions."
+
+"What's the use of talking?" interposed Bob Hale. "The Champion is not
+after us, and it does not appear that she will be."
+
+"It appears so to me," I answered. "I have no idea that the captain of
+the Adieno will stay on Pine Island all day. I found a way to get
+ashore this morning, and I think he will be able to do so."
+
+"Perhaps he will."
+
+"I am perfectly satisfied that he will reach the shore by one o'clock,
+if he has not already done so. No doubt he thinks his boat will be
+smashed to pieces, or blown up, if he does not recover her soon. He
+isn't going to sit down and bite his finger nails."
+
+"He may not be able to get the Champion," replied Bob Hale, who
+evidently did not wish to believe that there would be a contest for
+superiority between the two steamers.
+
+"I don't profess to be a prophet, Bob, but I can see through a
+millstone when the hole is big enough. I will tell you just how I
+_think_ it will be. The captain of the Adieno will make a raft, and
+get to Cannondale. Then he will take the Champion for Parkville,
+arriving about half past one. The boat does not start on her trip down
+the lake till five o'clock, and that will give her three hours and a
+half to spare. You may take my word for it, that time will be used in
+chasing us."
+
+"Very likely you are right, Ernest; we shall see. It is twelve o'clock
+now, and we haven't much time to consider what we shall do," said Bob
+Hale, looking very serious; and it was evident now, if it had not been
+before, that he had strong objections to any steamboat enterprises.
+
+"It's nearly dinner time," added Tom; "and I must go and see about the
+provender."
+
+Bob Hale went below to have a talk with Vallington, and the commissary
+left for the kitchen, to provide our noon rations. I was left alone in
+the wheel-house. I enjoyed my occupation very much; but the talk of
+my friends had filled me with doubts and fears, so that my situation
+was not so delightful as before. I could not help asking myself what
+was to come out of this scrape, and it seemed to me that it could
+result in nothing but defeat and disaster.
+
+The Adieno was approaching The Sisters, at one of which there was a
+pier, like that at Pine Island, which had been erected for the use of
+the scows employed in the transportation of the wood cut on the
+island. I knew that the water around it was deep enough for the
+steamer, for I had seen her land there. Between the two islands there
+was a channel not more than twenty rods wide, by which alone the wood
+pier could be reached.
+
+The channel had barely depth enough in the middle to permit the
+passage of the Adieno; but as it was perfectly straight, and the water
+high in the lake, I considered myself competent to take her through.
+The boat minded her helm very prettily, and there was no current in
+the channel to interfere with my calculations, so that I did not
+regard the place as very difficult navigation. I had been through the
+channel twenty times in the Splash. The pier ran out from the island
+to the deep water, so that I had only to run the bow up to it, and
+make fast to the ring. The steamer would be safe here, and, being
+concealed between the islands, could only be seen from one point above
+and one below; and here we could have our dinner, and hold our
+important consultation without the danger of interruption.
+
+I had another and stronger motive for entering this channel, and
+without which, perhaps, I might not have had the confidence to run
+even the slight risk which the navigation of the passage involved. It
+was so fully ground into my bones that the Champion would be after us
+about three o'clock, or as soon as she had landed her passengers at
+Parkville, that I wished to be fully prepared for any emergency. To
+the north of the "North Sister," and to the south of the "South
+Sister," the water was shoal for a mile in each direction, while the
+channel between the islands seemed to have been kept open by the
+strong south-west and north-east winds, as they forced the waters
+through. At any rate, there was a channel with five feet of water in
+it, though I was not entirely certain in regard to the explanation of
+the fact.
+
+The Champion was a larger boat, drawing one foot more water aft than
+the Adieno, and therefore could not pass through the channel, or come
+within half a mile of the wood pier. My idea was, that in this
+position we could not be approached by our anticipated pursuer, as we
+lay moored at the wharf. If chased, I might be able to gain on the
+Champion by running through The Sisters Channel, which would enable me
+to come out two or three miles ahead of her on the opposite side, as
+she would be obliged to go a mile, north or south, to get round the
+shoal water.
+
+I was so pleased with the calculation I had made, that I could not
+help wishing I was employed in a better cause than in fighting the
+battle of a parcel of runaway students,--it would have been so
+exciting to play the game of strategy in real earnest, and in a good
+cause. I plumed myself just then on being a great navigator, and a
+shrewd calculator, and I wished to test my plans. It so happened,
+however, that they were tested, as the sequel will show.
+
+The Adieno approached the narrow channel, which was just as clearly
+defined in my mind as though the bottom of the lake had been laid bare
+to me; for I had always been obliged to keep in the deep water even
+when I went through in the Splash. As the wind, though not so strong
+as it had been in the morning, still came fresh from the north-west, I
+hugged the weather side of the channel, and, with the boat at full
+speed, went on my course. I was just on the point of ringing one bell
+to slow down, when the steamer's wheels suddenly stopped.
+
+"What are you about, Thornton?" shouted Vallington, rushing out of the
+engine-room to the forward deck, both excited and angry.
+
+"I'm all right!" I replied, provoked at his singular conduct in
+stopping the boat at such a critical point.
+
+"Where are you going? Do you want to run us all ashore?"
+
+"_I_ don't, but I think _you_ do. Go ahead, or we shall be aground in
+a moment," I added, as the Adieno was losing her headway, and we were
+not yet sheltered by the North Sister from the force of the wind.
+
+"I'm not going any farther into this hole," replied he, sternly. "I
+think you are crazy, Thornton, to take the boat into such a place."
+
+"I know what I am about," I answered, rather sharply; "and if you will
+take care of the engine, I will look out for the helm."
+
+"You'll smash the boat all to pieces--going into a little, narrow,
+dirty channel at full speed."
+
+"I know the channel as well as I know my own name. If you will go
+ahead, we shall be all right!" I shouted.
+
+"I won't go ahead any farther into this hole," said he, decidedly.
+
+"O, yes, go ahead," interposed Bob Hale. "Ernest knows what he is
+about."
+
+"Perhaps he does; but I want to know what he is about too. I don't
+want the steamer smashed or injured."
+
+It was of no use for me to say anything more, and I held my tongue.
+The Adieno had now entirely lost her headway, and as the strong wind
+began to act on her top works, she drifted over to the lee side of the
+channel. She grated a moment on the bottom, and then stuck fast, hard
+aground, so far as I could judge.
+
+"There! now do you see what you have done?" shouted Vallington,
+stamping his foot angrily upon the deck.
+
+"I see what _you_ have done," I replied, as calmly as I could; and
+that was not saying much, for I was very indignant at being charged
+with what was plainly his doing.
+
+And there we were, hard and fast aground, with a tempest brewing
+between the general and the commodore.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXIII.
+
+IN WHICH ERNEST TAKES COMMAND OF THE EXPEDITION.
+
+
+It was useless for me to remain any longer in the wheel-house, and I
+descended by the forward ladder to the deck. I was indignant, but I
+was determined to "face the music." The best of friends are liable to
+"fall out" at times, and no better than Vallington and myself had ever
+existed. He was burdened by the responsibility of the position he had
+assumed, and perhaps did not feel just right about the course he had
+taken. These things may have made him irritable. Though I had never
+before known him to be unkind or uncourteous, he had certainly
+"pitched into me," on the present occasion, in a manner which my
+self-respect would not permit me to endure.
+
+I had been acting, in charge of the wheel, to the best of my ability;
+and I was perfectly confident that nothing would have gone wrong with
+the steamer if the engineer had not stopped the wheels. However I felt
+on the general question of duty, I was quite satisfied that I had been
+faithful to the interests of the expedition upon which we had
+embarked; and I could not bear to be "snapped up," and treated like an
+inferior in knowledge and skill, even by my chosen leader. I was
+"chief of navigation," at least; and I felt that the general had
+interfered with my part of the work. He accused me of causing the
+mischief, when he had been the author of it himself; and this was so
+plain to me that I could not help resenting it.
+
+Very likely my face was flushed with anger and excitement when I
+confronted Vallington on the forward deck. If it was, his was not less
+so, and there was a lively prospect of a "family quarrel." With my
+strong consciousness that I had done right, or, at least, intended to
+do right, so far as our expedition was concerned, I could have
+afforded to refrain from heated expressions; and it would have been
+better if I had done so. It is no reason, because one person gets
+mad, that another should. It is more dignified, manly, and Christian
+for one always to control his temper. Let the truth be spoken
+forcibly, if need be, but kindly.
+
+"We are in for a pretty scrape now," said Vallington, sternly and
+angrily, as I walked up to him.
+
+"It isn't my fault if we are," I answered, sharply.
+
+"Why do you say it isn't your fault, Thornton? Didn't you pilot the
+steamer into this hole?"
+
+"I didn't pilot her aground. When you stopped her there were two or
+three feet of water under her keel."
+
+"What did you bring her in here for? If I hadn't stopped her when I
+did, you would have smashed her up."
+
+"Perhaps I should," I answered with a sneer, when I found it was
+impossible to make any headway against the general's unreasonable
+speech.
+
+"You were going at full speed; and it is lucky I happened to see the
+shore and stop her when I did."
+
+"I have nothing more to say," I replied, seating myself on the rail of
+the steamer.
+
+"I don't think there is much more to be said. Here we are, hard
+aground; and anybody that has a mind to come after us can take us."
+
+I made no reply. Vallington went to the gangway and looked over into
+the shallow water. Then he walked over to the other side, and I had no
+doubt our situation looked hopeless to him. After he had walked about
+a while, his anger abated; and perhaps he was conscious that he had
+been too fast in expressing himself.
+
+"What's to be done? That's the next question," said he.
+
+"I suppose nothing can be done," replied Tom Rush, who was more
+disappointed than any other fellow on board. "They say the Champion
+will be down after us this afternoon. Perhaps she will drag us off,
+and then our tyrants will treat us as they think proper."
+
+"You needn't disturb yourselves about the Champion," I interposed.
+"She can't come within half a mile of us at least."
+
+"Is that so?"
+
+"That is so."
+
+"It doesn't make much difference whether she can or not. We must stay
+here till some one helps us out of the scrape," added Vallington. "It
+was stupid to come in here."
+
+"I don't think so," said Bob Hale, decidedly.
+
+"Here we are aground, anyhow."
+
+"Harry," continued Bob, gently and kindly, "I think Ernest was right
+in what he said. If you hadn't stopped the engine, we should have gone
+through well enough."
+
+Vallington bit his lips, and he and Bob walked aft together. They were
+absent a few moments; and when he returned, the general's face wore a
+different expression.
+
+"Thornton, I acknowledge that I was wrong," said he, extending his
+hand to me.
+
+The boys standing around us immediately began to clap their hands in
+token of their satisfaction. In matters of navigation they were more
+willing to believe in me than in Vallington; and probably most of them
+were satisfied that I had been in the right.
+
+"Don't say another word," I replied, jumping down from my seat, and
+grasping his offered hand.
+
+"You will excuse my hasty language," he continued.
+
+"Certainly; and I ask the same favor of you," I replied.
+
+"I irritated you, commodore, by my unreasonable words, and I am
+willing to bear all the blame."
+
+"You don't deserve it all."
+
+If Vallington had been less noble and manly, we might have had a bad
+quarrel; as it was, our differences were promptly healed.
+
+"Now, what's to be done, commodore?" the general proceeded. "I have
+got you into the scrape; but I hope you will be able to get out of
+it."
+
+"I think I shall," I replied, confidently.
+
+"They say we are to be chased by the Champion this afternoon; but just
+now we don't seem to be in condition to be chased even by a scow."
+
+"We are not very hard aground; we only drifted on the shoal bottom;
+and if I mistake not, we can work her off. So far as the Champion is
+concerned, I am satisfied she will be after us as soon as she has
+landed her passengers at Parkville; but that will not be for a couple
+of hours yet."
+
+"Then you really expect her."
+
+"I certainly do; and when we float again, I don't care how soon she
+comes. I came into this place, which you call a hole, general, simply
+to get ready for the Champion; for she draws too much water to pass
+through this channel."
+
+"Well, that's a double proof that I have wronged you, and I am all the
+more sorry for my unkindness."
+
+"Don't mention that again, Vallington," I replied, touched by his
+magnanimity.
+
+"Fellows," said Vallington, turning to the boys, "I resign my
+commission as general-in-chief of this expedition."
+
+"No, no!" shouted the students.
+
+"We are on the water now, and it is more proper that the commodore
+should have the entire command. When we are on shore again, I will
+resume my office. I will obey all the commodore's orders now, and the
+rest of you will do the same."
+
+I protested, but the general insisted. We finally agreed to the
+proposition, and for the time I became the commander of the
+expedition. Our first business was to float the steamer. Vallington
+went back to the engine-room, and I resumed my place at the wheel. I
+rang to back her, and the paddles slapped the water furiously for a
+time, but without producing any effect. The steamer had taken the
+ground harder than I supposed. She had run her bow upon the gradual
+slope of the bottom till the wheels were powerless to move her.
+
+The boys looked at one another in blank dismay, and seemed to feel
+just as though the enemy were to "bag" them, as a sportsman does the
+game he has brought down. I did not despair yet. From the wheel-house
+I had surveyed the surroundings, and a plan had occurred to me by
+which I hoped to work the Adieno out of her uncomfortable position.
+
+"No go," said Vallington, as we met together on the main deck.
+
+"Not yet; but we won't give it up. The bow had dug into the bottom
+more than I supposed. We must carry a line ashore, and make fast to
+one of those trees; then I think we can pull her off."
+
+Bob Hale, with two others, was sent ashore on the North Sister in the
+Splash, carrying the end of a long rope. When he had secured it to a
+large tree on the shore, I took the other end, the line passing
+through a round hawse-hole forward, and conveyed it aft to the shaft.
+After winding it four or five times round the shaft, I told the boys
+to haul it taut; and about twenty of them laid hold of the rope to
+"take in the slack," if we were fortunate enough to obtain any.
+
+"Bully for you," said Vallington, as he comprehended my arrangement.
+
+"If the rope don't break, something will come," I replied.
+
+I had been obliged to join several ropes, in order to form one long
+enough; but having carefully avoided "granny knots," I hoped it would
+hold. The bearing of the line was at the hawse-hole, near the bow of
+the boat; and as the power was applied to the rope by turning the
+wheel and shaft, the tendency was to haul the forward end of the boat
+off the ground into the deeper water.
+
+"All ready now, Vallington," I continued, when the preparations were
+completed. "Back her slowly."
+
+He started the engine, as I directed.
+
+"Haul taut on that rope!" I shouted to the boys at the line.
+
+The wheels turned, and the shaft revolved. The rope groaned and
+strained.
+
+"Stop her!" I added to the engineer, afraid to risk the strain. "Run
+aft the chain-box."
+
+My orders were obeyed; and as the boat floated at her stern, the
+weight of the chain-box was sensibly felt.
+
+"Back her slowly again," I continued.
+
+Again the rope groaned and strained as though too much was expected of
+it.
+
+"She starts!" cried the boys forward. "She is coming off!"
+
+I heard the keel scraping upon the bottom; and as the rope wound up,
+the Adieno slid off into the deep water.
+
+"Hurrah!" shouted the boys.
+
+"Let go the rope!" I called to the boys aft. "Stop her, Vallington."
+
+I hastened up to the wheel-house, the better to work her. I found she
+lay in good position to go ahead, and I shouted to Bob Hale to cast
+off the rope from the tree, directing the boys on the forward deck to
+haul it on board. I rang one bell, and the boat moved ahead slowly
+towards the wood pier. The boys cheered lustily, and were overjoyed at
+our good fortune in getting out of the scrape. In a few moments I ran
+the bow of the steamer up to the pier, and she was made fast to the
+ring.
+
+"Now we are all hunky-dory," said Tom Rush, who was rather given to
+"expressions," and who was overjoyed to find there was still a chance
+for an excitement.
+
+"Not quite," I added.
+
+"What's the matter now?"
+
+"We want some dinner."
+
+"You shall have it in half an hour."
+
+And while Tom was superintending the cooking, Vallington, Bob Hale,
+and myself had a consultation in the wheel-house.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXIV.
+
+IN WHICH ERNEST ENGAGES IN AN EXCITING STEAMBOAT RACE.
+
+
+"If you ask for my opinion," said Bob Hale, "I say we had better
+return to Parkville at once, and not wait to be driven back."
+
+"It is easy enough for you to say that," replied Tom Rush, who had
+joined us. "You live there, and all you have to do is to go home; but
+what are the fellows who reside a hundred miles from there to do?"
+
+"They will not be any worse off there than they will be here. The
+question is only between going back and being driven back," added Bob.
+
+"I suppose that we are to acknowledge that breaking away has been a
+failure," said Vallington.
+
+"Not at all; I, for one, won't have any more to do with Mr. Parasyte,"
+answered Bob. "What do you say, Ernest?"
+
+"I probably shall not go back to the Institute, whatever happens," I
+replied. "My breaking away is not from school only, but from all the
+home I ever knew. I have been thrown out upon the world, to take care
+of myself."
+
+For a moment my friends seemed to forget that we were in council to
+determine what should be done for the rebels in their sympathy for me;
+but I assured them I was not at all concerned about myself, and felt
+abundantly able to make my way without any help.
+
+"But what an old humbug your uncle is!" said Tom.
+
+"He is a strange man. He seemed to have turned me out because I
+displeased him in resisting Mr. Parasyte's injustice. He is afraid my
+conduct will lessen the value of his mortgage on the Parkville Liberal
+Institute."
+
+"I think Mr. Parasyte's conduct has lessened it," said Vallington.
+"But all this is neither here nor there. What shall we do with this
+steamer?"
+
+"Take her back to Parkville, and leave her there," answered Bob.
+
+"What are the fellows to do?" asked Tom.
+
+"Let them go back to the Institute, and lie back till something
+happens."
+
+"I don't believe anything will happen this year," laughed Tom, who was
+always light-hearted in any emergency.
+
+"Now, I think something will happen within a few days. I know that
+certain persons in Parkville, who have long been dissatisfied with Mr.
+Parasyte, intended to have a change months ago; and if I mistake not,
+this affair of ours will bring matters to a head," said Bob.
+
+"What can they do? Mr. Parasyte is as obstinate as a mule, and owns
+the Institute himself," added Vallington.
+
+"Not quite; my uncle will own the most of it if his note isn't paid,"
+I interposed.
+
+"I am not at liberty to tell even what I know, which is not much; but
+I believe something will turn up which will put things right at the
+Institute. All we have to do is to go back to Parkville and make our
+peace with the steamboat folks the best way we can," continued Bob.
+
+We all agreed that the steamboat enterprise was a bad affair for us;
+but we were just as unanimous in the opinion that we could not have
+done otherwise than take her as we did. It was mean of her captain to
+lend himself and his boat to such a man as Mr. Parasyte. We could not
+stay on Pine Island without food and without shelter. But we hoped to
+return the Adieno uninjured, and, through the powerful influence of
+Bob Hale's father, who was the wealthiest man in the county, to escape
+without any serious consequences. It was decided, therefore, to return
+to Parkville just as soon as we had eaten our dinner.
+
+Tom Rush's cooks were either very dilatory, or they had not got the
+hang of the steamer's kitchen, for we had to wait an hour for the
+meal. We dined in the cabin, where we found everything we needed to
+set the table; and in spite of the desperate condition of our affairs,
+we enjoyed ourselves very much. Some one ventured to inquire if we
+could not charter the Adieno for a week, and finish our breaking away
+in her, it would be so pleasant to live on board, and cruise up and
+down the beautiful lake. But it was satisfactorily shown that our
+finances, however they might be improved by letters from home, would
+not warrant such a piece of extravagance.
+
+This was the last day of the breaking away, at least on the lake and
+in camp, and we were disposed to make the most of it. As soon as it
+was announced that we were to return to Parkville, though some of the
+students murmured, and wished to make a trip down the lake before we
+went back, the plan was accepted, and the boys were disposed to
+improve the remainder of the cruise. They persisted in enjoying it;
+and before the boat left the wood pier, they were skylarking and
+training as though the future would require no account to be rendered
+of their past conduct.
+
+Vallington went to the engine-room, and directed the boys below to
+start up the fires. With Bob Hale I went to the wheel-house; while Tom
+Rush, as he had been directed by our chief, had all the dishes washed,
+and everything put in order in the cabin and kitchen, for we wished to
+leave the boat in as good condition in every respect as we found her.
+
+"Cast off the fasts!" I called to the boys on the forward deck, when
+Vallington informed me that he had steam enough.
+
+"All clear!" replied those who were doing duty as deck hands.
+
+I rang to back her; and when the bow of the Adieno was clear of the
+wharf, I started her forward slowly; and keeping her in the middle of
+the channel, she passed in safety out into the broad lake.
+
+"We are too late; we ought to have gone before," said Bob,
+impatiently. "There comes the Champion. I was certain she would be
+after us--as certain as you were. What shall we do?"
+
+I headed the Adieno down the lake when I saw the Champion--that is,
+away from Parkville.
+
+"We must take our chances; we can't do anything else," I replied to
+Bob, as I threw the wheel over.
+
+"But you are not headed for Parkville."
+
+"Not yet; for I don't mean to be captured."
+
+"How can you help it?"
+
+"Perhaps I can't help it; but I can try."
+
+I notified Vallington through the speaking-tube that the Champion was
+in sight, and headed towards us.
+
+"We mustn't let her overtake us, if we can help it. I will put on the
+steam," he replied.
+
+"All right; I can keep out of her way," I answered.
+
+"Why not surrender?" said Bob, who stood at my side watching the
+Champion.
+
+"Surrender!" I exclaimed.
+
+"Why not? What harm will it do?"
+
+"I have no idea of throwing myself into the hands of those steamboat
+men. Don't you see the Champion is full of men?"
+
+"Do you suppose they would harm us?"
+
+"I do. No doubt Mr. Parasyte is on board, and he will give them
+liberty to maul us as much as they please."
+
+"Perhaps you are right; I didn't think of Mr. Parasyte's being with
+them."
+
+"Of course he is; and I think we can make better terms by fighting it
+out. For my own part, I would run the steamer ashore and take to the
+woods, rather than give myself up to Mr. Parasyte and such a gang as
+he has now."
+
+Bob did not fully agree with me, though he thought we had better get
+back to Parkville, if we could. This was not an easy matter, for the
+Champion lay between us and our destination, and could cut us off if
+we attempted to pass her. She could run up alongside of the Adieno, if
+we attempted to dodge her, and throw her men on our decks.
+
+The Sisters lay near the middle of the lake, and the Champion must go
+to the north or to the south of them. I made a blunder; I ought to
+have waited at the end of the channel until our pursuer had reached
+his most southern or most northern point in coming round the shoal,
+and then gone off in the opposite direction; but even then he might
+have put about, and headed us off. It was hard to decide what to do,
+and I continued to go to the westward until the Champion, which had
+chosen the southern passage, was due south of The Sisters, when I
+stood away to the northward.
+
+But the pursuer "had me;" and finding it was useless to attempt to get
+by her, I headed the boat down the lake again. The Champion then
+crowded on all steam and chased us. This was exactly what I wished her
+to do, and I led her five miles down the lake.
+
+"I don't know about it, Ernest," said Bob, shaking his head. "I think
+she will catch us. This boat is the fastest, but we don't understand
+her well enough to make her do her best."
+
+"I am afraid of that; but don't talk to me, if you please, now," I
+replied.
+
+I led the Champion to the northward of an island at this point; and
+here her captain made a blunder, which restored to me the advantage I
+had lost before. When the Champion was well by the island, I turned
+the Adieno to the southward, and went round the island, which
+prevented our pursuer from cutting us off, and saving any of the
+distance, as he might have done, in the open lake.
+
+"There, Bob, I have done it now, and I am satisfied," I said. "She
+can't cut us off, and it will be a square race up the lake."
+
+"The Champion is gaining on us every moment," replied Bob.
+
+[Illustration: THE RACE BETWEEN THE ADIENO AND THE CHAMPION.--Page
+275.]
+
+The other steamer was certainly overhauling us. The superior skill of
+the men in charge of her gave them the advantage. I told Vallington of
+the fact, and soon the roaring of the furnaces and the creaking of
+the boat assured me he was in earnest. But in spite of his renewed
+exertions, the Champion was gaining a little, and I was sure that she
+would overtake us long before we could reach Parkville. I headed her
+for The Sisters, therefore, determined to put in force the plan I had
+devised before dinner. I ran directly for the channel, and the
+Champion followed.
+
+The pursuer was almost upon us when we came within a quarter of a mile
+of the end of the channel. Both boats were shaking and trembling under
+the high pressure of steam, and every fellow on board the Adieno was
+in a fever of excitement.
+
+"Crowd her, Vallington!" I shouted through the tube.
+
+"The Champion's bow is within ten feet of us!" exclaimed Bob.
+
+"Stop her, you villains!" cried the captain of the boat from the bow
+of the Champion.
+
+"Give it to her, Vallington! In two minutes more we are safe!" I
+yelled through the tube.
+
+"She is almost upon us!" said Bob, tremulously.
+
+At that moment we heard the engine bell of the Champion ring, as the
+Adieno approached the narrow channel. Her wheels stopped, and she
+began to back vigorously.
+
+"Give them three cheers!" I called to the students, as the pursuer
+backed out; and they were given with a will.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXV.
+
+IN WHICH ERNEST PILOTS THE ADIENO TO PARKVILLE.
+
+
+The Champion could not pass through the narrow and shoal channel
+between The Sisters, and my calculation had been correct. I was so
+elated at the victory that I could not refrain from calling for the
+cheers, though it was bad policy for us to crow over such rivals. A
+moment before, the nerves of all on board of the Adieno had been
+strained to their utmost tension by the exciting peril of the moment.
+The bow of our pursuer had actually lapped over the stern of our
+steamer, and we expected the captain of the Adieno, who stood on the
+rail, holding on to an awning stanchion, would leap on board of us,
+after he had bawled himself hoarse in ordering us to stop.
+
+The pilot of the Champion was evidently the coolest man in the
+steamer, and he had run her to the very mouth of The Sisters
+Channel; but he knew that she could not go through, and at the last
+practicable instant, he had "stopped" and "backed," leaving the
+victory with us. It was a tremendous relief when the pressure was
+removed from our overstrained nerves; and never were cheers given
+more enthusiastically, even madly, than those which saluted the
+people of the Champion at the dawn of our triumph.
+
+The Adieno had entered the narrow channel, and I doubt not her
+appalled captain on the deck of the other boat expected to see her
+"take the ground" and be smashed to pieces. The moment I saw the
+pursuer was backing out, I rang to stop her, and then to go ahead
+slowly; for I had no more idea of smashing her than I had of smashing
+my own head.
+
+"Silence, now!" I shouted to the boys on deck, who were still yelling
+to the utmost capacity of their lungs; for I was afraid the noise
+might drown the sound of the bell in the engine-room, in case I had
+occasion to ring it.
+
+The students hushed up instantly. They had climbed upon the rails,
+and secured other positions where they could obtain a view of our
+discomfited pursuer; and a more excited and delighted set of fellows
+never gathered on the deck of a steamer.
+
+"Have your eye on the Champion, Bob, and tell me what she does," said
+I to my companion in the wheel-house; for I needed both of my own eyes
+to keep the Adieno in the channel, where a slight mistake on my part
+would have ruined all my plans, and perhaps the steamer in which we
+sailed.
+
+"I will," replied he.
+
+"What is she doing?"
+
+"Nothing."
+
+"Don't she move?"
+
+"No--she hasn't started yet. They probably expect us to go ashore
+before we get through the channel."
+
+"Well, the longer she waits there, the better for us, for she can't
+come through," I added.
+
+The Adieno passed safely through the channel, and came out into the
+broad lake beyond The Sisters. I rang to go ahead at full speed again,
+for we had now a clear run to Parkville before us.
+
+"The Champion has started her wheels again, Ernest," said Bob Hale,
+as I rang the bell; "she is backing out of the inlet into the open
+lake."
+
+"All right--let her back. We have a good three miles the start of her,
+and she can't catch us before we get to Parkville," I replied.
+
+I informed Vallington through the speaking tube in regard to the
+situation, with which he was entirely satisfied. I asked him to keep
+the boat moving at her best pace, assuring him, if he did so, that we
+were perfectly safe from capture. In half an hour we passed Pine
+Island, with the Champion, which did not appear to be straining
+herself, fully three miles astern. I was afterwards told that the
+captain of the Adieno held her back, fearing that if she crowded us
+again, we should run ashore, burst the boiler, or otherwise damage his
+steamer.
+
+In an hour and a half after the passage of The Sisters Channel, we
+were off the bluff, within half a mile of the steamboat pier, which we
+saw crowded with people. It was plain that we had succeeded in
+creating an excitement, and not a few of us had some _delicacy_ about
+landing in the presence of the multitude. The Champion still kept her
+relative distance from us, and was now more than a mile beyond Cleaver
+Island.
+
+"Where shall we land?" I asked of Vallington through the tube, after
+Bob and I had considered the matter a little.
+
+"Wherever you please, commodore," replied our chief.
+
+"What do you say, Bob?" I added, turning to my companion.
+
+"Can't we land at the boat pier, in front of the Institute?"
+
+"No; there isn't water enough to float the Adieno. In fact the only
+safe place is the regular steamboat pier."
+
+"I suppose my father is there, and I don't like to meet him just yet,"
+replied Bob, earnestly.
+
+"We can anchor within a few rods of the Institute pier, and land in
+the Splash," I suggested.
+
+"I like that better."
+
+"But the Splash would have to go three or four times to land the
+fellows, and the Champion would be upon us before we could all get
+ashore," I added.
+
+I stated the plan and the objections to Vallington.
+
+"Let us face the music like men," said he, decidedly.
+
+"I think that is the better way," I continued to Bob. "So far as we
+have done wrong, let us acknowledge the corn, and take the
+consequences."
+
+Bob Hale assented, overcoming his modesty with an effort, and I headed
+the Adieno for the steamboat pier. I think we all felt a little
+bashful about landing in the presence of so many people. The students
+were directed to make no noisy demonstrations of any kind, and to
+repair directly to the school-room of the Institute, where Mr.
+Parasyte would soon find us, and where we hoped to make a final
+adjustment of all the difficulties.
+
+As we approached the pier, the boat was "slowed down," and the fasts
+got ready for landing; and other work was done as regularly and
+properly as though we were all old steamboat men. At the regular time,
+I stopped her wheels, and she ran her bow up gently to the wharf, and
+the line was thrown ashore. A couple of turns of the wheels backward
+brought the Adieno to a stand-still, and our cruise was ended.
+Vallington let off steam, and we formed in a body, intending to march
+ashore as compactly as possible, in order to feel the full force of
+the bond of association.
+
+With Vallington at the head of the procession, we landed. Some of the
+crowd hooted at us, others laughed, and a few steamboat owners berated
+us roundly. We heeded none of them, but made our way through the mob,
+up the pier. Before we reached the street, it suddenly occurred to me
+that I had left the Splash made fast to the stern of the steamer. I
+had forgotten her in the exciting whirl of events. When I told Bob
+Hale and Tom Rush that I must return for my boat, they volunteered to
+accompany me.
+
+"Robert," said a stern voice, as we moved down the wharf.
+
+We halted, and Bob's father confronted him.
+
+"What does all this mean?" demanded Mr. Hale. "Are you one of those
+who ran away with the steamer?"
+
+"I am, sir," replied Bob, squarely, but with due humility.
+
+Mr. Hale bit his lips with chagrin. Probably he had hoped that his son
+was not one of the reckless fellows who had taken possession of the
+Adieno. But Bob was a noble fellow, and seldom gave his father any
+cause to complain of his conduct,--so seldom that he appeared to be
+appalled at the magnitude of the present offence.
+
+"Robert was opposed to taking the steamer from the first," I
+interposed, hoping to save him from some portion of his father's
+displeasure.
+
+"I went with the rest of the fellows, and I am willing to bear my
+share of the blame."
+
+"What does all this mean? What possessed you to do such a thing?"
+asked Mr. Hale.
+
+"We could not endure the injustice of Mr. Parasyte any longer; that
+was the beginning of it. And when he came in the steamer to Pine
+Island, and took away our provisions, we ran off with the steamer
+rather than be starved out," answered Bob.
+
+"What business had you on Pine Island?"
+
+"We have been breaking away."
+
+"Breaking away! I should think you had! Were you concerned in these
+disgraceful proceedings, Robert?"
+
+"I was, sir. I am willing to own that I have done wrong."
+
+Mr. Hale's stern look softened down, and I ventured to ask him to take
+a seat in my boat, and go over to the Institute, where he would have
+an opportunity to hear the whole story of the "breaking away," and
+judge for himself. During this conversation, a crowd had gathered
+around us, curious to know what had happened; and the charge we made
+against Mr. Parasyte was publicly proclaimed. Mr. Hale accepted my
+invitation, and we shoved off from the Adieno just as the Champion
+came up to the pier.
+
+"Stop them! Stop them!" shouted the captain of the Adieno, as I was
+hoisting the jib.
+
+No one ventured to stop a boat in which Mr. Hale, the most important
+person in the county, was seated.
+
+"We want those boys!" called the angry captain again. "They are the
+ones who ran off with the boat."
+
+"Captain Woelkers," said Mr. Hale, mildly.
+
+"Ah, Mr. Hale!" exclaimed the captain, as he recognized the principal
+owner of the steamer he commanded.
+
+"By whose authority did you take the Adieno to Pine Island to-day?"
+
+"Mr. Parasyte wanted her, and I let him have her," stammered the
+captain.
+
+"Did you consult the agent?"
+
+"No, sir; he was not at home."
+
+"Do you generally leave your boat with steam up without an engineer?"
+
+"I never did before, but we needed every man to bring off the things
+on the island," replied Captain Woelkers, his confusion crimsoning his
+face.
+
+"It appears that you have used the boat without authority, and
+permitted her to be taken from you by a parcel of boys. I will see you
+at my house this evening. You may fill away, Ernest, if you are
+ready."
+
+Mr. Hale did not say another word, and I ran the Splash over to the
+Institute pier. I landed my passengers, and we all walked up to the
+school-room, where the rebels had by this time assembled.
+
+"Henry Vallington, I am sorry to see you engaged in such a disgraceful
+affair as this," said Mr. Hale, when he met our leader.
+
+"I am very glad you have come, sir, for I feel that we need counsel,"
+replied Vallington. "Perhaps you will not consider the affair so
+disgraceful, after you have heard the whole truth."
+
+"Nothing can justify your conduct in running away with the steamer. It
+is a miracle that you were not blown up, or sunk in the lake."
+
+Vallington handed our distinguished guest one of the circulars he had
+procured at the printer's on his way up to the Institute, the "copy"
+of which had been given out before the "breaking away."
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXVI.
+
+IN WHICH ERNEST FINDS A CHANGE IN THE MANAGEMENT OF THE INSTITUTE.
+
+
+Mr. Hale put on his spectacles and read the circular, which had been
+carefully prepared by several of the best scholars in the school; but
+he was already familiar with the facts it contained. He knew that Mr.
+Parasyte was a tyrant, and that he was very unpopular with the boys.
+It was a fact that only a few of the students remained at the
+Institute for any considerable length of time, and that its numbers
+had never equalled its capacity.
+
+He had hardly finished reading the circular before Mr. Parasyte,
+followed by Poodles, Pearl, and the rest of the deserters, entered the
+hall. All of them had been passengers on the Champion, and of course
+they didn't feel very good after being beaten by the Adieno. Mr. Hale
+was evidently glad to see the principal of the academy, for he did
+not seem to know what to do after he had finished the circular.
+
+"I am glad you have come, Mr. Parasyte," said he; "it seems these boys
+have been running away with one of our steamers."
+
+"They have; and I hope you will punish the ringleaders as they
+deserve," replied Mr. Parasyte, wiping his brow, as he was wont to do
+when excited.
+
+"My son is one of them," added Mr. Hale, with a smile.
+
+"Not one of the ringleaders, sir--by no means. Thornton, Rush, and
+Vallington are the leaders in this enterprise."
+
+"No more than myself, father. I have done as much as they have, and I
+am willing to bear my share of the blame," said Bob.
+
+The boys clapped their hands at this interposition. Bob was not a
+fellow to shirk when the time of settlement came.
+
+"My boy behaves like a man, and I honor him for that," replied Mr.
+Hale, proudly; "but he shall be punished if the others are. Mr.
+Parasyte, things seem to be at rather loose ends in the Institute just
+now."
+
+"Yes, sir; I am sorry to say they are. One bad boy can stir up a
+whirlwind of mischief," answered Mr. Parasyte, looking at me.
+
+"These boys seem to be pretty well agreed in this matter."
+
+"But this trouble has all been made by one boy--and that one is Ernest
+Thornton. I expelled him once; but out of regard for his uncle, to
+whom I am under great obligations, I reversed my sentence, and
+endeavored to reduce him to proper subjection."
+
+"Have you seen this paper, Mr. Parasyte?" continued the visitor,
+handing him the circular. "It seems to be signed by nearly all the
+students in the Institute."
+
+Mr. Parasyte took the printed document, and proceeded to read it. When
+he had gone far enough to comprehend the nature of the paper, he
+turned red; and when he came to the long array of signatures, he
+became very pale.
+
+"May I inquire the object of this paper?" demanded the principal, with
+quivering lips.
+
+"I'm sure I don't know. I never saw or heard of it till I entered
+this room," replied Mr. Hale "I see that it is addressed to the
+parents of the students."
+
+"I need not say that the statements contained in this circular are,
+without a single exception, infamous falsehoods and slanders. I think
+you know me well enough, Mr. Hale, to understand that justice and
+fairness have always characterized my dealings with my pupils."
+
+Mr. Hale did not so understand it. He knew that the reverse of this
+statement was the truth. Mr. Parasyte then insisted on relating the
+facts connected with the "breaking away." He told the story of my
+misconduct, as he termed it, and embellished it with sundry flourishes
+about his own impartiality and magnanimity. He said that after it had
+been fairly proved that I had assaulted my schoolmate, in
+consideration of my previous good conduct, he had only required that I
+should apologize in private to the one I had injured. Forbearance
+could extend no farther than this; but I had even refused to make this
+slight reparation for the offence I had committed. Then I had openly
+disobeyed and insulted him in the presence of the whole school.
+
+"Of course, after this," continued Mr. Parasyte, "I could do nothing
+more for him. My gentleness was not appreciated; my leniency was
+despised. My mistake was in treating him too kindly--in not resorting
+to the strong arm in the beginning. Then, as I might have expected of
+such an obdurate boy, I was subjected to a personal assault."
+
+"But all the boys seemed to be on his side," said the matter-of-fact
+Mr. Hale.
+
+"Very true. Thornton keeps a boat, and almost any boy may be bought or
+sold with a boat. He has sailed them on the lake, and won them by his
+arts."
+
+"Isn't it possible that there was some mistake in the matter of the
+quarrel between Thornton and Poodles?"
+
+"It is quite impossible that there should have been any mistake,"
+replied Mr. Parasyte, with a look of injured innocence. "I
+investigated the matter very carefully and impartially."
+
+"I should really like to hear what the boys have to say about it,"
+added Mr. Hale.
+
+"It would be useless for you to talk with them, and it would be an
+insult to me for you to do so. Do you doubt my word, Mr. Hale? Do you
+think I have not told you the truth?" said the principal, rather
+warmly.
+
+"But there may be some mistake."
+
+"I have said that it was quite impossible there should be any
+mistake."
+
+"Have you any objections to my asking the boys a few questions, Mr.
+Parasyte?"
+
+"Certainly I have. I am not willing to be arraigned and tried before
+my own school."
+
+"O, very well!" exclaimed Mr. Hale, nodding his head significantly;
+and without saying anything more, he left the school-room.
+
+The students felt that they had a friend in Mr. Hale, and even did not
+fear a prosecution for running away with the steamer. We judged that
+the captain of the Adieno would have to bear all the blame of that
+occurrence.
+
+"What are these circulars for?" demanded Mr. Parasyte, when the
+visitor had departed. "Vallington, as the ringleader in this
+conspiracy, I call upon you for an answer."
+
+"Those whose names are signed to the paper intend to send them to
+their parents."
+
+"They do--do they?" exclaimed the principal, with compressed lips.
+"Are you aware that published slanders of this kind subject those who
+utter them to a severe penalty?"
+
+"We can prove all we assert, and should be glad of an opportunity to
+do so," replied Vallington, firmly.
+
+"There is not a word of truth in the paper," added Mr. Parasyte,
+wiping his brow.
+
+He walked up and down the platform two or three times in silence. With
+him the case was desperate. He knew not what to do. He had learned
+that the students would not be browbeaten or bullied.
+
+"Scholars," said he, at last, "I think we are all too much fatigued
+and excited to consider this difficult problem this afternoon. In
+spite of the ill treatment I have received at your hands, I am still
+your friend, as I have always been. By and by you will see that you
+have done wrong. To-morrow morning, if you will meet at the usual
+hour in the school-room, I shall have a proposition to make, which I
+am confident will restore peace to the Parkville Liberal Institute.
+You are dismissed now, for the day."
+
+Mr. Parasyte left the hall, and we held a meeting there on our own
+account. If the principal did not know what to do, we were no better
+off, and we finally separated without any fixed plans. We agreed to
+meet in the school-room in the morning, though we all doubted whether
+Mr. Parasyte would have any proposition to submit. The students
+decided not to send the circulars to their parents until the next day.
+
+We wanted advice, and our hope was with Mr. Hale. At Vallington's
+suggestion, half a dozen of us were appointed a committee to wait upon
+him. He had expressed a desire to hear "the other side" of the case.
+We went to Mr. Hale's house, and found there Mr. Hardy, the assistant
+teacher, who had been discharged. We told our story, and related the
+facts as they occurred. Mr. Hardy said nothing in our presence, and we
+left him with Mr. Hale, who, we afterwards learned, had sent for him.
+
+Bob invited me to spend the night with him, and having no home now, I
+was glad to accept. After supper, I was called into the library, and
+questioned at great length by Mr. Hale and Mr. Hardy in regard to the
+affairs of the Institute. While we were thus engaged, Bob was sent to
+deliver several notes to prominent and wealthy men in the place. At
+seven o'clock there were not less than half a dozen of the "heavy men"
+of Parkville in the library.
+
+Of course Bob and I did not know what was going on, but we were
+confident that the affairs of the Institute were under discussion. At
+a later hour, Mr. Hale and another gentleman drove off, in a buggy,
+towards the cottage of my uncle, where I heard one of them say they
+were going. Bob and I went to bed, tired out, and did not ascertain
+what had been done by the gentlemen who assembled that evening.
+
+At nine o'clock in the forenoon of the next day, the students were all
+in their seats, in the school-room; but Mr. Parasyte did not appear.
+It was reported that there were half a dozen gentlemen with him in his
+office, and that my uncle Amos was one of them. I was astonished at
+this intelligence. I subsequently heard that he was there on business,
+and hardly spoke a word during a long and stormy interview between Mr.
+Parasyte and his visitors.
+
+The clock on the school-house struck ten, and still Mr. Parasyte did
+not come. It was deeply impressed upon our minds that something was
+about to happen, and we waited with intense anxiety for the event. At
+half past eleven o'clock, Mr. Parasyte entered the school-room. He
+looked sad and subdued, and his coming was the signal for a breathless
+silence among the boys. It was evident that he had a proposition to
+make.
+
+"Young gentlemen, I appear before you now for the last time," said he.
+
+He paused, and his words made a tremendous sensation, though, I am
+happy to say, there was no demonstration of any kind. We looked upon
+him as a fallen man.
+
+"I have sold the Parkville Liberal Institute to a company composed of
+the citizens of this town, who have made me an offer for the property,
+so liberal that I could not afford to refuse it. Until about a week
+ago, my relations with the students have been exceedingly pleasant. I
+shall not allude to recent events. I take my leave with many regrets,
+and I sincerely desire that prosperity and happiness may attend you in
+the future. Good by."
+
+"Good by," replied a large number of the boys, and Mr. Parasyte bowed
+and left the room.
+
+As he went out at one door, the "company" entered at another. Mr. Hale
+went upon the platform, and repeated what Mr. Parasyte had told us,
+that the Institute had been purchased by a number of the citizens of
+Parkville, and in future its affairs would be managed by a board of
+trustees, of which he had the honor to be chairman. The trustees had
+just appointed Mr. Hardy as principal,--here he was interrupted by a
+spontaneous burst of cheers,--and the school would be reorganized by
+him in the afternoon. The "boarders" were requested to write to their
+parents and guardians, informing them of the change.
+
+Mr. Hale dismissed the students, after he had assured them that the
+domestic part of the establishment would remain as before. The boys
+went out upon the play ground, and gave three rousing cheers for the
+new company, trustees, and principal. I went home to dinner with Bob,
+and learned that the purchase of the Institute had been contemplated
+for some months, by prominent citizens, who were aware that the school
+was badly managed. They acted, many of them, simply as business men,
+for the interests of the town. The Institute was "running down," and
+they had taken this step to build it up. They knew that Mr. Hardy was
+a true man and a good teacher, and as he was popular among the boys,
+he was promptly elected principal.
+
+Mr. Hale told Bob and me that the conduct of the students in "breaking
+away" was strongly condemned by the gentlemen who had discussed the
+affair, and he by no means approved of it himself; but the injustice
+of Mr. Parasyte had provoked them to such a degree that the
+misdemeanor was palliated, if not excused, and it was deemed best to
+say nothing about it. The mortgage which my uncle held was paid, and
+he had fled the instant the business was finished.
+
+Mr. Parasyte had long and obstinately refused to sell the property,
+even for a third more than its actual value; but finally, convinced
+that the Institute would not succeed under his administration, he had
+yielded the point. The next day he left Parkville, with his family,
+"bag and baggage;" and so disagreeable was he to me, that I hoped I
+never should see his face again.
+
+In the afternoon we went to school, and Mr. Hardy appeared upon the
+platform. We attempted to cheer him, but he silenced us. He made quite
+a speech, in which, however, he did not allude to recent events, and
+in half an hour the students were all at work on the old track. While
+I was in school that afternoon for the last time, as I believed, I
+received a note from my uncle. It was as brief as his speech. "If you
+wish to return to your home, you may." This, with the signature, was
+all it contained. I went home that night, but my uncle did not see
+me--would not see me.
+
+I went to school as usual for several months, until the following
+spring, when an event occurred which made me a wanderer on the earth;
+which sent me to "SEEK AND FIND" the mother, for whom I longed and
+prayed in my loneliness, and which shall be related in another story.
+
+Our rebellion at the Institute had been successful. We had driven the
+tyrant from his throne, and seated another person in his place, who
+was fit to teach and to rule. Mr. Hardy was, perhaps, more severe than
+his predecessor, but he was just and fair. He had no favorites--at
+least none who did not win their high place in his esteem by being
+faithful and earnest in all things. Certainly he never gave the
+students occasion even to think of such a doubtful expedient as
+"BREAKING AWAY."
+
+
+
+
+OLIVER OPTIC'S BOOKS
+
+
+=The Blue and the Gray--Afloat.= By OLIVER OPTIC. Six volumes.
+Illustrated. Beautiful binding in blue and gray, with emblematic dies.
+Cloth. Any volume sold separately. Price per volume, $1.50.
+
+        1. Taken by the Enemy.
+        2. Within the Enemy's Lines.
+        3. On the Blockade.
+        4. Stand by the Union
+        5. Fighting for the Right.
+        6. A Victorious Union.
+
+
+=The Blue and the Gray--on Land.=
+
+        1. Brother against Brother.
+        2. In the Saddle.
+        3. A Lieutenant at Eighteen.
+        4. On the Staff.
+        5. At the Front.
+        6. An Undivided Union.
+
+        "There never has been a more interesting writer in the
+        field of juvenile literature than Mr. W. T. ADAMS,
+        who, under his well-known pseudonym, is known and
+        admired by every boy and girl in the country, and by
+        thousands who have long since passed the boundaries of
+        youth, yet who remember with pleasure the genial,
+        interesting pen that did so much to interest,
+        instruct, and entertain their younger years. 'The Blue
+        and the Gray' is a title that is sufficiently
+        indicative of the nature and spirit of the latest
+        series, while the name of OLIVER OPTIC is sufficient
+        warrant of the absorbing style of narrative. This
+        series is as bright and entertaining as any work that
+        Mr. ADAMS has yet put forth, and will be as eagerly
+        perused as any that has borne his name. It would not
+        be fair to the prospective reader to deprive him of
+        the zest which comes from the unexpected by entering
+        into a synopsis of the story. A word, however, should
+        be said in regard to the beauty and appropriateness of
+        the binding, which makes it a most attractive
+        volume."--_Boston Budget._
+
+
+=Woodville Stories.= By OLIVER OPTIC. Six volumes. Illustrated. Any
+volume sold separately. Price per volume, $1.25.
+
+        1. =Rich and Humble=; OR, THE MISSION OF BERTHA GRANT.
+        2. =In School and Out=; OR, THE CONQUEST OF RICHARD GRANT.
+        3. =Watch and Wait=; OR, THE YOUNG FUGITIVES.
+        4. =Work and Win=; OR, NODDY NEWMAN ON A CRUISE.
+        5. =Hope and Have=; OR, FANNY GRANT AMONG THE INDIANS.
+        6. =Haste and Waste=; OR, THE YOUNG PILOT OF LAKE CHAMPLAIN.
+
+        "Though we are not so young as we once were, we
+        relished these stories almost as much as the boys and
+        girls for whom they were written. They were really
+        refreshing, even to us. There is much in them which is
+        calculated to inspire a generous, healthy ambition,
+        and to make distasteful all reading tending to
+        stimulate base desires."--_Fitchburg Reveille._
+
+
+=The Starry Flag Series.= By OLIVER OPTIC. In six volumes.
+Illustrated. Any volume sold separately. Price per volume, $1.25.
+
+        1. =The Starry Flag=; OR, THE YOUNG FISHERMAN OF CAPE ANN.
+        2. =Breaking Away=; OR, THE FORTUNES OF A STUDENT.
+        3. =Seek and Find=; OR, THE ADVENTURES OF A SMART BOY.
+        4. =Freaks of Fortune=; OR, HALF ROUND THE WORLD.
+        5. =Make or Break=; OR, THE RICH MAN'S DAUGHTER.
+        6. =Down the River=; OR, BUCK BRADFORD AND THE TYRANTS.
+
+        "Mr. ADAMS, the celebrated and popular writer,
+        familiarly known as OLIVER OPTIC, seems to have
+        inexhaustible funds for weaving together the virtues
+        of life; and, notwithstanding he has written scores of
+        books, the same freshness and novelty run through them
+        all. Some people think the sensational element
+        predominates. Perhaps it does. But a book for young
+        people needs this, and so long as good sentiments are
+        inculcated such books ought to be read."
+
+        LOTHROP, LEE & SHEPARD CO., Boston
+
+
+
+
+OLIVER OPTIC'S BOOKS
+
+=The Great Western Series.= By OLIVER OPTIC. In six volumes.
+Illustrated. Any volume sold separately. Price per volume, $1.25.
+
+1. =Going West=; OR, THE PERILS OF A POOR BOY. 2. =Out West=; OR,
+ROUGHING IT ON THE GREAT LAKES. 3. =Lake Breezes=; OR, THE CRUISE OF
+THE SYLVANIA. 4. =Going South=; OR, YACHTING ON THE ATLANTIC COAST. 5.
+=Down South=; OR, YACHT ADVENTURES IN FLORIDA. 6. =Up the River=; OR,
+YACHTING ON THE MISSISSIPPI.
+
+        "This is the latest series of books issued by this
+        popular writer, and deals with life on the Great
+        Lakes, for which a careful study was made by the
+        author in a summer tour of the immense water sources
+        of America. The story, which carries the same hero
+        through the six books of the series, is always
+        entertaining, novel scenes and varied incidents giving
+        a constantly changing yet always attractive aspect to
+        the narrative. OLIVER OPTIC has written nothing
+        better."
+
+
+=The Yacht Club Series.= By OLIVER OPTIC. In six volumes. Illustrated.
+Any volume sold separately. Price per volume, $1.25.
+
+        1. =Little Bobtail=; OR, THE WRECK OF THE PENOBSCOT.
+        2. =The Yacht Club=; OR, THE YOUNG BOAT BUILDERS.
+        3. =Money-Maker=; OR, THE VICTORY OF THE BASILISK.
+        4. =The Coming Wave=; OR, THE TREASURE OF HIGH ROCK.
+        5. =The Dorcas Club=; OR, OUR GIRLS AFLOAT.
+        6. =Ocean Born=; OR, THE CRUISE OF THE CLUBS.
+
+        "The series has this peculiarity, that all of its
+        constituent volumes are independent of one another,
+        and therefore each story is complete in itself. OLIVER
+        OPTIC is, perhaps, the favorite author of the boys and
+        girls of this country, and he seems destined to enjoy
+        an endless popularity. He deserves his success, for he
+        makes very interesting stories, and inculcates none
+        but the best sentiments, and the 'Yacht Club' is no
+        exception to this rule."--_New Haven Journal and
+        Courier._
+
+
+=Onward and Upward Series.= By OLIVER OPTIC. In six volumes.
+Illustrated. Any volume sold separately. Price per volume, $1.25.
+
+        1. =Field and Forest=; OR, THE FORTUNES OF A FARMER.
+        2. =Plane and Plank=; OR, THE MISHAPS OF A MECHANIC.
+        3. =Desk and Debit=; OR, THE CATASTROPHES OF A CLERK.
+        4. =Cringle and Crosstree=; OR, THE SEA SWASHES OF A SAILOR.
+        5. =Bivouac and Battle=; OR, THE STRUGGLES OF A SOLDIER.
+        6. =Sea and Shore=; OR, THE TRAMPS OF A TRAVELLER.
+
+        "Paul Farringford, the hero of these tales, is, like
+        most of this author's heroes, a young man of high
+        spirit, and of high aims and correct principles,
+        appearing in the different volumes as a farmer, a
+        captain, a bookkeeper, a soldier, a sailor, and a
+        traveller. In all of them the hero meets with very
+        exciting adventures, told in the graphic style for
+        which the author is famous."
+
+
+=The Lake Shore Series.= By OLIVER OPTIC. In six volumes. Illustrated.
+Any volume sold separately. Price per volume, $1.25.
+
+        1. =Through by Daylight=; OR, THE YOUNG ENGINEER OF THE LAKE
+        SHORE RAILROAD.
+        2. =Lightning Express=; OR, THE RIVAL ACADEMIES.
+        3. =On Time=; OR, THE YOUNG CAPTAIN OF THE UCAYGA STEAMER.
+        4. =Switch Off=; OR, THE WAR OF THE STUDENTS.
+        5. =Brake Up=; OR, THE YOUNG PEACEMAKERS.
+        6. =Bear and Forbear=; OR, THE YOUNG SKIPPER OF LAKE UCAYGA.
+
+        "OLIVER OPTIC is one of the most fascinating writers
+        for youth, and within one of the best to be found in
+        this or any past age. Troops of young people hang over
+        his vivid pages; and not one of them ever learned to
+        be mean, ignoble, cowardly, selfish, or to yield to
+        any vice from anything they ever read from his
+        pen."--_Providence Press._
+
+        =LOTHROP, LEE & SHEPARD CO., Boston=
+
+
+
+OLIVER OPTIC'S BOOKS
+
+
+=Army and Navy Stories.= By OLIVER OPTIC. Six volumes. Illustrated.
+Any volume sold separately. Price per volume, $1.25.
+
+        1. =The Soldier Boy=; OR, TOM SOMERS IN THE ARMY.
+        2. =The Sailor Boy=; OR, JACK SOMERS IN THE NAVY.
+        3. =The Young Lieutenant=; OR, ADVENTURES OF AN ARMY OFFICER.
+        4. =The Yankee Middy=; OR, ADVENTURES OF A NAVY OFFICER.
+        5. =Fighting Joe=; OR, THE FORTUNES OF A STAFF OFFICER.
+        6. =Brave Old Salt=; OR, LIFE ON THE QUARTER DECK.
+
+        "This series of six volumes recounts the adventures of
+        two brothers, Tom and Jack Somers, one in the army,
+        the other in the navy, in the great Civil War. The
+        romantic narratives of the fortunes and exploits of
+        the brothers are thrilling in the extreme. Historical
+        accuracy in the recital of the great events of that
+        period is strictly followed, and the result is, not
+        only a library of entertaining volumes, but also the
+        best history of the Civil War for young people ever
+        written."
+
+
+=Boat Builders Series.= By OLIVER OPTIC. In six volumes. Illustrated.
+Any volume sold separately. Price per volume, $1.25.
+
+        1. =All Adrift=; OR, THE GOLDWING CLUB.
+        2. =Snug Harbor=; OR, THE CHAMPLAIN MECHANICS.
+        3. =Square and Compasses=; OR, BUILDING THE HOUSE.
+        4. =Stem to Stern=; OR, BUILDING THE BOAT.
+        5. =All Taut=; OR, RIGGING THE BOAT.
+        6. =Ready About=; OR, SAILING THE BOAT.
+
+        "The series includes in six successive volumes the
+        whole art of boat building, boat rigging, boat
+        managing, and practical hints to make the ownership of
+        a boat pay. A great deal of useful information is
+        given in this =Boat Builders Series=, and in each book
+        a very interesting story is interwoven with the
+        information. Every reader will be interested at once
+        in Dory, the hero of 'All Adrift,' and one of the
+        characters retained in the subsequent volumes of the
+        series. His friends will not want to lose sight of
+        him, and every boy who makes his acquaintance in 'All
+        Adrift' will become his friend."
+
+
+=Riverdale Story Books.= By OLIVER OPTIC. Twelve volumes. Illustrated.
+Illuminated covers. Price: cloth, per set, $3.60; per volume, 30
+cents.
+
+         =1. Little Merchant.=
+         =2. Young Voyagers.=
+         =3. Christmas Gift.=
+         =4. Dolly and I.=
+         =5. Uncle Ben.=
+         =6. Birthday Party.=
+         =7. Proud and Lazy.=
+         =8. Careless Kate.=
+         =9. Robinson Crusoe, Jr.=
+        =10. The Picnic Party.=
+        =11. The Gold Thimble.=
+        =12. The Do-Somethings.=
+
+
+=Riverdale Story Books.= By OLIVER OPTIC. Six volumes. Illustrated.
+Fancy cloth and colors. Price per volume, 30 cents.
+
+        =1. Little Merchant.=
+        =2. Proud and Lazy.=
+        =3. Young Voyagers.=
+        =4. Careless Kate.=
+        =5. Dolly and I.=
+        =6. Robinson Crusoe, Jr.=
+
+
+=Laura Lee Library.= By OLIVER OPTIC. Six volumes. Illustrated. Fancy
+cloth and colors. Price per volume, 30 cents.
+
+        =1. The Picnic Party.=
+        =2. The Gold Thimble.=
+        =3. The Do-Somethings.=
+        =4. Christmas Gift.=
+        =5. Uncle Ben.=
+        =6. Birthday Party.=
+
+        These are bright short stories for younger children
+        who are unable to comprehend the =Starry Flag Series=
+        or the =Army and Navy Series=. But they all display
+        the author's talent for pleasing and interesting the
+        little folks. They are all fresh and original,
+        preaching no sermons, but inculcating good lessons.
+
+        =LOTHROP, LEE & SHEPARD CO., Boston=
+
+
+
+OLIVER OPTIC'S BOOKS
+
+
+=The Famous Boat Club Series.= By OLIVER OPTIC. Six volumes.
+Illustrated. Any volume sold separately. Price per volume $1.25.
+
+        1. =The Boat Club;= OR, THE BUNKERS OF RIPPLETON.
+        2. =All Aboard;= OR, LIFE ON THE LAKE.
+        3. =Now or Never;= OR, THE ADVENTURES OF ROBBY BRIGHT..
+        4. =Try Again;= OR, THE TRIALS AND TRIUMPHS OF HARRY WEST.
+        5. =Poor and Proud;= OR, THE FORTUNES OF KATY REDBURN.
+        6. =Little by Little;= OR, THE CRUISE OF THE FLYAWAY.
+
+        "This is the first series of books written for the
+        young by OLIVER OPTIC. It laid the foundation for his
+        fame as the first of authors in which the young
+        delight, and gained for him the title of the Prince of
+        Story Tellers. The six books are varied in incident
+        and plot, but all are entertaining and original."
+
+
+=Young America Abroad:= A LIBRARY OF TRAVEL AND ADVENTURE IN FOREIGN
+LANDS. By OLIVER OPTIC. Illustrated by NAST and others. First Series.
+Six volumes. Any volume sold separately. Price per volume, $1.25.
+
+  1. =Outward Bound;= OR, YOUNG AMERICA AFLOAT.
+  2. =Shamrock and Thistle;= OR, YOUNG AMERICA IN IRELAND AND SCOTLAND.
+  3. =Red Cross;= OR, YOUNG AMERICA IN ENGLAND AND WALES.
+  4. =Dikes and Ditches;= OR, YOUNG AMERICA IN HOLLAND AND BELGIUM.
+  5. =Palace and Cottage;= OR, YOUNG AMERICA IN FRANCE AND SWITZERLAND.
+  6. =Down the Rhine;= OR, YOUNG AMERICA IN GERMANY.
+
+        "The story from its inception, and through the twelve
+        volumes (see Second Series), is a bewitching one,
+        while the information imparted concerning the
+        countries of Europe and the isles of the sea is not
+        only correct in every particular, but is told in a
+        captivating style. OLIVER OPTIC will continue to be
+        the boys' friend, and his pleasant books will continue
+        to be read by thousands of American boys. What a fine
+        holiday present either or both series of 'Young
+        America Abroad' would be for a young friend! It would
+        make a little library highly prized by the recipient,
+        and would not be an expensive one."--_Providence
+        Press._
+
+
+=Young America Abroad.= By OLIVER OPTIC. Second Series. Six volumes.
+Illustrated. Any volume sold separately. Price per volume, $1.25.
+
+  1. =Up the Baltic;= OR, YOUNG AMERICA IN NORWAY, SWEDEN, AND DENMARK.
+  2. =Northern Lands;= OR, YOUNG AMERICA IN RUSSIA AND PRUSSIA.
+  3. =Cross and Crescent;= OR, YOUNG AMERICA IN TURKEY AND GREECE.
+  4. =Sunny Shores;= OR, YOUNG AMERICA IN ITALY AND AUSTRIA.
+  5. =Vine and Olive;= OR, YOUNG AMERICA IN SPAIN AND PORTUGAL.
+  6. =Isles of the Sea;= OR, YOUNG AMERICA HOMEWARD BOUND.
+
+        "OLIVER OPTIC is a _nom de plume_ that is known and
+        loved by almost every boy of intelligence in the land.
+        We have seen a highly intellectual and world-weary
+        man, a cynic whose heart was somewhat embittered by
+        its large experience of human nature, take up one of
+        OLIVER OPTIC'S books, and read it at a sitting,
+        neglecting his work in yielding to the fascination of
+        the pages. When a mature and exceedingly well-informed
+        mind, long despoiled of all its freshness, can thus
+        find pleasure in a book for boys, no additional words
+        of recommendation are needed."--_Sunday Times._
+
+        LOTHROP, LEE & SHEPARD CO., Boston
+
+
+
+
+THE START IN LIFE SERIES
+
+By J. T. TROWBRIDGE
+
+Cloth Illustrated Price per volume, =$1.00=
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+[Illustration: A START IN LIFE]
+
+
+_A Start in Life_: A STORY OF THE GENESEE COUNTRY.
+
+        In this story the author recounts the hardships of a
+        young lad in his first endeavor to start out for
+        himself. It is a tale that is full of enthusiasm and
+        budding hopes.
+
+
+_Biding His Time._
+
+        "It is full of spirit and adventure, and presents a
+        plucky hero who was willing to 'bide his time,' no
+        matter how great the expectations that he indulged in
+        from his uncle's vast wealth, which he did not in the
+        least covet."--_Boston Home Journal._
+
+
+_The Kelp-Gatherers_: A STORY OF THE MAINE COAST.
+
+        A bright and readable story, with all the hints of
+        character and the vicissitudes of human life, in
+        depicting which the author is an acknowledged master.
+
+
+_The Scarlet Tanager_, AND OTHER BIPEDS.
+
+        Every new story which Mr. Trowbridge begins is
+        followed through successive chapters by thousands who
+        have read and re-read many times his preceding tales.
+        One of his greatest charms is his absolute
+        truthfulness. He does not depict little saints, or
+        incorrigible rascals, but just _boys_.
+
+_The Lottery Ticket._
+
+        "This is one of the many popular stories written by
+        this well-known author, whose name on the title-page
+        of a book makes it a welcome arrival to most of the
+        young people who read. The moral is always good, the
+        influence in the right direction, and the characters
+        so portrayed that the right is always rewarded and the
+        wrong fails to prosper."--_Dubuque, Iowa, Herald._
+
+_The Adventures of David Vane and David Crane._
+
+        A strong, homely, humorous story of the everyday life
+        of American country-bred boys, by one who is
+        acknowledged to be the best living storyteller in his
+        peculiar vein.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+        _For sale by all booksellers, or sent, postpaid, on receipt of
+        price, by_
+        LOTHROP, LEE & SHEPARD CO.
+        BOSTON
+
+
+
+The Tide-Mill Stories
+
+By J. T. TROWBRIDGE
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+_Six Volumes. Cloth. Illustrated. Price per volume, $1.25_
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+=Phil and His Friends.=
+
+        The hero is the son of a man who from drink got into
+        debt, and, after having given a paper to a creditor
+        authorizing him to keep the son as a security for his
+        claim, ran away, leaving poor Phil a bond slave. The
+        story involves a great many unexpected incidents, some
+        of which are painful and some comic. Phil manfully
+        works for a year cancelling his father's debt, and
+        then escapes. The characters are strongly drawn, and
+        the story is absorbingly interesting.
+
+
+=The Tinkham Brothers' Tide-Mill.=
+
+        "'The Tinkham Brothers' were the devoted sons of an
+        invalid mother. The story tells how they purchased a
+        tide-mill, which afterwards, by the ill-will and
+        obstinacy of neighbors, became a source of much
+        trouble to them. It tells also how, by discretion and
+        the exercise of a peaceable spirit, they at last
+        overcame all difficulties."--_Christian Observer,
+        Louisville, Ky._
+
+
+=The Satin-wood Box.=
+
+        "Mr. Trowbridge has always a purpose in his writings,
+        and this time he has undertaken to show how very near
+        an innocent boy can come to the guilty edge and yet be
+        able by fortunate circumstances to rid himself of all
+        suspicion of evil. There is something winsome about
+        the hero; but he has a singular way of falling into
+        bad luck, although the careful reader will never feel
+        the least disposed to doubt his honesty."--_Syracuse
+        Standard._
+
+
+=The Little Master.=
+
+        This is the story of a schoolmaster, his trials,
+        disappointments, and final victory. It will recall to
+        many a man his experience in teaching pupils, and in
+        managing their opinionated and self-willed parents.
+        The story has the charm which is always found in Mr.
+        Trowbridge's works.
+
+        "Many a teacher could profit by reading of this plucky
+        little schoolmaster."--_Journal of Education._
+
+
+=His One Fault.=
+
+        "As for the hero of this story 'His One Fault' was
+        absent-mindedness. He forgot to lock his uncle's
+        stable door, and the horse was stolen. In seeking to
+        recover the stolen horse, he unintentionally stole
+        another. In trying to restore the wrong horse to his
+        rightful owner, he was himself arrested. After no end
+        of comic and dolorous adventures, he surmounted all
+        his misfortunes by downright pluck and genuine good
+        feeling. It is a noble contribution to juvenile
+        literature."--_Woman's Journal._
+
+
+=Peter Budstone.=
+
+        "Mr. J. T. Trowbridge's 'Peter Budstone' is another of
+        those altogether good and wholesome books for boys of
+        which it is hardly possible to speak too highly. This
+        author shows us convincingly how juvenile reading may
+        be made vivacious and interesting, and yet teach sound
+        and clean lessons. 'Peter Budstone' shows forcibly the
+        folly and crime of 'hazing.' It is the story of a
+        noble young fellow whose reason is irreparably
+        overthrown by the savage treatment he received from
+        some of his associates at college. It is a powerful
+        little book, and we wish every schoolboy and college
+        youth could read it."--_Philadelphia American._
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+_Illustrated Catalogue sent free on application._
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+        Lothrop, Lee & Shepard Co., Boston
+
+
+
+
+The Silver Medal Stories
+
+By J. T. TROWBRIDGE
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+_Six Volumes. Cloth. Illustrated. Price per volume, $1.25_
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+=The Silver Medal=, AND OTHER STORIES.
+
+        There were some schoolboys who had turned
+        housebreakers, and among their plunder was a silver
+        medal that had been given to one John Harris by the
+        Humane Society for rescuing from drowning a certain
+        Benton Barry. Now Benton Barry was one of the wretched
+        housebreakers. This is the summary of the opening
+        chapter. The story is intensely interesting in its
+        serious as well as its humorous parts.
+
+
+=His Own Master.=
+
+        "This is a book after the typical boy's own heart. Its
+        hero is a plucky young fellow, who, seeing no chance
+        for himself at home, determines to make his own way in
+        the world.... He sets out accordingly, trudges to the
+        far West, and finds the road to fortune an
+        unpleasantly rough one."--_Philadelphia Inquirer._
+
+
+=Bound in Honor.=
+
+        This story is of a lad, who, though not guilty of any
+        bad action, has been an eye-witness of the conduct of
+        his comrades, and felt "Bound in Honor" not to tell.
+
+        "A capital book in all respects, overflowing with all
+        sorts of fun and adventure; just the sort of book, in
+        short, that the young folks will be anxious to read
+        and re-read with as much continuous interest as the
+        most favored of their storybooks."--_Philadelphia
+        Leader._
+
+
+=The Pocket Rifle.=
+
+        "A boy's story which will be read with avidity, as it
+        ought to be, it is so brightly and frankly written,
+        and with such evident knowledge of the temperaments
+        and habits, the friendships and enmities of
+        schoolboys."--_New York Mail._
+
+        "This is a capital story for boys. It teaches honesty,
+        integrity, and friendship, and how best they can be
+        promoted. It shows the danger of hasty judgment and
+        circumstantial evidence; that right-doing pays, and
+        dishonesty never."--_Chicago Inter-Ocean._
+
+
+=The Jolly Rover.=
+
+        "This book will help to neutralize the ill effects of
+        any poison which children may have swallowed in the
+        way of sham-adventurous stories and wildly fictitious
+        tales. 'The Jolly Rover' runs away from home, and
+        meets life as it is, till he is glad enough to seek
+        again his father's house. Mr. Trowbridge has the power
+        of making an instructive story absorbing in its
+        interest, and of covering a moral so that it is easy
+        to take."--_Christian Intelligencer._
+
+
+=Young Joe=, AND OTHER BOYS.
+
+        "Young Joe," who lived at Bass Cove, where he shot
+        wild ducks, took some to town for sale, and attracted
+        the attention of a portly gentleman fond of shooting.
+        This gentleman went duck shooting with Joe, and their
+        adventures were more amusing to the boy than to the
+        amateur sportsman.
+
+        There are thirteen other short stories in the book
+        which will be sure to please the young folks.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+        _Complete Illustrated Catalogue sent free on application._
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+        Lothrop, Lee & Shepard Co., Boston
+
+
+
+
+_PHILLIPS EXETER SERIES_
+
+By A. T. DUDLEY
+
+ Cloth, 12mo  Illustrated by Charles Copeland  Price per volume, =$1.25=
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+=FOLLOWING THE BALL=
+
+Here is an up-to-date story presenting American boarding-school life
+and modern athletics. Football is an important feature, but it is a
+story of character formation in which athletics play an important
+part.
+
+        "Mingled with the story of football is another and
+        higher endeavor, giving the book the best of moral
+        tone."--_Chicago Record-Herald._
+
+
+=MAKING THE NINE=
+
+The life presented is that of a real school, interesting, diversified,
+and full of striking incidents. The athletics are technically correct,
+while the characters are true and consistent types of American boyhood
+and youth.
+
+        "The story is healthful, for, while it exalts
+        athletics, it does not overlook the fact that studious
+        habits and noble character are imperative needs for
+        those who would win success in life."--_Herald and
+        Presbyter, Cincinnati._
+
+
+=IN THE LINE=
+
+Tells how a stalwart young student won his position as guard, and made
+equally marked progress in the formation of character.
+
+        "The book gives boys an interesting story, much
+        football information, and many lessons in true
+        manliness."--_Watchman, Boston._
+
+
+=WITH MASK AND MITT=
+
+While appealing to the natural normal tastes of boys for fun and
+interest in the baseball, the book, without preaching, lays emphasis
+on the building up of character.
+
+        "No normal boy who is interested in our great national
+        game can fail to find interest and profit, too, in
+        this lively boarding-school story."--_Interior,
+        Chicago._
+
+
+[Illustration: THE GREAT YEAR]
+
+=THE GREAT YEAR=
+
+Three manly comrades, captains respectively of the baseball, football,
+and track teams, help each other to achieve a "great year" of triple
+victory over their traditional rival.
+
+        "It is a fine, inspiring story for manly boys."--_N.
+        Y. Christian Advocate._
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+        For sale by all booksellers or sent postpaid on receipt of price
+        by the Publishers,
+
+        LOTHROP, LEE & SHEPARD CO., BOSTON
+
+
+
+
+THE BOY CRAFTSMAN
+
+=Practical and Profitable Ideas for a Boy's Leisure Hours=
+
+By A. NEELY HALL
+
+
+Illustrated with over 400 diagrams and working drawings 8vo Price,
+$2.00
+
+[Illustration: The Boy Craftsman]
+
+Every real boy wishes to design and make things, but the questions of
+materials and tools are often hard to pet around. Nearly all books on
+the subject call for a greater outlay of money than is within the
+means of many boys, or their parents wish to expend in such ways. In
+this book a number of chapters give suggestions for carrying on a
+small business that will bring a boy in money with which to buy tools
+and materials necessary for making apparatus and articles described in
+other chapters, while the ideas are so practical that many an
+industrious boy can learn what he is best fitted for in his life work.
+No work of its class is so completely up-to-date or so worthy in point
+of thoroughness and avoidance of danger. The drawings are profuse and
+excellent, and every feature of the book is first-class. It tells how
+to make a boy's workshop, how to handle tools, and what can be made
+with them; how to start a printing shop and conduct an amateur
+newspaper, how to make photographs, build a log cabin, a canvas canoe,
+a gymnasium, a miniature theatre, and many other things dear to the
+soul of youth.
+
+        We cannot imagine a more delightful present for a boy
+        than this book.--_Churchman, N. Y._
+
+        Every boy should have this book. It's a practical
+        book--it gets right next to the boy's heart and stays
+        there. He will have it near him all the time, and on
+        every page there is a lesson or something that will
+        stand the boy in good need. Beyond a doubt in its line
+        this is one of the cleverest books on the
+        market.--_Providence News._
+
+        If a boy has any sort of a mechanical turn of mind,
+        his parents should see that he has this book.--_Boston
+        Journal._
+
+        This is a book that will do boys good.--_Buffalo
+        Express._
+
+        The boy who will not find this book a mine of joy and
+        profit must be queerly constituted.--_Pittsburgh
+        Gazette._
+
+        Will be a delight to the boy mechanic.--_Watchman,
+        Boston._
+
+        An admirable book to give a boy.--_Newark News._
+
+        This book is the best yet offered for its large number
+        of practical and profitable ideas.--_Milwaukee Free
+        Press._
+
+        Parents ought to know of this book.--_New York Globe._
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+        For sale by all booksellers or sent postpaid on receipt of
+        price by the publishers,
+
+        LOTHROP, LEE & SHEPARD CO., BOSTON
+
+
+
+
+_Making of Our Nation Series_
+
+_By WILLIAM C. SPRAGUE_
+
+        Large 12mo, Cloth      Illustrated by A. B. Shute
+        Price per volume, $1.50
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+=The Boy Courier of Napoleon=
+
+=A Story of the Louisiana Purchase=
+
+[Illustration: THE BOY COURIER OF NAPOLEON]
+
+William C. Sprague, the notably successful editor of "The American
+Boy," has given for the first time the history of the Louisiana
+Purchase in entertaining story form. The hero is introduced as a
+French drummer boy in the great battle of Hohenlinden. He serves as a
+valet to Napoleon and later is sent with secret messages to the French
+in San Domingo and in Louisiana. After exciting adventures he
+accomplishes his mission and is present at the lowering of the Spanish
+flag, and later at that of the French and the raising of the Stars and
+Stripes.
+
+        "All boys and girls of our country who read this book
+        will be delighted with it, as well as benefited by the
+        historical knowledge contained in its
+        pages."--_Louisville, Ky., Times._
+
+        "An excellent book for boys, containing just enough
+        history to make them hunger for more. No praise of
+        this book can be too high."--_Town Topics, Cleveland,
+        O._
+
+        "This book is one to fascinate every intelligent
+        American boy."--_Buffalo Times._
+
+
+=The Boy Pathfinder=
+
+=A Story of the Oregon Trail=
+
+[Illustration: THE BOY PATHFINDER]
+
+This book has as its hero an actual character, George Shannon, a
+Pennsylvania lad, who at seventeen left school to become one of the
+Lewis and Clark expedition. He had narrow escapes, but persevered, and
+the story of his wanderings, interwoven with excellent historical
+information, makes the highest type of general reading for the young.
+
+        "It is a thoroughly good story, full of action and
+        adventure and at the same time carrying a bit of real
+        history accurately recorded."--_Universalist Leader,
+        Boston._
+
+        "It is an excellent book for a boy to read."--_Newark,
+        N. J., Advertiser._
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+_For sale by all booksellers or sent postpaid on receipt of price by
+the publishers_
+
+        LOTHROP, LEE & SHEPARD CO., BOSTON
+
+
+
+
+_Raymond Benson Series_
+
+_By CLARENCE B. BURLEIGH_
+
+        Illustrated by L. J. Bridgman  Large 12mo, Cloth
+        $1.50 per volume
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+=The Camp on Letter K=
+
+The story deals with two active boys in Aroostook County close to the
+northeastern boundary of our country, and where smuggling across the
+Canadian line has been prevalent. Equally ready in athletics, hunting,
+or helping their families on the rich farms of that section, these
+good chums have many exciting adventures, the most important of which
+directly concerns the leading smugglers of the district, and an
+important public service is rendered by the boys.
+
+        "There is an atmosphere about the whole book that is
+        attractive to boys, and it will be read by them with
+        enthusiastic delight."--_Democrat and Chronicle,
+        Rochester, N. Y._
+
+
+=Raymond Benson at Krampton=
+
+Raymond Benson and his friend, Ned Grover, go to Krampton Academy,
+which is no other than the noted school at New Hampton, N. H., where
+Mr. Burleigh was fitted for college. We have had good books telling of
+the larger and more aristocratic preparatory schools, but never before
+one that so well told of life at a typical country academy of the sort
+that have furnished the inspiration for so many successful men.
+
+        "It is interesting from start to finish, and while
+        rousing and full of enthusiasm, is wholesome in
+        spirit, and teaches lessons of purity and justice and
+        manliness in real life."--_Herald & Presbyter._
+
+
+=The Kenton Pines=
+
+[Illustration: THE KENTON PINES]
+
+"Kenton College" is Bowdoin College, beautiful in its location and
+famous in its history. Raymond's athletic abilities insure him
+immediate and enduring prominence as a student, and the accounts of
+athletic contests will stir the blood of any one. But the book is far
+more than a tale of these things; it is a wonderful picture of life at
+a smaller college, with all its fine hard work, "grinds," and
+triumphs. It is a book that rings true on every manly question.
+
+        "This book, like the other of the series, is of a very
+        high character, and should be an inspiration to all
+        boys contemplating a college career."--_Interior._
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+_For sale at all booksellers or sent postpaid on receipt of price by
+the publishers_
+
+        LOTHROP, LEE & SHEPARD CO., BOSTON
+
+
+
+BOOKS BY EVERETT T. TOMLINSON.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+=THE WAR OF 1812 SERIES=
+
+
+[Illustration: TECUMSEH'S YOUNG BRAVES]
+
+        Six volumes Cloth Illustrated by A. E.
+        Shute   Price per volume reduced to $1.25
+
+No American writer for boys has ever occupied a higher position than
+Dr. Tomlinson, and the "War of 1812 Series" covers a field attempted
+by no other juvenile literature in a manner that has secured continued
+popularity.
+
+        =The Search for Andrew Field=
+          =The Boy Soldiers of 1812=
+            =The Boy Officers of 1812=
+              =Tecumseh's Young Braves=
+                =Guarding the Border=
+                  =The Boys with Old Hickory=
+
+
+=ST. LAWRENCE SERIES=
+
+=CRUISING IN THE ST. LAWRENCE=
+
+        Being the third volume of the "St. Lawrence Series"   Cloth
+        Illustrated  Price $1.50
+
+Our old friends, "Bob," "Ben," "Jock," and "Bert," having completed
+their sophomore year at college, plan to spend the summer vacation
+cruising on the noble St. Lawrence. Here they not only visit places of
+historic interest, but also the Indian tribes encamped on the banks of
+the river, and learn from them their customs, habits, and quaint
+legends.
+
+
+_=PREVIOUS VOLUMES=_
+
+        =CAMPING ON THE ST. LAWRENCE=
+               =Or, On the Trail of the Early Discoverers=
+          Cloth   Illustrated   $1.50
+
+        =THE HOUSE-BOAT ON THE ST. LAWRENCE=
+               =Or, Following Frontenac=
+          Cloth   Illustrated   $1.50
+
+_=BY THE SAME AUTHOR=_
+
+        =STORIES OF THE AMERICAN REVOLUTION=
+          First and Second Series   Cloth   Illustrated   $1.00 each
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+        Lothrop, Lee & Shepard Co., Boston
+
+
+
+
+PIGEON CAMP SERIES
+
+By MARTHA JAMES
+
+        Illustrated   Cloth   Large 12mo    =$1.25=
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+=JIMMIE SUTER=
+
+[Illustration: JIMMIE SUTER]
+
+Jimmie Suter is a sturdy, active, honest boy, whose father and mother
+are very worthy people in moderate circumstances. What Jimmie lacks in
+pocket money, however, he more than makes up in mechanical ingenuity
+and other good qualities, and his best boy friend is the son of a rich
+man, but not spoiled by the fact. They have royal times making and
+sailing an ice-boat and doing many other things, and best of all they
+organize the "S. F. B.," or Society for Feeding Birds, which spreads
+far and wide and is productive of most enjoyable acquaintances besides
+doing good service in the cause for which it was intended. Deeds of
+kindness to a queer old neighbor bring an unexpected reward, and the
+bright, wholesome book ends in a most pleasing manner.
+
+        "Martha James seems to have a good kind of insight for
+        this juvenile literature, and in the course of an
+        interesting story drops many valuable suggestions
+        about the employment of a boy's time and his habits of
+        life outside of school."--_Syracuse Herald._
+
+        "In his kindness and thoughtfulness for both men and
+        animals, Jimmie is an ideal boy."--_The Watchman,
+        Boston._
+
+        "The happy, wholesome book closes in a thoroughly
+        satisfactory way."--_Chicago Inter-Ocean._
+
+        "The tone is simple and healthy, and the book will no
+        doubt find many young readers."--_The Churchman,
+        Milwaukee._
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+        For sale by all booksellers or sent postpaid on receipt of price
+        by the publishers,
+
+        LOTHROP, LEE & SHEPARD CO., BOSTON
+
+
+
+
+W. O. STODDARD'S BOOKS
+
+        12mo   Cloth   Price per volume, =$1.25=
+
+=DAN MONROE: A Story of Bunker Bill= Illustrated by W. F. Kennedy
+
+In this volume the hero is one whose name is found in several
+trustworthy records as the drummer boy of the Lexington militia, his
+closest friend, Nat Harrington, being the fifer. The Concord fight,
+the Battle of Bunker Hill, and the arrival of Washington are
+introduced as parts of a carefully preserved historical outline.
+
+
+=LONG BRIDGE BOYS= Illustrated by I. B. Hazelton
+
+It tells the story of an actual attempt made by the Confederates of
+Virginia, just prior to the outbreak of the Civil War, to seize the
+city of Washington by force of arms, and make prisoners of President
+Lincoln and other high government officials.
+
+
+=AHEAD OF THE ARMY= Illustrated by C. Chase Emerson
+
+This is a lively narrative of the experiences of an American boy who
+arrives in Mexico as the war with the United States is beginning.
+
+
+=THE ERRAND BOY OF ANDREW JACKSON: A War Story of 1812= Illustrated by
+Will Crawford
+
+This tale is of the War of 1812, and describes the events of the only
+land campaign of 1812-1814 in which the Americans were entirely
+successful.
+
+
+=JACK MORGAN: A Boy of 1812= Illustrated by Will Crawford
+
+It is the adventures of a boy of the frontier during the great fight
+that Harrison made on land, and Perry on the lakes for the security of
+the border.
+
+
+=THE NOANK'S LOG: A Privateer of the Revolution= Illustrated by Will
+Crawford
+
+The further adventures of the plucky Guert Ten Eyck, as he fought King
+George on land and sea.
+
+
+=THE DESPATCH BOAT OF THE WHISTLE: A Story of Santiago= Illustrated by
+Frank T. Merrill
+
+A breezy story of a newspaper despatch boat, in the war with Spain.
+
+
+=GUERT TEN EYCK= Illustrated by Frank T. Merrill
+
+A hero story of real American girls and boys, in the American
+Revolution.
+
+
+=THE PARTNERS= Illustrated by Albert Scott Cox
+
+A capital story of a bright, go-ahead country girl and two boys who
+helped her keep store.
+
+
+=CHUCK PURDY: A New York Boy= Illustrated
+
+A delightful story of boy life in New York City.
+
+
+=GID GRANGER: A Country Boy= Illustrated
+
+A capital story of American life.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+  For sale by all booksellers or sent postpaid on receipt of price by
+  the publishers,
+
+        LOTHROP, LEE & SHEPARD CO., BOSTON
+
+
+
+
+George Cary Eggleston's Juveniles
+
+
+The Bale Marked Circle X
+
+A Blockade Running Adventure
+
+=Illustrated by C. Chase Emerson. 12mo, red cloth, illustrated cover,
+$1.50.=
+
+Another of Mr. Eggleston's stirring books for youth. In it are told
+the adventures of three boy soldiers in the Confederate Service who
+are sent in a sloop on a secret voyage from Charleston to the Bahamas,
+conveying a strange bale of cotton which holds important documents.
+The boys pass through startling adventures: they run the blockade,
+suffer shipwreck, and finally reach their destination after the
+pluckiest kind of effort.
+
+
+Camp Venture
+
+A Story of the Virginia Mountains
+
+=Illustrated by W. A. McCullough. 12mo, dark red cloth, illustrated
+cover, $1.50.=
+
+The _Louisville Courier Journal_ says: "George Cary Eggleston has
+written a decidedly good tale of pluck and adventure in 'Camp
+Venture.' It will be of interest to young and old who enjoy an
+exciting story, but there is also a great deal of instruction and
+information in the book."
+
+
+The Last of the Flatboats
+
+A Story of the Mississippi
+
+=Illustrated by Charlotte Harding. 12mo, green cloth, illustrated
+cover, $1.50.=
+
+The _Brooklyn Eagle_ says: "Mr. George Cary Eggleston, the veteran
+editor and author, has scored a double success in his new book, 'The
+Last of the Flatboats,' which has just been published. Written
+primarily as a story for young readers, it contains many things that
+are of interest to older people. Altogether, it is a mighty good
+story, and well worth reading."
+
+        Lothrop, Lee & Shepard Co., Boston
+
+
+
+
+_By Chaplain H. H. CLARK, U.S.N._
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+THE ADMIRAL'S AID
+
+_A Story of Life in the New Navy_
+
+12mo, blue cloth, illustrated by I. B. HAZELTON =$1.25=
+
+In this favorite author's two earlier books we learned somewhat of the
+old navy. In this story it is the new navy, with all of its progress
+and development, which engages our attention. But the hope of the new
+navy is built upon the same qualities that have distinguished officers
+and men from its beginning. These Chaplain Clark portrays, to the
+delight of every reader, in this thrilling story.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+JOE BENTLY, Naval Cadet
+
+12mo, blue cloth, illustrated by F. O. SMALL. =$1.25=
+
+In this story Joe Bently meets with many new and intensely interesting
+adventures.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+BOY LIFE IN THE UNITED STATES NAVY
+
+12mo, blue cloth, illustrated. =$1.25=
+
+The book is a true picture of a healthy, attractive life of the navy
+that is little known to the general public, and full enough of
+adventures to please all classes of readers.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+        Lothrop, Lee & Shepard Co., Boston
+
+
+
+
+_YOUNG DEFENDER SERIES_
+
+By ELBRIDGE S. BROOKS
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+[Illustration: IN DEFENCE OF THE FLAG]
+
+IN DEFENCE OF THE FLAG
+
+=A Boy's Adventures in Spain and Cuba in the War of 1898=
+
+        Illustrated by W. F. STECHER  12mo  Cloth  $1.25
+
+A story of action and adventure such as all healthy boys like, telling
+of a plucky young American who defended his country's flag against
+mobs in Spain and foemen in Cuba, and had many thrilling experiences.
+
+        "Suffice it to say that he will be a lucky boy, with
+        many a thrill before him, who finds this book in his
+        Christmas stocking. Don is a hero after every boy's
+        heart."--_Boston Herald._
+
+
+WITH LAWTON AND ROBERTS
+
+=A Boy's Adventures in the Philippines and the Transvaal=
+
+        Illustrated by C. CHASE EMERSON  12mo  Cloth  $1.25
+
+The stirring adventures of a manly American boy who follows Lawton in
+his last campaigns, and by a singular train of circumstances has
+"moving accidents by flood and field," in two wars, with American
+soldiers, Filipino insurrectos, Malay pirates, English troopers, and
+Boer burghers.
+
+        "Mr. Brooks presents vivid pictures of both wars, so
+        widely separated. His pages are full of the swift
+        moving incidents which boys love. Dull indeed must be
+        the young reader whose interest flags."--_Boston
+        Journal._
+
+
+
+[Illustration: UNDER THE ALLIED FLAGS]
+
+UNDER THE ALLIED FLAGS
+
+=A Boy's Adventures in China During the Boxer Revolt=
+
+        Illustrated by W. F. STECHER   12mo   Cloth   $1.25
+
+The stirring story of an American boy's adventures in Tien Tsin and
+Pekin, in the ranks of the International troops and as one of the
+defenders of the beleaguered legations. Up-to-date, absorbing, and
+full of healthy excitement. Characters who are in the stories "With
+Lawton and Roberts" and "In Defence of the Flag" reappear in this
+story.
+
+        "Men and women, boys and girls, of all the mingled
+        nationalities that made this war in China so
+        picturesque, appear in the story and give it vigor,
+        variety, and unflagging interest."--_Cleveland World._
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+      For sale by all booksellers or sent postpaid on receipt of price
+        by the publishers,
+
+        LOTHROP, LEE & SHEPARD CO., BOSTON
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+Transcriber's Notes:
+
+Punctuation normalised.
+
+Page 139, text missing was presumed. Original read: position, if I ...
+f ... every dec ... fellow in the Institute had ... outraged ...nd ...
+
+Page 172, paragraph break inserted between the lines:
+
+"Ay!" shouted the students, with one voice.
+
+"Those opposed, say no."
+
+Page 231, missing text inserted. Original read "food or s... on the
+island."
+
+Advertisement for "GUERT TEN EYCK", "America" changed to "American".
+(in the American Revolution)
+
+
+
+
+
+
+End of the Project Gutenberg EBook of Breaking Away, by Oliver Optic
+
+*** END OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK BREAKING AWAY ***
+
+***** This file should be named 22433-8.txt or 22433-8.zip *****
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+      The Project Gutenberg eBook of Breaking Away, by Oliver Optic.
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+<pre>
+
+The Project Gutenberg EBook of Breaking Away, by Oliver Optic
+
+This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with
+almost no restrictions whatsoever.  You may copy it, give it away or
+re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included
+with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.org
+
+
+Title: Breaking Away
+       or The Fortunes of a Student
+
+Author: Oliver Optic
+
+Illustrator: Kilburn
+
+Release Date: August 29, 2007 [EBook #22433]
+
+Language: English
+
+Character set encoding: ISO-8859-1
+
+*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK BREAKING AWAY ***
+
+
+
+
+Produced by David Edwards, Emmy and the Online Distributed
+Proofreading Team at http://www.pgdp.net (This file was
+produced from scans of public domain material produced by
+Microsoft for their Live Search Books site.)
+
+
+
+
+
+
+</pre>
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+<div class='center'>
+<table border="0" cellpadding="4" cellspacing="0" summary="Cover and booklists">
+<tr><td align='left'><img src="images/cover.jpg" width="255" height="400" alt="Cover: BREAKING AWAY" title="" />
+</td><td align='left'><h2>THE STARRY FLAG SERIES,</h2>
+
+<h3>BY OLIVER OPTIC.</h3>
+
+
+
+
+
+<div class='center'>
+<table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" summary="Starry Flag Series">
+<tr><td align='right' valign='top'>I.</td><td align='left'>THE STARRY FLAG; <span class="smcap">or, The Young Fisherman of Cape Ann</span>.</td></tr>
+<tr><td align='right' valign='top'>II.</td><td align='left'>FREAKS OF FORTUNE; <span class="smcap">or, Half round the World</span>.</td></tr>
+<tr><td align='right' valign='top'>III.</td><td align='left'>BREAKING AWAY; <span class="smcap">or, The Fortunes of a Student</span>.</td></tr>
+<tr><td align='right' valign='top'>IV.</td><td align='left'>SEEK AND FIND; <span class="smcap">or, The Adventures of a Smart Boy</span>.</td></tr>
+<tr><td align='right' valign='top'>V.</td><td align='left'>MAKE OR BREAK; <span class="smcap">or, The Rich Man's Daughter</span>.</td></tr>
+<tr><td align='right' valign='top'>VI.</td><td align='left'>DOWN THE RIVER; <span class="smcap">or, Buck Bradford and his Tyrants</span>.</td></tr>
+</table></div>
+</td></tr>
+</table></div>
+
+
+
+<div class="figcenter" style="width: 600px;">
+<img src="images/frontispiece.jpg" width="600" height="465" alt="THE REBELLION IN THE PARKVILLE LITERARY INSTITUTE.&mdash;Page 30." title="" />
+<span class="caption">THE REBELLION IN THE PARKVILLE LITERARY INSTITUTE.&mdash;<a href="#Page_30">Page 30</a>.</span>
+</div>
+
+
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+<h1>BREAKING AWAY;</h1>
+
+<h3>OR,</h3>
+
+<h2>THE FORTUNES OF A STUDENT.</h2>
+
+<h3>BY</h3>
+
+<h2>OLIVER OPTIC,</h2>
+
+<div class='center'>
+AUTHOR OF "YOUNG AMERICA ABROAD," "THE ARMY AND NAVY STORIES,"<br />
+"THE WOODVILLE STORIES," "THE BOAT-CLUB STORIES,"<br />
+"THE RIVERDALE STORIES," ETC.<br /><br /><br /><br />
+</div>
+
+<hr style='width: 15%;' />
+
+<div class='center'><br /><br />
+BOSTON:<br />
+LOTHROP, LEE &amp; SHEPARD CO.<br />
+</div>
+
+
+
+<hr style='width: 65%;' />
+<div class='center'>
+Entered, according to Act of Congress, in the year 1867, by<br />
+<span class="smcap">William T. Adams</span>,<br />
+In the Clerk's Office of the District Court of the District of Massachusetts.<br />
+</div>
+
+<hr style='width: 15%;' />
+
+<div class='center'>
+<span class="smcap">Copyright, 1895, by William T. Adams.</span><br />
+<i>All rights reserved.</i><br />
+</div>
+
+<hr style='width: 15%;' />
+
+<div class='center'>
+BREAKING AWAY.<br />
+</div>
+
+
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+<div class='center'>
+TO<br />
+<br />
+<span class="smcap">My Young Friend,</span><br />
+<br />
+<i>HARLAN H. BALLARD</i>,<br />
+<br />
+This Book<br />
+<br />
+IS AFFECTIONATELY DEDICATED.<br /></div>
+
+
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" /><p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_5" id="Page_5">[5]</a></span></p>
+
+<h2>PREFACE.</h2>
+
+<hr style='width: 25%;' />
+
+<p>"<span class="smcap">Breaking Away</span>" is the second of the series of stories published in "<span class="smcap">Our
+Boys and Girls</span>," and the author had no reason to complain of the
+reception accorded to it by his young friends, as it appeared in the
+weekly issues of the Magazine; but, on the contrary, he finds renewed
+occasion cordially to thank them for their continued appreciation of his
+earnest efforts to please them.</p>
+
+<p>After an experience of more than twenty years as a teacher, the writer
+did not expect his young friends to sympathize with the schoolmaster of
+this story, for doubtless many of them have known and despised a similar
+creature in real life. Mr. Parasyte is not a myth; but we are grateful
+that an enlightened public sentiment is every year rendering more and
+more odious the petty tyrant of the school-room, and we are too happy to
+give this retreating personage a parting blow as he retires from the
+scene of his fading glories.</p>
+
+<p>Rebellions, either in the school or in the state, are always dangerous
+and demoralizing; but while we unequivocally condemn<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_6" id="Page_6">[6]</a></span> the tyrant in our
+story, we cannot always approve the conduct of his pupils. One evil
+gives birth to another; but even a righteous end cannot justify immoral
+means, and we beg to remind our young and enthusiastic readers that
+Ernest Thornton and his friends were compelled to acknowledge that they
+had done wrong in many things, and that "Breaking Away" was deemed a
+very doubtful expedient for the redress even of a real wrong.</p>
+
+<p>As it was impossible for Ernest to relate the whole of his eventful
+history in one volume, Breaking Away will be immediately followed by a
+sequel,&mdash;"Seek and Find,"&mdash;in which the hero will narrate his adventures
+in seeking and finding his mother, of whose tender care he was deprived
+from his earliest childhood.</p>
+
+<p>
+<span class="smcap">Harrison Square, Mass.</span>,<br />
+<span style="margin-left: 3em;">September 23, 1867.</span><br />
+</p>
+
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" /><p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_7" id="Page_7">[7]</a></span></p>
+
+<h2>CONTENTS.</h2>
+
+
+
+
+<div class='center'>
+<table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" summary="Contents">
+<tr><td align='center'>&nbsp;</td><td align='center'><small>PAGE</small></td></tr>
+<tr><td align='center' colspan='2'>CHAPTER I.</td></tr>
+<tr><td align='left'><span class="smcap">In which Ernest Thornton introduces Himself.</span></td><td align='right'><a href="#Page_11">11</a></td></tr>
+<tr><td align='center' colspan='2'><br />CHAPTER II.</td></tr>
+<tr><td align='left'><span class="smcap">In which there is Trouble in the Parkville Liberal Institute.</span></td><td align='right'><a href="#Page_22">22</a></td></tr>
+<tr><td align='center' colspan='2'><br />CHAPTER III.</td></tr>
+<tr><td align='left'><span class="smcap">In which Ernest is expelled from the Parkville Liberal Institute.</span></td><td align='right'><a href="#Page_33">33</a></td></tr>
+<tr><td align='center' colspan='2'><br />CHAPTER IV.</td></tr>
+<tr><td align='left'><span class="smcap">In which Ernest sails the Splash, and Takes a Bath.</span></td><td align='right'><a href="#Page_44">44</a></td></tr>
+<tr><td align='center' colspan='2'><br />CHAPTER V.</td></tr>
+<tr><td align='left'><span class="smcap">In which Ernest declines a Proposition.</span></td><td align='right'><a href="#Page_55">55</a></td></tr>
+<tr><td align='center' colspan='2'><br />CHAPTER VI.</td></tr>
+<tr><td align='left'><span class="smcap">In which Ernest finds his Fellow-Students in open Rebellion.</span></td><td align='right'><a href="#Page_66">66</a></td></tr>
+<tr><td align='center' colspan='2'><br />CHAPTER VII.</td></tr>
+<tr><td align='left'><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_8" id="Page_8">[8]</a></span><span class="smcap">In which Ernest attends the Trial of Bill Poodles and Dick Pearl.</span></td><td align='right'><a href="#Page_78">78</a></td></tr>
+<tr><td align='center' colspan='2'><br />CHAPTER VIII.</td></tr>
+<tr><td align='left'><span class="smcap">In which Ernest vanquishes the Schoolmaster.</span></td><td align='right'><a href="#Page_89">89</a></td></tr>
+<tr><td align='center' colspan='2'><br />CHAPTER IX.</td></tr>
+<tr><td align='left'><span class="smcap">In which Ernest strikes a heavy Blow, and wins another Victory.</span></td><td align='right'><a href="#Page_100">100</a></td></tr>
+<tr><td align='center' colspan='2'><br />CHAPTER X.</td></tr>
+<tr><td align='left'><span class="smcap">In which Ernest has an Interview with his Uncle.</span></td><td align='right'><a href="#Page_111">111</a></td></tr>
+<tr><td align='center' colspan='2'><br />CHAPTER XI.</td></tr>
+<tr><td align='left'><span class="smcap">In which Ernest is disowned and cast out.</span></td><td align='right'><a href="#Page_122">122</a></td></tr>
+<tr><td align='center' colspan='2'><br />CHAPTER XII.</td></tr>
+<tr><td align='left'><span class="smcap">In which Ernest raises the Splash, and there is a general Breaking Away among the Students.</span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</td><td align='right'><a href="#Page_132">132</a></td></tr>
+<tr><td align='center' colspan='2'><br />CHAPTER XIII.</td></tr>
+<tr><td align='left'><span class="smcap">In which Ernest is chosen Commodore of the Fleet.</span></td><td align='right'><a href="#Page_144">144</a></td></tr>
+<tr><td align='center' colspan='2'><br />CHAPTER XIV.</td></tr>
+<tr><td align='left'><span class="smcap">In which Ernest is waited upon by a Deputy Sheriff.</span></td><td align='right'><a href="#Page_155">155</a></td></tr>
+<tr><td align='center' colspan='2'><br />CHAPTER XV.</td></tr>
+<tr><td align='left'><span class="smcap">In which Ernest and the Commissary visit Cannondale.</span></td><td align='right'><a href="#Page_166">166</a></td></tr>
+<tr><td align='center' colspan='2'><br />CHAPTER XVI.</td></tr>
+<tr><td align='left'><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_9" id="Page_9">[9]</a></span><span class="smcap">In which Ernest conveys the Students to Pine Island.</span></td><td align='right'><a href="#Page_177">177</a></td></tr>
+<tr><td align='center' colspan='2'><br />CHAPTER XVII.</td></tr>
+<tr><td align='left'><span class="smcap">In which Ernest finds there is Treason in the Camp.</span></td><td align='right'><a href="#Page_188">188</a></td></tr>
+<tr><td align='center' colspan='2'><br />CHAPTER XVIII.</td></tr>
+<tr><td align='left'><span class="smcap">In which Ernest and his Companions land at Cannondale.</span></td><td align='right'><a href="#Page_199">199</a></td></tr>
+<tr><td align='center' colspan='2'><br />CHAPTER XIX.</td></tr>
+<tr><td align='left'><span class="smcap">In which Ernest and his Friends are disgusted with Mr. Parasyte's Ingratitude.</span></td><td align='right'><a href="#Page_211">211</a></td></tr>
+<tr><td align='center' colspan='2'><br />CHAPTER XX.</td></tr>
+<tr><td align='left'><span class="smcap">In which Ernest takes the Wheel of the Adieno.</span></td><td align='right'><a href="#Page_222">222</a></td></tr>
+<tr><td align='center' colspan='2'><br />CHAPTER XXI.</td></tr>
+<tr><td align='left'><span class="smcap">In which Ernest continues to act as Pilot of the Steamer.</span></td><td align='right'><a href="#Page_233">233</a></td></tr>
+<tr><td align='center' colspan='2'><br />CHAPTER XXII.</td></tr>
+<tr><td align='left'><span class="smcap">In which Ernest pilots the Adieno to "The Sisters."</span></td><td align='right'><a href="#Page_244">244</a></td></tr>
+<tr><td align='center' colspan='2'><br />CHAPTER XXIII.</td></tr>
+<tr><td align='left'><span class="smcap">In which Ernest takes Command of the Expedition.</span></td><td align='right'><a href="#Page_255">255</a></td></tr>
+<tr><td align='center' colspan='2'><br />CHAPTER XXIV.</td></tr>
+<tr><td align='left'><span class="smcap">In which Ernest engages in an Exciting Steamboat Race.</span></td><td align='right'><a href="#Page_266">266</a></td></tr>
+<tr><td align='center' colspan='2'><br />CHAPTER XXV.</td></tr>
+<tr><td align='left'><span class="smcap">In which Ernest pilots the Adieno to Parkville.</span></td><td align='right'><a href="#Page_277">277</a></td></tr>
+<tr><td align='center' colspan='2'><br />CHAPTER XXVI.</td></tr>
+<tr><td align='left'><span class="smcap">In which Ernest finds a Change in the Management of the Institute.</span></td><td align='right'><a href="#Page_287">287</a></td></tr>
+</table></div>
+
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" /><p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_11" id="Page_11">[11]</a></span></p>
+
+<h2>BREAKING AWAY;</h2>
+
+<h4>OR,</h4>
+
+<h3>THE FORTUNES OF A STUDENT.</h3>
+
+
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+<h2>CHAPTER I.</h2>
+
+<h3>IN WHICH ERNEST THORNTON INTRODUCES HIMSELF.</h3>
+
+
+<p>"Ernest Thornton!" called Mr. Parasyte, the principal of the Parkville
+Liberal Institute, in a tone so stern and severe that it was impossible
+to mistake his meaning, or not to understand that a tempest was brewing.
+"Ernest Thornton!"</p>
+
+<p>As that was my name, I replied to the summons by rising, and exhibiting
+my full length to all the boys assembled in the school-room&mdash;about one
+hundred in number.</p>
+
+<p>"Ernest Thornton!" repeated Mr. Parasyte, not satisfied with the
+demonstration I had made.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_12" id="Page_12">[12]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>"Sir!" I replied, in a round, full, square tone, which was intended to
+convince the principal that I was ready to "face the music."</p>
+
+<p>"Ernest Thornton, I am informed that you have been engaged in a fight,"
+he continued, in a tone a little less sharp than that with which he had
+pronounced my name; and I had the vanity to believe that the square tone
+in which I had uttered the single word I had been called upon to speak
+had produced a salutary impression upon him.</p>
+
+<p>"I haven't been engaged in any fight, sir," I replied, with all the
+dignity becoming a boy of fourteen.</p>
+
+<p>"Sir! what do you mean by denying it?" added Mr. Parasyte, working
+himself up into a magnificent mood, which was intended to crush me by
+its very majesty&mdash;but it didn't.</p>
+
+<p>"I have not engaged in any fight, sir," I repeated, with as much
+decision as the case seemed to require.</p>
+
+<p>"Didn't you strike William Poodles?" demanded he, fiercely.</p>
+
+<p>"Yes, sir, I did. Bill Poodles hit me in the head,<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_13" id="Page_13">[13]</a></span> and I knocked him
+over in self-defence&mdash;that was all, sir."</p>
+
+<p>"Don't you call that a fight, sir?" said Mr. Parasyte, knitting his
+brows, and looking savage enough to swallow me.</p>
+
+<p>"No, sir; I do not. I couldn't stand still and let him pound me."</p>
+
+<p>"You irritated him in the beginning, and provoked him to strike the
+blow. I hold you responsible for the fight."</p>
+
+<p>"I had no intention to irritate him, and I did not wish to provoke him."</p>
+
+<p>"I hold you responsible for the fight, Thornton," said the principal
+again.</p>
+
+<p>I supposed he would, for Poodles was the son of a very wealthy and
+aristocratic merchant in the city of New York, while I belonged to what
+the principal regarded as an inferior order of society. At least twenty
+boys in the Parkville Liberal Institute came upon the recommendation of
+Poodle's father, while not a single one had been lured into these
+classic shades by the influence of my family&mdash;if I could be said to
+belong to any family.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_14" id="Page_14">[14]</a></span> Besides, I was but a day scholar, and my uncle
+paid only tuition bills for me, while most of the pupils were boarders
+at the Institute.</p>
+
+<p>I am writing of events which took place years ago, but I have seen no
+reason to change the opinion then formed, that Mr. Parasyte, the
+principal, was a "toady" of the first water; that he was a
+narrow-minded, partial man, in whom the principle of justice had never
+been developed. He was a good teacher, an excellent teacher; by which I
+mean only to say that he had a rare skill and tact for imparting
+knowledge, the mere dry bones of art, science, and philosophy. He was a
+capital scholar himself, and a capital teacher; but that is the most
+that can be said of him.</p>
+
+<p>I have no hesitation in saying that his influence upon the boys was bad,
+as that of every narrow-minded, partial, and unjust man must be; and if
+I had any boys to send away to a boarding school, they should go to a
+good and true man, even if I knew him to be, intellectually, an inferior
+teacher, rather than to such a person as Mr. Parasyte. He "toadied" to
+the rich boys, and oppressed the poorer<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_15" id="Page_15">[15]</a></span> ones. Poodles was the most
+important boy in the school, and he was never punished for his faults,
+which were not few, nor compelled to learn his lessons, as other boys
+were. But I think Poodles hated the magnate of the Parkville Liberal
+Institute as much as any other boy.</p>
+
+<p>Parkville is situated on Lake Adieno, a beautiful sheet of water, twenty
+miles in length, in the very heart of the State of New York. The town
+was a thriving place of four thousand inhabitants, at which a steamboat
+stopped twice every day in her trip around the lake. The academy was
+located at the western verge of the town, while my home was about a mile
+beyond the eastern line of the village.</p>
+
+<p>I lived with my uncle, Amos Thornton. His residence was a vine-clad
+cottage, built in the Swiss style, on the border of the lake, the lawn
+in front of it extending down to the water's edge. My uncle was a
+strange man. He had erected this cottage ten years before the time at
+which my story opens, when I was a mere child. He had employed in the
+beginning, before the house was completed,<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_16" id="Page_16">[16]</a></span> a man and his wife as
+gardener and housekeeper, and they had been residents in the cottage
+ever since.</p>
+
+<p>I said that my uncle was a strange man; and so he was. He hardly ever
+spoke a word to any one, and never unless it was absolutely necessary to
+do so. He was not one of the talking kind; and old Jerry, the gardener,
+and old Betsey, the housekeeper, seemed to have been cast in the same
+mould. I never heard them talking to each other, and they certainly
+never spoke to me unless I asked them a question, and then only in the
+briefest manner.</p>
+
+<p>I never knew what to make of my uncle Amos. He had a little room, which
+he called his library, in one corner of the house, which could be
+entered only by passing through his bedroom. In this apartment he spent
+most of his time, though he went out to walk every day, while I was at
+school; but, if he saw me coming, he always retreated to the house. He
+was gloomy and misanthropic; he never went to church himself, though he
+always compelled me to go, and also to attend the Sunday school. He did
+not go into society, and had little or noth<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_17" id="Page_17">[17]</a></span>ing to do with, or to say
+to, the people of Parkville. He never troubled them, and they were
+content to let him alone.</p>
+
+<p>As may well be supposed, my life at the cottage was not the pleasantest
+that could be imagined. It was hardly a home, only a stopping-place to
+me. It was gloom and silence there, and my uncle was the lord of the
+silent land. Such a life was not to my taste, and I envied the boys and
+girls of my acquaintance in Parkville, as I saw them talking and
+laughing with their fathers and mothers, their brothers and sisters, or
+gathered in the social circle around the winter fire. It seemed to me
+that their cup of joy was full, while mine was empty. I longed for
+friends and companions to share with me the cares and the pleasures of
+life.</p>
+
+<p>Of myself I knew little or nothing. My memory hardly reached farther
+back than the advent of my uncle at Lake Adieno, and all my early
+associations were connected with the cottage and its surroundings. I had
+a glimmering and indistinct idea of something before our coming to
+Parkville. It seemed to me that I had once known a motherly lady<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_18" id="Page_18">[18]</a></span> with a
+sweet and lovely expression on her face; and I had a faint recollection
+of looking out upon a dreary waste of waters; but I could not fix the
+idea distinctly in my mind. I supposed that the lady was my mother. I
+made several vain efforts to induce my uncle to tell me something about
+her; if he knew anything, he would not tell me.</p>
+
+<p>Old Jerry and his wife evidently had no knowledge whatever in regard to
+me before my uncle brought me to Parkville. They could not tell me
+anything, and my uncle would not. Though I was a boy of only fourteen,
+this concealment of my birth and parentage troubled me. I was told that
+my father was dead; and this was all the information I could obtain.
+Where he had lived, when and where he died, I was not permitted to know.
+If I asked a question, my uncle turned on his heel and left me, with no
+reply.</p>
+
+<p>The vision of the motherly lady, distant and indistinct as it was,
+haunted me like a familiar melody. If the person was my mother, why
+should her very name be kept from me? If she was still living, why could
+I not go to her? If she was dead,<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_19" id="Page_19">[19]</a></span> why might I not water the green sod
+above her grave with my tears, and plant the sweetest flowers by her
+tombstone? I was dissatisfied with my lot, and I was determined, at no
+distant day, to wring from my silent uncle the particulars of my early
+history. I was so eager to get this knowledge that I was almost ready to
+take him by the throat, if need be, and force out the truth from between
+his closed lips.</p>
+
+<p>I never had an opportunity to speak with him; but I could make the
+opportunity. He took no notice of me; he avoided me; he seemed hardly to
+be conscious of my existence. Yet he was not a hard man, in the common
+sense of the word. He clothed me as well as the best boys in the
+Institute. If I wanted anything for the table, old Jerry was ordered to
+procure it. When I was ten years old a little row-boat was furnished for
+me; but before I was fourteen I wanted something better, and told my
+uncle so. He made me no reply; but on my next birthday a splendid
+sail-boat floated on the lake before the house, which Jerry said had
+been built for me. I told my silent lord that I was much obliged<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_20" id="Page_20">[20]</a></span> to him
+for his very acceptable present, when I happened to catch him on the
+lawn. He turned on his heel, and fled as though I had stung him with the
+sting of ingratitude.</p>
+
+<p>If I wanted anything, I had only to mention it; and no one criticised my
+conduct, whatever I did. I was free to go and come when I pleased; and
+though in vacation I was absent three days at once in my boat, no one
+asked me where I had been, or what I had done. Neither my uncle nor his
+silent satellites ever expressed a fear that I might be drowned in my
+voyages in night and storm on the lake; and I came to the conclusion
+that no one would care if I were lost.</p>
+
+<p>I do not know how, under such a home government, I ever became a decent
+fellow. I do not know why I am not now a pirate, a freebooter, a
+pickpocket, or a nuisance to myself and the world in some other
+capacity. I have come to believe since that my inherited good qualities
+saved me under such an utter neglect of all home influences. It is a
+marvel to me that I was not ruined before I was twenty-one; and from the
+deepest depths of my<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_21" id="Page_21">[21]</a></span> heart I thank God for his mercy in sparing me from
+the fate which generally and naturally overtakes such a neglected child.</p>
+
+<p>At the age of twelve, after I had passed through the common school of
+the town, I was admitted to the Parkville Liberal Institute, which I
+wished to attend because a friend of mine in the town was there. My
+uncle did not object&mdash;he never objected to anything. Without pride or
+vanity I may say that I was a good scholar, and I took the highest rank
+at the academy. When I was about twelve years old, some instructions
+which I received in the Sunday school produced a strong impression on my
+mind, and led me to take my stand for life. I tried to be true to God
+and myself, to be just and manly in all things. Whatever the world may
+sneeringly say of goodness and truth, I am sure that I owe my popularity
+among the boys of the Parkville Liberal Institute to these
+endeavors&mdash;not always successful&mdash;to do right.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_22" id="Page_22">[22]</a></span></p>
+
+
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+<h2>CHAPTER II.</h2>
+
+<h3>IN WHICH THERE IS TROUBLE IN THE PARKVILLE LIBERAL INSTITUTE.</h3>
+
+
+<p>I wish to say in the beginning, and once for all, that I did not set
+myself up as a saint, or even as a model boy. I made no pretensions, but
+I did try to be good and true. I felt that I had no one in this world to
+rely upon for my future; everything depended upon myself alone, and I
+realized the responsibility of building up my own character. I do not
+mean to assert that I had all these ideas and purposes clearly defined
+in my own mind; only that I had a simple abstract desire to be good, and
+to do good, without knowing precisely in what the being and the doing
+consisted. My notions, many of them, I am now aware, were crude and
+undefined.</p>
+
+<p>I have observed that I was a favorite among the<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_23" id="Page_23">[23]</a></span> boys of the Institute,
+a kind of leader and oracle among them, though I was not fully conscious
+of the fact at the time. While I now think I owe the greater portion of
+the esteem and regard in which I was held by my companions to my desire
+to be good and true, I must acknowledge that other circumstances had
+their influence upon them. I was the owner of the best boat on Lake
+Adieno, and to the boys this was a matter of no small consequence. There
+were half a dozen row-boats belonging to the academy, but nothing that
+carried a sail.</p>
+
+<p>I always had money. I had only to ask my uncle for any sum I wanted, and
+it was given me, without a question as to its intended use. I mention
+the fact to his discredit, and it would have been a luxury to me to have
+had him manifest interest enough in my welfare to refuse my request.</p>
+
+<p>I was naturally enterprising and fearless, and was therefore foremost in
+all feats of daring, in all trials of skill in athletic games. Indeed,
+to sum up the estimate which was made of me by my associates in<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_24" id="Page_24">[24]</a></span> school
+and the people of Parkville, I was "a smart boy." Perhaps my vanity was
+tickled once or twice by hearing this appellation applied to me; but I
+am sure I was not spoiled by the favor with which I was regarded.</p>
+
+<p>Though I was not an unhappy boy, there was an aching void in my heart
+which I could not fill, a longing for such a home as hundreds of my
+young friends enjoyed; and I would gladly have exchanged the freedom
+from restraint for which others envied me for the poorest home in the
+town, where I could have been welcomed by a fond mother, where I could
+have had a kind father to feel an interest in me.</p>
+
+<p>During the spring, summer, and autumn months, when the wind and weather
+would permit, I went to school in my sail-boat. My course lay along the
+shore, and if I was becalmed and likely to be tardy, I had only to moor
+my craft, and take to the road. At the noon intermission, therefore, my
+boat was available for use, and I always had a party.</p>
+
+<p>On the day that I was called up charged with fighting, the Splash&mdash;for
+that was the suggestive<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_25" id="Page_25">[25]</a></span> name I had chosen for my trim little craft&mdash;was
+lying at the boat pier on the lake in front of the Institute building.
+The forenoon session of the school had just closed, and I had gone to
+the boat to eat my dinner, which I always carried in the stern locker.</p>
+
+<p>Before I had finished, Bill Poodles came down with an Arithmetic in his
+hand. It was the dinner hour of the boarding students, and I wondered
+that Bill was not in the refectory. Our class had a difficult lesson in
+arithmetic that day, which I had worked out in the solitude of my
+chamber at the cottage the preceding evening. The students had been
+prohibited, under the most severe penalty, from assisting each other;
+and it appeared that Bill had vainly applied to half a dozen of his
+classmates for help: none of them dared to afford it.</p>
+
+<p>Bill Poodles was a disagreeable fellow, arrogant and "airy" as he was
+lazy and stupid. I doubt whether he ever learned a difficult task alone.
+The arithmetic lesson was a review of the principles which the class had
+gone over, and consisted of a dozen examples, printed on a slip of
+paper, to test the knowl<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_26" id="Page_26">[26]</a></span>edge of the students; and it was intimated that
+those who failed would be sent down into a lower class. Bill dreaded
+anything like a degradation. He was proud, if he was lazy. He knew that
+I had performed the examples, and while his fellow-boarders were at
+dinner, he had stolen the opportunity to appeal to me for the assistance
+he so much needed.</p>
+
+<p>Though Bill was a disagreeable fellow, and though, in common with a
+majority of the students, I disliked him, I would willingly have
+assisted him if the prohibition to do so had not been so emphatic. Mr.
+Parasyte was so particular in the present instance, that the following
+declaration had been printed on the examination paper, and each boy was
+required to sign it:&mdash;</p>
+
+<p><i>"I declare upon my honor, that I have had no assistance whatever in
+solving these examples, and that I have given none to others."</i></p>
+
+<p>Bill begged me to assist him. I reasoned with him, and told him he had
+better fail in the review than forfeit his honor by subscribing to a
+falsehood. He made light of my scruples; and then I told him<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_27" id="Page_27">[27]</a></span> I had
+already signed my own paper, and would not falsify my statement.</p>
+
+<p>"Humph!" exclaimed he, with a sneer. "You hadn't given any one
+assistance when you signed, but you can do it now, and it will be no
+lie."</p>
+
+<p>I was indignant at the proposition, it was so mean and base; and I
+expressed myself squarely in regard to it. I had finished my dinner,
+and, closing the locker, stepped out of the boat upon the pier. Bill
+followed me, begging and pleading till I was disgusted with him. I told
+him then that I would not do what he asked if he teased me for a month.
+He was angry, and used insulting language. I turned on my heel to leave
+him. He interpreted this movement on my part as an act of cowardice,
+and, coming up behind me, struck me a heavy blow on the back of the head
+with his fist. He was on the point of following it up with another,
+when, though he was eighteen years old, and half a foot taller than I
+was, I hit him fairly in the eye, and knocked him over backwards, off
+the pier, and into the lake.</p>
+
+<p>A madder fellow than Bill Poodles never floun<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_28" id="Page_28">[28]</a></span>dered in shallow water.
+The lake where he fell was not more than two or three feet deep, and
+doubtless its soft bosom saved him from severe injury. He picked himself
+up, and, dripping from his bath, rushed to the shore. He was insane with
+passion. Seizing a large stone, he hurled it at me. I moved towards him,
+with the intention of checking his demonstration, when his valor was
+swallowed up in discretion, and he rushed towards the school building.</p>
+
+<p>For this offence I was brought to the bar of Mr. Parasyte's uneven
+justice. Poodles had told his own story after changing his drabbled
+garments. It was unfortunate that there were no witnesses of the affray,
+for the principal would sooner have doubted the evidence of his own
+senses than the word of Bill Poodles, simply because it was not politic
+for him to do so. My accuser declared that he had spoken civilly and
+properly to me, and that I had insulted him. He had walked up to me, and
+placed his hand upon my shoulder, simply to attract my attention, when I
+had struck him a severe blow in the face, which had knocked him over
+backwards into the lake.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_29" id="Page_29">[29]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>In answer to this charge, I told the truth exactly as it was. Bill
+acknowledged that he had asked me some questions about the review
+lesson, which I had declined to answer. He was sorry he had offended so
+far, but was not angry at my refusal. He had determined to sacrifice his
+dinner, and his play during the intermission, to enable him to perform
+the examples. I persisted in the statement I had already made, and
+refused to modify it in any manner. It was the simple truth.</p>
+
+<p>"Ernest Thornton," said Mr. Parasyte, solemnly, "hitherto I have
+regarded you with favor. I have looked upon you as a worthy and
+deserving boy, and I confess my surprise and grief at the event of
+to-day. Not content with the dastardly assault committed upon William
+Poodles,&mdash;whose devotion to his duty and his studies has been manifested
+by the sacrifice of his dinner,&mdash;you utter the most barefaced falsehood
+which it was ever my misfortune to hear a boy tell."</p>
+
+<p>"I have told the truth, sir!" I exclaimed, my cheek burning with
+indignation.</p>
+
+<p>"Silence, sir! Such conduct and such a boy<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_30" id="Page_30">[30]</a></span> cannot be tolerated at the
+Parkville Liberal Institute. But in consideration of your former good
+conduct, I purpose to give you an opportunity to redeem your character."</p>
+
+<p>"My character don't need any redeeming," I declared, stoutly.</p>
+
+<p>"I see you are in a very unhappy frame of mind, and I fear you are
+incorrigible. But I must do my duty, and I proceed to pronounce your
+sentence, which is, that you be expelled from the Parkville Liberal
+Institute."</p>
+
+<p>"Bill Poodles is the biggest liar in the school!" shouted a daring
+little fellow among my friends, who were astounded at the result of the
+examination, and at the sentence.</p>
+
+<p>"That's so!" said another.</p>
+
+<p>"Yes!" "Yes!" "Yes!" shouted a dozen more. "Throw him over! Bill Poodles
+is the liar!"</p>
+
+<p>Mr. Parasyte was appalled at this demonstration&mdash;a demonstration which
+never could have occurred without the provocation of the grossest
+injustice. The boys were well disciplined, and the order of the
+Institute was generally unexceptionable. Such<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_31" id="Page_31">[31]</a></span> a flurry had never before
+been known, and it was evident that the students intended to take the
+law into their own hands. They acted upon the impulse of the moment, and
+I judged that at least one half of them were engaged in the
+demonstration.</p>
+
+<p>Poodles was a boy of no principle; he was notorious as a liar; and the
+boys regarded it as an outrage upon themselves and upon me that he
+should be believed, while my story appeared to have no weight whatever.</p>
+
+<p>Mr. Parasyte trembled, not alone with rage, but with fear. The startling
+event then transpiring threatened the peace, if not the very existence,
+of the Parkville Liberal Institute. I folded my arms,&mdash;for I felt my
+dignity,&mdash;and endeavored to be calm, though my bosom heaved and bounded
+with emotion.</p>
+
+<p>"Boys&mdash;young gentlemen, I&mdash;" the principal began.</p>
+
+<p>"Throw him over! Put him out!" yelled the students, excited beyond
+measure.</p>
+
+<p>"Young gentlemen!" shouted Mr. Parasyte.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_32" id="Page_32">[32]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>"Three cheers for Ernest Thornton!" hoarsely screamed Bob Hale, my
+intimate friend and longtime "crony."</p>
+
+<p>They were given with an enthusiasm which bordered on infatuation.</p>
+
+<p>"Will you hear me, students?" cried Mr. Parasyte.</p>
+
+<p>"No!" "No!" "No!" "Throw him over!" "Put him out!"</p>
+
+<p>The scene was almost as unpleasant to me as to the principal, proud as I
+was of the devotion of my friends. I did not wish to be vindicated in
+such a way, and I was anxious to put a stop to such disorderly
+proceedings. I raised my hand in an appealing gesture.</p>
+
+<p>"Fellow-students," said I; and the school-room was quiet.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_33" id="Page_33">[33]</a></span></p>
+
+
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+<h2>CHAPTER III.</h2>
+
+<h3>IN WHICH ERNEST IS EXPELLED FROM THE PARKVILLE LIBERAL INSTITUTE.</h3>
+
+
+<p>"Fellow-students," I continued, when the school-room was still enough
+for me to be heard, "I am willing to submit to the rules of the
+Institute, and even to the injustice of the principal. For my sake, as
+well as for your own, behave like men."</p>
+
+<p>I folded my arms, and was silent again. I felt that it was better to
+suffer than to resist, and such an exhibition of rowdyism was not to my
+taste. I glanced at Mr. Parasyte, to intimate to him that he could say
+what he pleased; and he took the hint.</p>
+
+<p>"Young gentlemen, this is a new experience to me. In twenty years as a
+teacher, I have never been thus insulted."</p>
+
+<p>This was an imprudent remark.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_34" id="Page_34">[34]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>"Be fair, then!" shouted Bob Hale; and the cry was repeated by others,
+until the scene of disorder promised to be renewed.</p>
+
+<p>I raised my hand, and shook my head, deprecating the conduct of the
+boys. Once more they heeded, though it was evidently as a particular
+favor to me, rather than because it was in keeping with their ideas of
+right and justice.</p>
+
+<p>"I intend to be fair, young gentlemen," continued Mr. Parasyte; "that is
+the whole study of my life. I am astonished and mortified at this
+unlooked-for demonstration. I was about to make a further statement in
+regard to Thornton, when you interrupted me. I told you that I purposed
+to give him an opportunity to redeem his character. I intend to do my
+duty on this painful occasion, though the walls of the Parkville Liberal
+Institute should crumble above my head, and crush me in the dust."</p>
+
+<p>"Let her crumble!" said a reckless youth, as Mr. Parasyte waxed
+eloquent.</p>
+
+<p>"Will you be silent, or will you compel me to resort to that which I
+abhor&mdash;to physical force?"</p>
+
+<p>Some of the boys glanced at each other with a<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_35" id="Page_35">[35]</a></span> meaning smile when this
+remark was uttered; but I shook my head, to signify my disapprobation of
+anything like resistance or tumult.</p>
+
+<p>"Thornton," added Mr. Parasyte, turning to me, "I have fairly and
+impartially heard your story, and carefully weighed all your statements.
+I have come to the conclusion, deliberately and without prejudice, that
+you were the aggressor."</p>
+
+<p>"I was not, sir," I replied, as gently as I could speak, and yet as
+firmly.</p>
+
+<p>"It appears that Poodles placed his hand upon your arm merely to attract
+your attention; whereupon you struck him a severe blow in the face,
+which caused him to reel and fall over backward into the lake," said Mr.
+Parasyte, so pompously that I could not tell whether he intended to
+"back out" of his position or not.</p>
+
+<p>"Poodles hit me in the head, and was on the point of repeating the blow,
+when I knocked him over in self-defence."</p>
+
+<p>"It does not appear to me that Poodles, who is a remarkably gentlemanly
+student, would have struck you for simply refusing to assist him about
+his exam<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_36" id="Page_36">[36]</a></span>ples. Such a course would not be consistent with the character
+of Poodles."</p>
+
+<p>"No, sir, I did not strike him at any time," protested Poodles.</p>
+
+<p>"I find it impossible to change my opinion of the merits of this case;
+and for the good of the Parkville Liberal Institute, I must adhere to
+the sentence I have already&mdash;with regret and sorrow&mdash;pronounced upon
+you. But&mdash;"</p>
+
+<p>There were again strong signs of another outbreak among the pupils, and
+I begged them to be silent.</p>
+
+<p>"The conduct of Thornton in this painful emergency merits and receives
+my approbation. His love of order and his efforts to preserve proper
+decorum in the school-room are worthy of the highest commendation,"
+continued Mr. Parasyte; "and I would gladly remit the penalty I have
+imposed upon him without any conditions whatever; but I feel that such a
+course, after the extraordinary events of this day, would be subversive
+of the discipline and good order which have ever characterized the
+Parkville Liberal Institute. I shall, however, impose a merely nominal
+condition upon Thornton, his compliance<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_37" id="Page_37">[37]</a></span> with which shall immediately
+restore him to the full enjoyment of his rights and privileges as a
+member of this academy. I wish to be as lenient as possible, and, as I
+observed, the penalty will be merely nominal.</p>
+
+<p>"As the quarrel occurred when the parties were alone, so also may the
+reparation be made in private; for after Thornton's magnanimous behavior
+to-day, under these trying circumstances, I do not wish to humiliate or
+mortify him. I wish that it were consistent with my ideas of stern duty
+to impose no penalty."</p>
+
+<p>Mr. Parasyte had certainly retreated a long way from his original
+position. I did not wish to be expelled, and I hailed with satisfaction
+his manifestation of leniency; and rather than lose the advantages of
+the school, I was willing to submit to the nominal penalty at which he
+hinted, supposing it would be a deprivation of some privilege.</p>
+
+<p>"I have not resisted your authority, sir; and I do not mean to do so
+now," I replied, submissively; for, as the popular sentiment of the
+students sustained me, I could afford to yield.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_38" id="Page_38">[38]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>"Your conduct since the quarrel is entirely satisfactory; I may say that
+it merits my admiration." This was toadying to the boys, whom he feared.
+"I have sentenced you to expulsion, the severest penalty known in the
+discipline of the Parkville Liberal Institute; but, Thornton, I propose
+to remit this penalty altogether on condition that, in private, and at
+your own convenience, but within one week, you apologize to Poodles for
+your conduct. I could not make the condition any milder, I think."</p>
+
+<p>Mr. Parasyte smiled as though he had entirely forgiven me; as though he
+had, in some mysterious manner, wiped out the stains of falsehood upon
+my character. I bowed, but made no reply. I was sentenced to expulsion;
+but the penalty was to be remitted on condition that I would apologize
+to Poodles.</p>
+
+<p>Apologize to Poodles! For what? For his attack upon me, or for the lies
+he had told about me? It was no more possible for me to apologize for
+knocking him over when he assailed me than it would have been for me to
+leap across Lake Adieno in the widest place. I did not wish to deprive
+myself of<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_39" id="Page_39">[39]</a></span> the advantages of attending the Parkville Liberal Institute;
+but if my remaining depended upon my humiliating myself before Poodles,
+upon my declaring that what I had done was wrong, when I believed it was
+right, I was no longer to be a student in the academy.</p>
+
+<p>The exercises of the school proceeded as usual for a couple of hours,
+and there were no further signs of insubordination among the boys. At
+recess I purposely kept away from my more intimate friends, for I did
+not wish to tell them what course I intended to pursue, fearful that it
+would renew the disturbance.</p>
+
+<p>An hour before the close of the session, the boys were required to bring
+in their examination papers in arithmetic. Every student, even to
+Poodles, handed in solutions to all the problems, and Mr. Parasyte and
+his assistants at once devoted themselves to the marking of them. In
+half an hour the principal was ready to report the result.</p>
+
+<p>Half a dozen of the class had all the examples right, and I was one of
+the number. Very much to my astonishment, Poodles also was announced as
+one<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_40" id="Page_40">[40]</a></span> of the six; and when his name was mentioned, a score of the
+students glanced at me.</p>
+
+<p>I did not understand it. I was quite satisfied that Poodles could not do
+the problems himself, and it was certain that he had obtained assistance
+from some one, though the declaration on the paper was duly signed. He
+had found a friend less scrupulous than I had been. Some one must have
+performed the examples for him; and as he had them all correct, it was
+evident that one of the six, who alone had presented perfect papers,
+must have afforded the assistance. After throwing out Poodles and
+myself, there were but four left; and two of these, to my certain
+knowledge, had joined in the demonstration in my favor: indeed, they
+were my friends beyond the possibility of a doubt. Between the other two
+I had no means of forming an opinion.</p>
+
+<p>During the afternoon Mr. Parasyte had been very uneasy and nervous. It
+was plain to him that he ruled the boys by their free will, rather than
+by his own power; and this was not a pleasant thing for a man like him
+to know. Doubtless he felt that he<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_41" id="Page_41">[41]</a></span> had dropped the reins of his team,
+which, though going very well just then, might take it into its head to
+run away with him whenever it was convenient. Probably he felt the
+necessity of doing something to re&euml;stablish his authority, and to obtain
+a stronger position than that he now occupied. If, with the experience I
+have since acquired, I could have spoken to him, I should have told him
+that justice and fairness alone would make him strong as a
+disciplinarian.</p>
+
+<p>"Poodles," said Mr. Parasyte, just before the close of the session, "I
+see that all your examples were correctly performed, and that you signed
+the declaration on the paper."</p>
+
+<p>"Yes, sir," replied Poodles.</p>
+
+<p>"When did you perform them?"</p>
+
+<p>"I did all but two of them last night."</p>
+
+<p>"And when did you do those two?" continued the principal, mildly, but
+with the air of a man who expects soon to make a triumphant point.</p>
+
+<p>"Between schools, at noon, while the students were at dinner and at
+play."<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_42" id="Page_42">[42]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>"Very well. You had them all done but two when you met Thornton to-day
+noon?"</p>
+
+<p>"Yes, sir."</p>
+
+<p>"Thornton," added Mr. Parasyte, turning to me, "I have no disposition to
+hurry you in the unsettled case of to-day, though the result of
+Poodles's examination shows that he had no need of the assistance you
+say he asked of you; but perhaps it would be better that you should
+state distinctly whether or not you intend to apologize. It is quite
+possible that there was a misunderstanding between you and Poodles,
+which a mutual explanation might remove."</p>
+
+<p>"I do not think there was any misunderstanding," I replied.</p>
+
+<p>"If you wish to meet Poodles after school, I offer my services as a
+friend to assist in the adjustment of the dispute."</p>
+
+<p>"I don't want to meet him," said Poodles.</p>
+
+<p>Mr. Parasyte actually rebuked him for this illiberal sentiment; and
+while he was doing so, I added that I had no desire to meet Poodles, as
+proposed. I now think I was wrong; but I had a feeling that<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_43" id="Page_43">[43]</a></span> the
+principal intended to browbeat me into an acknowledgment.</p>
+
+<p>"Very well, Thornton; if you refuse to make peace, you must take the
+consequences. Do you intend to apologize to Poodles, or not?"</p>
+
+<p>"I do not, sir," I replied, decidedly.</p>
+
+<p>"Then you are expelled from the Parkville Liberal Institute."<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_44" id="Page_44">[44]</a></span></p>
+
+
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+<h2>CHAPTER IV.</h2>
+
+<h3>IN WHICH ERNEST SAILS THE SPLASH, AND TAKES A BATH.</h3>
+
+
+<p>Difficult as the task was, I had thus far kept cool; but my sentence
+fell heavily upon me, and I could not help being angry, for I felt that
+I had been treated unfairly and unjustly. Poodles's statement had been
+accepted, and mine rejected; his word had been taken, while mine, which
+ought at least to have passed for as much as his, was utterly
+disregarded.</p>
+
+<p>I turned upon my heel and went to my seat. My movement was sharp and
+abrupt, but I did not say anything.</p>
+
+<p>"Stop!" said Mr. Parasyte, who evidently believed that the moment had
+come for him to vindicate his authority.</p>
+
+<p>I did not stop.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_45" id="Page_45">[45]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>"Stop, I say!" repeated the principal.</p>
+
+<p>I proceeded to pick up my books and papers, to enable me to comply
+literally with my sentence.</p>
+
+<p>"Come here, Thornton."</p>
+
+<p>I took no notice of the order, but continued to pack up my things.</p>
+
+<p>"Do you hear me?" demanded Mr. Parasyte, in a loud and angry tone.</p>
+
+<p>"I do hear you, sir. I have been expelled, and I don't care about
+listening to any more speeches."</p>
+
+<p>"If you don't come here, I'll bring you here," added the principal, with
+emphasis.</p>
+
+<p>Somewhat to my surprise, but greatly to my satisfaction, the boys made
+no demonstration in my favor. They seemed to think I was now in a mood
+to fight my own battle, though they were doubtless ready to aid me if I
+needed any help. Mr. Parasyte appeared to have begun in a way which
+indicated that he intended to maintain his authority, even at the risk
+of a personal encounter with me and the boys who had voluntarily
+espoused my cause.</p>
+
+<p>Having packed up my books and papers, I took the bundle under my arm,
+and deliberately walked<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_46" id="Page_46">[46]</a></span> out of the school-room. The principal ordered
+me to stop; but as he had already sentenced me to expulsion, I could see
+no reason why I should yield any further allegiance to the magnate of
+the institution. He was very angry, which was certainly an undignified
+frame of mind for a gentleman in his position; and I was smarting under
+the wrong and injustice done to me. Mr. Parasyte stopped to procure his
+hat, which gave me the advantage in point of time, and I reached the
+little pier at which my boat was moored before he overtook me.</p>
+
+<p>I hauled in the painter, and pushed off, hoisting the mainsail as the
+boat receded from the wharf. Mr. Parasyte reached the pier while I was
+thus engaged.</p>
+
+<p>"Stop, Thornton!" shouted he.</p>
+
+<p>"I would rather not stop any longer," I replied, running up the
+foresail.</p>
+
+<p>"Will you come back, or I shall bring you back?" demanded he, fiercely.</p>
+
+<p>"Neither, if you please."</p>
+
+<p>"If you wish to save trouble, you will come back," said he.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_47" id="Page_47">[47]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>"I'm not particular about saving trouble. If you have any business with
+me, I will return."</p>
+
+<p>"I have business with you."</p>
+
+<p>"Will you please to tell me what it is?"</p>
+
+<p>"No, I will not."</p>
+
+<p>"Then you will excuse me if I go home," I added, as I hoisted the jib.</p>
+
+<p>There was only a very light breeze, and the Splash went off very slowly.
+I took my seat at the helm, trying to keep as cool as possible, though
+my bosom bounded with emotion. I was playing a strange part, and I was
+not at home in it. I could not help feeling that I was riding "a high
+horse;" but the injustice done me seemed to warrant it.</p>
+
+<p>"Poodles, call the men," I heard Mr. Parasyte say to his flunky, and saw
+him run off to execute the command.</p>
+
+<p>"Once more, Thornton, I ask you to come back," said the principal, still
+standing on the pier, from which the Splash had receded not more than a
+couple of rods.</p>
+
+<p>"If you have any business with me, sir, I will do so," I replied. "You
+have expelled me from the<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_48" id="Page_48">[48]</a></span> school, and I don't think you have anything
+more to do with me."</p>
+
+<p>"I want no words or arguments. It will be better for you to come back."</p>
+
+<p>"Perhaps it will; but I shall not come."</p>
+
+<p>There was not breeze enough to enable me to make a mile an hour, and I
+had some doubts in regard to the result, if Mr. Parasyte persisted. He
+did persist, and presently Poodles returned with two men, who were
+employed upon the school estate, and whose services were so often
+required in the boats that they were good oarsmen. I comprehended the
+principal's plan at once. He intended to chase me in the boat, and bring
+me back by force. I was rather amused at the idea, and should have been
+more so if there had been a fair sailing breeze.</p>
+
+<p>The Splash was the fastest boat on the lake, or, at least, faster than
+any with which I had had an opportunity to measure paces. But it made
+but little difference how fast she was, as long as there was hardly wind
+enough to stiffen the mainsail. Mr. Parasyte ordered the men to take
+their places on the thwarts, and ship their oars. I saw that a<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_49" id="Page_49">[49]</a></span> little
+farther out from the shore there was a ripple on the water, and putting
+one of my oars out at the stern, I sculled till I caught the breeze, and
+the Splash went off at a little livelier pace.</p>
+
+<p>By this time all the boys had gathered on the bank of the lake to see
+the fun, and it <i>was</i> fun to them. I knew that their sympathies were
+with me, and I only wished for a better breeze, that I might do justice
+to myself and to my boat. But the chances for me were improving as the
+Splash receded from the shore. Mr. Parasyte had taken his place in the
+stern sheets of the row-boat, and was urging forward the men at the
+oars, who were now pulling with all their might. I could not conceal
+from myself the fact that they were gaining rapidly upon me. Unless the
+wind increased, I should certainly be captured; for the two men with the
+principal would ask no better sport than to overhaul and roughly handle
+an unruly boy.</p>
+
+<p>But the wind continued to increase as I went farther out upon the lake,
+and I soon had all that was necessary to enable me to keep a "respectful
+distance" between the Splash and the row-boat. By<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_50" id="Page_50">[50]</a></span> this time my anger
+had abated, and I had begun to enjoy the affair. With a six-knot breeze
+I could have it all my own way. I could still see the boys on the shore,
+watching the chase with the liveliest interest and satisfaction. They
+were not silent observers, for an occasional cheer or shout was borne to
+my ears over the lake, and I could see the waving of hats, and the
+swinging of arms, with which my friends encouraged me to persevere.</p>
+
+<p>Mr. Parasyte was resolute. He felt, doubtless, that the reputation of
+the Parkville Liberal Institute, and his own reputation as a
+disciplinarian, were at stake. The tumult in the school-room early in
+the afternoon would weaken his power and influence over the boys, unless
+its effects were counteracted by a triumph over me. Right or wrong, he
+probably felt that he must put me down, or be sacrificed himself; and he
+continued to urge his oarsmen forward, intent upon capturing and
+subduing me.</p>
+
+<p>While I had the breeze I felt perfectly easy. I had stood out from the
+shore with the wind on the beam, and there was nothing to prevent my
+running before it directly to the cottage of my uncle. I was<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_51" id="Page_51">[51]</a></span> disposed
+to tantalize my pursuer, and wear out his men. I knew that my silent
+guardian would not thank me for leading Mr. Parasyte into his presence,
+and I was willing to gratify him in this instance. Besides, the students
+on the shore seemed to derive too much enjoyment from the scene to have
+the sport cut short. Hauling aft the sheets, I stood down the lake,
+close to the wind, until I had brought my pursuer astern of me. I then
+brought the Splash up into the wind, and coolly waited for the row-boat
+to come up within hailing distance.</p>
+
+<p>Mr. Parasyte, deceived by my position, thought his time had come. He was
+much excited, and with renewed zeal pressed his oarsmen to increase
+their efforts. When he had approached within a few rods of me, I put up
+the helm, and dashed away again towards the pier. Again I distanced him,
+and ran as near to the pier as I dared to go, fearful that I might lose
+the wind under the lee of a bluff below the school grounds. The boys
+hailed me with a cheer, which must have been anything but soothing to
+the feelings of Mr. Parasyte. Then, "wing and wing," I ran off before
+the wind; and, still unwilling<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_52" id="Page_52">[52]</a></span> to deprive my friends of the excitement
+of witnessing the race, I again stood out towards the middle of the
+lake.</p>
+
+<p>The principal could not give up the pursuit without abandoning the high
+position he had taken, and subjecting himself to the derision of the
+students. He followed me, therefore, and I led him over the same course
+he had gone before. On my return I unfortunately ran in a little too
+near the shore, and got under the lee of the bluff, which nearly
+becalmed me. I realized that I had made a fatal blunder, and I wished I
+had disappointed the boys, and continued on my course across the lake,
+where the wind favored me. I tried to scull the Splash out of the still
+water before Mr. Parasyte came up.</p>
+
+<p>"Pull with all your might, men!" said the principal, excitedly; and they
+certainly did so.</p>
+
+<p>Seeing that he was upon me, I attempted to come about, and run off
+before the wind; but I had lost my steerage-way. I suppose I was
+somewhat "flurried" by the danger of my situation, and did not do as
+well as I might have done.</p>
+
+<p>"Pull! Pull!" shouted Mr. Parasyte, nervously, as he steered the
+row-boat.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_53" id="Page_53">[53]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>Thus urged, the men did pull better than I had ever known them to do
+before. The principal of the Parkville Liberal Institute was no boatman
+himself, and his calculations were miserably deficient, or else his
+intentions were more vicious than I had given him credit for. He was
+angry and excited; and as I looked at him, it seemed to me that he did
+not know what he was about. The Splash lay broadside to him. She was a
+beautiful craft, built light and graceful, rather than strong and
+substantial. On the other hand, the row-boat was a solid, sharp,
+ram-nosed craft, setting low in the water; and on it came at the highest
+speed to which it could be urged by the powerful muscles of the strong
+men at the oars.</p>
+
+<p>"Pull! Pull!" repeated Mr. Parasyte, fiercely, under the madness of the
+excitement and the resentment caused by the hard chase I had led him.</p>
+
+<p>"Down with your helm, or you will smash me!" I shouted, seeing that a
+collision was inevitable.</p>
+
+<p>If Mr. Parasyte did not intend to run me down, my warning was too late.
+The row-boat came upon me like a whirlwind, striking the Splash on the<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_54" id="Page_54">[54]</a></span>
+beam, below her water-line, and staving in her side as though she had
+been a card box. I do not know whether this was a part of the
+principal's programme or not; but my boat was most effectually smashed,
+and, being heavily ballasted, she went down like a rock. It was hardly
+an instant after the shock before I felt her sinking beneath me. The two
+men at the oars of the principal's boat, without any order from Mr.
+Parasyte,&mdash;for he knew not what to do,&mdash;backed water. I could swim like
+a fish; and as the Splash sank beneath me, I struck out from the wreck,
+and was left like a waif floating upon the glassy surface of the lake.</p>
+
+<div class="figcenter" style="width: 500px;">
+<img src="images/i001.jpg" width="500" height="384" alt="Ernest sails the Splash and takes a Bath. Page 54." title="Ernest sails the Splash and takes a Bath. Page 54." />
+<span class="caption">Ernest sails the Splash and takes a Bath. Page 54.</span>
+</div><p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_55" id="Page_55">[55]</a></span></p>
+
+
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+<h2>CHAPTER V.</h2>
+
+<h3>IN WHICH ERNEST DECLINES A PROPOSITION.</h3>
+
+
+<p>The battle had been fought and lost to me. Mr. Parasyte, roused to the
+highest pitch of anger and excitement, seemed to be determined to
+overwhelm me. He was reckless and desperate. He had smashed my boat
+apparently with as little compunction as he would snap a dead stick in
+his fingers. He was thoroughly in earnest now; and it was fully
+demonstrated that he intended to protect the discipline of the Parkville
+Liberal Institute, even if it cost a human life for him to do so.</p>
+
+<p>I was then "lying round loose" in the lake. I had no idea that I was in
+any personal peril from the water; all that disturbed me was the fact
+that I could not swim fast enough to keep out of the principal's way.
+The treacherous breeze had deserted me in the midst of my triumph, and
+consigned me to the tender mercies of my persecutor.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_56" id="Page_56">[56]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>I swam away from the boat which had been pursuing me, as though from an
+instinct which prompted me to escape my oppressor; but Mr. Parasyte,
+without giving any attention to my sinking craft, ordered his men to
+pull again; and he steered towards me. Of course a few strokes enabled
+him to overtake me. If I had had the means, I would have resisted even
+then, and avoided capture; for I could easily have swum ashore. But it
+would have been childish for me to hold out any longer; and when one of
+the men held out his oar to me, I grasped it, and was assisted into the
+boat.</p>
+
+<p>"Are you satisfied, Thornton?" said Mr. Parasyte, with a sneer, as I
+shook myself like a water dog, and took my seat in the boat.</p>
+
+<p>"No, sir; I am not satisfied," I replied.</p>
+
+<p>"What are you going to do about it?"</p>
+
+<p>"I don't know about that; I will see in due time."</p>
+
+<p>"You will see in due time, I trust, that the discipline of the Parkville
+Liberal Institute is not to be set at defiance with impunity."</p>
+
+<p>"I have not set the discipline at defiance. I sub<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_57" id="Page_57">[57]</a></span>mitted myself, and did
+what I could to make others do so. You can't say that I did anything
+wrong while I was a member of the academy. You turned me out, and I was
+going quietly and in order, when you began to browbeat me."</p>
+
+<p>"I ordered you to come to me, and you did not come. That was downright
+disobedience."</p>
+
+<p>"It was after you had turned me out; and all I had to do was to go."</p>
+
+<p>"You were still on my premises, and were subject to my orders."</p>
+
+<p>"I don't think I was."</p>
+
+<p>"I shall not argue the matter with you. I am going to teach you the duty
+of obedience."</p>
+
+<p>"Perhaps you will; but I don't believe you will," I replied, in a tone
+of defiance.</p>
+
+<p>"We'll see."</p>
+
+<p>"There's another thing we'll see, while we are about it; and that is,
+you will pay for smashing my boat."</p>
+
+<p>"Pay for it!" exclaimed he.</p>
+
+<p>"I think so."</p>
+
+<p>"I think not."<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_58" id="Page_58">[58]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>"You will, if there is any law in the land."</p>
+
+<p>"Law!" ejaculated he; but his lips actually quivered with anger at the
+idea of such an outrage upon his magnificent dignity, as being sued, and
+compelled in a court of justice to pay for the boat he had destroyed.</p>
+
+<p>"You had no right to run into my boat&mdash;no more right than I had to set
+your house on fire."</p>
+
+<p>"We will see."</p>
+
+<p>He relapsed into a dignified silence; but he was thinking, I fancy, how
+very pleasant it would be for him to pay three or four hundred dollars
+for the Splash; not that he would care much for the money, but it would
+make him appear so ridiculous in the eyes of the students.</p>
+
+<p>The men were pulling for the shore; but I observed that Mr. Parasyte did
+not head the boat towards the pier, where the boys were waiting our
+return. Probably he feared that they would attempt to resist his mighty
+will, and deliver me from his hands. He intended, therefore, to land
+farther down the lake, and convey me to the Institute buildings by some
+unfrequented way.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_59" id="Page_59">[59]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>For my own part, I was not much disturbed by Mr. Parasyte's intentions
+or movements. The only thing that really distressed me was the loss of
+my boat; for the Splash had been one of my best and dearest friends. I
+was a little sentimental in regard to her; and her destruction gave me a
+pang of keen regret akin to anguish. I had cruised all over the lake in
+her; had eaten and slept in her for a week at a time, and I actually
+loved her. She was worthy to be loved, for she had served me faithfully
+in storm and sunshine. It is quite likely that I had some feelings of
+revenge towards the tyrant who had crushed her, and I was thinking how
+he could be compelled to pay for the damage he had done.</p>
+
+<p>As soon as I had, in a measure, recovered my equanimity, I tried to
+obtain the bearings of the spot where the Splash had disappeared beneath
+the waters, so that, if I failed to obtain justice, I might possibly
+recover my boat. If raised, she was in very bad condition; for her side
+was stove in, and I feared she could not be repaired so as to be as good
+as she was before.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_60" id="Page_60">[60]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>As the row-boat neared the shore, I made my preparations to escape from
+my captor; for it was not my intention to be borne back in triumph to
+the Institute, as a sacrifice to the violated discipline of the
+establishment. When the boat touched the beach, I meant to jump into the
+water, and thus pass the men, who were too powerful for me. I changed my
+position so as to favor my purpose; but Mr. Parasyte had been a
+schoolmaster too many years not to comprehend the thought which was
+passing through my mind. He picked up the boat-hook, and it was clear to
+me that he intended with this instrument to prevent my escape.</p>
+
+<p>The boat was beached; but I saw no good chance to execute my purpose,
+and was forced to wait till circumstances favored me. The spot where we
+had put in was over two miles distant from the Institute by the road,
+though not more than one by water. Mr. Parasyte directed one of the men
+to go to a stable, near the shore, and procure a covered carriage,
+compelling me to keep my seat in the stern of the boat near him, while
+the messenger was absent. He still held the boat-hook in his hand,<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_61" id="Page_61">[61]</a></span> with
+which he could fasten to me if I made any movement.</p>
+
+<p>When the vehicle came, the principal placed me on the back seat, and
+took position himself at my side. One of the men was to drive, while the
+other was directed to await his return, and then pull the boat back. I
+was forced to acknowledge to myself that Mr. Parasyte's strategy was
+excellent, and that I was completely baffled by it; but as I was
+satisfied that my time would soon come, I was content to submit, with
+what patience I could command, to the captivity from which I could not
+escape.</p>
+
+<p>The vehicle was driven to the front door of the Institute; and the boys,
+who were still on the shore of the lake, watching for the return of the
+boat, did not have any notice of the arrival of the prisoner. I was
+conducted to the hall of the principal's apartments first, and then to a
+vacant chamber on the third floor. Mr. Parasyte performed this duty
+himself, being unwilling to intrust my person to the care of one his
+subordinate teachers. A suit of clothes belonging to a boy of my own<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_62" id="Page_62">[62]</a></span>
+size was sent to me, and I was directed to put it on, while my own dress
+was dried at the laundry fire. This was proper and humane, and I did not
+object.</p>
+
+<p>When I had changed my clothing, Mr. Parasyte presented himself. By this
+time he had thoroughly cooled off. He looked solemn and dignified as he
+entered the little room, and seated himself in one of the two chairs,
+which, with the bed, formed the furniture of the apartment. He had
+probably considered the whole subject of his relations with me, and was
+now prepared to give his final decision, to which I was also prepared to
+listen.</p>
+
+<p>"Thornton," said he, with a kind of jerk in his voice.</p>
+
+<p>"Sir."</p>
+
+<p>"You have made more trouble in the Parkville Liberal Institute to-day
+than all the other boys together have made since the establishment was
+founded."</p>
+
+<p>"I didn't make it," I replied, promptly, intending to give him an early
+assurance that I would not recede from the position I had taken.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_63" id="Page_63">[63]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>"Yes, you did. You provoked a quarrel, and refused to apologize&mdash;a very
+mild penalty for the offence you had committed."</p>
+
+<p>"I deny that I provoked a quarrel, sir."</p>
+
+<p>"That question has been settled, and we will not open it again. I have
+shown the students, by my prompt pursuit of you when you set my
+authority at defiance, that I intended to maintain the discipline of
+this institution. I have taken you and brought you back. So far I am
+satisfied, Thornton."</p>
+
+<p>"I am not. You have smashed my boat, and you must pay for her," I added,
+calmly, but in the most uncompromising manner.</p>
+
+<p>"This is not a matter of dollars and cents with me. I would rather have
+given a thousand dollars than had this trouble occur; and I would give
+half that sum now to have it satisfactorily settled."</p>
+
+<p>Mr. Parasyte wiped his brow, for he was thrown into a violent
+perspiration by the mental effort which this acknowledgment caused him.
+It looked like "backing out."</p>
+
+<p>"Thornton, you are a very popular young man among the students; it would
+be useless to deny<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_64" id="Page_64">[64]</a></span> it, if I were disposed to do so. You have the
+sympathies of your companions, because Poodles is not popular."</p>
+
+<p>"The boys don't like Poodles simply because he is not a good fellow. He
+is a liar and a cheat, and&mdash;"</p>
+
+<p>"Nothing more of that kind need be said. What I have done cannot be
+undone."</p>
+
+<p>"Very well, sir; I have been expelled. Let me go; that's all I ask."</p>
+
+<p>"In due time you will have permission to go. I think I am, technically,
+legally liable for the destruction of your boat," he added, wiping his
+brow again; for it was hard work for him to say so much. "But you have
+defied me, and the well-being of this institution required that I should
+act promptly. I wish to make a proposition to you."</p>
+
+<p>He paused and looked at me. I intimated that I was ready to hear him.</p>
+
+<p>"In about an hour the boys will assemble for evening prayers," he
+continued, after rising from his chair and consulting his watch. "If at
+that time you will apologize to me for your conduct, in their<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_65" id="Page_65">[65]</a></span> presence,
+and before that time to Poodles, privately, I will restore you to your
+rank and privileges in the Parkville Liberal Institute, and&mdash;and pay you
+for your boat."</p>
+
+<p>"I will not do it, sir," I replied, without an instant's hesitation.</p>
+
+<p>Mr. Parasyte gave me a glance of mingled anger and mortification, and
+turning on his heel, left the room, locking the door upon me.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_66" id="Page_66">[66]</a></span></p>
+
+
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+<h2>CHAPTER VI.</h2>
+
+<h3>IN WHICH ERNEST FINDS HIS FELLOW-STUDENTS IN OPEN REBELLION.</h3>
+
+
+<p>To apologize to Poodles was to acknowledge that I had done wrong. Had I
+done wrong so far as my fellow-student was concerned? Seriously and
+earnestly I asked myself this question. No; I had told the truth in
+regard to the affair exactly as it was, and it would be a lie for me to
+apologize to Poodles. I could not and would not do it. I would be cut to
+pieces, and have my limbs torn piecemeal from my body before I would do
+it.</p>
+
+<p>As far as the principal was concerned, I felt that, provoked and
+irritated by his tyranny and injustice, I had exhibited a proud and
+defiant spirit, which was dangerous to the discipline of the school. I
+was sorry that, when he called me back, I had not<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_67" id="Page_67">[67]</a></span> obeyed. While I was
+in the school-room, or on the premises of the academy, I should have
+yielded obedience, both in fact and in spirit; and I could not excuse my
+defiant bearing by the plea that I had been expelled. I was willing,
+after reflection, to apologize to Mr. Parasyte.</p>
+
+<p>He proposed to pay for my boat. This was a great concession on his part,
+though it was called forth by the belief that he was legally liable for
+its destruction. He was willing to do me justice in that respect, if I
+would humiliate myself before Poodles, and publicly heal the wound which
+the discipline of the Institute had received at my hands. Even at that
+time it seemed to me to be noble and honorable to acknowledge an error
+and atone for it; and I am quite sure, if I could have felt that I had
+done wrong, I should have been glad to own it, and to make the
+confession in the presence of the students. There was a principle at
+stake, and something more than mere personal feeling.</p>
+
+<p>While I was debating with myself what I should do, Mr. Parasyte appeared
+again. It was a matter of infinite importance to him. The prosperity, if
+not<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_68" id="Page_68">[68]</a></span> the very existence, of his school depended upon the issue of this
+affair; and he was naturally nervous and excited. The students were in a
+state of incipient rebellion, as their conduct in the afternoon
+indicated, and it was of the highest moment to the Institute to have the
+matter amicably adjusted.</p>
+
+<p>On the one hand, if I apologized to Poodles and the principal, the
+"powers that be" would be vindicated, and the authority of the master
+fully established. On the other hand, if I declined to do so, and the
+sentence of expulsion was carried out, the boys were in sympathy with
+me, and the rebellion might break out afresh, and end in the total
+dissolution of the establishment. Under these circumstances, it was not
+strange that Mr. Parasyte desired to see me again.</p>
+
+<p>"I hope you have carefully considered your position, Thornton," said he.</p>
+
+<p>"I have," I replied; "and I am willing to apologize to you, but not to
+Poodles."</p>
+
+<p>"That is something gained," added he; and I could see his face brighten
+up under the influence of a hope.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_69" id="Page_69">[69]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>"My manner was defiant, and my conduct disobedient. I am willing to
+apologize to you for this, and to submit to such punishment as you think
+proper to inflict."</p>
+
+<p>"That is very well; but it does not fully meet the difficulty. You must
+also apologize to Poodles, which you are aware may be done in private."</p>
+
+<p>"I cannot do it, sir, either in public or in private. Poodles was wholly
+and entirely to blame."</p>
+
+<p>"I think not; when I settled the case it was closed up, and it must not
+be opened again; at least not till some new testimony is obtained. I
+cannot eat my own words."</p>
+
+<p>"You may obtain new testimony, if you desire," I suggested.</p>
+
+<p>"What?"</p>
+
+<p>"Poodles signed the declaration that he had performed the examples on
+the papers without assistance."</p>
+
+<p>"He did. Have you any doubt that such is the case?" asked Mr. Parasyte,
+though he must have been satisfied that Poodles did not work out the
+examples.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_70" id="Page_70">[70]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>"I am entirely confident that he did not perform them. Mr. Parasyte," I
+continued, earnestly, "I desire to stay at the Institute. It would be
+very bad for me to be turned out, and I am willing to confess I have
+done wrong. If you give Poodles the paper with the examination on it,
+and he can perform one half of the examples, even now, without help, I
+will apologize to him in public or in private."</p>
+
+<p>"That looks very fair, but it is not," replied the principal, rubbing
+his head, as if to stimulate his ideas.</p>
+
+<p>"If Poodles can do the problems, I shall be willing to believe that I am
+mistaken. In my opinion, he cannot perform a single one of them, let
+alone the whole of them."</p>
+
+<p>"I object to this proceeding," said he, impatiently. "It will be
+equivalent to my making a confession."</p>
+
+<p>The bell rang for the boys to assemble for the evening devotions. It
+gave Mr. Parasyte a shock, for the business was still unsettled. I had
+submitted to him a method by which he could ascertain the truth or
+falsehood of Poodle's statements; but it involved an<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_71" id="Page_71">[71]</a></span> acknowledgment
+that he, Mr. Parasyte, was in the wrong. He seemed to be afraid it would
+be proved that he had made a blunder; that he had given an unjust
+judgment. I was fully aware that the principal's position was a
+difficult and painful one, and I was even disposed to sympathize with
+him to a certain extent, though I was the victim of his partiality and
+injustice. The perils and discomforts of his situation, however, had
+been produced by his own hasty and unfair judgment; and it would have
+been far better for him even to apologize to me. He would have lost
+nothing with the boys by such a course; for never in my life did I have
+so exalted an opinion of a schoolmaster, as when, conscious that he had
+done wrong, he nobly and magnanimously acknowledged his error, and
+begged the forgiveness of the boy whom he had unintentionally misjudged.</p>
+
+<p>I feel bound to say, in this connection, and after a longer experience
+of the world, that many schoolmasters, "armed with a little brief
+authority," are the most contemptible of petty tyrants. Their arrogance
+and oppression are intolerable; and I have often<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_72" id="Page_72">[72]</a></span> wondered, that where
+such men have been planted, they have not produced more of the evil
+fruit of strife and rebellion. Mr. Parasyte was one of this class; and
+the fact that he was a splendid teacher did not help his influence in
+the slightest degree.</p>
+
+<p>"There is the bell for evening prayers, Thornton, and it is necessary
+for me to know instantly what you intend to do," said the principal.</p>
+
+<p>"I shall not apologize to Poodles; I will to you."</p>
+
+<p>"Think well of it."</p>
+
+<p>"I have done so. If Poodles can do one half the examples on the paper, I
+will apologize."</p>
+
+<p>"I have decided that question, and shall not open it again."</p>
+
+<p>"I have nothing more to say, Mr. Parasyte," I replied, with becoming
+dignity, as I braced myself for the consequences of the decision I had
+made.</p>
+
+<p>"You are an obstinate and self-willed fellow!" exclaimed the principal,
+irritated by the result.</p>
+
+<p>I made no reply.</p>
+
+<p>"The consequences be upon your own head."</p>
+
+<p>I bowed in silence.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_73" id="Page_73">[73]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>"You have lost your good character and your boat."</p>
+
+<p>I glanced out of the window, and saw the boys filing into the
+school-room.</p>
+
+<p>"I shall explain this matter to your fellow-students, and tell them what
+I proposed."</p>
+
+<p>"Do so," I answered.</p>
+
+<p>He could not help seeing that I was thoroughly in earnest, and that I
+did not intend to yield any more than I had indicated. He was vexed,
+annoyed, angry, and bolted out of the room, at last, in no proper frame
+of mind to conduct the religious exercises of the hour. It was quite
+dark now; and I lay down upon the bed, to think of what had passed, and
+to conjecture the result of my conduct. How I sighed then for some kind
+friend to advise me! How I wished that I had a father who would tell me
+what to do, and fight my battle for me! How I longed for a tender
+mother, into whose loving face I could gaze as I related the sad
+experience of that eventful day! Perhaps she would bid me apologize to
+Poodles, for the sake of saving my good name, and retaining my
+con<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_74" id="Page_74">[74]</a></span>nection with the school. If so, though it would be weak and
+unworthy, I could humble myself for her sake.</p>
+
+<p>I felt that I had done right. I had made all the concession which truth
+and justice required of me, and I was quite calm. I hardly inquired why
+Mr. Parasyte was keeping me a prisoner in the Institute after he had
+expelled me, or what he intended to do with me. About nine o'clock my
+own clothes were brought back to me by one of the servants; but the door
+was securely locked when he retired.</p>
+
+<p>A few minutes later, and before the sound of the servant's retreating
+footsteps had ceased, I heard some one thrust a key into the door. It
+did not fit, and a dozen others were tried in like manner, but with no
+better success. I heard a whispered consultation; and then the door
+began to strain, and crack, until the bolt yielded, and it flew open. My
+sympathizing friends, the students, headed by Bob Hale, had broken it
+down.</p>
+
+<p>"Come, Ernest," said Bob. "You needn't stay in here any longer. We want
+you down stairs."<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_75" id="Page_75">[75]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>"What are you going to do?" I asked, quietly, of my excited deliverers.</p>
+
+<p>"There is no law or justice in this concern; and we are going to put
+things to rights," replied Tom Rush, a good fellow, who had spent a
+week's vacation with me circumnavigating Lake Adieno in the Splash.</p>
+
+<p>"You know I don't approve of any rows or riots," I added.</p>
+
+<p>"No row nor riot about it. We have taken possession of this
+establishment, and we are going to straighten things out,&mdash;you can bet
+your life on that."</p>
+
+<p>"Where is Mr. Parasyte?"</p>
+
+<p>"He has gone up to see your uncle. He told us, at evening prayers, what
+an obstinate boy you were; how kind, and tender, and forgiving he had
+been to you, and how he had exhausted good nature in trying to bring you
+to a proper sense of duty."</p>
+
+<p>"Did he say that?"</p>
+
+<p>"He did, and much more. But come with us. The fellows have captured the
+citadel, and we hold the school-room now, waiting for you."<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_76" id="Page_76">[76]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>"I will go with you; but I don't want the fellows to make a
+disturbance."</p>
+
+<p>"No disturbance at all, Ernest; but we have turned the assistant
+teachers out, and mean to ascertain who is right and who is wrong in
+this matter."</p>
+
+<p>The rebellion had actually broken out again; and the students, in the
+most high-handed manner, had established a tribunal in the school-room,
+to try the issue of my affair with the principal. I followed Bob Hale,
+Tom Rush, and half a dozen others, who constituted the committee to wait
+on me. They conducted me to the main school-room, which was a large
+hall. At every door and window were stationed two or three of the larger
+boys, with their hockies, bats, and rulers as weapons, to defend the
+court, as they called it, from any interruption.</p>
+
+<p>About two thirds of the students were there assembled; and though the
+gathering was a riotous proceeding, the boys were in as good order as
+during the sessions of the school. In an arm-chair, on the platform, sat
+Henry Vallington, one<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_77" id="Page_77">[77]</a></span> of the oldest and most dignified students of the
+Institute, who, it appeared, was to act as judge. Before him were Bill
+Poodles and Dick Pearl,&mdash;the latter being one of the six whose examples
+were all right,&mdash;arraigned for trial, and guarded by four stout
+students.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_78" id="Page_78">[78]</a></span></p>
+
+
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+<h2>CHAPTER VII.</h2>
+
+<h3>IN WHICH ERNEST ATTENDS THE TRIAL OF BILL POODLES AND DICK PEARL.</h3>
+
+
+<p>I confess that I was appalled at the boldness and daring of my
+fellow-students, who had actually taken possession of the Parkville
+Liberal Institute, and purposed to mete out justice to me and to Bill
+Poodles. There was a certain kind of solemnity in the proceedings, which
+was not without its effect upon me. My companions were thoroughly in
+earnest, and the affair was not to be a farce.</p>
+
+<p>Mr. Parasyte, after prayer, had made a statement to the students in
+regard to the unpleasant event of the day, in which he represented me as
+a contumacious offender, one who desired to make all the trouble he
+could; an obstinate, self-willed fellow, whose example was dangerous to
+the general<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_79" id="Page_79">[79]</a></span> peace, and who had refused to be guided by reason and
+common sense. He told the students that he had even offered to pay for
+my boat&mdash;a concession on his part which had had no effect in softening
+my obdurate nature. He appealed to them to sustain the discipline of the
+Parkville Liberal Institute, which had always been celebrated as a
+remarkably orderly and quiet establishment. He then added that he should
+consult my uncle in regard to me, and be guided in some measure by his
+judgment.</p>
+
+<p>The students heard him in silence; but Bob Hale assured me that it was
+with compressed lips, and a fixed determination to carry out the plan
+which had been agreed upon while the boys were watching the chase on the
+lake, and which had not been modified by the wilful destruction of the
+Splash.</p>
+
+<p>I glanced around at my fellow-students as I entered the hall; and though
+they smiled as their gaze met mine, there was a look of earnestness and
+determination which could not be mistaken. Henry Vallington, the
+chairman, judge, or whatever the name of his office was, had the
+reputation of being<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_80" id="Page_80">[80]</a></span> the steadiest boy in the school. It was understood
+that he intended to become a minister. He was about eighteen, and was
+nearly fitted to enter college. He never joined in what were called the
+"scrapes" of the Institute, but devoted himself with the closest
+attention to his studies. He was esteemed and respected by all who knew
+him; and when I saw him presiding over this irregular assemblage, I
+could not help regarding the affair as much more serious than it had
+before seemed, even to me, the chief actor therein.</p>
+
+<p>Poodles and Pearl, I learned, had been captured in their rooms, and
+dragged by sheer force into the school-room, to be examined on the
+charges to be preferred against them. Poodles looked timid and
+terrified, while Pearl was dogged and resolute.</p>
+
+<p>"Thornton," said Henry Vallington, as my conductors paused before the
+judge, "I have sent for you in order that we may ascertain the truth of
+the charges brought against you by Mr. Parasyte. If you provoked the
+quarrel to-day noon with Poodles, it is no more than fair and right that
+you should make the apology required of you. If<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_81" id="Page_81">[81]</a></span> you did not, we intend
+to stand by you. Have you anything to say?"</p>
+
+<p>"I wish to say, in the first place, that, guilty or innocent, I am
+willing to submit to whatever penalty the principal imposes upon me."</p>
+
+<p>"That is very well for you, but it won't do for us," interposed the
+judge. "If such gross injustice is done to one, it may be to another. We
+act in self-defence."</p>
+
+<p>"I don't know what you intend to do; but I am opposed to any disorderly
+conduct, and to any violation of the rules of the Institute."</p>
+
+<p>"We know you are, Thornton; and you shall not be held responsible for
+what we do to-night. If you are willing to tell us what you know about
+this affair, all right. If not, we shall go on without you."</p>
+
+<p>"I am willing to tell the truth here, as I have done to-day. As there
+seems to be some mistake in regard to what transpired between Mr.
+Parasyte and myself, up stairs, I will state the facts as they occurred.
+He agreed to pay for my boat on condition that I would apologize,
+privately, to Poodles,<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_82" id="Page_82">[82]</a></span> and publicly to the principal. I offered to
+apologize to Mr. Parasyte, but not to Poodles, who was the aggressor in
+the beginning. I told him, if Poodles would perform half the examples
+now, I would make the apology to him."</p>
+
+<p>"That's it!" shouted half a dozen boys.</p>
+
+<p>"Order!" interposed the judge, sternly.</p>
+
+<p>"I think that would be a good way to prove that Poodles did or did not
+tell the truth, when he said he had performed the examples," interposed
+Bob Hale.</p>
+
+<p>"Capital!" added Tom Rush.</p>
+
+<p>"I approve the method; but let us have no disorder," replied Vallington.
+"Conduct Poodles to the blackboard."</p>
+
+<p>The custodians of the culprit promptly obeyed this order, and led him to
+the blackboard, which was cleaned for immediate use. The school-room was
+well lighted, and the expression on the faces of all could be distinctly
+seen.</p>
+
+<p>"Poodles, we desire to have justice done to all," said Vallington, when
+the culprit had taken his place at the blackboard. "You shall have fair
+play<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_83" id="Page_83">[83]</a></span> in every respect. You shall have a chance to prove that you were
+right, and Thornton wrong."</p>
+
+<p>"Well, I was right," replied Poodles.</p>
+
+<p>"Did you perform all the examples on your paper without any help?"</p>
+
+<p>"Of course I did."</p>
+
+<p>"Then of course you know how to perform them. Here is an examination
+paper. If you can perform five of the ten examples you shall be
+acquitted."</p>
+
+<p>"Perhaps I don't choose to do them," said Poodles, looking around for
+some way to escape his fate.</p>
+
+<p>"Are you not willing that the truth should come out?"</p>
+
+<p>"I told the truth to-day."</p>
+
+<p>"All right, if you did. You surely will not object to <i>prove</i> that you
+did. You shall have fair play, I repeat."</p>
+
+<p>"Suppose I don't choose to do them?" asked Poodles, doubtfully.</p>
+
+<p>"Then we shall take it for granted that you did not do them, as you
+declared on your paper."<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_84" id="Page_84">[84]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>"You can take it for granted, then, if you like," answered Poodles, as
+he dropped the chalk.</p>
+
+<p>"You refuse to perform the examples&mdash;do you?" demanded Vallington,
+sternly.</p>
+
+<p>"Yes, I do."</p>
+
+<p>"Then you may take the consequences. Either you shall be expelled from
+the Institute, or at least fifty of us will petition our parents to take
+us from this school. We have done with you."</p>
+
+<p>Bill Poodles smiled, and was pleased to get off so easily; but I noticed
+that Dick Pearl turned pale, and looked very much troubled. He was a
+relative of Mr. Parasyte, and it was generally understood that he was a
+free scholar, his parents being too poor to pay his board and tuition.
+While he expected to be ducked in the lake, or subjected to some
+personal indignity, after the manner in which boys usually treat such
+cases, his courage was good. Now, it appeared that the boys simply
+intended to have Poodles expelled, or to ask their parents and guardians
+to remove them; and as most of the students were from fourteen to
+eighteen years of age, they would probably have influence enough to
+effect their design.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_85" id="Page_85">[85]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>"Pearl," said the judge, while the other culprit was apparently still
+attempting to figure out the result of the trial.</p>
+
+<p>"I'm here," replied Pearl.</p>
+
+<p>"We are entirely satisfied that Poodles had some assistance in
+performing his examples. It is believed that you gave him that
+assistance. If you did, own up."</p>
+
+<p>"Who says I helped Poodles?"</p>
+
+<p>"I say so, for one," added the judge, sharply.</p>
+
+<p>"Can you prove it?"</p>
+
+<p>"I will answer that question after you have confessed or refused to
+confess. You shall have fair play, as well as Poodles. If you wish to
+put yourself right on the record, you can do so; if not, you shall
+leave, or we will."</p>
+
+<p>Pearl looked troubled. He was under very great obligations to Mr.
+Parasyte. If he denied that he had helped Poodles, and it was then
+proved against him, the boys would insist that he should be expelled. If
+he stood out, he must either be expelled or the Institute be broken up.
+He did not appear willing to take such a responsibility.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_86" id="Page_86">[86]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>"You can do as you please, Pearl; but tell the truth, if you say
+anything," continued Vallington.</p>
+
+<p>"I did help Poodles," said he, looking down at the floor.</p>
+
+<p>"How much did you help him?"</p>
+
+<p>"I lent him my examination paper, and he copied all the solutions upon
+his own."</p>
+
+<p>"And after that you were willing to declare that you had not assisted
+any one?" demanded the judge, with a look of supreme contempt on his
+fine features.</p>
+
+<p>"I had not helped any one <i>when</i> I signed my paper."</p>
+
+<p>"Humph!" exclaimed Vallington, with a withering sneer. "That is the
+meanest kind of a lie."</p>
+
+<p>"I didn't mean to assist him; he teased me till I couldn't help myself,"
+pleaded Pearl.</p>
+
+<p>A further examination showed that Poodles had browbeaten and threatened
+him; and we were disposed to palliate Pearl's offence, in consideration
+of his poverty and his dependent position, after he had confessed his
+error.</p>
+
+<p>"Are you willing to make this acknowledgment<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_87" id="Page_87">[87]</a></span> to Mr. Parasyte?" asked
+the judge, in a tone of compassion.</p>
+
+<p>"I don't want to; but I will. I suppose he will send me home then,"
+replied the culprit.</p>
+
+<p>"We will do what we can for you," added the judge.</p>
+
+<p>Pearl had been a pretty good fellow among the boys, was generally
+popular, and all were sorry for him. But his confession in a manner
+absolved him, and the students heartily declared that they would stand
+by him.</p>
+
+<p>"Our business is finished," said Vallington, "unless Poodles has
+something more to say."</p>
+
+<p>Poodles had listened with consternation to the confession of Pearl, and
+he now appeared to be dissatisfied with himself rather than with the
+court.</p>
+
+<p>"I didn't think Dick Pearl would let on in that way," said he, casting a
+reproachful glance at his fellow-culprit.</p>
+
+<p>"He has told the truth. If he had not confessed, we could have proved
+that he helped you," added Vallington. "I have seen the six papers that
+were all right myself. Pearl performed the third exam<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_88" id="Page_88">[88]</a></span>ple in a very
+peculiar and roundabout way; and Poodles had it in the same way, while
+the other did it by the most direct method."</p>
+
+<p>"I suppose it's of no use to stand out now," said Poodles, timidly.</p>
+
+<p>"Will you confess now?"</p>
+
+<p>"I will, if it will do any good."</p>
+
+<p>"If you will tell the truth to Mr. Parasyte, that is all we want. The
+fellows haven't anything against you. Will you do so?"</p>
+
+<p>"I will if you say I shall not be expelled," whined Poodles.</p>
+
+<p>"I can only say that we will not ask for your expulsion. I suppose there
+is no danger of Mr. Parasyte expelling <i>you</i>," added the judge, with a
+dry humor, appreciated by all the students.</p>
+
+<p>"Mr. Parasyte!" exclaimed one of the sentinels at the door.</p>
+
+<p>There was an attempt on the part of the principal to pull the door open,
+but it was well secured upon the inside.</p>
+
+<p>"Let him in," said the judge.</p>
+
+<p>The door opened, and Mr. Parasyte entered the school-room.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_89" id="Page_89">[89]</a></span></p>
+
+
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+<h2>CHAPTER VIII.</h2>
+
+<h3>IN WHICH ERNEST VANQUISHES THE SCHOOLMASTER.</h3>
+
+
+<p>Mr. Parasyte had evidently obtained some information in regard to the
+great rebellion before he entered the school-room; for though he looked
+extremely troubled, he did not seem to be so much astonished as might
+have been expected. He was admitted by order of the judge, and took off
+his hat as he walked up the aisle to the platform, wiping away the
+perspiration which gathered on his heated brow under the severe mental
+struggles his position induced.</p>
+
+<p>"What does all this mean?" he demanded, with a sternness which we could
+not help seeing was assumed.</p>
+
+<p>The boys were all orderly and quiet; the school room was as still as
+during the regular sessions of the Institute. The sentinels, with their
+bats and<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_90" id="Page_90">[90]</a></span> clubs, stood immovable at their stations, and the scene
+produced its full impression upon the mind of the principal. As he did
+not seem to be prepared to receive an answer to his question, none was
+given; and Mr. Parasyte glanced uneasily around the room, apparently
+seeking to obtain a better understanding of the scene.</p>
+
+<p>"What does all this <i>mean?</i>" demanded he, a second time.</p>
+
+<p>"It means, sir," replied Henry Vallington, "that the boys are
+dissatisfied, and intend to have things set right."</p>
+
+<p>"Is this a proper way to express their dissatisfaction&mdash;to take
+advantage of my absence to get up a riotous assembly?"</p>
+
+<p>"We have been perfectly orderly, sir," added the judge, in respectful
+tones.</p>
+
+<p>"How came you here, Thornton?" continued the principal, as his gaze
+rested on me.</p>
+
+<p>"We brought him here, sir," promptly interposed Vallington, anxious to
+relieve me of any responsibility for my escape from my prison-chamber.</p>
+
+<p>"Vallington, I confess my astonishment at seeing<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_91" id="Page_91">[91]</a></span> you engaged in an
+affair of this kind," said Mr. Parasyte, reproachfully; and he fixed his
+gaze upon the judge, and again wiped the perspiration from his forehead.
+"I have always regarded you as an orderly and well-behaved boy."</p>
+
+<p>"I do not expect to forfeit my reputation as such by what I have done.
+Mr. Parasyte, the boys are dissatisfied. We are not little children. We
+have all reached the years of discretion, and we know the difference
+between right and wrong, between justice and injustice."</p>
+
+<p>"Do you intend to read me a lecture?" demanded the principal, angrily.</p>
+
+<p>"No, sir; I had no such intention&mdash;only to state the facts."</p>
+
+<p>"But you are arraigning me, the principal of the Parkville Liberal
+Institute," added Mr. Parasyte, measuring the judge from head to foot.</p>
+
+<p>"You may call it what you please, sir."</p>
+
+<p>"May I ask what you purpose to do?" continued the principal, in a
+sneering tone, not unmingled with timidity.</p>
+
+<p>"Poodles," said the judge, turning to the lank toady, "stand up."<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_92" id="Page_92">[92]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>He obeyed; and being now with the majority of the boys, I think he was
+mean enough to enjoy the discomfiture of Mr. Parasyte, for there can be
+no real respect or true sympathy in the relation of one flunky with
+another.</p>
+
+<p>"Are you ready to tell the whole truth?" demanded Vallington.</p>
+
+<p>"I am," replied Poodles.</p>
+
+<p>"Perhaps you will be willing to inform Mr. Parasyte, in the beginning,
+whether you do so of your own free will and accord, or not."</p>
+
+<p>"I do so of my own free will and accord."</p>
+
+<p>"Did you perform the examples on the examination paper without any
+assistance?"</p>
+
+<p>"I did not."</p>
+
+<p>"How many did you do yourself?"</p>
+
+<p>"None of them."</p>
+
+<p>"Who struck the first blow in the affray on the pier with Thornton?"</p>
+
+<p>"I did," answered Poodles, with a silly leer. "Thornton told the facts
+just exactly as they were."</p>
+
+<p>"You may sit down."</p>
+
+<p>Mr. Parasyte wiped his brow again.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_93" id="Page_93">[93]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>"Pearl," continued Vallington.</p>
+
+<p>This culprit, unlike his companion in guilt, looked sheepish and
+crestfallen, as he slowly rose from his seat. He was not so base and
+low-minded as Poodles, and he felt a genuine shame for the mean conduct
+of which he had been guilty.</p>
+
+<p>"Have you anything to say, Pearl?" asked the judge.</p>
+
+<p>"I lent my paper to Poodles, who copied the solutions from it," replied
+Pearl, with his glance fixed upon the floor.</p>
+
+<p>"That's all; you may sit down."</p>
+
+<p>Pearl seated himself; and if a pin had fallen to the floor then, it
+might have been heard in the anxious silence that followed. Mr.
+Parasyte's chest heaved with emotion. He wanted to storm, and scold, and
+threaten, but seemed to be afraid to do so.</p>
+
+<p>"I have nothing more to say at present, Mr. Parasyte. In the name and in
+behalf of the students, I have brought the facts to your notice," said
+Vallington, breaking the impressive stillness, as the principal did not
+seem disposed to do so.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_94" id="Page_94">[94]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>"After the riotous proceedings of this afternoon, I might have expected
+this; but I did not," the principal began. "You appear to have
+intimidated Poodles to such an extent that he has entirely modified and
+reversed the statements he made this afternoon. He is a weak-minded boy,
+and it was not difficult to do so."</p>
+
+<p>This remark roused the ire of Poodles, and it required a sharp reprimand
+from the judge to repress his impertinence.</p>
+
+<p>"Pearl is a poor boy, upon whose fears you seem to have successfully
+wrought. A confession from either of them, under the circumstances, is
+not reliable. I do not countenance this meeting, or these proceedings. I
+am not to be intimidated by your action. In regard to what you have
+done, I have nothing to say; but I require you to separate, and go at
+once to your rooms."</p>
+
+<p>"Will you be kind enough to inform us what you intend to do, Mr.
+Parasyte?" said Vallington.</p>
+
+<p>"I am not to be taken to task by my pupils."</p>
+
+<p>"We do not intend to resort to any disorderly proceedings," added the
+judge. "Poodles and Pearl,<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_95" id="Page_95">[95]</a></span> without compulsion, have acknowledged their
+errors, and it has been fully proved that Thornton was not to blame for
+the affair on the pier. We ask, therefore, that Thornton be restored to
+his rank and privileges as a member of the Institute. If this is not
+done, at least fifty of us will sign a paper urging our parents and
+guardians to take us away from this school."</p>
+
+<p>"I will grant nothing under these circumstances&mdash;promise nothing,"
+replied the principal, doggedly.</p>
+
+<p>"We are in no haste. We leave the matter for your consideration, Mr.
+Parasyte. We will all go to our rooms now."</p>
+
+<p>Vallington left the chair, and walked out of the school-room, followed
+in good order by all the students who had taken part in these irregular
+proceedings. I was going out with the rest, when Mr. Parasyte intimated
+that he had something to say to me, and I remained. When the boys had
+all gone, he invited me to accompany him to his private office&mdash;a small
+apartment, opening from the main hall, near the front door, in which he
+received callers, and sat in state when not employed in the
+school-room.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_96" id="Page_96">[96]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>There is an old saying that "you must summer and winter" a man before
+you know him. Mr. Parasyte was considered a tyrant; not a coarse and
+brutal tyrant, but a refined and gentlemanly one, who cows you by his
+polite impertinence. He seldom indulged in harsh speech, never in
+personal violence&mdash;at least no instance of it was known to the students.
+He indulged in sneers and polished browbeating. A boy was never
+stupid&mdash;he lacked common intelligence; never a blockhead&mdash;his
+perceptions were very dull. His polite epithets were more cutting than
+good round invectives would have been.</p>
+
+<p>He had a will of his own; and he was obstinate, mulish, pig-headed. If
+he had been surprised into declaring that black was white, then black
+would continue to be white, in spite of positive demonstration to the
+contrary. He was dogmatic to the last degree; and this is a fault to
+which the schoolmaster is peculiarly liable. It required the event of
+the day whereof I speak to enable us fully to comprehend Mr. Parasyte.
+We had summered him before; now we were to winter him.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_97" id="Page_97">[97]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>What he had said in the school-room indicated that he intended to regard
+the confessions of Poodles and Pearl as extorted from them by
+intimidation, and that he purposed to persist in persecuting me. I had
+no desire to be a martyr; but I did not see how I could help myself.</p>
+
+<p>"Thornton, I see you intend, if possible, to break up the Parkville
+Liberal Institute," said he.</p>
+
+<p>"No, sir, I do not. I hadn't anything to do with what took place in the
+school-room," I replied.</p>
+
+<p>"You did not seem to be a martyr there," sneered he. "The boys have made
+a mistake; so have you. They don't know me; you don't. You got up a
+quarrel this afternoon."</p>
+
+<p>"No, sir, I did not."</p>
+
+<p>"Don't contradict me," said he, sharply. "I say you got up a quarrel
+this afternoon."</p>
+
+<p>"And I say I did not."</p>
+
+<p>"I am in no humor to trifle with you," said he, opening a desk, and
+taking out a cowhide.</p>
+
+<p>I was willing to confess, when I saw that implement, that I had not
+known him before. He was about to step down from refined to brutal
+tyranny.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_98" id="Page_98">[98]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>"Poodles himself has confessed that he lied," I added, taking no further
+notice of the cowhide.</p>
+
+<p>"Confessed!" exclaimed Mr. Parasyte, savagely. "The boys have either
+bribed or frightened him into this confession. It will have no effect
+upon me."</p>
+
+<p>"I have nothing to say, then," I answered, with dignity. "If you will
+look into the case again, and require Poodles to do the examples, you
+will see that you, and not the boys, have made a mistake."</p>
+
+<p>"Silence, sir! I don't intend to be addressed in that impudent way by
+any student. I have attempted to suppress this rebellion by mild means;
+but they have failed. I have been to see your uncle. As I supposed he
+would, he has taken a proper view of the case. He does not wish to have
+you expelled, and I revoke my sentence; but he desires to have you
+reduced to subjection."</p>
+
+<p>My uncle had actually spoken, and taken sides with the tyrant. I was
+astonished, but not intimidated.</p>
+
+<p>"I have drawn up a paper for you to sign, which shall be read to the
+boys to-morrow morning. There it is."</p>
+
+<div class="figcenter" style="width: 500px;">
+<img src="images/i002.jpg" width="500" height="396" alt="RESISTANCE TO TYRANNY.&mdash;Page 99." title="RESISTANCE TO TYRANNY.&mdash;Page 99." />
+<span class="caption">RESISTANCE TO TYRANNY.&mdash;Page 99.</span>
+</div><p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_99" id="Page_99">[99]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>I glanced at the document. It was an acknowledgment of all Mr. Parasyte
+charged me with, and a promise to behave myself properly. I refused to
+sign it. The principal rolled up his sleeves, and took the cowhide in
+his hand. He looked cool and malignant.</p>
+
+<p>"Then I shall do as your uncle wishes me to do&mdash;reduce you to
+subjection," said he. "Consider well what you are doing."</p>
+
+<p>"I have considered, sir. If you strike me with that cowhide, I shall do
+the best I can to defend myself."</p>
+
+<p>"Do you threaten me?" demanded Mr. Parasyte, stepping towards me with a
+jerk.</p>
+
+<p>"No, sir; but I will not submit to a blow, if it costs me my life."</p>
+
+<p>"Won't you? We'll see."</p>
+
+<p>He did see. He struck me. The blow cut my soul. I sprang upon him with
+all the tiger in my nature let loose. I kicked, bit, scratched. I clawed
+at his throat like a vampire, and, though severely belabored, I finally
+wrenched the cowhide from his grasp, and hurled him back so that he fell
+full length upon the floor.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_100" id="Page_100">[100]</a></span></p>
+
+
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+<h2>CHAPTER IX.</h2>
+
+<h3>IN WHICH ERNEST STRIKES A HEAVY BLOW, AND WINS ANOTHER VICTORY.</h3>
+
+
+<p>I was astonished at my own prowess, as I stood, with heaving breast,
+gazing at the prostrate form of the vanquished tyrant. I was a stout
+young fellow, heavy enough and strong enough for a boy of fifteen; but I
+did not regard myself as a match for a full-grown man. I suppose the
+fury and impetuosity of the onslaught I made had given me the victory
+before Mr. Parasyte was able to bring all his power to bear upon me.</p>
+
+<p>I was satisfied with what I had done, and did not care to do any more. I
+wished to leave; but the principal had locked the door, and put the key
+into his pocket. I glanced at the window, hoping to find a means of
+egress in that direction, though it was at least ten feet above the
+ground. But<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_101" id="Page_101">[101]</a></span> ten feet are nothing to a boy of spirit; and I was moving
+towards the window, intending to take the leap, when Mr. Parasyte sprang
+to his feet, and confronted me again. If ever a man wore the expression
+of a demon, the principal of the Parkville Liberal Institute did at that
+moment; and it was patent to me that, unless I could effect my escape,
+my trials and troubles had but just commenced.</p>
+
+<p>I was more disposed to use strategy than force; for, in spite of the
+victory I had won, I was fearful that the tyrant "carried too many guns"
+for me. The malignity of his aspect was accompanied by an expression of
+pain, as though he had been injured by his fall. This was in my favor,
+if I was to be again compelled to break a lance with him.</p>
+
+<p>"You villain!" gasped Mr. Parasyte, with one hand upon his side. "How
+dare you resist?"</p>
+
+<p>"I have no fancy for being cut to pieces with a cowhide," I replied, as
+coolly as I could, which, however, was not saying much.</p>
+
+<p>"Your uncle wished me to reduce you to subjection, and to flog you till
+you came to your senses."</p>
+
+<p>"I am not very grateful to my uncle for his re<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_102" id="Page_102">[102]</a></span>quest; and I have to say,
+that I will not be tamely flogged either by you or by him."</p>
+
+<p>"What do you mean to do?" demanded he, apparently astonished to find me
+so resolute.</p>
+
+<p>"I mean to resist as long as I am flogged," I replied, twisting the
+cowhide I still held in my hand.</p>
+
+<p>Saying this, I jumped upon the window-seat, and unfastened the sash.</p>
+
+<p>"Stop!" said he, moving towards me.</p>
+
+<p>"I know what you mean now; and if you come near me, I will hit you over
+the head with the butt-end of this cowhide," I replied, raising the
+sash.</p>
+
+<p>"I intend to reduce you to subjection at any hazard," he added.</p>
+
+<p>Without making reply, I attempted to get out of the window in such a way
+that I could drop to the ground, or "hang off" with my hands. In doing
+this, I laid myself open to the assault of the enemy, who was prompt in
+perceiving his advantage, and in availing himself of it. Seizing me by
+the collar with both hands, he dragged me back into the office, and
+hurled me heavily upon the floor, at the same time wrenching the cowhide
+from my<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_103" id="Page_103">[103]</a></span> grasp. I sprang to my feet with the celerity of a wounded
+tiger; but the principal began to beat me with a zeal corresponding to
+his malignity.</p>
+
+<p>A heavy round ruler on the desk, which had before attracted my
+attention, was available as a weapon, and in the fury of my passion I
+grasped it. Without thought or consideration except in my own defence, I
+sprang upon the tyrant again, and dealt him several heavy blows with the
+implement, until one was planted in such a place on his head that it
+knocked him insensible upon the floor. Panting like a hunted deer from
+the rage which filled my soul, and from the violence of my exertions, I
+gazed upon the work I had done. Mr. Parasyte lay motionless upon the
+floor. I took the key from his vest pocket, and unlocked the door.</p>
+
+<p>In the hall I found several persons, including Mrs. Parasyte, and Mr.
+Hardy, one of the assistant teachers. They had been sitting in the
+parlor opposite the office, and had heard the noise of the desperate
+struggle between the principal and myself.</p>
+
+<p>"What have you done!" exclaimed Mrs. Parasyte, greatly alarmed when she
+saw her husband lying senseless upon the floor.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_104" id="Page_104">[104]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>"This is bad business," added Mr. Hardy, as he hastened to the
+assistance of the principal.</p>
+
+<p>"Is he dead?" asked the wife, in tremulous tones.</p>
+
+<p>"No&mdash;O, no! But he has had a heavy blow on the temple," replied the
+teacher.</p>
+
+<p>I assisted Mrs. Parasyte and Mr. Hardy in carrying my foe to his
+chamber. I was alarmed myself. I feared that I had done more than I
+intended to do. I went for the doctor at the lady's request; but before
+my return Mr. Parasyte had come to his senses, and complained of a
+severe sickness at his stomach. The physician carefully examined him,
+and declared that his patient was not seriously injured. I need not say
+that I was greatly relieved by this opinion. I left the room, intending
+to depart from the house, though it was now nearly eleven o'clock at
+night. Mr. Hardy followed me out into the hall, and wished to know where
+I was going.</p>
+
+<p>"Home," I replied.</p>
+
+<p>"I'm afraid you have got into difficulty, Thornton," added he.</p>
+
+<p>"I can't help it if I have. I didn't mean to hurt him so badly; but it
+was his own fault."<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_105" id="Page_105">[105]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>"How did it happen?"</p>
+
+<p>I told him how it happened; but Mr. Hardy expressed no opinion on the
+merits of the case. He knew, as well as I did, that Mr. Parasyte had
+been wrong from the beginning; but being in a subordinate position, it
+was not proper for him to condemn his principal.</p>
+
+<p>"The boys are in a riotous condition, and it is fortunate they do not
+know of this affair. I hope you do not intend to inform them&mdash;at least
+not to-night," he added.</p>
+
+<p>"No, sir, I do not. I have tried from the first to keep the peace.
+Poodles confessed to Mr. Parasyte that he had lied about the affair on
+the pier, but he refused to believe him. I am sorry there has been any
+trouble; but I couldn't help it."</p>
+
+<p>Mr. Hardy was really troubled; but he could not say anything, and he did
+not. He was a poor man, trying to earn the means to study a profession
+by teaching, and a word or a look of sympathy to a rebel like me would
+have cost him his situation. He was a just and a fair man, and as such
+was loved and respected by all the students. Many of the boys<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_106" id="Page_106">[106]</a></span> had often
+wished that he might be the principal of the academy, instead of Mr.
+Parasyte, who had established and who still owned the institution.</p>
+
+<p>There was nothing more to be said or done, and I left the academy for
+home. I was sincerely sorry for what had happened. Even a quarrel in
+which I had been the victor had no pleasant reflections for me. I would
+have submitted to any punishment except the flogging, and borne the
+injustice of it without a complaint; but I had been required to confess
+that of which I was not guilty, and I could not do that. I hated a lie
+of any kind, and I could not tell one to save myself from the
+consequences of the tyrant's rage and injustice.</p>
+
+<p>I considered all the events of the day as I walked home, and came to the
+conclusion that I was not to blame for the mischief that had been done.
+If I had been haughty and disobedient, it was because I had been treated
+badly. I certainly did not deserve flogging, and it would have been
+impossible for me to submit to it. If I had been guilty, I could have
+borne even that.</p>
+
+<p>My uncle had counselled Mr. Parasyte to reduce<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_107" id="Page_107">[107]</a></span> me to subjection; and
+much I marvelled that he had found words to say so much. It was an
+evidence of interest in me which he had never before manifested. It was
+plain that, in the settlement of the difficulty, I must count upon the
+opposition of my uncle, who had already espoused the principal's side of
+the quarrel. But I did not make any rash resolves, preferring to act as
+my sense of right and justice should dictate when the time for action
+came.</p>
+
+<p>As I approached the cottage by the lake, I saw a light in my uncle's
+library. My guardian sat up late at night, and rose early in the
+morning. He did not sleep well, and he always looked pale and haggard.
+He was a misanthrope in the worst sense of the word. He seemed to have
+no friends, and to care for no one in the world&mdash;not even for himself.
+Certainly he had no regard for me.</p>
+
+<p>Of his past history I knew nothing; but I had already concluded that he
+had been subjected to some terrible disappointment or injustice. He
+appeared to suffer all the time; and if he would have permitted it, how
+gladly would I have as<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_108" id="Page_108">[108]</a></span>suaged his woe by my sympathy! He was cold and
+forbidding, and would not permit me to speak a word to him. I had once
+tried to make him tell me something about my father and mother; but,
+with an expression of angry impatience upon his face, he had turned and
+fled in disgust from me.</p>
+
+<p>I longed to know who and what my mother was; but my questions brought no
+answer. One day, when my uncle was away, I had crept into his library,
+and tried vainly to obtain some information from his books and papers.
+He caught me in the room, and drove me out with a curse upon his lips.
+After that a spring lock was put upon the door, the key of which he
+carried in his pocket.</p>
+
+<p>On the present occasion I had nothing to expect from my uncle; but I
+wished to see him, and tell him my story. I knew that he could talk;
+for, during the preceding year, a man of thirty, elegantly dressed, came
+to the cottage one afternoon, and walked with my uncle into the grove by
+the lake. They had business together, and it was not of a<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_109" id="Page_109">[109]</a></span> pleasant
+nature; for, prompted by curiosity, I rowed my skiff up to the shore, to
+learn what I might of the stranger's purpose. I could not understand a
+word that was said; but my uncle talked rapidly and fiercely, and a
+violent altercation ensued, which I feared would end in blows. The
+stranger did not come back to the cottage, and the supper which Betsey
+had prepared for the guest was not needed.</p>
+
+<p>Learning from this that my uncle had a tongue, I asked him who the
+stranger was. The answer was only a savage frown. He had no tongue for
+me. Neither old Jerry nor his wife was any better informed than I was,
+for both assured me they did not know the stranger. Satisfied,
+therefore, that my uncle could talk, I was determined to see him before
+I went to bed, though it was nearly midnight. Perhaps, also, I was
+disposed to adopt this course, because my guardian had given such bad
+advice to Mr. Parasyte. I was not insensible to the indulgence with
+which I had ever been treated; and seeing that my silent uncle wished to
+avoid me, I had generally favored him in doing so. It was different now.
+He<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_110" id="Page_110">[110]</a></span> had given an order or a permission to have me brutally punished, and
+I was determined to make him "face the music."</p>
+
+<p>I entered the house, and passing through my uncle's chamber, stood at
+the door of the library, which was fastened by the spring lock.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_111" id="Page_111">[111]</a></span></p>
+
+
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+<h2>CHAPTER X.</h2>
+
+<h3>IN WHICH ERNEST HAS AN INTERVIEW WITH HIS UNCLE.</h3>
+
+
+<p>With my resolution still at the highest pitch of firmness, I knocked at
+the library door. I expected a storm; it was hardly possible to avoid
+one; but I hoped, if I could induce my stern and silent guardian to
+speak or to listen, that I might make an impression upon him. There was
+no answer to my knock, and I repeated it. Then I heard a stir in the
+library, and my uncle opened the door. When he saw me, he was about to
+close the door in my face, doubtless regarding my conduct in knocking at
+his door as impudent in the highest degree. I was not disposed to be
+shut out, and anticipating his purpose, I stepped nimbly into the room.</p>
+
+<p>"Uncle Amos, I wish to speak with you for a few<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_112" id="Page_112">[112]</a></span> moments, if you will be
+kind enough to hear me," I began, in tones as humble as the veriest
+tyrant could have required.</p>
+
+<p>He sat down in his arm-chair, leaned his head upon his hand in such a
+way as to cover his face, but made me no reply, either by word or by
+sign.</p>
+
+<p>"I would not trouble you if it were not necessary to do so," I
+continued. "Will you permit me to tell my story?"</p>
+
+<p>He removed his hand, and gave me an affirmative nod; but it was evident
+to me that my presence was the occasion of positive suffering to him. I
+knew of no reason why I should be personally disagreeable to him, and it
+seemed to me that his aversion was caused wholly by a kind of obstinacy,
+which I could not understand.</p>
+
+<p>"I have had a difficulty with Mr. Parasyte; but I was not to blame, as I
+can prove by more than half the students in the academy," I proceeded;
+and then I rehearsed all the particulars of my affray with Poodles, on
+the pier, including the rebellion of the students, and the confession of
+the guilty ones.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_113" id="Page_113">[113]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>My uncle may have heard me, and he may not; but he took not the least
+notice of me, appearing to be absorbed in his own meditations during the
+recital of my wrongs.</p>
+
+<p>"Mr. Parasyte called me into his private office, and informed me that he
+had been to see you," I added.</p>
+
+<p>My uncle removed his hand from his face, glanced at me, nodded his head,
+which was the first indication he had given that he was conscious of my
+presence, after I began to relate my story. The look that accompanied
+the nod was anything but a pleasant one. There was something like
+malignant satisfaction in the glance that he bestowed upon me.</p>
+
+<p>"Then you did request Mr. Parasyte to reduce me to subjection, as he
+expressed it?"</p>
+
+<p>"I did," replied he, decidedly, as he again uncovered his face, and
+nodded to emphasize his reply.</p>
+
+<p>This was hopeful, for I had at least got an answer out of him, though
+the reply was cold-blooded and cruel.</p>
+
+<p>"Did you request him to flog me?" I demanded,<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_114" id="Page_114">[114]</a></span> a little excited by the
+fact that my uncle was likely to prove as malignant as the schoolmaster.</p>
+
+<p>"I did," he added; and his eyes seemed to glow like two coals of fire.</p>
+
+<p>It was not difficult now for me to understand the situation. My uncle
+hated me,&mdash;why I knew not. I could not reconcile such a feeling with the
+indulgence he had always extended to me. I could not see why, if he
+hated me, as that fierce glare of his eyes indicated, he had always
+allowed me to have my own way, had always given me money without stint,
+and had permitted me to go and come when and as I pleased, and rove at
+will over the broad and dangerous lake.</p>
+
+<p>I have since learned that this indulgence was perfectly consistent with
+hatred, and that the judicious parent, who truly loves his son, would
+deprive him of such unhealthy and dangerous indulgences. As he hated me,
+so he let me have my own way. Had he loved me, he would have restrained
+me; he would have inquired into my conduct when away from home; and
+above all, he would not have allowed me to risk my life upon the stormy
+lake as I did.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_115" id="Page_115">[115]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>"You <i>did</i> request him to flog me, and without understanding the merits
+of the case!" I replied, indignantly.</p>
+
+<p>He nodded again.</p>
+
+<p>"Uncle Amos, I have tried to do my duty faithfully at school, and to be
+respectful and obedient to my teachers. This is the first time I have
+had any trouble. I say, most solemnly, I was not to blame."</p>
+
+<p>"You were," said my uncle.</p>
+
+<p>"Will you hear the evidence in my favor?"</p>
+
+<p>"No."</p>
+
+<p>"You will not?"</p>
+
+<p>"No."</p>
+
+<p>"What would you have me do?"</p>
+
+<p>"Obey your teacher."</p>
+
+<p>"Mr. Parasyte ordered me to apologize to Poodles."</p>
+
+<p>"Do it then."</p>
+
+<p>"But Poodles confesses that I was not to blame."</p>
+
+<p>"No matter."</p>
+
+<p>"I cannot do it, uncle."</p>
+
+<p>"The master must make you do it," added my uncle, with a sneer.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_116" id="Page_116">[116]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>"He attempted to do so. He began to flog me, and I knocked him down," I
+replied, quietly, but sullenly.</p>
+
+<p>My uncle sprang to his feet, and stared at me with an intensity which
+would have made me quail if I had been guilty.</p>
+
+<p>"You struck him!" exclaimed he, trembling with emotion.</p>
+
+<p>"When he attempted a second time to flog me, I hit him on the head with
+a heavy ruler, and he fell insensible upon the floor."</p>
+
+<p>My stern guardian rushed furiously across the room, foaming with
+passion.</p>
+
+<p>"You villain!" gasped he, pausing before me. "You struck the master?"</p>
+
+<p>"I knocked him down, as I would any other man who insulted me with a
+blow," I replied, firmly; for I intended to have my uncle understand
+exactly how I felt.</p>
+
+<p>"You are an obstinate whelp!" ejaculated my guardian, who had certainly
+found a tongue now.</p>
+
+<p>"All the students think I am right."</p>
+
+<p>"The students! What do I care what they think?"<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_117" id="Page_117">[117]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>"They understand the case."</p>
+
+<p>"Humph!" sneered my uncle.</p>
+
+<p>"I see, sir, that I have nothing to expect from you," I continued.</p>
+
+<p>"No!"</p>
+
+<p>"I have only to say that Mr. Parasyte can't flog me. If I were guilty, I
+would not resist; but I will fight as long as I have a breath left
+against such injustice."</p>
+
+<p>"Very pretty! May I ask what you are going to do with yourself?"</p>
+
+<p>"I don't know yet; only, if I am not wanted here, I won't stay here. I
+think I can take care of myself."</p>
+
+<p>"Do you consider this a proper return for all I have done for you?"
+asked he, more calmly.</p>
+
+<p>"I don't know what you have done for me. I asked you once something
+about my father and mother, and you did not answer me."</p>
+
+<p>"You have no father and mother," he replied, with visible emotion. "You
+need not ask any questions, for I will not answer them."</p>
+
+<p>"Did they leave any property for me?" I asked,<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_118" id="Page_118">[118]</a></span> mildly; and I had
+already concluded that they did, or my uncle would not have been so
+lavish of his money upon me.</p>
+
+<p>"Property! What put that idea into your head?" demanded he; and he was
+more agitated than the circumstances seemed to warrant.</p>
+
+<p>"I have no idea anything about it. I only asked the question."</p>
+
+<p>"It is enough for you to know that I am willing to take care of you, and
+pay your expenses, however extravagant they may be, as long as you
+behave properly."</p>
+
+<p>"I have always done so."</p>
+
+<p>"No, you haven't! You have resisted your teacher, knocked him down,
+killed him for aught I know. You are a bad boy."</p>
+
+<p>It seemed just as though my uncle intended to drive me to desperation,
+and compel me to commit some rash act. I could not see why he should
+refuse to tell me anything about my father and mother.</p>
+
+<p>"I asked you whether my parents left any property for me. You did not
+answer me," I continued.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_119" id="Page_119">[119]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>"I will answer no questions," replied he.</p>
+
+<p>"If they did, it is right that I should know it," I persisted.</p>
+
+<p>"If they did, you will know it when you are of age to receive it."</p>
+
+<p>"I would like to know whether you are supporting me out of your own
+property or with my own."</p>
+
+<p>"It doesn't concern you to know, so long as you are supported."</p>
+
+<p>"Yes, it does, and I insist upon knowing."</p>
+
+<p>"I shall answer no questions," replied he, more troubled now than angry.</p>
+
+<p>"If there is nothing belonging to me, I am very willing to go to work
+and support myself. I don't wish to be a burden upon one who cares so
+little for me as you do."</p>
+
+<p>"I did not say you were a burden. I have given you all you asked for,
+and am willing to do so still."</p>
+
+<p>"I don't wish to have you do so, if what you give me does not belong to
+me."</p>
+
+<p>"You are a foolish boy!" said he, impatiently.</p>
+
+<p>"You have hardly spoken to me before for a year; and you never said as
+much to me as you have to-night before in all my lifetime."<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_120" id="Page_120">[120]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>"It was not necessary to do so."</p>
+
+<p>"Uncle Amos, I am old enough now to be able to think for myself," I
+continued, earnestly. "It is time for me to know who and what I am, and
+I am going to find out if it is possible for me to do so."</p>
+
+<p>"It is not possible," said he, greatly agitated, though he struggled to
+be calm. "What do you wish to know?"</p>
+
+<p>"About my parents."</p>
+
+<p>He walked the room for a moment with compressed lips, as if considering
+whether he should tell me what I wanted to know.</p>
+
+<p>"If I have concealed anything from you, it was for your own good,"
+replied he, with a desperate effort. "Your father is dead; he died
+eleven years ago."</p>
+
+<p>"And my mother?" I asked, eagerly.</p>
+
+<p>"She is a raving maniac in an insane asylum."</p>
+
+<p>This information came like a shock upon me, and I wept great tears of
+grief.</p>
+
+<p>"I thank you, uncle Amos, for telling me so much, sad as it is. One more
+question and I am satisfied. Did my father leave any property?"</p>
+
+<p>"No," said he.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_121" id="Page_121">[121]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>I fancied that this single word cost him a mightier effort than all he
+had said before, though I could not see why it should.</p>
+
+<p>"Where is my mother now?" I asked.</p>
+
+<p>"You were to ask no more questions; and it is not best for you to know
+where she is," he answered. "Now, Ernest, I wish you to make your peace
+with Mr. Parasyte."</p>
+
+<p>"How make my peace with him?"</p>
+
+<p>"Do what he requires of you."</p>
+
+<p>"I cannot do that; and I will not."</p>
+
+<p>"If you persist you will ruin me," said my uncle, bitterly.</p>
+
+<p>"I don't understand you, uncle Amos."</p>
+
+<p>"Mr. Parasyte owes me a large sum of money."</p>
+
+<p>Here was the hole in that millstone!</p>
+
+<p>"His Institute is mortgaged to me. If there is trouble there, the
+property will depreciate in value, and I shall be the loser."</p>
+
+<p>My uncle seemed to be ashamed of himself for having said so much, and
+told me to go to bed. I retired from his presence with the feeling that
+I must sacrifice myself or my guardian.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_122" id="Page_122">[122]</a></span></p>
+
+
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+<h2>CHAPTER XI.</h2>
+
+<h3>IN WHICH ERNEST IS DISOWNED AND CAST OUT.</h3>
+
+
+<p>I was so nervous and excited after the stirring events of the day, that
+I could not sleep when I went to bed, tired and almost exhausted as I
+was. I had enough to think of, and that night has always seemed to me
+like a new era in my existence. My father was dead; and my mother,
+somewhere in the wide world, was an occupant of an insane asylum. My
+uncle had told me I had no property, which was equivalent to informing
+me that I must soon begin to earn my daily bread, unless he chose to
+support me.</p>
+
+<p>I would not even then have objected to earning my own living; indeed,
+there was something pleasurable and exciting in the idea of depending
+upon myself for my food and raiment; but I was not satisfied with my
+uncle's statements. I could see<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_123" id="Page_123">[123]</a></span> no reason why he should not tell me
+where my father had lived and died, and where my mother was confined as
+a lunatic. I meant to know all about these things in due time, for it
+was my right to know.</p>
+
+<p>I could not help weeping when I thought of my mother, with her darkened
+mind, shut out from the world and from me. What a joy she would have
+been to me! What a comfort I might have been to her! My father was dead,
+and she had no one to care for her. Was she in a proper place? Was she
+kindly treated while overshadowed by her terrible infirmity? I shuddered
+when I thought of her, for fear that she might be in the hands of cruel
+persons.</p>
+
+<p>It seemed very strange to me that my uncle should spend money so freely
+upon me if I had no expectations. Why should he wish to conceal anything
+that related to my father and mother from me? Who was the person that
+came to the cottage and quarrelled with him? I had reached the years of
+discretion, and was able to think for myself. What my uncle told me, and
+what he<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_124" id="Page_124">[124]</a></span> refused to tell me, taken in connection with his conduct, his
+mode of life, and his misanthropic habits, convinced me that there was
+something wrong. I intended to ascertain what it was; and I was fully
+resolved, whether it was right or wrong, to explore the library in
+search of any letters, legal documents, or other papers which would
+throw some light on the mystery, now becoming painfully oppressive to
+me. It was my duty, as a son, to assure myself that my mother, in her
+helplessness, was kindly cared for.</p>
+
+<p>I went to sleep at last; and I did not wake the next morning till nine
+o'clock, which was my uncle's usual breakfast hour. I took my morning
+meal with him; but he did not speak a single word. After breakfast I
+went down to the boat-house. I missed the Splash very much indeed; for I
+wanted to take her, and sail away to some remote part of the lake, and
+consider what I should do. Then it occurred to me that my sail-boat
+might be raised and repaired; and I was getting into the row-boat, with
+the intention of pulling out and finding the place where the Splash had
+gone down, when my uncle made his appearance.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_125" id="Page_125">[125]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>"Ernest, have you considered what you mean to do?" said he. "Do you
+intend to go to school?"</p>
+
+<p>"No, sir, I do not," I replied, promptly and decidedly.</p>
+
+<p>"Then I disown you, and cast you out," he added, turning on his heel and
+walking back to the house.</p>
+
+<p>Was I becoming obstinate and self-willed? Was I refusing a reasonable
+service? I sat down in the boat to think over it. It was not right that
+I should apologize to Poodles, after he had confessed that the evidence
+on which I had been condemned was a lie; and it was of no use for me to
+return to the academy unless I could do so.</p>
+
+<p>Mr. Parasyte owed my uncle a large sum of money, secured by the estate
+and good-will of the Institute. If I was driven from the school, a
+majority of the boys would petition their parents to be taken from it
+also, and the establishment would be seriously injured. There was
+plainly an understanding between Mr. Parasyte and my uncle, or the
+tyrant would not have made war upon me as he did. Should I sacrifice
+myself in order to save my uncle's<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_126" id="Page_126">[126]</a></span> money, or to prevent the debt from
+being imperilled?</p>
+
+<p>No! I could not; but I hoped my uncle would not lose his money, though
+it would not be my fault if he did. I had just been "disowned and cast
+out." The sentence hardly produced an impression upon me. I was not
+banished from a happy home, where I had been folded in a mother's love,
+and had lived in the light of a father's smile; only from the home of
+coldness and silence; only from shelter and food, which I could easily
+find elsewhere.</p>
+
+<p>I took the oars and pulled towards the bluff off which the Splash had
+sunk. It seemed to me just then that I was breaking away from all my
+early associations, from my home and my school, and pushing out on the
+great ocean of life, as my boat was upon the lake. I must go out into
+the world, and make for myself a name and a fortune. There was something
+solemn and impressive in the thought, and I rested upon my oars to
+follow out the idea. Breaking away! To me it was not going away, it was
+<i>breaking</i> away. There was no near and dear friend to bid me God speed
+on my<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_127" id="Page_127">[127]</a></span> journey of life. As for my uncle, he would not have cared if I
+had, at that moment, been forever buried beneath the deep waters of the
+lake.</p>
+
+<p>I was awed and solemnized by the thought that I was alone in the world.
+And looking up to the clear blue sky, I prayed that God would help me to
+keep in the path of truth and duty. I really hoped that, if I had done
+wrong, or was then doing wrong, I might be convicted of my error. I
+prayed for light. I was afraid that I had been wilful and wayward; but
+as I knew that I was right so far as Poodles was concerned, I could not
+accuse myself of obstinacy in refusing to apologize. On the whole, I was
+satisfied with myself, though willing to acknowledge that in some things
+I had rather overdone the matter.</p>
+
+<p>Resuming the oars, I pulled towards the bluff. My course lay near the
+shore until I had passed the northerly point of Parkville, where the
+steamboat wharf extends a hundred feet out to the deep water of the
+lake. Continuing beyond this long pier, I came in sight of the Parkville
+Liberal Institute. As it was then the middle of the forenoon, I did not
+expect<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_128" id="Page_128">[128]</a></span> to see any of the students; but, to my surprise, I discovered
+large numbers of them on the grounds between the buildings and the lake.
+They did not seem to be engaged in the usual sports, but were gathered
+in groups on various parts of the premises. Everything looked as though
+some important event had transpired, which the boys were busily engaged
+in discussing.</p>
+
+<p>I was tempted to pull up towards the Institute, and ascertain what had
+occurred, and why the students were not in the school-room, attending to
+their studies; but I was fearful that my presence might do mischief, and
+I reluctantly continued on my way to the bluff. As nearly as I could
+interpret the signs, the boys were in a state of rebellion, though it
+was possible that Mr. Parasyte was too ill to attend to his duties, and
+in the present excited state of the school, had deemed it best to give
+the boys a holiday.</p>
+
+<p>The bearings of the spot where the Splash sank had been carefully noted,
+after my capture, by the principal and his men, and without much
+difficulty I found the place. The bed of this part of the lake<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_129" id="Page_129">[129]</a></span> was
+composed of gravel, washed down by the continual wearing away of the
+bluff; and as the water was clear, I could see the bottom. The Splash
+lay in about twenty-five feet of water&mdash;as I found by measuring with a
+fish-line. She sat nearly upright on her keel, and the tops of her masts
+were not more than a foot below the surface.</p>
+
+<p>How could I coax her to the top of the water? The Splash had been father
+and mother to me, and I loved her. In my loneliness I wanted her
+companionship. It did not look like an easy task to raise her; and yet
+the most difficult things become easy when we hit upon the right method
+of doing them. The Splash was ballasted with ten fifty-sixes, each with
+a ring for lifting it. They were deposited on the bottom of the boat,
+where I could remove a portion of them when I had a large party to take
+out. I made up my mind, that with a long pole, having a hook on the end
+of it, I could fasten to the rings of the fifty-sixes, and raise them,
+one by one, to the surface; and when the ballast was removed, the boat
+would rise of herself.</p>
+
+<p>Satisfied that this idea was a practical one, I<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_130" id="Page_130">[130]</a></span> started for Parkville
+to procure the pole. As I took the oars, I discovered that one of the
+Institute boats, which I had not before noticed, was pulling towards me.
+At first I was startled, fearful that it might contain some of my
+tyrant's minions, sent out to capture me, and carry me back to the
+school. As the boat came nearer, however, I saw that it was filled with
+my friends, prominent among whom were Bob Hale and Tom Rush; and I lay
+upon my oars to await her coming.</p>
+
+<p>"Good morning, Ernest; I'm glad to see you," said Bob, as the Institute
+boat ranged up alongside of mine.</p>
+
+<p>"What is the matter at the Institute? Don't school keep to-day?" I
+asked, when I had returned the salutations of my friend.</p>
+
+<p>"There's big news there, Ernest, you'd better believe," replied Bob, in
+an excited tone.</p>
+
+<p>"What is it? What has happened?"</p>
+
+<p>"There has been an awful row between Mr. Parasyte and Mr. Hardy, and Mr.
+Hardy has been discharged&mdash;that's the first thing; and the fellows won't
+stand it, anyhow."<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_131" id="Page_131">[131]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>"What was it about?"</p>
+
+<p>"We don't know. Mr. Hardy opened the school as usual at nine o'clock;
+but he didn't say a word to us about the troubles. A little after nine,
+Mr. Parasyte came in, with a black eye and a broken head. He and Mr.
+Hardy talked together a little while, and we saw that Parasyte was as
+mad as a hop. They went into the recitation-room to have it out; but in
+two or three minutes they returned, and Mr. Hardy said he was going to
+leave; but he didn't tell the reason&mdash;just bade us good by. If we had
+only known what the trouble was, we would have pitched Parasyte out of
+the window."</p>
+
+<p>"Then Mr. Hardy has gone," I added.</p>
+
+<p>"Left, and at once. Then Mr. Parasyte made a speech, in which he told us
+the school was in a state of rebellion; that Thornton had assaulted him,
+and struck him on the head with a heavy ruler, and that he intended to
+flog him till he apologized to Poodles, as his uncle wished him to do.
+We didn't wait to hear any more. We gave a yell, and rushed out of the
+school-room."<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_132" id="Page_132">[132]</a></span></p>
+
+
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+<h2>CHAPTER XII.</h2>
+
+<h3>IN WHICH ERNEST RAISES THE SPLASH, AND THERE IS A GENERAL BREAKING AWAY
+AMONG THE STUDENTS.</h3>
+
+
+<p>I listened, with astonishment and dismay, to the tale which Bob Hale
+told me. I could not help asking myself to what extent I was responsible
+for the troubles which overwhelmed the Parkville Liberal Institute. I
+told Bob how I felt, and he ridiculed the idea of my shouldering any
+portion of the blame.</p>
+
+<p>"Even the parson says you are not to blame, and that you have behaved
+like a gentleman from the beginning," said he, alluding to Henry
+Vallington, who, on account of his intended profession, often went by
+the name of the "parson."</p>
+
+<p>"Can you imagine why Mr. Hardy was discharged?" I asked.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_133" id="Page_133">[133]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>"We don't know; but it is easy enough to see that he blamed Mr.
+Parasyte, though he never said a word to the fellows. The idea of
+staying at the Institute after Mr. Hardy goes is not to be thought of,"
+replied Bob, who, like myself, was a day scholar at the school. "What
+did Parasyte mean when he said your uncle wished him to flog you into
+subjection?"</p>
+
+<p>"He meant that; my uncle told him to do so," I replied, with shame and
+mortification, not for myself, but for him who should have been my
+guardian and protector.</p>
+
+<p>"Did he, though? Well, that was amiable of him," added Tom Rush. "He and
+Parasyte will do to go together."</p>
+
+<p>"They do go together. I find that Mr. Parasyte owes my uncle a large sum
+of money. I had no idea that they were even acquainted with each other
+before," I continued.</p>
+
+<p>"Then I wonder that Parasyte made a row with you, if he owed your uncle
+so much money."</p>
+
+<p>"I don't understand it; but I think Mr. Parasyte didn't expect any
+trouble. He judged hastily be<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_134" id="Page_134">[134]</a></span>tween Poodles and me, and when he had
+given his decision, he was too proud and too obstinate to alter it. I
+suppose he was a little afraid after what he had done, and went to see
+my uncle and ask for instructions."</p>
+
+<p>"But it was cold-blooded for your uncle to say what he did."</p>
+
+<p>"Probably Parasyte told his own story," I replied, willing to shield my
+uncle as much as possible.</p>
+
+<p>"What did your uncle say to you when you went home?" asked Bob Hale,
+full of interest and sympathy.</p>
+
+<p>"We had some words, and he disowned and cast me out&mdash;to use his own
+expression."</p>
+
+<p>"Turned you out of house and home!" exclaimed Tom Rush.</p>
+
+<p>"That was what he meant."</p>
+
+<p>"Don't mind it, Ernest," interposed Bob. "You shall come to my house."</p>
+
+<p>"I can take care of myself, I think," was my reply, rather proudly
+spoken.</p>
+
+<p>"Of course you can; but you shall have half my bed and half my dinner as
+long as I have any."</p>
+
+<p>"Thank you, Bob."<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_135" id="Page_135">[135]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>"We will talk that over another time, Ernest; for at present we have a
+big job on our hands."</p>
+
+<p>"What is that?"</p>
+
+<p>"We'll tell you by and by. Parasyte says you assaulted him, and hit him
+over the head with a big ruler. How was that, Ernest?"</p>
+
+<p>I told them what had occurred after we left the school-room, and gave
+them all the particulars of my battle with the principal.</p>
+
+<p>"Served him right," was the verdict of the boys. "He didn't tell us that
+he attempted to flog you; only that you pitched into him, apparently
+without any cause or reason," added Tom Rush.</p>
+
+<p>"You all ran out of school," said I. "What is Mr. Parasyte going to do
+about it?"</p>
+
+<p>"We don't know, and we don't care. He is a tyrant, and a toady; and all
+but about a dozen of the fellows are going to quit the school."</p>
+
+<p>"But where are you going?" I asked, surprised at this decided step.</p>
+
+<p>"We have it all arranged, and are going to break away in a bunch. We are
+getting things ready; but we want you, Ernest."<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_136" id="Page_136">[136]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>"Why me?"</p>
+
+<p>"Because you are a good sailor, and know all about boats?"</p>
+
+<p>That was highly complimentary in a direction where I was peculiarly
+weak&mdash;my love of boats and boating. Bob Hale then informed me that the
+students were going into camp on their own hook this year. This was an
+annual institution at the academy. Belonging to the Institute were seven
+tents, large enough to accommodate all the boys and all the teachers;
+and in the month of July the whole school camped out for one or two
+weeks. This custom did more for the popularity of the Institute than
+anything else, and without it, it was doubtful if the school could have
+been kept together; for it was an offset to the dislike with which a
+large majority of the boys regarded the principal.</p>
+
+<p>The students had begun to talk about camping out as soon as the spring
+opened, and when the rebellion broke out, it immediately ran into this
+channel. The camp during the preceding year had been in a piece of woods
+ten miles east of Parkville; but the rebels had already decided to
+establish it, at<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_137" id="Page_137">[137]</a></span> the present time, on Cleaver Island, two miles
+north-west of the steamboat pier, and including an area of about twenty
+acres, well covered with wood.</p>
+
+<p>I could not say that I approved of this scheme; but Bob Hale and Tom
+Rush said the students had unanimously agreed to it. I was not in favor
+of insubordination and rebellion. But the moral sense of the boys had
+been outraged; Mr. Parasyte had resorted to the grossest injustice, and
+they were determined to "break away" from him. Rather reluctantly I
+consented to join the insurrection. I ought not to have done so; but
+smarting as I then was under the injustice of my uncle and the
+principal, I found an argument to satisfy myself with my conduct.</p>
+
+<p>The Splash seemed to be necessary, in my estimation, for the success of
+the enterprise, and my friends volunteered to assist me in raising her.
+I went to Parkville, and procured a long spruce pole, to which the
+blacksmith attached a hook. Without much difficulty the ballast was
+hoisted out of the sunken craft, and obedient to the law of gravitation,
+she came to the surface. We towed her to a bank of the lake<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_138" id="Page_138">[138]</a></span> in the
+town, near the shop of a wheelwright, who promised to have her repaired
+in a few hours. One of the ribs was snapped off, and six of the
+"streaks" stove in. We hauled her up on the shore, and got the water out
+of her; and the wheelwright went to work upon her at once, assisted by
+his journeyman.</p>
+
+<p>I had regarded the Splash as a lost boat; and I was delighted with my
+success in raising her, and with the prospect of having her again as
+good as new; for the wheelwright assured me she was not materially
+injured in her timbers. The result of this enterprise rather inflated my
+spirits, and not without good reason; for, as I was now to take care of
+myself, it had already occurred to me that I could make money enough to
+support me by boating&mdash;for there were always residents and strangers
+enough in the town who wanted to sail to afford me a good business for
+at least three months in the year.</p>
+
+<p>"Now, Ernest," said Bob Hale, who had embarked with me in my row-boat,
+"how shall we get the crowd, the tents, and the provisions over to
+Cleaver Island?"</p>
+
+<p>"I don't think it is a very big job," I replied.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_139" id="Page_139">[139]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>"I do. Of course Parasyte will prevent us from going if he can," said
+he.</p>
+
+<p>"Too many cooks will spoil the broth," I added. "You want a leader, or
+captain, who shall manage the affair."</p>
+
+<p>"We will choose you."</p>
+
+<p>"No; I decline at the outset. I don't want the credit of being the
+ringleader in this scrape after what has happened."</p>
+
+<p>"What do you say to the parson?" asked he.</p>
+
+<p>"Capital!"</p>
+
+<p>We consulted the students in the other boat, and they agreed to this
+selection. Both boats then pulled to the pier at the Institute. As we
+approached, all the rebels gathered around us. Bob Hale immediately
+called them to order, and made a brief statement of the necessity of the
+hour, and then nominated Henry Vallington as leader of the enterprise.
+He was unanimously elected, and somewhat to my surprise he accepted.</p>
+
+<p>"Fellow-students," said the parson, in accepting the position, "if I
+didn't feel that every decent fellow in the Institute had been outraged
+and in<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_140" id="Page_140">[140]</a></span>sulted by the conduct of the principal, I wouldn't have anything
+to do with such an affair as this. I want you all to understand that I,
+for one, am going into this thing for a purpose, and on principle."</p>
+
+<p>"So say we all of us!" shouted the boys.</p>
+
+<p>"Now, you must obey orders, and have no rioting or rows. We shall do
+this thing in order."</p>
+
+<p>The boys were excited; but the parson told them to keep cool, and, when
+the orders came, to execute them promptly, which they promised with one
+voice to do. By this time I had a scheme arranged in my mind for the
+conveyance of the forces to Cleaver Island, and the leader did me the
+honor to appoint me master of transportation. I stated my plan to
+Vallington and two or three of the more influential of the boys. It was
+cordially approved.</p>
+
+<p>At half past twelve the dinner bell of the Institute rang, as usual; and
+the boys, who had no idea of being deprived of their rations, marched in
+to dinner in order; and I went home with Bob Hale, who had invited me to
+dine with him. On our return, we learned that Mr. Parasyte had made a<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_141" id="Page_141">[141]</a></span>
+stirring appeal to the students, in the dining-room, to support the
+discipline of the school, and had intimated that he intended to
+prosecute Thornton in the courts for the assault upon him. I was rather
+startled at this intelligence, for a court was an appalling affair to
+me.</p>
+
+<p>The boys heard in silence what the principal had to say, and left the
+dining-room in as good order as usual. At quarter before two the
+school-bell rang; but only about twenty obeyed the summons. I was on the
+pier at this time, and shortly after I saw Mr. Parasyte coming down to
+see the students. Deeming it best to keep out of his way, I pulled over
+to the wheelwright's, to look after the Splash. An hour later, Bob Hale,
+Henry Vallington, and Tom Rush joined me, saying that Mr. Parasyte had
+been very gentle with the boys, and had used only mild persuasions.
+Having failed in all, he had taken his horse and gone away. This was
+favorable to our operations, and I advised the parson to hasten back,
+and do the job at once.</p>
+
+<p>At four o'clock the Splash was finished, and a<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_142" id="Page_142">[142]</a></span> coat of paint put on the
+new streaks. I got under way at once in her, taking my tender in tow.
+Near the Institute lived a man who owned a large flat-boat, or scow,
+used for bringing wood down the lake. Tom Rush had hired this clumsy
+craft for a week. The three row-boats belonging to the Institute had
+been manned by the boys, and were towing this scow down to the pier,
+according to the plan I had suggested to the parson. When the flat was
+near the pier, a signal was given, and the boys on shore all rushed to
+the building in which the tents were stored. There were enough of them
+to carry all the canvas, poles, and other materials at one load, and the
+students rushed down to the pier with them at a rapid pace, so that the
+work was accomplished before any of the assistant teachers or laborers
+could interfere.</p>
+
+<p>The tents were tumbled into the scow, and all the boys not needed in the
+row-boats embarked with the camp material.</p>
+
+<p>"All ready!" shouted Henry Vallington.</p>
+
+<p>"Give way!" I added to the oarsmen.</p>
+
+<div class="figcenter" style="width: 500px;">
+<img src="images/i003.jpg" width="500" height="381" alt="OFF FOR THE ISLAND.&mdash;Page 143." title="OFF FOR THE ISLAND.&mdash;Page 143." />
+<span class="caption">OFF FOR THE ISLAND.&mdash;Page 143.</span>
+</div><p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_143" id="Page_143">[143]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>The long painter of the scow had been extended over, and fastened to,
+the three boats. As the wind was fresh, I went to the head of this line,
+attached a rope to the painter, and the procession of boats straightened
+out and moved off, dragging the scow after them.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_144" id="Page_144">[144]</a></span></p>
+
+
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+<h2>CHAPTER XIII.</h2>
+
+<h3>IN WHICH ERNEST IS CHOSEN COMMODORE OF THE FLEET.</h3>
+
+
+<p>The procession of boats went off in good style, after the line was
+straightened; but the flat-boat was large and heavy, and it required a
+hard pull to put her in motion. The boys rowed well, and the wind was
+fresh enough to enable the Splash to do her full share of the work. The
+distance from the Institute to the island was two miles and a half, and
+at the rate we moved, I calculated that it would take nearly two hours
+to accomplish the voyage.</p>
+
+<p>The movements of the students had been so sudden and so well arranged,
+that if any one saw them, there was not time to interfere before the
+boats were off. When the scow was fairly in motion, I saw Mr. Gaule, one
+of the teachers, and the two laborers on the estate, rushing down to the
+pier, apparently intent upon doing something.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_145" id="Page_145">[145]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>"Come back, boys!" shouted Mr. Gaule.</p>
+
+<p>No one made any reply, or took any notice of him.</p>
+
+<p>"Come back, I say!" he cried again, but with no better result than
+before.</p>
+
+<p>I was very glad that none of the boys made any insulting replies. They
+were as silent and dignified as so many judges. We all knew very well
+that Mr. Gaule had not force enough to attempt anything, and we did not
+expect to be molested until the return of Mr. Parasyte.</p>
+
+<p>In something less than the two hours I had allowed for the passage, the
+procession of boats reached Cleaver Island. I was perfectly familiar
+with every foot of the shore, and I decided that the landing should be
+effected on the western side, at a point of land which extended out a
+short distance into the lake. The rowers landed and carried the painter
+of the scow on shore, by which they pulled the clumsy craft up to the
+bank.</p>
+
+<p>The tents, cooking utensils, and other camp furniture, were landed and
+conveyed to the high ground in the southerly portion of the island. As
+soon as<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_146" id="Page_146">[146]</a></span> this work was done, Henry Vallington intimated that he wished
+all the boys to assemble near the point, for a "powwow," to consult upon
+the state of affairs. The word was passed from mouth to mouth, till all
+the rebels had gathered at the appointed place.</p>
+
+<p>"Now, fellows, we want to make arrangements for doing this business in
+good order. When Mr. Parasyte gets back to the Institute, and finds that
+we are gone, he will not be likely to take it as quietly as he has all
+day. Our breaking away has really broken up the Parkville Liberal
+Institute, and I shouldn't be surprised if its principal took some
+decided steps. I haven't any idea what he will do, but in my opinion he
+will do something."</p>
+
+<p>"What can he do?" asked Tom Rush.</p>
+
+<p>"He can do a great many things, and especially a great many foolish
+things. I suppose, when we come down to the niceties of the matter, we
+hadn't any right to take the boats or the tents. In fact, Mr. Parasyte
+stands <i>in loco parentis</i> to us."</p>
+
+<p>"In what?" asked one of the boys who did not study Latin.</p>
+
+<p>"In the place of our parents; and therefore has<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_147" id="Page_147">[147]</a></span> authority to do
+anything which parents might do. I can't help saying that I have no
+respect for Mr. Parasyte; that I despise him from the bottom of my
+heart. He knows, just as well as we do, that Bill Poodles made the
+trouble yesterday, and he persists in punishing Thornton for it. For
+such a man I can have no respect."</p>
+
+<p>"So say we all!" shouted the boys.</p>
+
+<p>"There is no safety for any of us, if we permit such injustice. He may
+take a miff at any of us any time. I hope that something good will come
+out of this scrape; and I think that something will."</p>
+
+<p>I learned then, for the first time, that Vallington had drawn up a
+paper, setting forth the grievances of the students, in which several
+instances of Mr. Parasyte's injustice and partiality were related, and
+concluding with a full history of the affair between Poodles and myself.
+This paper had been signed by eighty-one of the students, and the
+publisher of the Parkville Standard had engaged to print it on a letter
+sheet, to be sent to the parents of the rebel scholars.</p>
+
+<p>"Mr. Hardy has been discharged. He was the<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_148" id="Page_148">[148]</a></span> best man in the
+Institute&mdash;just and fair. I don't know anything about it; but I am
+satisfied that he was sent away because he condemned Mr. Parasyte's
+treatment of Thornton."</p>
+
+<p>"That was the reason," added Bob Hale. "Mr. Hardy saw Ernest last night,
+after the row in the office."</p>
+
+<p>"I think we have the right of the case," continued Vallington, "though I
+suppose we are wrong in breaking away; but, for one, I won't see a
+fellow like Ernest Thornton browbeaten, and flogged, and ground down. If
+Mr. Parasyte wants to grind down one, he must grind down the whole."</p>
+
+<p>"I am very much obliged to you," I interposed; "but I want you to
+understand that I don't ask any one to get himself into a scrape for
+me."</p>
+
+<p>"When we protect you, Thornton, we protect ourselves. Your cause is our
+own. We won't say anything more about that matter. We are here now in a
+state of rebellion, and we must make the best of our situation. When Mr.
+Parasyte will give us fair play, we will return to the Institute."</p>
+
+<p>"We will," replied some of the boys; but I am<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_149" id="Page_149">[149]</a></span> free to say that they
+hoped he would not give them fair play until they had spent a week or
+more in camp.</p>
+
+<p>"Now, fellows, we will see how we stand, and make arrangements for the
+future. We have boats and tents, and these are about all we have. We
+have provisions enough for supper and breakfast. We must get a supply of
+eatables to-night or in the morning. It will require money, but I
+suppose all of you have some; at any rate, I told you to bring your
+money with you, if you had any."</p>
+
+<p>Most of the boys had some funds, which had been saved from their pocket
+money for a Fourth of July Celebration, planned months before.</p>
+
+<p>"We need some officers, and as I don't believe in one-man power, I shall
+ask you to elect them. Please to nominate a treasurer."</p>
+
+<p>"George Weston!" shouted one of the students.</p>
+
+<p>"George Weston is nominated. All in favor of his election will manifest
+it by raising the right hand."</p>
+
+<p>It was a unanimous vote, and the nominee was declared elected.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_150" id="Page_150">[150]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>"Now we want to raise the money, we need to buy provisions, fairly. If
+any one will make a motion, it will be in order," added the chairman.</p>
+
+<p>The Parkville Debating Society, an association connected with the
+Institute, had fully educated the students in parliamentary forms, and
+they were entirely "at home" in the business before them.</p>
+
+<p>"I move you, Mr. Chairman, that each fellow be assessed fifty cents for
+expenses," said one of the students.</p>
+
+<p>The motion was put and carried; and after Fred Mason had been elected
+clerk, the treasurer was instructed to collect the assessments
+forthwith. The next business was the selection of a commissary, and Tom
+Rush was chosen to this important office.</p>
+
+<p>"Mr. Chairman, I nominate Ernest Thornton for commodore of our
+squadron," said Bob Hale; and, though the nomination created some
+merriment, on account of the high-sounding title of the officer, the
+vote was unanimous.</p>
+
+<p>"I accept, Mr. Chairman; but I should prefer to be called simply the
+boatman," I replied.</p>
+
+<p>"That won't do!" exclaimed Bob. "Ernest is to<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_151" id="Page_151">[151]</a></span> have charge of all the
+boats, including the scow, and I am in favor of calling him commodore."</p>
+
+<p>"We won't dispute about titles," laughed Vallington; "but the boats are
+all under Thornton's charge. I advise the commissary to consult with the
+commodore, immediately, in regard to procuring a supply of provisions
+for the company."</p>
+
+<p>The rest of the business was soon completed. As an indication of the
+spirit of the boys, it was voted that the place should be called "Camp
+Fair Play." Vallington announced that six boys should be chosen each day
+to do the cooking and serve out the provision; that a watch should be
+kept around the camp night and day, to prevent a surprise from Mr.
+Parasyte and his forces; and that all work should be fairly divided
+among the students, with the exception of those who had been elected to
+offices. The boys then separated; and those who had been detailed to
+pitch the tents commenced their work.</p>
+
+<p>"Commodore," said Tom Rush, laughing at the title.</p>
+
+<p>"Mr. Commissary," I replied.</p>
+
+<p>"Good! We are even, except that you are a bigger officer than I am."<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_152" id="Page_152">[152]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>"What can I do for you?"</p>
+
+<p>"About the provisions&mdash;how shall we get them?"</p>
+
+<p>"In the boats, of course," I replied.</p>
+
+<p>"Do you think it will be quite safe for us to go back to Parkville?"</p>
+
+<p>"We won't go there. It is only about six miles to Cannondale, on the
+other side of the lake. I think we had better go to-night, for we don't
+know what will happen to-morrow."</p>
+
+<p>"That's a capital idea! I was thinking how awkward it would be to answer
+the questions that would be asked of us in Parkville. To-night it is.
+How many of us shall go?"</p>
+
+<p>"Only you and I. The Splash will carry a good load. What are you going
+to buy?"</p>
+
+<p>"We must live cheap," replied the commissary.</p>
+
+<p>"I think we will bring off hams, potatoes, and bread or crackers."</p>
+
+<p>"Those will be good feed. I advise you to make out a list of what you
+will want."</p>
+
+<p>"I will do so."</p>
+
+<p>"But we need not buy everything we want. The lake is full of fish, and I
+know just where to catch them."<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_153" id="Page_153">[153]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>"That's first rate," added Tom, with enthusiasm. "But it will take a
+heap of fish to feed all the fellows."</p>
+
+<p>"I have caught a boat-load of lake bass and salmon trout in a day. I
+will agree to catch fish enough to feed the crowd for a week. But the
+fellows will want something besides fish to eat. Potatoes are cheap, and
+so are pork and bacon."</p>
+
+<p>"When shall we start?"</p>
+
+<p>"The sooner we go the better. We have no time to spare. There is a good
+wind now, and we may not have it much longer. I will land you at
+Cannondale in an hour; and if the breeze holds, we shall return by nine
+o'clock."</p>
+
+<p>Tom Rush went to the treasurer to procure the funds he had collected,
+and hastened down to the Splash; but before the commissary joined me, a
+messenger came from Vallington to inform me that the lookouts on the
+bluff at the southerly end of the island had discovered a boat pulling
+towards the camp. I had a small spy-glass in one of the lockers of the
+Splash, with which I repaired to the bluff, to ascertain who the
+intended visitors could be.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_154" id="Page_154">[154]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>"I suppose that boat bodes trouble to the camp," said the leader.</p>
+
+<p>"I think it does, for it contains Mr. Parasyte and Deputy Sheriff
+Greene," I replied, after examining the boat through the glass.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_155" id="Page_155">[155]</a></span></p>
+
+
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+<h2>CHAPTER XIV.</h2>
+
+<h3>IN WHICH ERNEST IS WAITED UPON BY A DEPUTY SHERIFF.</h3>
+
+
+<p>We had no means of knowing the object of Mr. Parasyte's visit to Camp
+Fair Play&mdash;whether he was coming to make a treaty of peace, or to
+declare and carry on the war. The boat in which he was approaching was a
+hired one, rowed by the two men who worked for him. His force was
+sufficient to do us a great deal of mischief; and the questions as to
+what he would, and what he could do, were full of interest to us. Four
+men are a formidable force to any number of boys; and the fact that
+Sheriff Greene was one of the party added to the seriousness of the
+visitation.</p>
+
+<p>"What can they do?" asked Vallington. "We can at least prepare for
+possibilities."</p>
+
+<p>"They can take the boats from us," answered<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_156" id="Page_156">[156]</a></span> Bob Hale, "and leave us
+here to be starved into submission."</p>
+
+<p>"It would be awkward to be obliged to return to the academy like whipped
+puppies; but I suppose we could be starved into it."</p>
+
+<p>"We will look out for that," I added.</p>
+
+<p>"How can you help it?"</p>
+
+<p>"Leave that to me," I replied, as I hastened down to the landing-place,
+where I summoned my boatmen for service.</p>
+
+<p>We took the three row-boats out of the water, and carried them some
+distance from the shore, hiding them in the bushes. The Splash was too
+large to be carried far; but we took her out of the water, and put her
+high and dry on the island. A force of twenty students had been placed
+under my command, and with a little engineering we made easy work even
+of these heavy jobs. The rudder of the sail-boat was unshipped, and
+concealed, so that she would be useless to the invaders, if they
+attempted to carry her off. There was no fear that they would try to tow
+the scow back to Parkville; for in doing this their punishment would be
+too severe.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_157" id="Page_157">[157]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>Having accomplished my work, I returned to the headland where Vallington
+had his headquarters, just as Mr. Parasyte's boat touched the shore
+below.</p>
+
+<p>"We are all right now," I remarked to the leader.</p>
+
+<p>"The boats are secure&mdash;are they?"</p>
+
+<p>"They are."</p>
+
+<p>"Very well; then we are ready to receive our visitors. I will appoint a
+committee of three to wait upon them and invite them to our
+headquarters."</p>
+
+<p>Three students were detailed for this duty, and they descended the
+bluff. Mr. Parasyte and the deputy sheriff followed them up the bank,
+where Vallington was ready to receive them in state, supported by his
+officers. The parson had instructed the rebels to treat our visitors
+with the utmost politeness, and enjoined them not to insult or annoy Mr.
+Parasyte. This was good advice, for some of the boys would have been
+glad to duck him in the lake, or to subject him to other indignities,
+now that they had the power to do so.</p>
+
+<p>The principal of the Parkville Liberal Institute had doubtless been very
+angry when he returned<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_158" id="Page_158">[158]</a></span> to the school, and found that a "breaking away"
+had taken place; but he had cooled off during his passage over the lake,
+and now he looked troubled and anxious, rather than angry. As he walked
+towards the spot where the officers of the camp stood, he gazed
+curiously around him; but he said nothing.</p>
+
+<p>"Vallington, I am very much surprised to find you with this party," were
+the first words he spoke, as he discovered our leader, standing on his
+dignity, a little in advance of his supporters.</p>
+
+<p>"Considering the circumstances, Mr. Parasyte, I am not at all surprised
+to find myself here," replied the parson. "If it were a mere frolic for
+the love of mischief, I should not be here. I presume you come on
+business, sir."</p>
+
+<p>"On business!" exclaimed the principal, apparently taken aback by the
+remarks of Vallington. "I <i>did</i> come on business."</p>
+
+<p>"You will oblige me by stating it, sir. I have been chosen the leader of
+this company, and I represent the students here assembled."</p>
+
+<p>"My business is to order you back to the Insti<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_159" id="Page_159">[159]</a></span>tute," continued Mr.
+Parasyte, becoming a little excited by the independent manner of our
+leader.</p>
+
+<p>"In behalf of those whom I represent, I must decline to obey the
+order&mdash;at least for the present."</p>
+
+<p>The eye of the deputy sheriff twinkled as he listened to these speeches.
+He seemed to regard the affair as a big joke, and to appreciate it
+accordingly. Though none of us had ever had any official relations with
+him, we knew him as what all the people called "a good fellow," witty,
+jovial, and never severe even in the discharge of his duties. It is more
+than probable that he knew Mr. Parasyte as the boys knew him, and
+despised him accordingly. At any rate, we judged from the expression on
+his round face, that he was at heart on our side, however his official
+position might compel him to act.</p>
+
+<p>"I am sorry, boys, that you have engaged in this rebellion, for it will
+not be pleasant for me to compel obedience," continued Mr. Parasyte,
+struggling to repress his anger.</p>
+
+<p>"I am sorry, also, that we have been compelled to take this unpleasant
+stand," replied Vallington, with dignity. "If you are willing to hear
+it, sir, I should<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_160" id="Page_160">[160]</a></span> like to state the position of the boys in this
+matter. Perhaps the difficulty can be arranged; if it can, we will at
+once return to the Institute."</p>
+
+<p>"If there are any real abuses, I am willing to correct them. I will hear
+what you have to say."</p>
+
+<p>Vallington briefly rehearsed the grievances of the boys, and demanded
+that Thornton should be restored to all his privileges, without
+punishment, and that Mr. Hardy should be re&euml;ngaged.</p>
+
+<p>Mr. Parasyte turned red in the face, and bit his lips with anger and
+vexation.</p>
+
+<p>"Are you the principal of the Parkville Liberal Institute, or am I?"
+said he, when the parson had finished.</p>
+
+<p>"Neither of us, I think, as the matter now stands, sir."</p>
+
+<p>"I see that you are determined to defy me," added Mr. Parasyte. "You ask
+me to restore Thornton without punishment of any kind. Are you aware
+that he assaulted me with a deadly weapon?"</p>
+
+<p>"We are aware that he defended himself when assaulted."</p>
+
+<p>"Assaulted!" gasped Mr. Parasyte, astounded to<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_161" id="Page_161">[161]</a></span> hear his own act called
+by such a name. "Are you aware of the powers which the law lodges in the
+hands of the teacher?"</p>
+
+<p>"I am."</p>
+
+<p>"Thornton refused to obey me; and, at his uncle's request, I intended to
+enforce obedience. It was my duty to do so."</p>
+
+<p>"May I inquire, Mr. Parasyte, in what Thornton refused to obey you?"
+asked Vallington, in the gentlest of tones.</p>
+
+<p>"I required him to apologize to Poodles privately, and to me publicly.
+He refused to do so."</p>
+
+<p>"I told Mr. Parasyte that I would apologize to him," I interposed,
+addressing our leader.</p>
+
+<p>"That wasn't enough," replied the principal.</p>
+
+<p>"At the time, sir, you knew Poodles had confessed that he alone was to
+blame for the affair on the pier. Thornton was innocent; and it had been
+fairly proved to you that he was innocent. Poodles himself assured you
+of the fact, and his evidence was fully confirmed by Pearl. In the face
+of this overwhelming proof, you attempted to flog Thornton into
+apologizing for that of which you knew he was not<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_162" id="Page_162">[162]</a></span> guilty. No boy with a
+soul would submit to be flogged under such circumstances. I would not,
+and I have no respect for any fellow that would. No boy was ever yet
+flogged in the Institute, and it was an outrage to attempt such a
+thing."</p>
+
+<p>Vallington was quite eloquent, and Mr. Parasyte actually quailed as he
+poured out his feelings in well-chosen words, and with an emphasis which
+forced their meaning home to the heart. The tyrant had gone too far to
+recede. He did what weak, low-minded men always do under such
+circumstances&mdash;he got furiously angry, and delivered himself in abusive
+terms. He declared that Poodles and Pearl had been frightened into their
+confession, and persisted in saying that I had caused the quarrel on the
+pier.</p>
+
+<p>"But it is no use to reason with you. I am going to compel obedience
+now. If you will not mind, I shall make you mind," foamed he, stamping
+the ground in his rage.</p>
+
+<p>"We have nothing to say, sir, except that we shall defend ourselves from
+assaults of all kinds," added Vallington.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_163" id="Page_163">[163]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>"Assaults! How dare you use that word to me! I am in the lawful exercise
+of my authority as the principal of the Parkville Liberal Institute. You
+were committed to my care by your parents, and I shall do my duty by
+you. As to Thornton, his case shall be settled by the court. Mr. Greene,
+you have a warrant for his arrest."</p>
+
+<p>"Yes, I have," replied the deputy sheriff, with a broad grin.</p>
+
+<p>"That's the boy," continued Mr. Parasyte, furiously, as he pointed to
+me.</p>
+
+<p>My companions were evidently disconcerted, as I certainly was, by this
+action of Mr. Parasyte. They had got up the rebellion on my account
+directly, though indirectly on their own, and it would be a sad defeat
+to have me carried off by an officer of the law. Mr. Greene walked up to
+me, still wearing his smiling face.</p>
+
+<p>"Well, Ernest, I am sorry for you; but I suppose I must do my duty. I
+have a warrant for your arrest."</p>
+
+<p>"I shall not resist," I replied.</p>
+
+<p>"You shall have fair play."<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_164" id="Page_164">[164]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>"That's all I want."</p>
+
+<p>"I am sorry to take you away," he added, in a low tone; "for, between
+you and me, I think the boys have the rights of the matter; but I can't
+help serving the warrant."</p>
+
+<p>"Put him in irons, Mr. Greene. He is a violent fellow," said Mr.
+Parasyte, savagely.</p>
+
+<p>"I shall not do that," replied the sheriff. "I can handle him without
+any irons."</p>
+
+<p>"Mr. Greene," interposed Vallington, "will you allow me to look at your
+warrant?"</p>
+
+<p>"Certainly, if you want to."</p>
+
+<p>"Don't do it, Mr. Greene!" shouted Mr. Parasyte.</p>
+
+<p>"Don't be so grouty, sir. The young gentleman may see it, if he wants to
+do so," replied the sheriff, with a broad grin on his fat face, as he
+handed the warrant to the parson. "I don't belong to your school, Mr.
+Parasyte, and I suppose I can do as I please."</p>
+
+<p>The principal bit his lip again; and Vallington glanced at the legal
+document.</p>
+
+<p>"This warrant speaks about 'our county of Adie<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_165" id="Page_165">[165]</a></span>no,'" said the leader.
+"Are you aware, Mr. Greene, that this island is not in the county of
+Adieno?"</p>
+
+<p>"No! Isn't it though?" laughed the sheriff.</p>
+
+<p>"It certainly is not," added Vallington, returning the warrant to the
+sheriff.</p>
+
+<p>"What odds does that make?" demanded Mr. Parasyte, angrily. "The offence
+was committed in Adieno county."</p>
+
+<p>"Well, I don't know," said the sheriff. "I don't want to do anything
+that isn't lawful. It may be right to take him here; but I'm not sure,
+you see."</p>
+
+<p>"That is absurd, Mr. Greene."</p>
+
+<p>"I haven't been a deputy sheriff but about six months, and I'm not fully
+posted yet. We'll go back to Parkville, and if I find it's all right,
+I'll come over and arrest Ernest to-morrow. That will be soon enough."</p>
+
+<p>Mr. Greene seemed to be the happiest person on the island; and Mr.
+Parasyte was so angry he could hardly contain himself.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_166" id="Page_166">[166]</a></span></p>
+
+
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+<h2>CHAPTER XV.</h2>
+
+<h3>IN WHICH ERNEST AND THE COMMISSARY VISIT CANNONDALE.</h3>
+
+
+<p>Mr. Parasyte, angry as he was, had sense enough left to see that he
+could accomplish nothing by remaining longer at Camp Fair Play. The
+spirit of freedom that prevailed there was unsuitable to his
+constitution.</p>
+
+<p>"'I go, but I return,'" said he, in the language of Catiline to the
+Roman senate.</p>
+
+<p>"When you return we shall receive you with all due respect, Mr.
+Parasyte," said Harry Vallington.</p>
+
+<p>Mr. Greene chuckled, and shook his fat sides with suppressed mirth; and
+it was plain the principal had a very doubtful ally in the person of the
+deputy sheriff. And the ill-mated pair walked towards the landing, where
+we saw them embark, and leave the shore.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_167" id="Page_167">[167]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>"Mr. Parasyte has more pluck than I gave him credit for," said Bob Hale,
+after we had silently watched the departure of the boat. "Isn't it a
+pity a man who knows so much, and is such a good teacher, should be a
+tyrant?"</p>
+
+<p>"He is intellectually great and morally little," added the parson, with
+a savor of the cloth he was destined to wear. "He has always been
+politic, and we have felt his tyranny only in little things, which are
+all the more mean because they are small. He is now fully roused; he is
+too obstinate to back out, even when he knows and feels that he is in
+the wrong; and now he will lay policy aside. I tell you, fellows, you
+must make up your minds for a hard battle, for Mr. Parasyte is in
+earnest. He will leave no stone unturned to reduce us to subjection; and
+if I mistake not, 'breaking away' will prove to be no joke. If any of
+the students feel like giving up, now is the best time to take the back
+track, for the farther we go the deeper in the mire we shall be. If
+there are any who are sick of their bargain, they had better say so
+now."</p>
+
+<p>"No!" "No!" "No!" shouted the boys, till the sound became a unanimous
+voice.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_168" id="Page_168">[168]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>"I see you are all of one mind," continued Vallington. "I deem it right
+to tell you now that, in my opinion, Mr. Parasyte is no contemptible foe
+to deal with. He will make a good deal of trouble, if he does not cause
+much anxiety, perhaps suffering, in our ranks."</p>
+
+<p>"What can he do?" asked one of the boys.</p>
+
+<p>"I don't know. He hasn't told me what he intends to do, and probably he
+will not," replied our chief, facetiously.</p>
+
+<p>"Can't you guess?" asked another boy; and there seemed to be a general
+desire to anticipate the terrible things the principal would attempt in
+order to reduce the rebellious pupils to subjection.</p>
+
+<p>"I am no Yankee, and I can't guess. I can mention several things he
+might do."</p>
+
+<p>"Tell us, if you please!" called out one of the more timid of the boys.</p>
+
+<p>"Very likely he will attempt to starve us out by surrounding the island
+with boats, and preventing us from obtaining provisions. He must know
+that we have a very small stock of eatables on hand."</p>
+
+<p>"We will trust to our commodore to break his lines, if he blockades our
+camp," laughed Tom Rush.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_169" id="Page_169">[169]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>"He may come with a force of men in the night, and take away the boats."</p>
+
+<p>"You said we should keep a watch at night," suggested Fred Mason.</p>
+
+<p>"We hope the commodore will be able to protect his squadron," said Bob
+Hale.</p>
+
+<p>"I shall do my best to insure the safety of the boats, or to run the
+blockade, if one is established," I replied, with becoming modesty; and
+in fact I was getting so excited over the prospect, that I rather hoped
+there would be an attempt to blockade us, or to carry off the boats,
+that I might have an opportunity to exercise my talent for navigation
+and strategy.</p>
+
+<p>"And Mr. Parasyte may collect a force, and come over to capture the
+whole of us. He can charge us with stealing his boats, or something of
+that sort. He has already obtained a warrant for the arrest of Thornton,
+and to have him taken away from us would be about the worst thing that
+could happen," said Vallington.</p>
+
+<p>"We will not let them take him," interposed a belligerent student.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_170" id="Page_170">[170]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>"What will you do?"</p>
+
+<p>"Pitch the sheriff overboard," replied the spunky speaker.</p>
+
+<p>"That will not do," I added. "I hope no fellow will think of such a
+thing as resisting an officer of the law."</p>
+
+<p>"No, that wouldn't do," continued Vallington. "If Mr. Greene could not
+arrest Thornton because he was out of his county, Mr. Parasyte will get
+a sheriff from the proper county to do the job."</p>
+
+<p>"That's so," said Bob Hale. "He will do his worst, you may depend upon
+that."</p>
+
+<p>"I have an idea!" I shouted, under the inspiration of my new thought;
+and it really seemed to me like a brilliant suggestion.</p>
+
+<p>"What is it?" demanded our leader.</p>
+
+<p>"Suppose we change our quarters?"</p>
+
+<p>"Where shall we go?"</p>
+
+<p>"To Pine Island. It is about seven miles from here, or nine miles and a
+half from Parkville," I answered.</p>
+
+<p>"What shall we gain by moving?" asked Vallington, deeply interested in
+my proposition.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_171" id="Page_171">[171]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>"Several things. We are now six miles from Cannondale, where we must
+procure our provisions, while Pine Island is less than three."</p>
+
+<p>"That's a decided advantage, if we are to be starved out," added the
+commissary.</p>
+
+<p>"It is so far from Parkville that our movements could not be observed
+from the shore," I continued. "And Pine Island is at least four times as
+large as Cleaver Island, which would make it four times as difficult to
+blockade."</p>
+
+<p>"Pine Island! Pine Island!" shouted the rebels, in concert, as they
+began to perceive the advantages of the proposed location.</p>
+
+<p>"If the fellows don't object to working a part or the whole of the
+night, we might be in our new quarters before morning; and if we keep a
+good lookout, we may stay there two or three days before Mr. Parasyte
+finds out where we are."</p>
+
+<p>"Pine Island! Pine Island!" was the chorus which came from the throng of
+boys, all of whom had gathered near the bluff.</p>
+
+<p>"Those in favor of moving to-night, say ay," continued Vallington.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_172" id="Page_172">[172]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>"Ay!" shouted the students, with one voice.</p>
+
+<p>"Those opposed, say no."</p>
+
+<p>There was not a dissenting voice.</p>
+
+<p>"It is a unanimous vote," added the leader. "Commodore Thornton, you are
+charged with the execution of this order, and you will make your
+preparations accordingly."</p>
+
+<p>"But what shall we do for provisions?" asked the commissary, troubled
+about the proper administration of the affairs of his department. "We
+must have something to eat before dinner-time to-morrow; and if we are
+to keep out of sight, I don't see how we are to get anything."</p>
+
+<p>"Perhaps Commodore Thornton can afford us some information on that
+subject," said Vallington. "Our safety and success depend mainly upon
+the vulgar things which the stomach requires."</p>
+
+<p>"There is a good breeze now, General Vallington, and&mdash;"</p>
+
+<p>The students interrupted me with a hearty laugh at the new title I had
+given to the parson.</p>
+
+<p>"A truce to titles," laughed our leader.</p>
+
+<p>"You call me commodore, and I think it is no<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_173" id="Page_173">[173]</a></span> more than fair that I
+should give you your proper title."</p>
+
+<p>"But you were duly elected commodore of our squadron."</p>
+
+<p>"Mr. Chairman, I move that Henry Vallington be created general-in-chief
+of all our forces, by sea and by land," I continued.</p>
+
+<p>"Second the motion," added Bob Hale. "I call upon the secretary to put
+the question."</p>
+
+<p>The question was put by Fred Mason, and carried, unanimously.</p>
+
+<p>"I am very much obliged to you for the honor you have conferred upon me;
+but we can hardly afford the time now to talk about titles. You were
+going to say something about the breeze, Commodore Thornton."</p>
+
+<p>"I say that there is a good breeze now, General Vallington; and I think,
+if the commissary is ready, we can reach Cannondale in the Splash by
+nine o'clock. It is half past seven now," I replied, looking at my
+watch.</p>
+
+<p>"The commissary is all ready," said Tom Rush.</p>
+
+<p>"What time shall you return?" asked the general.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_174" id="Page_174">[174]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>"By eleven or twelve. I think the fellows had better turn in, and sleep
+till we return," I suggested. "There will be time enough then to load
+the scow, and reach the island by daylight."</p>
+
+<p>The general approved of this idea, but was afraid the boys were too much
+excited to sleep. I called those who had been detailed to serve as
+boatmen to assist in putting the Splash into the water, and, with Tom
+Rush alone, started for Cannondale. The breeze was fresh, and before the
+time I had mentioned we landed at our destination.</p>
+
+<p>Since I had owned the Splash, I had spent all my vacations and holidays,
+and indeed all my spare time every week day when boating was
+practicable, on the lake. A spirit of adventure had prompted me to make
+long trips, and I had sometimes spent half the night in my lonely
+cruises. The darkness, therefore, was not an obstacle with me to the
+navigation of those familiar waters. I knew every point, headland, bay,
+and inlet, at midnight as well as noonday.</p>
+
+<p>Lake Adieno, though a fresh-water lake, was not always the smoothest of
+navigation. Its shores were nearly level land, and there was nothing to
+shelter it<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_175" id="Page_175">[175]</a></span> from the blasts when the wind blew; and, with an
+uninterrupted reach of twenty miles from east to west, old Boreas had
+room enough to kick up quite a heavy sea. In a strong north-west or
+south-west wind, boating on the lake was no child's play.</p>
+
+<p>We landed at Cannondale, and secured the Splash at the steamboat pier.
+For several years I had purchased the groceries for the cottage of my
+uncle; and since I had owned the sail-boat, I had as often procured them
+at Cannondale as at Parkville, and I was nearly as familiar with the
+streets of the former as with those of the latter.</p>
+
+<p>We found a grocer and a provision-dealer, of whom Tom Rush purchased the
+supplies we needed. Of the former the commissary purchased ten kegs of
+crackers, and a variety of small stores, and of the latter sixteen hams,
+twenty pounds of salt pork, and twelve bushels of potatoes. At the
+baker's we obtained all the soft bread on hand&mdash;about a hundred loaves.
+These articles amounted to more than the assessments levied on the
+members, but Tom and I made up the balance. The provision-dealer
+harnessed his horse and carted the stores down to the pier;<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_176" id="Page_176">[176]</a></span> and,
+grateful for the patronage we had given him, and the cash paid him, he
+asked no troublesome questions; and we simply told him that the goods
+were for the school, which was then camping out.</p>
+
+<p>The Splash was loaded to her utmost capacity, and we decided to land the
+stores at Pine Island before we returned to our companions.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_177" id="Page_177">[177]</a></span></p>
+
+
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+<h2>CHAPTER XVI.</h2>
+
+<h3>IN WHICH ERNEST CONVEYS THE STUDENTS TO PINE ISLAND.</h3>
+
+
+<p>We landed the provisions at Pine Island, and being still favored with a
+fresh breeze, made a quick run over to Cleaver Island. It was bright
+moonlight now, and very pleasant sailing on the lake. As we approached
+the landing-place, I discovered a row-boat pulling round the point
+below. My first thought was, that Mr. Parasyte was paying a second visit
+to the camp, intent upon carrying out the threats he had uttered.</p>
+
+<p>"Can you make her out, Ernest?" asked Tom.</p>
+
+<p>"It is a boat full of men or boys&mdash;I don't know which," I replied. "We
+will run down to her, and see what she is."</p>
+
+<p>"It may be Parasyte."</p>
+
+<p>"Very likely it is," I added, heading the Splash towards the intruder.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_178" id="Page_178">[178]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>"What shall we do if it is?"</p>
+
+<p>"I don't know that we can do anything but keep an eye upon him. I have a
+great mind to serve him as he did me yesterday&mdash;run him down, and sink
+his boat; but I won't do it."</p>
+
+<p>I decided, however, to give him a scare; and with all sail drawing well,
+the Splash going through the water at a rapid rate, I ran directly for
+the row-boat. When we came within a few feet of the intruders, the fate
+that stared them in the face was too much for their nerves. They sprang
+to their feet, and begged me not to run them down. It was a startling
+scene for them; but at that moment I put the helm up, and ran astern of
+the row-boat, just grazing her as we went by.</p>
+
+<p>"Boat ahoy!" I shouted as I put the helm down, and the Splash came up
+into the wind on the other side of the row-boat.</p>
+
+<p>"Don't run into us," said one of the boys in the boat, whose voice I
+recognized as that of Bill Poodles; and by this time I had found that
+Mr. Parasyte was not one of the party.</p>
+
+<p>"Who are you?" demanded Tom Rush.</p>
+
+<div class="figcenter" style="width: 400px;">
+<img src="images/i004.jpg" width="400" height="308" alt="ARRIVAL OF THE RECRUITS.&mdash;Page 178." title="" />
+<span class="caption">ARRIVAL OF THE RECRUITS.&mdash;Page 178.</span>
+</div><p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_179" id="Page_179">[179]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>"It's me," replied Poodles.</p>
+
+<p>"Who's <i>me?</i>"</p>
+
+<p>It was a disgrace to the Parkville Liberal Institute that any member of
+the school should use such execrable grammar, and we were not quite
+willing to believe that the party were fellow-students, with the
+exception of Poodles, from whom nothing better in the shape of correct
+speech was to be expected.</p>
+
+<p>"I'm Bill Poodles&mdash;don't you know me?"</p>
+
+<p>"Bill Poodles!" exclaimed Tom, in disgust. "What do you want here?"</p>
+
+<p>"We have come over to see you," said another in the boat, whose voice
+was that of Dick Pearl.</p>
+
+<p>"Well, what do you want?"</p>
+
+<p>"We want to join you," answered Pearl.</p>
+
+<p>"I don't know that we want you. Have you any news from the shore?" added
+Tom.</p>
+
+<p>"We can tell you all that has happened since you left. We ran away after
+supper to join you," said Pearl. "If you will let us in, we will do all
+we can to help you."</p>
+
+<p>"I don't know; I will speak to the general, and if he is willing, you
+may join; but you can't go ashore till he gives you leave."<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_180" id="Page_180">[180]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>Pearl, who seemed to be the leading spirit of the recruits, promised to
+wait off the shore till Vallington had been informed of his request, and
+his answer returned. The Splash filled away, and we landed at the point
+where the scow lay. We found that our enterprising general had not been
+idle during our absence. The tents had been struck, and the materials
+put on board the flat-boat. Everything was ready for the departure to
+Pine Island.</p>
+
+<p>The approach of the row-boat had been noticed by the vigilant sentinels
+on the bluff, and the whole company had watched our interview with the
+new comers. Tom Rush reported on the case to our general, and it was
+necessary to act upon the request of the party for admission to the
+camp. In this matter there was less unanimity than had before been
+manifested, and several of the students were opposed to granting the
+request. Bob Hale was the most earnest among them, and declared that
+Bill Poodles, Dick Pearl, and the rest of the party could not be
+trusted; they were mean fellows, and we should be better off without
+them than with them. They were the "creatures" of<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_181" id="Page_181">[181]</a></span> Mr. Parasyte, and
+they would make trouble if we admitted them.</p>
+
+<p>It would have been well for us if this advice had been heeded, as the
+sequel will show; but it was not. Some of our best declaimers urged that
+there was power in mere numbers; and the strength of an harmonious union
+was yielded to this idea. The vote was in favor of permitting the
+recruits to be received; but a very respectable minority voted against
+it. Bob cheerfully surrendered the point, and Poodles and his companions
+were invited to land. When they came on shore, Vallington questioned
+them in regard to their intentions. They all made fair promises, and
+assured the general they would be good and faithful subjects.</p>
+
+<p>Tom Rush had reported on the provision question, and gladdened the
+hearts of all the fellows when he stated what bountiful supplies of ham,
+bread, potatoes, and coffee had been deposited on Pine Island for the
+use of the party.</p>
+
+<p>"Now, we are all ready to move," said Vallington. "The boats are all
+loaded, and we submit the rest of the job to the skill of Commodore
+Thornton."<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_182" id="Page_182">[182]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>"Move!" exclaimed Dick Pearl, and in the bright moonlight I saw him
+glance anxiously at Poodles.</p>
+
+<p>"We have decided to break up our camp here and move to Pine Island."</p>
+
+<p>"Be you?" said Poodles.</p>
+
+<p>"We <i>be</i>," answered Vallington.</p>
+
+<p>"If we had known it, I don't know that we should have come," added
+Pearl.</p>
+
+<p>"What possible difference can it make to you whether we camp at Pine
+Island or at Cleaver Island?"</p>
+
+<p>"I don't know."</p>
+
+<p>"It is too late to back out now; you have found out where we are going,
+and you must go with us, to help keep the secret," said our general,
+decidedly.</p>
+
+<p>Pearl and Poodles looked at each other, and evidently wished to consult
+together; but there was no opportunity.</p>
+
+<p>For my own part, I was not satisfied with their conduct, and I
+determined to keep a close watch upon them; for it seemed to me, from
+their appearance, that they intended to make mischief. I whispered my
+suspicions to Vallington, who thought it<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_183" id="Page_183">[183]</a></span> was well enough to keep an eye
+upon them; but he did not believe ten such fellows as they were would
+attempt to interfere with the plans of the company. I assured him Pearl
+was a smart fellow, and under his lead the party might make trouble.</p>
+
+<p>As the wind was not only fresh, but fair for our passage to Pine Island,
+I rigged one of the tent poles as a mast for the flat-boat, intending to
+save the boys the hard labor of towing her seven miles. I secured
+another pole across the mast for a yard, to which I bent on the canvas
+of one of the tents for a sail. There was a heavy steering oar in the
+boat, which answered the purpose of a rudder. Having adjusted all this
+gear to my satisfaction, we pushed off, and I took my station at the
+helm of the flat-boat, which was crowded with boys.</p>
+
+<p>I appointed Bob Hale, who had some experience as a boatman, to the
+charge of the Splash, though, as a matter of prudence, I directed him to
+set only the jib and mainsail. The row-boats were towed alongside the
+scow. The sail fully answered all my expectations, and the old
+"gundalow" actually made about three knots an hour under her<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_184" id="Page_184">[184]</a></span> new rig.
+The students stretched themselves on the tents, and very likely some of
+them went to sleep, for it was now two o'clock in the morning, and most
+of them were tired out, and gaped fearfully.</p>
+
+<p>It was daylight when we ran into the little sheltered bay where we had
+landed the goods from the Splash. It was quite chilly in the morning
+air, and the fellows were glad of the exercise required to unload the
+scow and pitch the tents. But in a couple of hours the work was done,
+and the weary laborers were glad enough to stretch themselves on the
+beds of pine foliage in the tents. All the boats were hauled into an
+inlet, where they could not be seen by any passing craft on the lake,
+and I felt that everything was safe.</p>
+
+<p>Everybody was worn out, and I think everybody went to sleep, even to the
+sentinels, who were stationed where they could give notice of the
+approach of any intruders. I was so exhausted myself that I should have
+slept if I had known all the deputy sheriffs in the state had been after
+me. And there we all lay till noon, buried in slumber. And when we awoke
+there appeared to be no life anywhere<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_185" id="Page_185">[185]</a></span> but on the island. The lake was
+calm and silent, and from the distant shores not a sound came to disturb
+us.</p>
+
+<p>When the boys did wake they were wide awake, and immediately voted that
+"breaking away" was a capital idea. It was then unanimously resolved
+that it was time to have something to eat. The boys had had some
+experience in the culinary art in previous campaigns, and we had all the
+pots, kettles, and pans provided for such occasions. A fire was made in
+the woods, near the centre of the island, where it was hoped the smoke
+would not betray us, and potatoes and ham were soon hissing in the pans.
+About twenty of the students were employed in this work,&mdash;peeling
+potatoes, and preparing the pork and bacon,&mdash;while only four of the most
+experienced were intrusted with the care of the actual cooking. We had a
+big meal, though we had no knives and forks, or plates. The company was
+divided into messes of ten each, there being one large tin pan for each,
+from which the boys took the "grub" with sharp<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_186" id="Page_186">[186]</a></span>ened sticks or
+jackknives. We enjoyed it quite as much as we did our dinners at the
+Institute.</p>
+
+<p>We passed a quiet day, without interruption from within or without. We
+neither saw nor heard anything from Mr. Parasyte, and the Poodles party
+behaved better than we had expected, so that we had learned to trust
+them. The necessary work of the camp was all we could do, and when night
+came we were glad to turn in at an early hour, for we had not yet fully
+recovered from the fatigues of the previous day and night.</p>
+
+<p>It was ordered by the general-in-chief that the watch during the night
+should be relieved every two hours, and that three should be on duty at
+once. A sufficient number of the company were detailed for this purpose,
+and a tent apart from the rest assigned to them, that others might not
+be disturbed when the watch was changed. How faithfully this watch
+performed their duty we learned from the developments of the next day.</p>
+
+<p>I turned out about five o'clock in the morning, intending to try my hand
+at fishing with<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_187" id="Page_187">[187]</a></span> Bob Hale and Tom Rush. We went down to the inlet where
+the squadron had been secured, to obtain one of the row-boats.</p>
+
+<p>There was not a boat there!</p>
+
+<p>Even the old scow had disappeared, and the Splash was nowhere to be
+seen!<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_188" id="Page_188">[188]</a></span></p>
+
+
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+<h2>CHAPTER XVII.</h2>
+
+<h3>IN WHICH ERNEST FINDS THERE IS TREASON IN THE CAMP.</h3>
+
+
+<p>What had become of the boats? I was a commodore without a squadron, and
+I felt so cheap that I would have sold out my commission for sixpence,
+and thrown myself in. The boats had been carefully secured, under my own
+direction, in the little inlet, and they could not have drifted away, I
+looked at Bob Hale, and Bob Hale looked at me; but neither of us could
+explain the disappearance of the fleet.</p>
+
+<p>"An enemy hath done this," I began, in Scripture phrase.</p>
+
+<p>"Of course it couldn't have been done by a friend," added Tom Rush.
+"It's lucky we have a good stock of provisions on hand."</p>
+
+<p>"But the stock won't last forever," suggested Bob.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_189" id="Page_189">[189]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>"We are not going to be starved out in a week, or a year, for that
+matter," I interposed. "We are not to be broken up by any such accident
+as this."</p>
+
+<p>"The commodore is spunky," laughed Bob, who was always good-natured,
+whatever happened.</p>
+
+<p>"I am not to be put down by any such expedient as this taking away the
+boats. When I want to visit the main shore, I shall do so, boat or no
+boat," I replied; for I already saw how I could counteract the
+misfortune of the loss of our squadron.</p>
+
+<p>"Parasyte has snuffed us out, I suppose, and sent a party up here in the
+night to take the boats," continued Bob Hale. "He means to starve us
+out."</p>
+
+<p>"He will discover his mistake. But let us take a look round the island;
+perhaps we may find out what has become of the boats;" and I led the way
+to the nearest point, at which a sentinel had been stationed.</p>
+
+<p>The student on watch there knew nothing of the absence of the boats.
+There had been no alarm given at the guard tent. We walked around the
+island without obtaining any information of the lost<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_190" id="Page_190">[190]</a></span> squadron. We
+reported the mishap to Vallington, who was both surprised and indignant.</p>
+
+<p>The occupants of the guard tent were all turned out, and those who had
+been on watch during the night were examined; but none of them knew
+anything about the boats. They had not heard any noise during the night,
+or seen anything on the lake. The general then mustered the company, and
+after stating what had occurred, called for any information; but no one
+had any to give.</p>
+
+<p>"Where is Bill Poodles?" suddenly demanded Bob Hale, as he glanced
+around among the students.</p>
+
+<p>"He is not here," replied Tom Rush, after he had scrutinized all the
+faces.</p>
+
+<p>"And Dick Pearl?"</p>
+
+<p>"Not here."</p>
+
+<p>"Is any of the party that came off that night present?" demanded the
+general.</p>
+
+<p>"No," answered several, after each fellow had looked his neighbor full
+in the face.</p>
+
+<p>"That's what's the matter!" exclaimed Bob Hale. "Bill Poodles and the
+rest of them have run away with the boats; and in my opinion that's what
+they joined us for."<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_191" id="Page_191">[191]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>A further examination convinced all present that this was the fact. It
+looked as though Mr. Parasyte had sent off the ten boys who joined us on
+the first night, to rob us of the boats. We remembered the dismay with
+which Pearl and Poodles had listened to the announcement of our intended
+removal from Cleaver Island, and were fully confirmed in our view of the
+traitors' purpose.</p>
+
+<p>We found that the conspirators had all occupied the same tent, and one
+of the fellows who slept with them now remembered that he had half waked
+up, and heard Dick Pearl talking in a low tone to some one. Vallington
+called up the sentinels again, and spoke pretty sharply to them of their
+neglect of duty.</p>
+
+<p>"It would have been impossible for them to carry off the boats if you
+had been awake; and now you have got us into a pretty scrape. We shall
+have to back out, and march back to the Institute like whipped puppies,"
+said he, with becoming indignation.</p>
+
+<p>But the sentinels protested that they had kept awake all the time.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_192" id="Page_192">[192]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>"Tell that to a dead mule, and he would kick your brains out," replied
+the general. "Who stood at the south station?"</p>
+
+<p>"I did from ten till twelve," answered Joe Slivers; "and I am sure no
+boat went out of the cove during that time."</p>
+
+<p>"And who from twelve till two?" continued the general.</p>
+
+<p>No one answered.</p>
+
+<p>"Who was it&mdash;don't you know?" demanded Vallington, sternly.</p>
+
+<p>"I know," replied Ben Lyons. "It was Carl Dorner, for I had the north
+station at the same time."</p>
+
+<p>"Carl Dorner!" exclaimed Bob Hale. "He was one of the Poodles party."</p>
+
+<p>"That accounts for it," added Vallington. "Who had the east station from
+twelve till two?"</p>
+
+<p>"Mat Murray," replied Slivers.</p>
+
+<p>"He's another of the Poodles tribe," added Bob. "It's as clear as mud
+now. We put traitors on guard, and we are sold out."</p>
+
+<p>"Ben Lyons, you had the north station from twelve till two," continued
+the general.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_193" id="Page_193">[193]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>"I did; but I was nearly half a mile from the cove," replied the
+sentinel.</p>
+
+<p>"And Carl Dorner and Mat Murray had the east and south stations at the
+same time."</p>
+
+<p>"They did."</p>
+
+<p>"Who called the fellows that were to relieve you?"</p>
+
+<p>"I did," answered Lyons.</p>
+
+<p>"Didn't you miss Dorner and Murray?"</p>
+
+<p>"I didn't notice them; but I did see the three fellows who went on guard
+at two o'clock. They started for their stations, and I turned in,
+without thinking anything about Dorner and Murray."</p>
+
+<p>It further appeared that the two traitors had used some "shuffling" to
+obtain the east and south stations. It was evident now that the
+conspirators had executed their plan shortly after midnight, while their
+associates were on guard at the two posts where their operations could
+be seen or heard. The south station was on a point of land which
+commanded a full view of the cove where the boats lay. From the east
+station the lake in the direction of Parkville and Cannondale could be
+seen. From the north<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_194" id="Page_194">[194]</a></span> station, which was considerably farther west than
+either of the other posts, nothing could be seen on the south side of
+the island.</p>
+
+<p>If the conspirators had gone to the eastward with the boats, they could
+easily have kept out of sight of the sentinel at the north station&mdash;the
+only true one on duty when the mischief was done&mdash;by hugging the main
+south shore of the lake. If they had gone to the westward, or farther
+away from Parkville,&mdash;which was not likely,&mdash;they could not have been
+seen by Ben Lyons till they had gone at least a mile.</p>
+
+<p>In the mud at the bottom of the cove we found a pole sticking up, which
+the traitors had probably used in pushing the scow out into the lake.
+This showed us in what manner they had gone to work; but I was satisfied
+that they had not attempted to tow the scow any distance; it would not
+have been possible for them to do so. It was comparatively easy to move
+her with setting-poles, but they could have done nothing with the
+unwieldy craft in the deep water. I therefore concluded that they had
+merely pushed her out into the<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_195" id="Page_195">[195]</a></span> lake, and then turned her adrift. It was
+probable that she had been driven ashore by the north-west wind
+somewhere in the vicinity of Cannondale.</p>
+
+<p>What the conspirators had done with the Splash was not so clear to me,
+for not one of them knew anything about the management of a sail-boat.
+She had a pair of oars on board, and it was probable they had rowed her,
+as they had the other boats. All the sentinels agreed in their
+statements that the wind had blown pretty fresh in the night, and I was
+not quite willing to believe that the ten faithless ones had pulled the
+four boats the whole distance to Parkville, which was nine miles, in the
+heavy sea that must have been caused by a brisk north-west wind. They
+were not boatmen enough to undertake such a job, or to carry it through
+if they did attempt it.</p>
+
+<p>Cannondale lay to the south-east of Pine Island, and with the prevailing
+wind of the night, it was an easy matter to accomplish the two miles
+which lay between them. After a great deal of thinking, reasoning, and
+studying, I came to the conclusion<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_196" id="Page_196">[196]</a></span> that the Splash, and perhaps two or
+three of the four row-boats,&mdash;for the conspirators had added one to our
+original number,&mdash;were not farther off than Cannondale. The wind was
+still fresh from the north-west, and the traitors would hardly care to
+pull even a single boat eight miles. The steamer, on her way to
+Parkville, would touch at Cannondale about one o'clock, and I surmised
+that the deserters would return in her.</p>
+
+<p>I made up my mind, in view of these facts and suppositions, that it
+would be advisable for some of our party to visit Cannondale before one
+o'clock. Pine Island had sometimes been used as a picnic ground, and the
+people had been conveyed thither in a steamer. Near the south station,
+in the deepest water, there was a rude pier of logs built out, for the
+convenience of landing the parties. This loose structure suggested to me
+the means of reaching the main shore; and, without waiting for
+breakfast, I "piped" away my boatmen, and proceeded to build a raft.</p>
+
+<p>Placing three large logs in the water, we lashed them together, and
+covered them with short pieces<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_197" id="Page_197">[197]</a></span> of board, from the ruins of an old
+cook-house on the island. The job was finished when breakfast was ready,
+about seven o'clock, including a mast and sail, the latter made of the
+curtain of a tent. The preparations I had been making had a wonderful
+effect in warming up the spirits of the boys, considerably depressed by
+the prospective calamities which were supposed to lie in the wake of the
+loss of our boats; and at least three quarters of them applied to me for
+permission to join my expedition to the main shore. I determined,
+however, to take but four with me, among whom were Bob Hale and Tom
+Rush.</p>
+
+<p>As soon as we had eaten a hearty breakfast, we embarked, and hoisted the
+sail on our clumsy craft. When she had passed out of the cove, she took
+the breeze, and went off at a very satisfactory pace towards Cannondale,
+plunging and rolling in the heavy sea like a ship in a gale. With us as
+navigators, "the die was cast," for it would be impossible to return to
+the island unless the wind changed, for the raft would only go before
+it.</p>
+
+<p>The craft dived down and jumped up, and every<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_198" id="Page_198">[198]</a></span> wave swept completely
+over it; but we had taken off our shoes and stockings, and rolled up our
+trousers' legs, so that we suffered no inconvenience. The fresh breeze
+carried us over in about half an hour, and the raft was thrown high and
+dry on the beach, a quarter of a mile below the town.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_199" id="Page_199">[199]</a></span></p>
+
+
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+<h2>CHAPTER XVIII.</h2>
+
+<h3>IN WHICH ERNEST AND HIS COMPANIONS LAND AT CANNONDALE.</h3>
+
+
+<p>We landed on the beach, put on our shoes and stockings, and walked
+towards the village of Cannondale. It was still early in the
+morning,&mdash;as people who lie abed till breakfast measure time,&mdash;and I was
+quite confident that I should find the boats, if not the deserters from
+our camp, at the town. The fact that none of the party were boatmen
+assured me they could not have gone on to Parkville. The wind must have
+brought them to Cannondale, and must have prevented them from leaving
+it.</p>
+
+<p>We followed the beach from the point where we had landed until we came
+to the steamboat pier, which was the usual landing-place for all boats.</p>
+
+<p>On the further side of the wharf, sheltered from<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_200" id="Page_200">[200]</a></span> the wind and the sea,
+was our entire squadron, with the exception of the flat-boat.</p>
+
+<p>"We are all right now," said Bob Hale; and we broke into a run, and
+hastened over to the point where the boats were secured.</p>
+
+<p>"Where do you suppose the deserters are?" asked Tom Rush.</p>
+
+<p>"Probably, as they didn't sleep any last night, they have gone to bed at
+the hotel," I replied. "It will be a good joke for them, when they wake
+up, to find they have had their labor for their pains."</p>
+
+<p>On the steamboat wharf there was a building used for the storage of
+goods. Just as I was about to go down the steps at the foot of which the
+Splash lay, with the row-boats made fast to her, a lame man came out of
+the warehouse, and hailed us.</p>
+
+<p>"What do you want?" he demanded, in no conciliatory tones.</p>
+
+<p>"I want this boat," I replied.</p>
+
+<p>"You can't have her," he added, decidedly.</p>
+
+<p>"Why not?"</p>
+
+<p>"Because you can't."</p>
+
+<p>"That doesn't seem to be a very good reason," I<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_201" id="Page_201">[201]</a></span> answered, descending
+the steps, and jumping into the Splash.</p>
+
+<p>"Do you hear what I say?" demanded he, in savage tones.</p>
+
+<p>"I do; I am not deaf, and you speak loud enough to be heard," I added,
+as I proceeded to remove the stops from the mainsail, preparatory to
+hoisting the sail.</p>
+
+<p>"Are you going to mind what I say, or not?" he shouted, in loud tones.</p>
+
+<p>"I am not."</p>
+
+<p>"That boat's in my charge, and you can't have her."</p>
+
+<p>"I don't care whose charge she is in. The boat belongs to me, and I
+intend to have her."</p>
+
+<p>"Who are you?"</p>
+
+<p>"It doesn't matter who I am; but I take it any one has a right to his
+own property, wherever he finds it."</p>
+
+<p>"Can you prove that the boat is your property?" asked he, in a milder
+tone.</p>
+
+<p>"I can, but I shall not take the trouble to do so," I replied, with more
+impudence than discretion.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_202" id="Page_202">[202]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>"All I've got to say is, that you can't have that boat," added he,
+angrily; and he came down the steps, and took position by my side in the
+Splash.</p>
+
+<p>"Come aboard, fellows!" I called to my companions.</p>
+
+<p>"I suppose you claim these row-boats too&mdash;don't you?" said the lame man,
+with a sneer.</p>
+
+<p>"I do not," I answered, concluding, under the circumstances, to go no
+farther than the facts would warrant. "Those boats belong to the
+Parkville Liberal Institute."</p>
+
+<p>"I know they do," growled the man, who seemed to be in doubt what to do.</p>
+
+<p>"Hoist the jib, Tom. If you wish to land, sir, now is your time," I
+suggested to the intruder, as I picked up the heavy oak tiller of the
+Splash.</p>
+
+<p>"What are you going to do with that tiller?" continued he, fixing his
+eye fiercely upon me.</p>
+
+<p>"I am going to steer the boat with it," I replied. "If you wish to go
+with us, I shall not object to your company."</p>
+
+<p>I saw that the man only wished me to bully and<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_203" id="Page_203">[203]</a></span> threaten him a little,
+to induce him to pitch into me, though it was plain he did not like the
+looks of the heavy tiller in my hand. I refrained from provoking him any
+further than to persist in claiming possession of my boat.</p>
+
+<p>"You say this boat is yours," said he, after a moment of deliberation.</p>
+
+<p>"I do; if you need any proof, I will now refer to Mr. Leman, the grocer,
+and Mr. Irwin, the provision-dealer; and if you belong on this wharf,
+you must have seen me land from her more than once."</p>
+
+<p>"I don't want to quarrel with you," he added. "I know the boat very
+well, and very likely I've seen you in her; but I don't remember. I live
+close to the shore beyond the village, and I was waked up in the
+night&mdash;it was about one o'clock, I guess&mdash;by a lot of boys hollering. I
+got up, and found all these boats heaved up on the beach, and the boys
+trying to get 'em off. I helped 'em a while, and then brought the boats
+round here, for they would all got stove to pieces there."</p>
+
+<p>The man talked very well now, and I met him in the same spirit.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_204" id="Page_204">[204]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>"The boys who got into the scrape ought to pay you for helping them
+out," I replied.</p>
+
+<p>"I don't like to be turned out of my bed in the night to do such a job
+for nothing."</p>
+
+<p>"You must make them pay you."</p>
+
+<p>"They said they would, or that the schoolmaster over to Parkville would,
+for he sent them to look out for some boys who had run away."</p>
+
+<p>"Did they?" I replied, glancing significantly at Bob Hale, for this
+acknowledgment implied that Mr. Parasyte had sent the deserters to do
+the work they had accomplished. "But I don't see that we have anything
+to do with the matter. If I were you, I would hold the other boats till
+they paid me for my trouble."</p>
+
+<p>"I'll do that."</p>
+
+<p>"How much do they owe you?" asked Bob.</p>
+
+<p>"Well, I don't know; they ought to give me a couple of dollars, I
+think," replied the man.</p>
+
+<p>We passed a few words among ourselves, and Tom handed the man two
+dollars.</p>
+
+<p>"That's to pay for saving this boat," said Tom. "We ought not to pay it,
+for our boat was stolen<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_205" id="Page_205">[205]</a></span> from us; but you must collect as much more
+before you let the other boats go."</p>
+
+<p>"Thank ye," replied the man, with a broad grin, indicative of his
+satisfaction, as he took the money. "I spoke rather sharp to you at
+first, because I thought you were going to take the boats without paying
+for the job I did. I didn't mean nothing by it, and I hope you'll excuse
+it."</p>
+
+<p>"It is all right."</p>
+
+<p>"You can take the other boats too, if you like," continued the man,
+magnanimously.</p>
+
+<p>We concluded that we did not want them. They were of no service to us,
+for with a south-west wind, I could work the scow over to Parkville; and
+I intended to go in search of her in the Splash.</p>
+
+<p>"Did the fellows that came in these boats say anything to you about
+where they came from?" asked Bob Hale of the man.</p>
+
+<p>"They told me all about it; but I knew something about it yesterday, for
+the schoolmaster came over here in the steamer, inquiring after you. He
+said you went to the Cleaver first, and then left&mdash;he didn't know where
+you was now."<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_206" id="Page_206">[206]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>"Mr. Parasyte here!" exclaimed Tom Rush.</p>
+
+<p>"He's at the hotel, and he's going to find you and bring you back
+to-day," added the man, with a laugh. "You have done the handsome thing
+by me, and I don't mind telling you all about it."</p>
+
+<p>We could scarcely believe that this was the man who had been so intent
+upon quarrelling with us; but it seemed he supposed we were the same
+boys who had come in the boats, and intended to cheat him out of his
+money for the job he had done.</p>
+
+<p>"What is he going to do?" asked Bob Hale, rather excited.</p>
+
+<p>"He has engaged the Adieno, and is going to look for you."</p>
+
+<p>"The Adieno!" ejaculated Tom Rush.</p>
+
+<p>The Adieno was a small steamer, owned in Parkville and Cannondale,
+employed in towing, conveying pleasure parties, and other uses on the
+lake. She was lying at the other side of the steamboat pier, and the
+smoke was already rolling out of her smokestack. Our informant did not
+precisely know in what manner Mr. Parasyte intended to proceed;<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_207" id="Page_207">[207]</a></span> and we
+could not ascertain whether he intended to bring off our party by force,
+or to resort to some milder means to break up the camp; but we were very
+grateful for the information we had obtained. By this time Mr. Parasyte
+had learned from the deserters where we were.</p>
+
+<p>Our new-made friend, who, I think, had learned to respect me for the
+decision with which I had answered him, went up the steps. As he did so,
+he repeated his offer to allow us to take the other boats, which we
+again declined.</p>
+
+<p>"He's coming!" said our new ally, as he reached the cap-sill of the
+wharf.</p>
+
+<p>"Who?"</p>
+
+<p>"The schoolmaster, and all them boys. Be in a hurry! He's close by."</p>
+
+<p>I ran the mainsail up, and cast off the fasts which secured the Splash;
+but just as I had pushed off from the steps, Mr. Parasyte, attended by
+the deserters, appeared on the wharf. The eyes of the latter opened wide
+when they saw our party in the Splash, and it appeared to be a great
+mys<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_208" id="Page_208">[208]</a></span>tery to them how we happened to be on the main shore, when they had
+left us on the island without a boat or craft of any kind. We were
+behind the wharf and building, so that the sails of the Splash did not
+get the wind, and I told a couple of my companions to take the oars.</p>
+
+<p>"Stop, Thornton!" shouted Mr. Parasyte.</p>
+
+<p>"Hold on a minute, and let us hear what he has to say," said Bob Hale.</p>
+
+<p>We waited, looking up at the principal of the Parkville Liberal
+Institute to hear what he had to communicate. Mr. Parasyte went down the
+steps with the deserters, and they got into a couple of the row-boats.</p>
+
+<p>"We are ready to hear anything you have to say," called Tom Rush.</p>
+
+<p>"I simply wish to know whether you intend to compel me to use extreme
+measures," said Mr. Parasyte, as, by his direction, Dick Pearl pushed
+the boat in which they stood towards the Splash.</p>
+
+<p>"We will return to the Institute when you comply with the terms stated
+by Henry Vallington," re<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_209" id="Page_209">[209]</a></span>plied Bob Hale, as the bow of the row-boat came
+up to the stern of our craft.</p>
+
+<p>"Perhaps I did not clearly understand what that proposition was," said
+Mr. Parasyte, as he turned and said something to Pearl which we could
+not hear.</p>
+
+<p>Bob was going to restate the terms, when Pearl suddenly made fast the
+painter of his boat to a ring in the stern of the Splash.</p>
+
+<p>"Only to hold her for a moment," said the principal, as he stepped into
+the bow of the row-boat.</p>
+
+<p>We watched him closely. The other row-boat, in which six of the
+deserters had taken their places, was also working up to the Splash. I
+decided that we were getting into a scrape, and told my companions with
+the oars to pull. They obeyed, and in a moment we caught the stiff
+breeze; the Splash forged ahead, twitching the row-boat after it.</p>
+
+<p>"Hold on tight, Pearl!" said Mr. Parasyte, savagely, now indicating that
+he meant war, and not peace.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_210" id="Page_210">[210]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>I dragged the boat half a mile from the shore, and then, in tacking,
+gave it such a sudden twitch as to throw Mr. Parasyte, who was still
+standing, off his balance, and he went over the side into the angry
+waters.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_211" id="Page_211">[211]</a></span></p>
+
+
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+<h2>CHAPTER XIX.</h2>
+
+<h3>IN WHICH ERNEST AND HIS FRIENDS ARE DISGUSTED WITH MR. PARASYTE'S
+INGRATITUDE.</h3>
+
+
+<p>It was very imprudent in Mr. Parasyte to stand up in a boat, while being
+dragged through the water at such a rapid rate as the Splash was going.
+I tried my best, before the accident, to detach the painter of his boat;
+but Pearl had passed the rope through the ring, hauled it back, and made
+it fast on the stem of his own craft. It was my intention to cut it as
+soon as I came about, and I had taken out my knife for the purpose.</p>
+
+<p>When the Splash tacked, the row-boat ran up to her stern, slacking the
+painter. As this was a favorable moment for Mr. Parasyte, who was
+determined to "board" us, he was on the point of stepping forward. As
+soon as the sails of our craft caught the breeze, she darted off again,
+straightening the<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_212" id="Page_212">[212]</a></span> painter, and giving the principal's boat such a
+fierce jerk, that it not only upset Mr. Parasyte, but heeled his boat
+over so that she half filled with water.</p>
+
+<p>"Help! Help!" shouted Mr. Parasyte, in tones which convinced us that he
+fully appreciated the perils of his position.</p>
+
+<p>"Let go your painter, Dick Pearl!" I shouted.</p>
+
+<p>"I can't; we are half full of water," replied he.</p>
+
+<p>It was useless to argue the point, and with the knife I had open in my
+hand, I severed the half-inch rope, and permitted the row-boat to go
+adrift. There was a heavy sea for an inland lake, and the row-boat made
+very bad weather of it, in her water-logged condition.</p>
+
+<p>"Don't leave us, Thornton," said Dick, with what self-command he had,
+while Bill Poodles, who was with him, actually blubbered with terror.</p>
+
+<p>"Sit down and bale out your boat!" I called to them, as I put the Splash
+about to save Mr. Parasyte. "Keep cool and you are all right. Bale out
+your boat!"</p>
+
+<p>"We have no dipper."</p>
+
+<p>When my boat had come about, I ran her close<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_213" id="Page_213">[213]</a></span> to them, and tossed a
+small bucket to Pearl, with which he went to work to free his boat from
+water. The circumstances were by no means desperate, though Pearl was
+the only fellow among them who appeared to have any self-possession.</p>
+
+<p>"Help! Help!" shouted Mr. Parasyte, more feebly than before.</p>
+
+<p>"Go forward, Bob, with the boat-hook; and stand by, Tom, to help him.
+Let him get hold of the boat-hook."</p>
+
+<p>I swept round in the Splash, till I threw her up into the wind with Mr.
+Parasyte under the bow. Bob Hale extended the boat-hook to him, which he
+promptly grasped, and with some difficulty we hauled him on board. It
+was a warm day in June, and I did not think him any the worse for the
+bath he had taken; but I was perfectly satisfied that he would have been
+drowned if we had left him to be rescued by Pearl and his party. We felt
+that we had done a good thing&mdash;that we had rendered good for evil.</p>
+
+<p>For my own part, judging by what I should have felt in his situation, I
+expected some conciliatory<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_214" id="Page_214">[214]</a></span> proposition from him; and we waited, with no
+little interest and anxiety, till he had wiped his face and neck, and
+adjusted his damp linen as well as he could. He had the satisfaction of
+knowing that I, the rebel, who had resisted him, and whom he regarded as
+the author of all the mischief, had saved his life; and I am sure that
+it was a greater satisfaction to me than it was to him. I ran the Splash
+up towards the deserters, who were still employed in baling out their
+boat.</p>
+
+<p>Mr. Parasyte spoke at last. Though I knew he was a tyrant, though I knew
+there was nothing that could be called noble in his nature, I did not
+expect what followed. I supposed there was some impressible spot in his
+heart which might have been reached through the act we had just done.</p>
+
+<p>"So you meant to drown me&mdash;did you?" were the first words he said, and
+in a tone so uncompromising that we saw at once there was nothing to
+hope.</p>
+
+<p>I looked at Bob Hale, and Bob looked at me. Our surprise was mutual; and
+as there was nothing that could be said, we said nothing.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_215" id="Page_215">[215]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>"You meant to drown me&mdash;did you?" repeated Mr. Parasyte, with more
+emphasis than before.</p>
+
+<p>Bob and I looked at each other again. Grave as was the charge he
+indirectly preferred against us, there was something so ludicrous in the
+making of it by one whom we had just pulled out of the water, that I
+could not help smiling. Mr. Parasyte saw that smile, and as he always
+put the worst construction upon what was done by those not in favor, he
+misinterpreted it, and tortured it into a sneer.</p>
+
+<p>"I say you meant to drown me; and you sneer at me."</p>
+
+<p>"We did not mean to drown you, sir," replied Tom Rush, respectfully.</p>
+
+<p>"Yes, you did! And now you are laughing at your wicked deed," he
+replied, looking fiercely at me.</p>
+
+<p>"I was laughing, Mr. Parasyte, to think that one whom we have just
+pulled out of the water should accuse us of attempting to drown him," I
+replied.</p>
+
+<p>"That's what you meant to do; but you didn't dare to do it. You were
+afraid of the consequences."<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_216" id="Page_216">[216]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>"You are mistaken, sir; we had no such intentions," added Bob Hale, with
+due deference.</p>
+
+<p>"Didn't you, or didn't Thornton, throw me over into the lake?" demanded
+he, as if surprised that we should attempt to deny the charge.</p>
+
+<p>"No, sir; I did not," I answered.</p>
+
+<p>"Didn't you turn your boat, and jerk the painter so as to throw me into
+the water?"</p>
+
+<p>"I certainly changed the course of my boat, and that jerked the rope;
+but I did not intend to throw you into the water."</p>
+
+<p>"Yes, you did! It is worse than folly for you to deny it!" replied he,
+angrily.</p>
+
+<p>"If you had not been very careless, you could not have been thrown out!"
+I added.</p>
+
+<p>"Don't tell me I was careless!"</p>
+
+<p>"People acquainted with boats don't often stand up in them in such a sea
+as this, when they are towed."</p>
+
+<p>"Let me hear no more of your impudence."</p>
+
+<p>Discretion lay in silence, and we said no more. I ran the Splash up
+alongside the boat, from which Pearl and his companions had by this time
+dipped out all the water.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_217" id="Page_217">[217]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>"Here is your boat, Mr. Parasyte," said Bob Hale. "Will you get into
+her, sir?"</p>
+
+<p>"No, I will not," he replied.</p>
+
+<p>"May I ask what you intend to do, sir?" I demanded, out of patience with
+him, in his unreasoning malice.</p>
+
+<p>"You will take me to the shore."</p>
+
+<p>"I will not," I replied, bluntly.</p>
+
+<p>"You won't!"</p>
+
+<p>"No, sir."</p>
+
+<p>"We'll see," said he, rising to his feet.</p>
+
+<p>"Better sit down, sir, or you will be overboard again," interposed Bob,
+as I drew the heavy tiller from its socket, intending to defend myself
+from assault.</p>
+
+<p>The Splash lay with her sails shaking, and her position was a very
+uneasy one. Mr. Parasyte concluded to sit down, simply because he could
+not stand up, and I restored the tiller to the rudder.</p>
+
+<p>"If you don't choose to get into that boat, Mr. Parasyte, I will land
+you at Cleaver Island," I added, as I filled away again, and headed the
+Splash towards the point indicated.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_218" id="Page_218">[218]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>"Thornton, I want you to understand, that for all you have done you
+shall be brought to a strict account," said the principal, sternly, but
+vexed that he had failed to have his own way.</p>
+
+<p>"I am ready to face the music, sir."</p>
+
+<p>"No slang to me!"</p>
+
+<p>"Will you land on Cleaver Island, or will you get into that boat?"</p>
+
+<p>"I will get into the boat, but only that I may the sooner bring you to
+justice," said he, desperately.</p>
+
+<p>I came about again, and ran alongside of Pearl's boat. Mr. Parasyte,
+still dripping from his bath, embarked with his toadies.</p>
+
+<p>"The end is not yet," said he, shaking his head, as the Splash filled
+away once more. "You will soon hear from me again."</p>
+
+<p>We made no reply; and I was profoundly grateful that his life had been
+saved. My high hopes that what we had done for him might enable him to
+yield with better grace, and thus end the "breaking away," were dashed
+to the ground. With the wind on the beam, we ran by Cannondale, and
+stood down<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_219" id="Page_219">[219]</a></span> the lake near the shore, in search of the flat-boat, though
+it would be impossible for us to work her over to the island with the
+wind from the north-west.</p>
+
+<p>"It is no use of talking any more," said Bob Hale, after a silence of
+several minutes. "I can never go back to the Parkville Institute while
+Mr. Parasyte is the principal of it. He is too mean a man for me to sit
+under."</p>
+
+<p>"My sentiments exactly," replied Tom Rush.</p>
+
+<p>"I suppose I shall not go back, whoever is principal," I added.</p>
+
+<p>"Why not?"</p>
+
+<p>"I must take care of myself after this; and I can't afford to go to
+school."</p>
+
+<p>"Perhaps your uncle will think better about it," suggested Tom.</p>
+
+<p>"He may, but I don't believe he will."</p>
+
+<p>"There's the flat-boat!" exclaimed one of our party forward.</p>
+
+<p>"I see her; when the wind hauls round to the southward or eastward, we
+will come over, and work her back to the island," I replied. "She looks
+com<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_220" id="Page_220">[220]</a></span>fortable where she is, and we will return to our party."</p>
+
+<p>In a short time the Splash reached the cove, where we found all our
+company assembled to learn the news, for they had observed our movements
+on the water. Vallington was much surprised when he learned that Mr.
+Parasyte was the person who had fallen overboard, and been rescued by
+the Splash. We told him what our persecutor intended to do with the
+steamer, and a council was immediately called to decide upon our proper
+course.</p>
+
+<p>"What shall we do?" asked our general. "That's the question."</p>
+
+<p>"I don't see that we can do anything," answered Bob Hale.</p>
+
+<p>"Perhaps it will be best for us to keep still, and let things take their
+course," added Vallington.</p>
+
+<p>"But Mr. Parasyte will carry off our tents and provisions," I
+interposed. "Can't we conceal our hams and other eatables."</p>
+
+<p>"There comes the steamer!" shouted one of the boys.</p>
+
+<p>"There isn't time now to do anything," continued<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_221" id="Page_221">[221]</a></span> Vallington. "I will do
+the best I can for you, fellows."</p>
+
+<p>Some proposed one thing, and some another; but it was plain that, in the
+multitude of advisers, nothing could be adopted which promised to help
+our prospects; and it was finally voted to leave the course of action
+entirely to our general, who had thus far proved himself worthy of
+confidence. He was to be guided entirely by circumstances; and he
+assured us he would be prompt to take advantage of any favorable event.</p>
+
+<p>"Now, fellows, I want you all to keep together," said Vallington. "Don't
+one of you wander away from the rest. Leave all the talking to me&mdash;don't
+say a word to any one who comes in the steamer."</p>
+
+<p>Our whole company promised to obey these instructions to the letter, and
+to be in readiness for any movement which might be ordered. The steamer
+ran up to the rude pier, and made fast her bow-line to a tree.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_222" id="Page_222">[222]</a></span></p>
+
+
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+<h2>CHAPTER XX.</h2>
+
+<h3>IN WHICH ERNEST TAKES THE WHEEL OF THE ADIENO.</h3>
+
+
+<p>We watched with intense interest the proceedings of the men who came off
+in the steamer. After the exhibition of meanness on the part of Mr.
+Parasyte, it seemed that the rebellion was more serious than any of us
+had supposed. We made up our minds, with Bob Hale, that it would be
+impossible for us ever to be reconciled to him again. We felt as though
+the Rubicon had been passed, and what had commenced as a mere frolic was
+likely to end as a very grave affair. Though the boys talked solemnly at
+first about their rights, and had "struck" to vindicate a principle,
+they had no idea of the seriousness of their proceedings.</p>
+
+<p>I shall not pretend to justify all that was done by our boys, or even to
+acknowledge that "breaking away," under any circumstances, is
+justifiable; but I<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_223" id="Page_223">[223]</a></span> do say, that such a man as the principal of the
+Parkville Liberal Institute was not a fit person to instruct and
+discipline young men. He was grossly unjust and partial; he was a tyrant
+at heart, though for policy's sake he veiled his purposes; he was
+low-minded and narrow in his views; and I am happy to say that he was
+not a fair specimen of the teachers of our land.</p>
+
+<p>If the boys were wrong, he was so to a much greater degree, and his
+position and his influence made him responsible for the mischief he had
+driven the boys to perpetrate. It would have been better for them, as a
+body, to submit until redress could be obtained in a better way&mdash;as by
+the circular addressed to their parents, which was even then in the
+hands of the printer. I palliate, I do not justify, the conduct of the
+students.</p>
+
+<p>Matters had begun to assume a graver aspect. Mr. Parasyte had come with
+a steamer, and with about a dozen men, as nearly as we could judge, to
+accomplish some purpose not yet apparent to us. We were curious to know
+whether we were to be driven like sheep on board of the Adieno, or
+whether our<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_224" id="Page_224">[224]</a></span> persecutor intended to resort to strategy. He had sent off
+his toadies to take our boats away; but he had started them while we
+were upon Cleaver Island, and before we had laid in our stock of
+provisions. This plan had failed. We were not long left in doubt.</p>
+
+<p>Mr. Parasyte stepped on shore, followed by nine men, and then by the ten
+deserters from our camp. The men had sticks, bits of rope, and other
+articles in their hands. This looked like force, and we could not help
+glancing anxiously at Vallington, to ascertain, if we might, whether he
+intended to fight or to run away. We had no clubs or other weapons, but
+the pile of sticks which we had gathered for fuel was near. I saw the
+general glance at it; but I concluded that he did not intend to give
+battle, unless it was in self-defence.</p>
+
+<p>As soon as the party under the lead of Mr. Parasyte had landed, the man
+who was left on board as boat-keeper hauled in the plank, by Mr.
+Parasyte's order, apparently to prevent the students from going on her
+deck. I could not but smile at this precaution, for the Adieno lay in
+such a position that the<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_225" id="Page_225">[225]</a></span> removal of the plank was no hinderance to
+agile boys like the students, and we could go on board when we chose.</p>
+
+<p>Vallington stood on a stump near the path leading from the pier to the
+interior of the island, and his forces were gathered behind him, leaving
+the road open for the passage of the invaders.</p>
+
+<p>Mr. Parasyte marched solemnly up the path, closely followed by the men
+and boys of his party. He looked uglier than I had ever seen him look
+before. By this time he must have been convinced that the Institute was
+ruined; that such a host of rebels could never be reduced to subjection;
+and he appeared to be acting out of the malice of his heart. But even
+then something was due to appearances, and he halted opposite the stump
+on which our general stood.</p>
+
+<p>"Vallington!" said he, sharply and crustily.</p>
+
+<p>"Sir."</p>
+
+<p>"If you choose to go on board of that steamer, return to the Institute,
+and submit to the punishment you deserve, it is not too late for you to
+do so," continued Mr. Parasyte.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_226" id="Page_226">[226]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>"Do you allude to me alone?"</p>
+
+<p>"To all of you. I understand you to speak for the whole party."</p>
+
+<p>"We shall be happy to do so," replied our general; and I am sure he
+spoke the sentiment of all the students.</p>
+
+<p>"I am glad to see you are returning to reason," added the principal; but
+there was a look upon his face which showed how much pleasure he
+expected to derive from the proposed punishment.</p>
+
+<p>"May I ask whether we are to be punished equally?" asked Vallington.</p>
+
+<p>"You are to be punished in proportion to your offences&mdash;the ringleaders
+more, of course, than those who were simply led away by the influence of
+their leaders."</p>
+
+<p>"And we are to be punished only for this breaking away?"</p>
+
+<p>Mr. Parasyte bit his lips. It is possible he had a hope of restoring the
+Institute to its former condition.</p>
+
+<p>"I don't understand you," said he.</p>
+
+<p>"Is Thornton to be regarded as guilty only of breaking away, with the
+rest of us?"<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_227" id="Page_227">[227]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>"Thornton's affair is to be settled by itself," replied Mr. Parasyte.</p>
+
+<p>"Then I have nothing more to say, sir," added Vallington, with becoming
+dignity.</p>
+
+<p>I interposed, and begged him not to consider me, but to make terms if he
+could, and permit me to settle my own affair. Bob Hale and Tom Rush
+protested; but no protest was needed to keep Vallington true to his
+purpose.</p>
+
+<p>"You reject my terms, Vallington," said Mr. Parasyte.</p>
+
+<p>"I do, sir."</p>
+
+<p>"I wish to do what I can to end this unhappy disturbance, and I am
+willing to say that the punishment shall be very mild&mdash;if you will
+return to your duty."</p>
+
+<p>"You have treated one of our number with shameful injustice, Mr.
+Parasyte. We can prove, and have proved, that he was not guilty of the
+charge brought against him. If you will do him justice, and through him
+all the rest of us, we will submit to such punishment as you think
+proper for breaking away."<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_228" id="Page_228">[228]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>"Thornton!" exclaimed Mr. Parasyte, with a malignant sneer. "Do you
+expect me to receive the forced confession of Poodles and Pearl?"</p>
+
+<p>"The confession was not forced, sir."</p>
+
+<p>"Come here, Poodles," said the principal, sharply.</p>
+
+<p>Poodles stepped forward.</p>
+
+<p>"Did you make this confession?" demanded Mr. Parasyte, sternly.</p>
+
+<p>"I did&mdash;but I was afraid the fellows would kill me if I didn't do it,"
+whined the toady.</p>
+
+<p>"Do you hear that?"</p>
+
+<p>"I hear it, and do not wonder at anything he says," replied Vallington.</p>
+
+<p>Pearl told the same story; but our general protested that no compulsion
+had been used by the students; that two boys who were charged with
+deception were not to be believed in preference to eighty others.
+Vallington proposed that the case should be heard over again, and
+Poodles required to perform the examples. The principal was indignant,
+and refused all compromise.</p>
+
+<p>"Thornton is not only guilty, but this very day he attempted to drown me
+in the lake," said he. "Do you think I can forgive him, without&mdash;"<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_229" id="Page_229">[229]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>"We don't ask you to forgive him, and he does not ask it. We only wish
+you to give him a fair trial."</p>
+
+<p>"I will hear no more about it!" replied Mr. Parasyte, impatiently. "Will
+you return or not?"</p>
+
+<p>"We will not."</p>
+
+<p>"Very well. I wish every one here to understand that I have given you an
+opportunity to return to your duty. You will not, and the consequences
+be upon yourselves."</p>
+
+<p>Mr. Parasyte walked up the path, followed by his party. As Pearl and
+Poodles passed us, a suggestion was made that we seize upon them, and
+punish them for the falsehoods they had uttered, and the meanness of
+which they had been guilty; but this proposition was promptly negatived
+by Vallington. We wondered what the invaders intended to do, and whether
+our general purposed to let them proceed without opposition. He stood
+calm and apparently unmoved on the stump, watching the enemy.</p>
+
+<p>The principal halted his forces at the point where our provisions and
+cooking utensils were kept. Every eatable, and every utensil, even to
+the wooden<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_230" id="Page_230">[230]</a></span> forks and spoons we had made, were seized and conveyed to
+the steamer. It was now clear that the enemy did not mean to use force,
+unless we attacked them. Mr. Parasyte intended to deprive us of our
+food, and starve us into subjection. But he was not satisfied yet; and
+when his party had deposited their burden on the deck of the steamer,
+and the plank had again been hauled in, he marched them by us once more.</p>
+
+<p>"We shall soon see how long you will be willing to stay here," said our
+tyrant, as he walked by the stump. "As Thornton said to the man in
+charge of the boats at Cannondale, this morning, I suppose I have a
+right to my own property, wherever I find it."</p>
+
+<p>"We paid for the provisions with our own money," replied Vallington.</p>
+
+<p>Mr. Parasyte made no reply, but continued on his way up the hill towards
+the tents. These also he meant to take from us; and then, or in the
+course of the day, he probably expected us to surrender, without
+conditions. The prospect did not look pleasant, for we were to be
+without food or<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_231" id="Page_231">[231]</a></span> <ins title="Transcriber's Note: original text obscurred over this word">shelter</ins> on the island. I was thinking how to save the
+Splash from capture, and I was about to suggest to Vallington that it
+would be better for me to put off in her, when our general spoke for
+himself.</p>
+
+<p>The invaders were busily employed in striking the tents, and rolling up
+the canvas, about forty rods from where we stood. In a few moments they
+would be ready to put them on board of the steamer.</p>
+
+<p>"Fellows," said Vallington, in a low and decided tone, "our time has
+come! We will take possession of that steamer. I have no idea of being
+starved into subjection. When I give the word, rush on board the best
+way you can."</p>
+
+<p>"There's a man on her deck," said one of the boys; and we were all
+appalled at the boldness of the venture.</p>
+
+<p>"Never mind him. Commodore Thornton, you will go to the wheel-house at
+once, and take the helm."</p>
+
+<p>"Who will be engineer?" asked Tom Rush.</p>
+
+<p>"I will be that myself. Bob Hale, you will run<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_232" id="Page_232">[232]</a></span> the Splash out from the
+shore, and come on board when we are clear of the pier; take two good
+fellows with you. Are you all ready?"</p>
+
+<p>"All ready!" replied the boys; and the voices of some trembled.</p>
+
+<p>"Forward then!" shouted Vallington; and he leaped from the stump, and
+ran down to the wharf, followed by the whole company.</p>
+
+<p>Bob Hale got into the Splash with two boys, and pushed her off. The rest
+of us leaped over the bulwarks, scrambled up to the hurricane deck, or
+rushed in at the gangway. Vallington cast off the bow-line himself, just
+as I reached the wheel-house.</p>
+
+<p>"Back her!" I shouted; and the word was passed through the boys to
+Vallington, who had now gone to the engine-room.</p>
+
+<p>We were not a moment too quick, for just as the steamer began to back
+from the pier, the invaders, laden with canvas and poles, appeared on
+the wharf.</p>
+
+<div class="figcenter" style="width: 500px;">
+<img src="images/i005.jpg" width="500" height="384" alt="THE CAPTURE OF THE ADIENO.&mdash;Page 232." title="" />
+<span class="caption">THE CAPTURE OF THE ADIENO.&mdash;Page 232.</span>
+</div><p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_233" id="Page_233">[233]</a></span></p>
+
+
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+<h2>CHAPTER XXI.</h2>
+
+<h3>IN WHICH ERNEST CONTINUES TO ACT AS PILOT OF THE STEAMER.</h3>
+
+
+<p>When I reached the deck of the Adieno I met the person who was in charge
+of the steamer. It was the lame man who had disputed my right to the
+Splash in the morning, and to whom we had given two dollars. He looked
+astonished at the sudden movement of the students, but he offered no
+resistance; and, without waiting to hear what he had to say, I ran up
+the ladder to the wheel-house, leaving Tom Rush to settle all questions
+in dispute with him.</p>
+
+<p>My heart bounded with excitement as we carried out our desperate
+enterprise, and I gave Henry Vallington credit for more daring and
+courage than I had ever supposed him to possess. He seemed to me just
+then to be a general indeed, and to be bet<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_234" id="Page_234">[234]</a></span>ter fitted to fight his way
+through an enemy's country than to become a parson.</p>
+
+<p>"Back her!" I shouted, almost beside myself with excitement, as I saw
+Mr. Parasyte and his heavily-laden followers rushing down to the pier.</p>
+
+<p>My words were repeated by the boys on the forward deck, and Vallington
+hastened to the engine-room. I heard the hissing steam as it rushed
+through the cylinders, and without knowing what was going to happen
+next,&mdash;whether or not the boiler would explode, and the deck be torn up
+beneath me,&mdash;I waited in feverish anxiety for the result. Then I heard
+the splash of the wheels; the crank turned, rumbled, and jarred on its
+centre, but went over, and continued to turn. The Adieno moved, and the
+motion sent a thrill through my whole being. It was fortunate for us
+that she lay at the pier in such a position as to require no special
+skill in handling her. The open lake was astern of her, with clear
+sailing for two miles.</p>
+
+<p>I was not a steamboat man; I had never even steered any craft with a
+wheel, and I did not feel at all at home. But I had often been up and
+down<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_235" id="Page_235">[235]</a></span> the lake in this very steamer, and being of an inquiring mind, I
+had carefully watched the steersman. It had always looked easy enough to
+me, and I always believed I could do it as well as anybody else. I tried
+to keep cool, and I think I looked cool to others; but I was extremely
+nervous. I did not exactly know which way to turn the wheel.</p>
+
+<p>When I found there were no obstructions astern of the steamer, I brought
+the flagstaff on the bow into range with the end of the pier,&mdash;or rather
+I found them in range,&mdash;and with these to guide me, I soon learned by
+experience which way to turn the wheel; and the moment I got the hang of
+the thing, I had confidence enough to offer my services to pilot any
+steamer all over the lake. The paddles kept slapping the water, and the
+boat continued to back until she was a quarter of a mile from the land,
+when I thought it was time to come about, and go forward instead of
+backward. There were two bell-pulls on the wheel-frame, and at a venture
+I pulled one of them. I did not know whether Vallington understood the
+bells or not; but there was only one<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_236" id="Page_236">[236]</a></span> thing to be done in this instance,
+and he did it&mdash;he stopped the machinery.</p>
+
+<p>After pausing a moment for the steamer to lose her sternway, I rang the
+other bell, intending to have her go ahead; but the engineer did not
+heed my summons. A moment afterwards Vallington appeared on the forward
+deck, wiping from his brow the perspiration, which indicated that the
+engine-room was a hot place, or that his mental struggles were very
+severe.</p>
+
+<p>"What was that last bell for?" he asked, hailing me in the wheel-house.</p>
+
+<p>"To go ahead," I replied.</p>
+
+<p>"You haven't got the hang of the bells, commodore," said he, with a
+smile; "but come down, and we will talk the matter over, and find out
+what we are going to do."</p>
+
+<p>I went down to the forward deck, quite as anxious as any one else to
+know what was to be done, for it seemed to me that we had "drawn an
+elephant" as a prize. When I reached the deck, Vallington was writing
+with his pencil, and handed me the paper as I joined him.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_237" id="Page_237">[237]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>"Here are your directions, Mr. Pilot," said he.</p>
+
+<p>"I know the lake, but I never had any experience in a steamer," I
+replied, in self-defence, as I read the paper, on which was written:&mdash;</p>
+
+<p><i>"One bell&mdash;ahead, slowly.</i></p>
+
+<p><i>Two bells&mdash;stop.</i></p>
+
+<p><i>Three bells&mdash;back.</i></p>
+
+<p><i>Four bells&mdash;ahead, full speed."</i></p>
+
+<p>"There are two bell-pulls in the wheel-house," I added.</p>
+
+<p>"You pulled the right one the first time; the other is for the men to
+shift the chain-box," he replied. "Now, fellows, what shall we do? is
+the next question."</p>
+
+<p>Nobody seemed to know what we were to do; and all were quite willing to
+leave the question with our bold general.</p>
+
+<p>"Where is the lame man who had charge of the steamer?" he asked.</p>
+
+<p>"I have fixed him," answered Tom Rush, with a significant smile.</p>
+
+<p>"How have you fixed him?"</p>
+
+<p>"I told him we should throw him overboard if<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_238" id="Page_238">[238]</a></span> he didn't keep quiet, and
+gave him three dollars I picked up among the fellows."</p>
+
+<p>Tom was fit to be a member of the diplomatic corps&mdash;bully and bribe in
+the same breath! Probably the lame man, who was only a deck hand,
+employed but for that day, was not disposed to make any very active
+opposition to our plans. At any rate, he sat on the chain-box as
+contented as though everything was going on regularly on board of the
+boat. Mr. Parasyte had pressed all hands into his service, even to the
+captain and engineer, in bringing off the provisions and tents. I
+suppose that it never occurred to the principal, or to the officers of
+the boat, that a crowd of boys would attempt such a desperate enterprise
+as the capture of the Adieno, or they would have taken some precautions
+to avoid such an event. It is not strange that they did not think of
+such a thing, for if it had been proposed to me beforehand, I should as
+soon have thought of carrying off the island as the steamer.</p>
+
+<p>Mr. Parasyte, the captain, and engineer stood on the edge of the pier.
+The principal looked astonished and overwhelmed; the captain was
+gesticu<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_239" id="Page_239">[239]</a></span>lating violently to us; and the rest of the party looked like so
+many statues. There was no remedy for their misfortune; they had no
+boat, and could do nothing. Mr. Parasyte now had the same pleasant
+prospect which he had spread out before us&mdash;that of staying on Pine
+Island without food till some one came to his assistance. We hoped he
+enjoyed it; and in the mean time we turned our attention to our own
+immediate future.</p>
+
+<p>"Fellows, I am afraid we have got into a bad scrape," said Vallington,
+again wiping his heated brow; and we could not help seeing that he did
+not feel just right in view of what he had done.</p>
+
+<p>"All right; we will take our chances," replied one of the students; and
+this was the prevailing sentiment.</p>
+
+<p>"Although I think we were right in the beginning, I am afraid we are
+overdoing the matter. But what could we do?" continued our general, with
+energy. "We couldn't stay on that island and be starved out. We paid for
+the provisions with our own money, and they had no right to take them
+from us."</p>
+
+<p>"No!" shouted the boys, indignantly.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_240" id="Page_240">[240]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>"Now we have the steamer; what shall we do with her?"</p>
+
+<p>"Let us go on a cruise," suggested Fred Mason.</p>
+
+<p>"I did not take possession of the boat with the intention of making any
+use of her only to get away from the island while it was possible to do
+so," replied Vallington.</p>
+
+<p>"O, let's have some fun in her, now we have got her," added Mason.</p>
+
+<p>"We are drifting over to Cannondale pretty rapidly, general," I
+interposed. "We must go ahead, or we shall run ashore."</p>
+
+<p>"I don't exactly know what to do, or where to go," continued our
+perplexed leader.</p>
+
+<p>"We must go ahead now, and settle that question by and by," I added.</p>
+
+<p>"Can you steer her, commodore?" he asked.</p>
+
+<p>"Certainly I can. I understand the wheel now, and I know all about the
+lake. If you can manage the engine, I can take care of the steering."</p>
+
+<p>"My brother is an engineer on a Hudson River boat, and I have spent many
+a day with him in the engine-room. I think I understand the engine
+pretty well," he replied.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_241" id="Page_241">[241]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>"Let us go ahead then," said one of the impatient fellows.</p>
+
+<p>"We will start her again, commodore; and I wish you would take her to
+some place where we can lie to, and decide upon our future course."</p>
+
+<p>"I will do so, general; but I don't think it will hurt those on the
+island to wait a while," I answered.</p>
+
+<p>"Very well; we will go where you pilot us, commodore," added Vallington,
+as he returned to the engine-room.</p>
+
+<p>Three of the students were sent down into the fire-room, after being
+instructed in their duty by the general, who was careful to tell them
+not to put too much wood in the furnaces. By this time the Splash had
+come alongside, and was made fast to the stern. I invited Bob Hale and
+Tom Rush to occupy the wheel-house with me, and I took my place at the
+spokes.</p>
+
+<p>"What are we going to do?" asked Bob, who had not been present at the
+conference on the forward deck.</p>
+
+<p>"That is not decided," replied Tom. "We are<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_242" id="Page_242">[242]</a></span> going to lie to somewhere,
+and talk the matter over."</p>
+
+<p>"I don't know about this steaming it on the lake," added Bob, shaking
+his head. "Suppose the boat should burst her boiler&mdash;where should we
+be?"</p>
+
+<p>"No danger of that; Vallington knows all about engines, and the
+commodore knows how to steer," said Tom, lightly.</p>
+
+<p>I struck one bell, after looking at the paper which Vallington had given
+me, to make sure that I was right. In response to my signal, the wheels
+began to turn, and the Adieno went "ahead slowly." I soon brought her to
+bear on the helm, and finding I had the boat under perfect control, I
+ventured to strike the four bells, which indicated that she was to "go
+ahead, full speed."</p>
+
+<p>The steam was rather low in the boilers, and "full speed" I found was
+not very rapid. The boat steered easily, and minded her helm so
+promptly, that I soon became quite fascinated with my occupation. There
+was something very exhilarating in the fact that I was directing the
+course of what to me was an immense craft; and every time I moved the
+wheel, and<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_243" id="Page_243">[243]</a></span> saw the bow veer in obedience to her helm, it afforded me a
+thrill of delight, and I wholly forgot the enormity of the enterprise in
+which our party were engaged. I was so pleased with my employment that I
+came very near devoting my life to the business of piloting a steamboat.</p>
+
+<p>I steered the Adieno to the northward, until she had passed clear of
+Pine Island, when I put her head to the west, intending to run for a
+couple of islands six miles down the lake, called "The Sisters."<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_244" id="Page_244">[244]</a></span></p>
+
+
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+<h2>CHAPTER XXII.</h2>
+
+<h3>IN WHICH ERNEST PILOTS THE ADIENO TO "THE SISTERS."</h3>
+
+
+<p>"There comes the Champion!" exclaimed Bob Hale, pointing to the steamer
+that regularly made her trip round the lake every day, as she came out
+from behind a point of land on the north shore, beyond which she made a
+landing.</p>
+
+<p>"We must give her a wide berth," I replied.</p>
+
+<p>"Why so? Her people will not know that it isn't all right with the
+Adieno."</p>
+
+<p>"We are in no immediate danger; but suppose the captain of this boat
+should find means to get to Cannondale before the Champion does, he
+might engage her to go in pursuit of us."</p>
+
+<p>"That would be jolly!" said Tom Rush. "We should have a glorious race!"</p>
+
+<p>"But the chances are against us in a race," I<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_245" id="Page_245">[245]</a></span> replied, confounded by
+the temerity of Tom in thinking of such a thing as contending with the
+steamboat men on their own ground.</p>
+
+<p>"Not a bit of it, Ernest. The Adieno is the faster boat of the two&mdash;that
+has been tried a dozen times," added Tom, as much excited as though the
+race had actually commenced.</p>
+
+<p>"We must not attempt to beard the lion in his den."</p>
+
+<p>"Why not? We might as well be hung for an old sheep as a lamb. We are in
+a scrape, and even Vallington thinks it is a bad one by this time. The
+more advantage we gain, the better terms we can make."</p>
+
+<p>"I don't know about it, Tom. I feel as though we had carried this thing
+about far enough, and the sooner we get out of the scrape, the better it
+will be for us."</p>
+
+<p>"Those are my sentiments. My father is part owner in this boat, and I
+think he will not enjoy the idea of our going off on a cruise in her,"
+added Bob Hale.</p>
+
+<p>"Pooh! we won't hurt her," replied Tom.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_246" id="Page_246">[246]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>"We don't intend to hurt her; but we are following a business just now
+that we don't know much about."</p>
+
+<p>"Don't you know the lake, and don't Vallington know all about the
+engine?"</p>
+
+<p>"Neither of us has had any experience."</p>
+
+<p>"That's so," added Bob. "In my opinion breaking away is about played
+out. We have made up our minds that we can't have anything more to do
+with Mr. Parasyte, and we may as well return to Parkville, and go to
+work in a more reasonable way. We can send the circulars to our parents,
+and dig out of the difficulty the best way we can."</p>
+
+<p>"I agree to that," I answered. Not that I cared for myself, for my
+"breaking away" was a much more serious matter than that of my
+fellow-students; but I thought it better for them to get out of the mud
+before they sank any deeper into the mire.</p>
+
+<p>"I am willing to do as the rest of the fellows do; but I don't want to
+be whipped round a stump when there is no need of it," continued<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_247" id="Page_247">[247]</a></span> Tom.
+"If the Champion chases us, I go for keeping out of the way till we can
+retire from the field without any broken heads."</p>
+
+<p>"So far I shall agree with you, Tom," I replied. "I am not in favor of
+surrendering, to be kicked and cuffed by these steamboat men, who are
+not exactly lambs in their dispositions."</p>
+
+<p>"What's the use of talking?" interposed Bob Hale. "The Champion is not
+after us, and it does not appear that she will be."</p>
+
+<p>"It appears so to me," I answered. "I have no idea that the captain of
+the Adieno will stay on Pine Island all day. I found a way to get ashore
+this morning, and I think he will be able to do so."</p>
+
+<p>"Perhaps he will."</p>
+
+<p>"I am perfectly satisfied that he will reach the shore by one o'clock,
+if he has not already done so. No doubt he thinks his boat will be
+smashed to pieces, or blown up, if he does not recover her soon. He
+isn't going to sit down and bite his finger nails."</p>
+
+<p>"He may not be able to get the Champion," replied Bob Hale, who
+evidently did not wish to<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_248" id="Page_248">[248]</a></span> believe that there would be a contest for
+superiority between the two steamers.</p>
+
+<p>"I don't profess to be a prophet, Bob, but I can see through a millstone
+when the hole is big enough. I will tell you just how I <i>think</i> it will
+be. The captain of the Adieno will make a raft, and get to Cannondale.
+Then he will take the Champion for Parkville, arriving about half past
+one. The boat does not start on her trip down the lake till five
+o'clock, and that will give her three hours and a half to spare. You may
+take my word for it, that time will be used in chasing us."</p>
+
+<p>"Very likely you are right, Ernest; we shall see. It is twelve o'clock
+now, and we haven't much time to consider what we shall do," said Bob
+Hale, looking very serious; and it was evident now, if it had not been
+before, that he had strong objections to any steamboat enterprises.</p>
+
+<p>"It's nearly dinner time," added Tom; "and I must go and see about the
+provender."</p>
+
+<p>Bob Hale went below to have a talk with Vallington, and the commissary
+left for the kitchen, to provide our noon rations. I was left alone in
+the<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_249" id="Page_249">[249]</a></span> wheel-house. I enjoyed my occupation very much; but the talk of my
+friends had filled me with doubts and fears, so that my situation was
+not so delightful as before. I could not help asking myself what was to
+come out of this scrape, and it seemed to me that it could result in
+nothing but defeat and disaster.</p>
+
+<p>The Adieno was approaching The Sisters, at one of which there was a
+pier, like that at Pine Island, which had been erected for the use of
+the scows employed in the transportation of the wood cut on the island.
+I knew that the water around it was deep enough for the steamer, for I
+had seen her land there. Between the two islands there was a channel not
+more than twenty rods wide, by which alone the wood pier could be
+reached.</p>
+
+<p>The channel had barely depth enough in the middle to permit the passage
+of the Adieno; but as it was perfectly straight, and the water high in
+the lake, I considered myself competent to take her through. The boat
+minded her helm very prettily, and there was no current in the channel
+to interfere with my calculations, so that I did not regard the<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_250" id="Page_250">[250]</a></span> place
+as very difficult navigation. I had been through the channel twenty
+times in the Splash. The pier ran out from the island to the deep water,
+so that I had only to run the bow up to it, and make fast to the ring.
+The steamer would be safe here, and, being concealed between the
+islands, could only be seen from one point above and one below; and here
+we could have our dinner, and hold our important consultation without
+the danger of interruption.</p>
+
+<p>I had another and stronger motive for entering this channel, and without
+which, perhaps, I might not have had the confidence to run even the
+slight risk which the navigation of the passage involved. It was so
+fully ground into my bones that the Champion would be after us about
+three o'clock, or as soon as she had landed her passengers at Parkville,
+that I wished to be fully prepared for any emergency. To the north of
+the "North Sister," and to the south of the "South Sister," the water
+was shoal for a mile in each direction, while the channel between the
+islands seemed to have been kept open by the strong south-west and
+north-east winds, as they forced<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_251" id="Page_251">[251]</a></span> the waters through. At any rate, there
+was a channel with five feet of water in it, though I was not entirely
+certain in regard to the explanation of the fact.</p>
+
+<p>The Champion was a larger boat, drawing one foot more water aft than the
+Adieno, and therefore could not pass through the channel, or come within
+half a mile of the wood pier. My idea was, that in this position we
+could not be approached by our anticipated pursuer, as we lay moored at
+the wharf. If chased, I might be able to gain on the Champion by running
+through The Sisters Channel, which would enable me to come out two or
+three miles ahead of her on the opposite side, as she would be obliged
+to go a mile, north or south, to get round the shoal water.</p>
+
+<p>I was so pleased with the calculation I had made, that I could not help
+wishing I was employed in a better cause than in fighting the battle of
+a parcel of runaway students,&mdash;it would have been so exciting to play
+the game of strategy in real earnest, and in a good cause. I plumed
+myself just then on being a great navigator, and a shrewd calcula<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_252" id="Page_252">[252]</a></span>tor,
+and I wished to test my plans. It so happened, however, that they were
+tested, as the sequel will show.</p>
+
+<p>The Adieno approached the narrow channel, which was just as clearly
+defined in my mind as though the bottom of the lake had been laid bare
+to me; for I had always been obliged to keep in the deep water even when
+I went through in the Splash. As the wind, though not so strong as it
+had been in the morning, still came fresh from the north-west, I hugged
+the weather side of the channel, and, with the boat at full speed, went
+on my course. I was just on the point of ringing one bell to slow down,
+when the steamer's wheels suddenly stopped.</p>
+
+<p>"What are you about, Thornton?" shouted Vallington, rushing out of the
+engine-room to the forward deck, both excited and angry.</p>
+
+<p>"I'm all right!" I replied, provoked at his singular conduct in stopping
+the boat at such a critical point.</p>
+
+<p>"Where are you going? Do you want to run us all ashore?"</p>
+
+<p>"<i>I</i> don't, but I think <i>you</i> do. Go ahead, or we<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_253" id="Page_253">[253]</a></span> shall be aground in a
+moment," I added, as the Adieno was losing her headway, and we were not
+yet sheltered by the North Sister from the force of the wind.</p>
+
+<p>"I'm not going any farther into this hole," replied he, sternly. "I
+think you are crazy, Thornton, to take the boat into such a place."</p>
+
+<p>"I know what I am about," I answered, rather sharply; "and if you will
+take care of the engine, I will look out for the helm."</p>
+
+<p>"You'll smash the boat all to pieces&mdash;going into a little, narrow, dirty
+channel at full speed."</p>
+
+<p>"I know the channel as well as I know my own name. If you will go ahead,
+we shall be all right!" I shouted.</p>
+
+<p>"I won't go ahead any farther into this hole," said he, decidedly.</p>
+
+<p>"O, yes, go ahead," interposed Bob Hale. "Ernest knows what he is
+about."</p>
+
+<p>"Perhaps he does; but I want to know what he is about too. I don't want
+the steamer smashed or injured."</p>
+
+<p>It was of no use for me to say anything more,<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_254" id="Page_254">[254]</a></span> and I held my tongue. The
+Adieno had now entirely lost her headway, and as the strong wind began
+to act on her top works, she drifted over to the lee side of the
+channel. She grated a moment on the bottom, and then stuck fast, hard
+aground, so far as I could judge.</p>
+
+<p>"There! now do you see what you have done?" shouted Vallington, stamping
+his foot angrily upon the deck.</p>
+
+<p>"I see what <i>you</i> have done," I replied, as calmly as I could; and that
+was not saying much, for I was very indignant at being charged with what
+was plainly his doing.</p>
+
+<p>And there we were, hard and fast aground, with a tempest brewing between
+the general and the commodore.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_255" id="Page_255">[255]</a></span></p>
+
+
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+<h2>CHAPTER XXIII.</h2>
+
+<h3>IN WHICH ERNEST TAKES COMMAND OF THE EXPEDITION.</h3>
+
+
+<p>It was useless for me to remain any longer in the wheel-house, and I
+descended by the forward ladder to the deck. I was indignant, but I was
+determined to "face the music." The best of friends are liable to "fall
+out" at times, and no better than Vallington and myself had ever
+existed. He was burdened by the responsibility of the position he had
+assumed, and perhaps did not feel just right about the course he had
+taken. These things may have made him irritable. Though I had never
+before known him to be unkind or uncourteous, he had certainly "pitched
+into me," on the present occasion, in a manner which my self-respect
+would not permit me to endure.</p>
+
+<p>I had been acting, in charge of the wheel, to the<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_256" id="Page_256">[256]</a></span> best of my ability;
+and I was perfectly confident that nothing would have gone wrong with
+the steamer if the engineer had not stopped the wheels. However I felt
+on the general question of duty, I was quite satisfied that I had been
+faithful to the interests of the expedition upon which we had embarked;
+and I could not bear to be "snapped up," and treated like an inferior in
+knowledge and skill, even by my chosen leader. I was "chief of
+navigation," at least; and I felt that the general had interfered with
+my part of the work. He accused me of causing the mischief, when he had
+been the author of it himself; and this was so plain to me that I could
+not help resenting it.</p>
+
+<p>Very likely my face was flushed with anger and excitement when I
+confronted Vallington on the forward deck. If it was, his was not less
+so, and there was a lively prospect of a "family quarrel." With my
+strong consciousness that I had done right, or, at least, intended to do
+right, so far as our expedition was concerned, I could have afforded to
+refrain from heated expressions; and it would have been better if I had
+done so. It is no reason, because<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_257" id="Page_257">[257]</a></span> one person gets mad, that another
+should. It is more dignified, manly, and Christian for one always to
+control his temper. Let the truth be spoken forcibly, if need be, but
+kindly.</p>
+
+<p>"We are in for a pretty scrape now," said Vallington, sternly and
+angrily, as I walked up to him.</p>
+
+<p>"It isn't my fault if we are," I answered, sharply.</p>
+
+<p>"Why do you say it isn't your fault, Thornton? Didn't you pilot the
+steamer into this hole?"</p>
+
+<p>"I didn't pilot her aground. When you stopped her there were two or
+three feet of water under her keel."</p>
+
+<p>"What did you bring her in here for? If I hadn't stopped her when I did,
+you would have smashed her up."</p>
+
+<p>"Perhaps I should," I answered with a sneer, when I found it was
+impossible to make any headway against the general's unreasonable
+speech.</p>
+
+<p>"You were going at full speed; and it is lucky I happened to see the
+shore and stop her when I did."</p>
+
+<p>"I have nothing more to say," I replied, seating myself on the rail of
+the steamer.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_258" id="Page_258">[258]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>"I don't think there is much more to be said. Here we are, hard aground;
+and anybody that has a mind to come after us can take us."</p>
+
+<p>I made no reply. Vallington went to the gangway and looked over into the
+shallow water. Then he walked over to the other side, and I had no doubt
+our situation looked hopeless to him. After he had walked about a while,
+his anger abated; and perhaps he was conscious that he had been too fast
+in expressing himself.</p>
+
+<p>"What's to be done? That's the next question," said he.</p>
+
+<p>"I suppose nothing can be done," replied Tom Rush, who was more
+disappointed than any other fellow on board. "They say the Champion will
+be down after us this afternoon. Perhaps she will drag us off, and then
+our tyrants will treat us as they think proper."</p>
+
+<p>"You needn't disturb yourselves about the Champion," I interposed. "She
+can't come within half a mile of us at least."</p>
+
+<p>"Is that so?"</p>
+
+<p>"That is so."<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_259" id="Page_259">[259]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>"It doesn't make much difference whether she can or not. We must stay
+here till some one helps us out of the scrape," added Vallington. "It
+was stupid to come in here."</p>
+
+<p>"I don't think so," said Bob Hale, decidedly.</p>
+
+<p>"Here we are aground, anyhow."</p>
+
+<p>"Harry," continued Bob, gently and kindly, "I think Ernest was right in
+what he said. If you hadn't stopped the engine, we should have gone
+through well enough."</p>
+
+<p>Vallington bit his lips, and he and Bob walked aft together. They were
+absent a few moments; and when he returned, the general's face wore a
+different expression.</p>
+
+<p>"Thornton, I acknowledge that I was wrong," said he, extending his hand
+to me.</p>
+
+<p>The boys standing around us immediately began to clap their hands in
+token of their satisfaction. In matters of navigation they were more
+willing to believe in me than in Vallington; and probably most of them
+were satisfied that I had been in the right.</p>
+
+<p>"Don't say another word," I replied, jumping down from my seat, and
+grasping his offered hand.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_260" id="Page_260">[260]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>"You will excuse my hasty language," he continued.</p>
+
+<p>"Certainly; and I ask the same favor of you," I replied.</p>
+
+<p>"I irritated you, commodore, by my unreasonable words, and I am willing
+to bear all the blame."</p>
+
+<p>"You don't deserve it all."</p>
+
+<p>If Vallington had been less noble and manly, we might have had a bad
+quarrel; as it was, our differences were promptly healed.</p>
+
+<p>"Now, what's to be done, commodore?" the general proceeded. "I have got
+you into the scrape; but I hope you will be able to get out of it."</p>
+
+<p>"I think I shall," I replied, confidently.</p>
+
+<p>"They say we are to be chased by the Champion this afternoon; but just
+now we don't seem to be in condition to be chased even by a scow."</p>
+
+<p>"We are not very hard aground; we only drifted on the shoal bottom; and
+if I mistake not, we can work her off. So far as the Champion is
+concerned, I am satisfied she will be after us as soon as she has landed
+her passengers at Parkville; but that will not be for a couple of hours
+yet."<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_261" id="Page_261">[261]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>"Then you really expect her."</p>
+
+<p>"I certainly do; and when we float again, I don't care how soon she
+comes. I came into this place, which you call a hole, general, simply to
+get ready for the Champion; for she draws too much water to pass through
+this channel."</p>
+
+<p>"Well, that's a double proof that I have wronged you, and I am all the
+more sorry for my unkindness."</p>
+
+<p>"Don't mention that again, Vallington," I replied, touched by his
+magnanimity.</p>
+
+<p>"Fellows," said Vallington, turning to the boys, "I resign my commission
+as general-in-chief of this expedition."</p>
+
+<p>"No, no!" shouted the students.</p>
+
+<p>"We are on the water now, and it is more proper that the commodore
+should have the entire command. When we are on shore again, I will
+resume my office. I will obey all the commodore's orders now, and the
+rest of you will do the same."</p>
+
+<p>I protested, but the general insisted. We finally agreed to the
+proposition, and for the time I became the commander of the expedition.
+Our first business was to float the steamer. Vallington went back to<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_262" id="Page_262">[262]</a></span>
+the engine-room, and I resumed my place at the wheel. I rang to back
+her, and the paddles slapped the water furiously for a time, but without
+producing any effect. The steamer had taken the ground harder than I
+supposed. She had run her bow upon the gradual slope of the bottom till
+the wheels were powerless to move her.</p>
+
+<p>The boys looked at one another in blank dismay, and seemed to feel just
+as though the enemy were to "bag" them, as a sportsman does the game he
+has brought down. I did not despair yet. From the wheel-house I had
+surveyed the surroundings, and a plan had occurred to me by which I
+hoped to work the Adieno out of her uncomfortable position.</p>
+
+<p>"No go," said Vallington, as we met together on the main deck.</p>
+
+<p>"Not yet; but we won't give it up. The bow had dug into the bottom more
+than I supposed. We must carry a line ashore, and make fast to one of
+those trees; then I think we can pull her off."</p>
+
+<p>Bob Hale, with two others, was sent ashore on the North Sister in the
+Splash, carrying the end of a long rope. When he had secured it to a
+large<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_263" id="Page_263">[263]</a></span> tree on the shore, I took the other end, the line passing through
+a round hawse-hole forward, and conveyed it aft to the shaft. After
+winding it four or five times round the shaft, I told the boys to haul
+it taut; and about twenty of them laid hold of the rope to "take in the
+slack," if we were fortunate enough to obtain any.</p>
+
+<p>"Bully for you," said Vallington, as he comprehended my arrangement.</p>
+
+<p>"If the rope don't break, something will come," I replied.</p>
+
+<p>I had been obliged to join several ropes, in order to form one long
+enough; but having carefully avoided "granny knots," I hoped it would
+hold. The bearing of the line was at the hawse-hole, near the bow of the
+boat; and as the power was applied to the rope by turning the wheel and
+shaft, the tendency was to haul the forward end of the boat off the
+ground into the deeper water.</p>
+
+<p>"All ready now, Vallington," I continued, when the preparations were
+completed. "Back her slowly."</p>
+
+<p>He started the engine, as I directed.</p>
+
+<p>"Haul taut on that rope!" I shouted to the boys at the line.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_264" id="Page_264">[264]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>The wheels turned, and the shaft revolved. The rope groaned and
+strained.</p>
+
+<p>"Stop her!" I added to the engineer, afraid to risk the strain. "Run aft
+the chain-box."</p>
+
+<p>My orders were obeyed; and as the boat floated at her stern, the weight
+of the chain-box was sensibly felt.</p>
+
+<p>"Back her slowly again," I continued.</p>
+
+<p>Again the rope groaned and strained as though too much was expected of
+it.</p>
+
+<p>"She starts!" cried the boys forward. "She is coming off!"</p>
+
+<p>I heard the keel scraping upon the bottom; and as the rope wound up, the
+Adieno slid off into the deep water.</p>
+
+<p>"Hurrah!" shouted the boys.</p>
+
+<p>"Let go the rope!" I called to the boys aft. "Stop her, Vallington."</p>
+
+<p>I hastened up to the wheel-house, the better to work her. I found she
+lay in good position to go ahead, and I shouted to Bob Hale to cast off
+the rope from the tree, directing the boys on the forward deck to haul
+it on board. I rang one bell,<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_265" id="Page_265">[265]</a></span> and the boat moved ahead slowly towards
+the wood pier. The boys cheered lustily, and were overjoyed at our good
+fortune in getting out of the scrape. In a few moments I ran the bow of
+the steamer up to the pier, and she was made fast to the ring.</p>
+
+<p>"Now we are all hunky-dory," said Tom Rush, who was rather given to
+"expressions," and who was overjoyed to find there was still a chance
+for an excitement.</p>
+
+<p>"Not quite," I added.</p>
+
+<p>"What's the matter now?"</p>
+
+<p>"We want some dinner."</p>
+
+<p>"You shall have it in half an hour."</p>
+
+<p>And while Tom was superintending the cooking, Vallington, Bob Hale, and
+myself had a consultation in the wheel-house.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_266" id="Page_266">[266]</a></span></p>
+
+
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+<h2>CHAPTER XXIV.</h2>
+
+<h3>IN WHICH ERNEST ENGAGES IN AN EXCITING STEAMBOAT RACE.</h3>
+
+
+<p>"If you ask for my opinion," said Bob Hale, "I say we had better return
+to Parkville at once, and not wait to be driven back."</p>
+
+<p>"It is easy enough for you to say that," replied Tom Rush, who had
+joined us. "You live there, and all you have to do is to go home; but
+what are the fellows who reside a hundred miles from there to do?"</p>
+
+<p>"They will not be any worse off there than they will be here. The
+question is only between going back and being driven back," added Bob.</p>
+
+<p>"I suppose that we are to acknowledge that breaking away has been a
+failure," said Vallington.</p>
+
+<p>"Not at all; I, for one, won't have any more to do with Mr. Parasyte,"
+answered Bob. "What do you say, Ernest?"<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_267" id="Page_267">[267]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>"I probably shall not go back to the Institute, whatever happens," I
+replied. "My breaking away is not from school only, but from all the
+home I ever knew. I have been thrown out upon the world, to take care of
+myself."</p>
+
+<p>For a moment my friends seemed to forget that we were in council to
+determine what should be done for the rebels in their sympathy for me;
+but I assured them I was not at all concerned about myself, and felt
+abundantly able to make my way without any help.</p>
+
+<p>"But what an old humbug your uncle is!" said Tom.</p>
+
+<p>"He is a strange man. He seemed to have turned me out because I
+displeased him in resisting Mr. Parasyte's injustice. He is afraid my
+conduct will lessen the value of his mortgage on the Parkville Liberal
+Institute."</p>
+
+<p>"I think Mr. Parasyte's conduct has lessened it," said Vallington. "But
+all this is neither here nor there. What shall we do with this steamer?"</p>
+
+<p>"Take her back to Parkville, and leave her there," answered Bob.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_268" id="Page_268">[268]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>"What are the fellows to do?" asked Tom.</p>
+
+<p>"Let them go back to the Institute, and lie back till something
+happens."</p>
+
+<p>"I don't believe anything will happen this year," laughed Tom, who was
+always light-hearted in any emergency.</p>
+
+<p>"Now, I think something will happen within a few days. I know that
+certain persons in Parkville, who have long been dissatisfied with Mr.
+Parasyte, intended to have a change months ago; and if I mistake not,
+this affair of ours will bring matters to a head," said Bob.</p>
+
+<p>"What can they do? Mr. Parasyte is as obstinate as a mule, and owns the
+Institute himself," added Vallington.</p>
+
+<p>"Not quite; my uncle will own the most of it if his note isn't paid," I
+interposed.</p>
+
+<p>"I am not at liberty to tell even what I know, which is not much; but I
+believe something will turn up which will put things right at the
+Institute. All we have to do is to go back to Parkville and make our
+peace with the steamboat folks the best way we can," continued Bob.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_269" id="Page_269">[269]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>We all agreed that the steamboat enterprise was a bad affair for us; but
+we were just as unanimous in the opinion that we could not have done
+otherwise than take her as we did. It was mean of her captain to lend
+himself and his boat to such a man as Mr. Parasyte. We could not stay on
+Pine Island without food and without shelter. But we hoped to return the
+Adieno uninjured, and, through the powerful influence of Bob Hale's
+father, who was the wealthiest man in the county, to escape without any
+serious consequences. It was decided, therefore, to return to Parkville
+just as soon as we had eaten our dinner.</p>
+
+<p>Tom Rush's cooks were either very dilatory, or they had not got the hang
+of the steamer's kitchen, for we had to wait an hour for the meal. We
+dined in the cabin, where we found everything we needed to set the
+table; and in spite of the desperate condition of our affairs, we
+enjoyed ourselves very much. Some one ventured to inquire if we could
+not charter the Adieno for a week, and finish our breaking away in her,
+it would be so pleasant to live on board, and cruise up and down the
+beau<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_270" id="Page_270">[270]</a></span>tiful lake. But it was satisfactorily shown that our finances,
+however they might be improved by letters from home, would not warrant
+such a piece of extravagance.</p>
+
+<p>This was the last day of the breaking away, at least on the lake and in
+camp, and we were disposed to make the most of it. As soon as it was
+announced that we were to return to Parkville, though some of the
+students murmured, and wished to make a trip down the lake before we
+went back, the plan was accepted, and the boys were disposed to improve
+the remainder of the cruise. They persisted in enjoying it; and before
+the boat left the wood pier, they were skylarking and training as though
+the future would require no account to be rendered of their past
+conduct.</p>
+
+<p>Vallington went to the engine-room, and directed the boys below to start
+up the fires. With Bob Hale I went to the wheel-house; while Tom Rush,
+as he had been directed by our chief, had all the dishes washed, and
+everything put in order in the cabin and kitchen, for we wished to leave
+the boat in as good condition in every respect as we found her.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_271" id="Page_271">[271]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>"Cast off the fasts!" I called to the boys on the forward deck, when
+Vallington informed me that he had steam enough.</p>
+
+<p>"All clear!" replied those who were doing duty as deck hands.</p>
+
+<p>I rang to back her; and when the bow of the Adieno was clear of the
+wharf, I started her forward slowly; and keeping her in the middle of
+the channel, she passed in safety out into the broad lake.</p>
+
+<p>"We are too late; we ought to have gone before," said Bob, impatiently.
+"There comes the Champion. I was certain she would be after us&mdash;as
+certain as you were. What shall we do?"</p>
+
+<p>I headed the Adieno down the lake when I saw the Champion&mdash;that is, away
+from Parkville.</p>
+
+<p>"We must take our chances; we can't do anything else," I replied to Bob,
+as I threw the wheel over.</p>
+
+<p>"But you are not headed for Parkville."</p>
+
+<p>"Not yet; for I don't mean to be captured."</p>
+
+<p>"How can you help it?"</p>
+
+<p>"Perhaps I can't help it; but I can try."</p>
+
+<p>I notified Vallington through the speaking-tube that the Champion was in
+sight, and headed towards us.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_272" id="Page_272">[272]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>"We mustn't let her overtake us, if we can help it. I will put on the
+steam," he replied.</p>
+
+<p>"All right; I can keep out of her way," I answered.</p>
+
+<p>"Why not surrender?" said Bob, who stood at my side watching the
+Champion.</p>
+
+<p>"Surrender!" I exclaimed.</p>
+
+<p>"Why not? What harm will it do?"</p>
+
+<p>"I have no idea of throwing myself into the hands of those steamboat
+men. Don't you see the Champion is full of men?"</p>
+
+<p>"Do you suppose they would harm us?"</p>
+
+<p>"I do. No doubt Mr. Parasyte is on board, and he will give them liberty
+to maul us as much as they please."</p>
+
+<p>"Perhaps you are right; I didn't think of Mr. Parasyte's being with
+them."</p>
+
+<p>"Of course he is; and I think we can make better terms by fighting it
+out. For my own part, I would run the steamer ashore and take to the
+woods, rather than give myself up to Mr. Parasyte and such a gang as he
+has now."</p>
+
+<p>Bob did not fully agree with me, though he thought<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_273" id="Page_273">[273]</a></span> we had better get
+back to Parkville, if we could. This was not an easy matter, for the
+Champion lay between us and our destination, and could cut us off if we
+attempted to pass her. She could run up alongside of the Adieno, if we
+attempted to dodge her, and throw her men on our decks.</p>
+
+<p>The Sisters lay near the middle of the lake, and the Champion must go to
+the north or to the south of them. I made a blunder; I ought to have
+waited at the end of the channel until our pursuer had reached his most
+southern or most northern point in coming round the shoal, and then gone
+off in the opposite direction; but even then he might have put about,
+and headed us off. It was hard to decide what to do, and I continued to
+go to the westward until the Champion, which had chosen the southern
+passage, was due south of The Sisters, when I stood away to the
+northward.</p>
+
+<p>But the pursuer "had me;" and finding it was useless to attempt to get
+by her, I headed the boat down the lake again. The Champion then crowded
+on all steam and chased us. This was exactly what I wished her to do,
+and I led her five miles down the lake.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_274" id="Page_274">[274]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>"I don't know about it, Ernest," said Bob, shaking his head. "I think
+she will catch us. This boat is the fastest, but we don't understand her
+well enough to make her do her best."</p>
+
+<p>"I am afraid of that; but don't talk to me, if you please, now," I
+replied.</p>
+
+<p>I led the Champion to the northward of an island at this point; and here
+her captain made a blunder, which restored to me the advantage I had
+lost before. When the Champion was well by the island, I turned the
+Adieno to the southward, and went round the island, which prevented our
+pursuer from cutting us off, and saving any of the distance, as he might
+have done, in the open lake.</p>
+
+<p>"There, Bob, I have done it now, and I am satisfied," I said. "She can't
+cut us off, and it will be a square race up the lake."</p>
+
+<p>"The Champion is gaining on us every moment," replied Bob.</p>
+
+<div class="figcenter" style="width: 500px;">
+<img src="images/i006.jpg" width="500" height="396" alt="THE RACE BETWEEN THE ADIENO AND THE CHAMPION.&mdash;Page 275." title="" />
+<span class="caption">THE RACE BETWEEN THE ADIENO AND THE CHAMPION.&mdash;Page 275.</span>
+</div>
+
+<p>The other steamer was certainly overhauling us. The superior skill of
+the men in charge of her gave them the advantage. I told Vallington of
+the fact, and soon the roaring of the furnaces and the creak<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_275" id="Page_275">[275]</a></span>ing of
+the boat assured me he was in earnest. But in spite of his renewed
+exertions, the Champion was gaining a little, and I was sure that she
+would overtake us long before we could reach Parkville. I headed her for
+The Sisters, therefore, determined to put in force the plan I had
+devised before dinner. I ran directly for the channel, and the Champion
+followed.</p>
+
+<p>The pursuer was almost upon us when we came within a quarter of a mile
+of the end of the channel. Both boats were shaking and trembling under
+the high pressure of steam, and every fellow on board the Adieno was in
+a fever of excitement.</p>
+
+<p>"Crowd her, Vallington!" I shouted through the tube.</p>
+
+<p>"The Champion's bow is within ten feet of us!" exclaimed Bob.</p>
+
+<p>"Stop her, you villains!" cried the captain of the boat from the bow of
+the Champion.</p>
+
+<p>"Give it to her, Vallington! In two minutes more we are safe!" I yelled
+through the tube.</p>
+
+<p>"She is almost upon us!" said Bob, tremulously.</p>
+
+<p>At that moment we heard the engine bell of the<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_276" id="Page_276">[276]</a></span> Champion ring, as the
+Adieno approached the narrow channel. Her wheels stopped, and she began
+to back vigorously.</p>
+
+<p>"Give them three cheers!" I called to the students, as the pursuer
+backed out; and they were given with a will.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_277" id="Page_277">[277]</a></span></p>
+
+
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+<h2>CHAPTER XXV.</h2>
+
+<h3>IN WHICH ERNEST PILOTS THE ADIENO TO PARKVILLE.</h3>
+
+
+<p>The Champion could not pass through the narrow and shoal channel between
+The Sisters, and my calculation had been correct. I was so elated at the
+victory that I could not refrain from calling for the cheers, though it
+was bad policy for us to crow over such rivals. A moment before, the
+nerves of all on board of the Adieno had been strained to their utmost
+tension by the exciting peril of the moment. The bow of our pursuer had
+actually lapped over the stern of our steamer, and we expected the
+captain of the Adieno, who stood on the rail, holding on to an awning
+stanchion, would leap on board of us, after he had bawled himself hoarse
+in ordering us to stop.</p>
+
+<p>The pilot of the Champion was evidently the coolest man in the steamer,
+and he had run her to the<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_278" id="Page_278">[278]</a></span> very mouth of The Sisters Channel; but he
+knew that she could not go through, and at the last practicable instant,
+he had "stopped" and "backed," leaving the victory with us. It was a
+tremendous relief when the pressure was removed from our overstrained
+nerves; and never were cheers given more enthusiastically, even madly,
+than those which saluted the people of the Champion at the dawn of our
+triumph.</p>
+
+<p>The Adieno had entered the narrow channel, and I doubt not her appalled
+captain on the deck of the other boat expected to see her "take the
+ground" and be smashed to pieces. The moment I saw the pursuer was
+backing out, I rang to stop her, and then to go ahead slowly; for I had
+no more idea of smashing her than I had of smashing my own head.</p>
+
+<p>"Silence, now!" I shouted to the boys on deck, who were still yelling to
+the utmost capacity of their lungs; for I was afraid the noise might
+drown the sound of the bell in the engine-room, in case I had occasion
+to ring it.</p>
+
+<p>The students hushed up instantly. They had<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_279" id="Page_279">[279]</a></span> climbed upon the rails, and
+secured other positions where they could obtain a view of our
+discomfited pursuer; and a more excited and delighted set of fellows
+never gathered on the deck of a steamer.</p>
+
+<p>"Have your eye on the Champion, Bob, and tell me what she does," said I
+to my companion in the wheel-house; for I needed both of my own eyes to
+keep the Adieno in the channel, where a slight mistake on my part would
+have ruined all my plans, and perhaps the steamer in which we sailed.</p>
+
+<p>"I will," replied he.</p>
+
+<p>"What is she doing?"</p>
+
+<p>"Nothing."</p>
+
+<p>"Don't she move?"</p>
+
+<p>"No&mdash;she hasn't started yet. They probably expect us to go ashore before
+we get through the channel."</p>
+
+<p>"Well, the longer she waits there, the better for us, for she can't come
+through," I added.</p>
+
+<p>The Adieno passed safely through the channel, and came out into the
+broad lake beyond The Sisters. I rang to go ahead at full speed again,
+for we had now a clear run to Parkville before us.</p>
+
+<p>"The Champion has started her wheels again, Er<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_280" id="Page_280">[280]</a></span>nest," said Bob Hale, as
+I rang the bell; "she is backing out of the inlet into the open lake."</p>
+
+<p>"All right&mdash;let her back. We have a good three miles the start of her,
+and she can't catch us before we get to Parkville," I replied.</p>
+
+<p>I informed Vallington through the speaking tube in regard to the
+situation, with which he was entirely satisfied. I asked him to keep the
+boat moving at her best pace, assuring him, if he did so, that we were
+perfectly safe from capture. In half an hour we passed Pine Island, with
+the Champion, which did not appear to be straining herself, fully three
+miles astern. I was afterwards told that the captain of the Adieno held
+her back, fearing that if she crowded us again, we should run ashore,
+burst the boiler, or otherwise damage his steamer.</p>
+
+<p>In an hour and a half after the passage of The Sisters Channel, we were
+off the bluff, within half a mile of the steamboat pier, which we saw
+crowded with people. It was plain that we had succeeded in creating an
+excitement, and not a few of us had some <i>delicacy</i> about landing in the
+presence of the multitude. The Champion still kept her relative distance
+from us, and was now more than a mile beyond Cleaver Island.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_281" id="Page_281">[281]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>"Where shall we land?" I asked of Vallington through the tube, after Bob
+and I had considered the matter a little.</p>
+
+<p>"Wherever you please, commodore," replied our chief.</p>
+
+<p>"What do you say, Bob?" I added, turning to my companion.</p>
+
+<p>"Can't we land at the boat pier, in front of the Institute?"</p>
+
+<p>"No; there isn't water enough to float the Adieno. In fact the only safe
+place is the regular steamboat pier."</p>
+
+<p>"I suppose my father is there, and I don't like to meet him just yet,"
+replied Bob, earnestly.</p>
+
+<p>"We can anchor within a few rods of the Institute pier, and land in the
+Splash," I suggested.</p>
+
+<p>"I like that better."</p>
+
+<p>"But the Splash would have to go three or four times to land the
+fellows, and the Champion would be upon us before we could all get
+ashore," I added.</p>
+
+<p>I stated the plan and the objections to Vallington.</p>
+
+<p>"Let us face the music like men," said he, decidedly.</p>
+
+<p>"I think that is the better way," I continued to Bob. "So far as we have
+done wrong, let us acknowledge the corn, and take the consequences."<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_282" id="Page_282">[282]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>Bob Hale assented, overcoming his modesty with an effort, and I headed
+the Adieno for the steamboat pier. I think we all felt a little bashful
+about landing in the presence of so many people. The students were
+directed to make no noisy demonstrations of any kind, and to repair
+directly to the school-room of the Institute, where Mr. Parasyte would
+soon find us, and where we hoped to make a final adjustment of all the
+difficulties.</p>
+
+<p>As we approached the pier, the boat was "slowed down," and the fasts got
+ready for landing; and other work was done as regularly and properly as
+though we were all old steamboat men. At the regular time, I stopped her
+wheels, and she ran her bow up gently to the wharf, and the line was
+thrown ashore. A couple of turns of the wheels backward brought the
+Adieno to a stand-still, and our cruise was ended. Vallington let off
+steam, and we formed in a body, intending to march ashore as compactly
+as possible, in order to feel the full force of the bond of association.</p>
+
+<p>With Vallington at the head of the procession, we landed. Some of the
+crowd hooted at us, others laughed, and a few steamboat owners berated
+us<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_283" id="Page_283">[283]</a></span> roundly. We heeded none of them, but made our way through the mob,
+up the pier. Before we reached the street, it suddenly occurred to me
+that I had left the Splash made fast to the stern of the steamer. I had
+forgotten her in the exciting whirl of events. When I told Bob Hale and
+Tom Rush that I must return for my boat, they volunteered to accompany
+me.</p>
+
+<p>"Robert," said a stern voice, as we moved down the wharf.</p>
+
+<p>We halted, and Bob's father confronted him.</p>
+
+<p>"What does all this mean?" demanded Mr. Hale. "Are you one of those who
+ran away with the steamer?"</p>
+
+<p>"I am, sir," replied Bob, squarely, but with due humility.</p>
+
+<p>Mr. Hale bit his lips with chagrin. Probably he had hoped that his son
+was not one of the reckless fellows who had taken possession of the
+Adieno. But Bob was a noble fellow, and seldom gave his father any cause
+to complain of his conduct,&mdash;so seldom that he appeared to be appalled
+at the magnitude of the present offence.</p>
+
+<p>"Robert was opposed to taking the steamer from<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_284" id="Page_284">[284]</a></span> the first," I
+interposed, hoping to save him from some portion of his father's
+displeasure.</p>
+
+<p>"I went with the rest of the fellows, and I am willing to bear my share
+of the blame."</p>
+
+<p>"What does all this mean? What possessed you to do such a thing?" asked
+Mr. Hale.</p>
+
+<p>"We could not endure the injustice of Mr. Parasyte any longer; that was
+the beginning of it. And when he came in the steamer to Pine Island, and
+took away our provisions, we ran off with the steamer rather than be
+starved out," answered Bob.</p>
+
+<p>"What business had you on Pine Island?"</p>
+
+<p>"We have been breaking away."</p>
+
+<p>"Breaking away! I should think you had! Were you concerned in these
+disgraceful proceedings, Robert?"</p>
+
+<p>"I was, sir. I am willing to own that I have done wrong."</p>
+
+<p>Mr. Hale's stern look softened down, and I ventured to ask him to take a
+seat in my boat, and go over to the Institute, where he would have an
+opportunity to hear the whole story of the "breaking away," and judge
+for himself. During this conversation, a crowd had gathered around us,
+curious to know what had happened; and the charge we made<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_285" id="Page_285">[285]</a></span> against Mr.
+Parasyte was publicly proclaimed. Mr. Hale accepted my invitation, and
+we shoved off from the Adieno just as the Champion came up to the pier.</p>
+
+<p>"Stop them! Stop them!" shouted the captain of the Adieno, as I was
+hoisting the jib.</p>
+
+<p>No one ventured to stop a boat in which Mr. Hale, the most important
+person in the county, was seated.</p>
+
+<p>"We want those boys!" called the angry captain again. "They are the ones
+who ran off with the boat."</p>
+
+<p>"Captain Woelkers," said Mr. Hale, mildly.</p>
+
+<p>"Ah, Mr. Hale!" exclaimed the captain, as he recognized the principal
+owner of the steamer he commanded.</p>
+
+<p>"By whose authority did you take the Adieno to Pine Island to-day?"</p>
+
+<p>"Mr. Parasyte wanted her, and I let him have her," stammered the
+captain.</p>
+
+<p>"Did you consult the agent?"</p>
+
+<p>"No, sir; he was not at home."</p>
+
+<p>"Do you generally leave your boat with steam up without an engineer?"</p>
+
+<p>"I never did before, but we needed every man to bring off the things on
+the island," replied Captain Woelkers, his confusion crimsoning his
+face.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_286" id="Page_286">[286]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>"It appears that you have used the boat without authority, and permitted
+her to be taken from you by a parcel of boys. I will see you at my house
+this evening. You may fill away, Ernest, if you are ready."</p>
+
+<p>Mr. Hale did not say another word, and I ran the Splash over to the
+Institute pier. I landed my passengers, and we all walked up to the
+school-room, where the rebels had by this time assembled.</p>
+
+<p>"Henry Vallington, I am sorry to see you engaged in such a disgraceful
+affair as this," said Mr. Hale, when he met our leader.</p>
+
+<p>"I am very glad you have come, sir, for I feel that we need counsel,"
+replied Vallington. "Perhaps you will not consider the affair so
+disgraceful, after you have heard the whole truth."</p>
+
+<p>"Nothing can justify your conduct in running away with the steamer. It
+is a miracle that you were not blown up, or sunk in the lake."</p>
+
+<p>Vallington handed our distinguished guest one of the circulars he had
+procured at the printer's on his way up to the Institute, the "copy" of
+which had been given out before the "breaking away."<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_287" id="Page_287">[287]</a></span></p>
+
+
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+<h2>CHAPTER XXVI.</h2>
+
+<h3>IN WHICH ERNEST FINDS A CHANGE IN THE MANAGEMENT OF THE INSTITUTE.</h3>
+
+
+<p>Mr. Hale put on his spectacles and read the circular, which had been
+carefully prepared by several of the best scholars in the school; but he
+was already familiar with the facts it contained. He knew that Mr.
+Parasyte was a tyrant, and that he was very unpopular with the boys. It
+was a fact that only a few of the students remained at the Institute for
+any considerable length of time, and that its numbers had never equalled
+its capacity.</p>
+
+<p>He had hardly finished reading the circular before Mr. Parasyte,
+followed by Poodles, Pearl, and the rest of the deserters, entered the
+hall. All of them had been passengers on the Champion, and of course
+they didn't feel very good after being beaten by the Adieno. Mr. Hale
+was evidently glad to see the<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_288" id="Page_288">[288]</a></span> principal of the academy, for he did not
+seem to know what to do after he had finished the circular.</p>
+
+<p>"I am glad you have come, Mr. Parasyte," said he; "it seems these boys
+have been running away with one of our steamers."</p>
+
+<p>"They have; and I hope you will punish the ringleaders as they deserve,"
+replied Mr. Parasyte, wiping his brow, as he was wont to do when
+excited.</p>
+
+<p>"My son is one of them," added Mr. Hale, with a smile.</p>
+
+<p>"Not one of the ringleaders, sir&mdash;by no means. Thornton, Rush, and
+Vallington are the leaders in this enterprise."</p>
+
+<p>"No more than myself, father. I have done as much as they have, and I am
+willing to bear my share of the blame," said Bob.</p>
+
+<p>The boys clapped their hands at this interposition. Bob was not a fellow
+to shirk when the time of settlement came.</p>
+
+<p>"My boy behaves like a man, and I honor him for that," replied Mr. Hale,
+proudly; "but he shall be punished if the others are. Mr. Parasyte,
+things seem to be at rather loose ends in the Institute just now."<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_289" id="Page_289">[289]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>"Yes, sir; I am sorry to say they are. One bad boy can stir up a
+whirlwind of mischief," answered Mr. Parasyte, looking at me.</p>
+
+<p>"These boys seem to be pretty well agreed in this matter."</p>
+
+<p>"But this trouble has all been made by one boy&mdash;and that one is Ernest
+Thornton. I expelled him once; but out of regard for his uncle, to whom
+I am under great obligations, I reversed my sentence, and endeavored to
+reduce him to proper subjection."</p>
+
+<p>"Have you seen this paper, Mr. Parasyte?" continued the visitor, handing
+him the circular. "It seems to be signed by nearly all the students in
+the Institute."</p>
+
+<p>Mr. Parasyte took the printed document, and proceeded to read it. When
+he had gone far enough to comprehend the nature of the paper, he turned
+red; and when he came to the long array of signatures, he became very
+pale.</p>
+
+<p>"May I inquire the object of this paper?" demanded the principal, with
+quivering lips.</p>
+
+<p>"I'm sure I don't know. I never saw or heard<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_290" id="Page_290">[290]</a></span> of it till I entered this
+room," replied Mr. Hale "I see that it is addressed to the parents of
+the students."</p>
+
+<p>"I need not say that the statements contained in this circular are,
+without a single exception, infamous falsehoods and slanders. I think
+you know me well enough, Mr. Hale, to understand that justice and
+fairness have always characterized my dealings with my pupils."</p>
+
+<p>Mr. Hale did not so understand it. He knew that the reverse of this
+statement was the truth. Mr. Parasyte then insisted on relating the
+facts connected with the "breaking away." He told the story of my
+misconduct, as he termed it, and embellished it with sundry flourishes
+about his own impartiality and magnanimity. He said that after it had
+been fairly proved that I had assaulted my schoolmate, in consideration
+of my previous good conduct, he had only required that I should
+apologize in private to the one I had injured. Forbearance could extend
+no farther than this; but I had even refused to make this slight
+reparation for the offence I had committed. Then I had openly dis<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_291" id="Page_291">[291]</a></span>obeyed
+and insulted him in the presence of the whole school.</p>
+
+<p>"Of course, after this," continued Mr. Parasyte, "I could do nothing
+more for him. My gentleness was not appreciated; my leniency was
+despised. My mistake was in treating him too kindly&mdash;in not resorting to
+the strong arm in the beginning. Then, as I might have expected of such
+an obdurate boy, I was subjected to a personal assault."</p>
+
+<p>"But all the boys seemed to be on his side," said the matter-of-fact Mr.
+Hale.</p>
+
+<p>"Very true. Thornton keeps a boat, and almost any boy may be bought or
+sold with a boat. He has sailed them on the lake, and won them by his
+arts."</p>
+
+<p>"Isn't it possible that there was some mistake in the matter of the
+quarrel between Thornton and Poodles?"</p>
+
+<p>"It is quite impossible that there should have been any mistake,"
+replied Mr. Parasyte, with a look of injured innocence. "I investigated
+the matter very carefully and impartially."</p>
+
+<p>"I should really like to hear what the boys have to say about it," added
+Mr. Hale.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_292" id="Page_292">[292]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>"It would be useless for you to talk with them, and it would be an
+insult to me for you to do so. Do you doubt my word, Mr. Hale? Do you
+think I have not told you the truth?" said the principal, rather warmly.</p>
+
+<p>"But there may be some mistake."</p>
+
+<p>"I have said that it was quite impossible there should be any mistake."</p>
+
+<p>"Have you any objections to my asking the boys a few questions, Mr.
+Parasyte?"</p>
+
+<p>"Certainly I have. I am not willing to be arraigned and tried before my
+own school."</p>
+
+<p>"O, very well!" exclaimed Mr. Hale, nodding his head significantly; and
+without saying anything more, he left the school-room.</p>
+
+<p>The students felt that they had a friend in Mr. Hale, and even did not
+fear a prosecution for running away with the steamer. We judged that the
+captain of the Adieno would have to bear all the blame of that
+occurrence.</p>
+
+<p>"What are these circulars for?" demanded Mr. Parasyte, when the visitor
+had departed. "Vallington, as the ringleader in this conspiracy, I call
+upon you for an answer."<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_293" id="Page_293">[293]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>"Those whose names are signed to the paper intend to send them to their
+parents."</p>
+
+<p>"They do&mdash;do they?" exclaimed the principal, with compressed lips. "Are
+you aware that published slanders of this kind subject those who utter
+them to a severe penalty?"</p>
+
+<p>"We can prove all we assert, and should be glad of an opportunity to do
+so," replied Vallington, firmly.</p>
+
+<p>"There is not a word of truth in the paper," added Mr. Parasyte, wiping
+his brow.</p>
+
+<p>He walked up and down the platform two or three times in silence. With
+him the case was desperate. He knew not what to do. He had learned that
+the students would not be browbeaten or bullied.</p>
+
+<p>"Scholars," said he, at last, "I think we are all too much fatigued and
+excited to consider this difficult problem this afternoon. In spite of
+the ill treatment I have received at your hands, I am still your friend,
+as I have always been. By and by you will see that you have done wrong.
+To-morrow<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_294" id="Page_294">[294]</a></span> morning, if you will meet at the usual hour in the
+school-room, I shall have a proposition to make, which I am confident
+will restore peace to the Parkville Liberal Institute. You are dismissed
+now, for the day."</p>
+
+<p>Mr. Parasyte left the hall, and we held a meeting there on our own
+account. If the principal did not know what to do, we were no better
+off, and we finally separated without any fixed plans. We agreed to meet
+in the school-room in the morning, though we all doubted whether Mr.
+Parasyte would have any proposition to submit. The students decided not
+to send the circulars to their parents until the next day.</p>
+
+<p>We wanted advice, and our hope was with Mr. Hale. At Vallington's
+suggestion, half a dozen of us were appointed a committee to wait upon
+him. He had expressed a desire to hear "the other side" of the case. We
+went to Mr. Hale's house, and found there Mr. Hardy, the assistant
+teacher, who had been discharged. We told our story, and related the
+facts as they occurred. Mr. Hardy said nothing in our presence, and we
+left him with Mr.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_295" id="Page_295">[295]</a></span> Hale, who, we afterwards learned, had sent for him.</p>
+
+<p>Bob invited me to spend the night with him, and having no home now, I
+was glad to accept. After supper, I was called into the library, and
+questioned at great length by Mr. Hale and Mr. Hardy in regard to the
+affairs of the Institute. While we were thus engaged, Bob was sent to
+deliver several notes to prominent and wealthy men in the place. At
+seven o'clock there were not less than half a dozen of the "heavy men"
+of Parkville in the library.</p>
+
+<p>Of course Bob and I did not know what was going on, but we were
+confident that the affairs of the Institute were under discussion. At a
+later hour, Mr. Hale and another gentleman drove off, in a buggy,
+towards the cottage of my uncle, where I heard one of them say they were
+going. Bob and I went to bed, tired out, and did not ascertain what had
+been done by the gentlemen who assembled that evening.</p>
+
+<p>At nine o'clock in the forenoon of the next day, the students were all
+in their seats, in the school<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_296" id="Page_296">[296]</a></span>-room; but Mr. Parasyte did not appear. It
+was reported that there were half a dozen gentlemen with him in his
+office, and that my uncle Amos was one of them. I was astonished at this
+intelligence. I subsequently heard that he was there on business, and
+hardly spoke a word during a long and stormy interview between Mr.
+Parasyte and his visitors.</p>
+
+<p>The clock on the school-house struck ten, and still Mr. Parasyte did not
+come. It was deeply impressed upon our minds that something was about to
+happen, and we waited with intense anxiety for the event. At half past
+eleven o'clock, Mr. Parasyte entered the school-room. He looked sad and
+subdued, and his coming was the signal for a breathless silence among
+the boys. It was evident that he had a proposition to make.</p>
+
+<p>"Young gentlemen, I appear before you now for the last time," said he.</p>
+
+<p>He paused, and his words made a tremendous sensation, though, I am happy
+to say, there was no demonstration of any kind. We looked upon him as a
+fallen man.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_297" id="Page_297">[297]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>"I have sold the Parkville Liberal Institute to a company composed of
+the citizens of this town, who have made me an offer for the property,
+so liberal that I could not afford to refuse it. Until about a week ago,
+my relations with the students have been exceedingly pleasant. I shall
+not allude to recent events. I take my leave with many regrets, and I
+sincerely desire that prosperity and happiness may attend you in the
+future. Good by."</p>
+
+<p>"Good by," replied a large number of the boys, and Mr. Parasyte bowed
+and left the room.</p>
+
+<p>As he went out at one door, the "company" entered at another. Mr. Hale
+went upon the platform, and repeated what Mr. Parasyte had told us, that
+the Institute had been purchased by a number of the citizens of
+Parkville, and in future its affairs would be managed by a board of
+trustees, of which he had the honor to be chairman. The trustees had
+just appointed Mr. Hardy as principal,&mdash;here he was interrupted by a
+spontaneous burst of cheers,&mdash;and the school would be reorganized by him
+in the afternoon. The "boarders" were requested to write to their
+parents and guardians, informing them of the change.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_298" id="Page_298">[298]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>Mr. Hale dismissed the students, after he had assured them that the
+domestic part of the establishment would remain as before. The boys went
+out upon the play ground, and gave three rousing cheers for the new
+company, trustees, and principal. I went home to dinner with Bob, and
+learned that the purchase of the Institute had been contemplated for
+some months, by prominent citizens, who were aware that the school was
+badly managed. They acted, many of them, simply as business men, for the
+interests of the town. The Institute was "running down," and they had
+taken this step to build it up. They knew that Mr. Hardy was a true man
+and a good teacher, and as he was popular among the boys, he was
+promptly elected principal.</p>
+
+<p>Mr. Hale told Bob and me that the conduct of the students in "breaking
+away" was strongly condemned by the gentlemen who had discussed the
+affair, and he by no means approved of it himself; but the injustice of
+Mr. Parasyte had provoked them to such a degree that the misdemeanor was
+palliated, if not excused, and it was deemed best to say nothing about
+it. The mortgage which my un<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_299" id="Page_299">[299]</a></span>cle held was paid, and he had fled the
+instant the business was finished.</p>
+
+<p>Mr. Parasyte had long and obstinately refused to sell the property, even
+for a third more than its actual value; but finally, convinced that the
+Institute would not succeed under his administration, he had yielded the
+point. The next day he left Parkville, with his family, "bag and
+baggage;" and so disagreeable was he to me, that I hoped I never should
+see his face again.</p>
+
+<p>In the afternoon we went to school, and Mr. Hardy appeared upon the
+platform. We attempted to cheer him, but he silenced us. He made quite a
+speech, in which, however, he did not allude to recent events, and in
+half an hour the students were all at work on the old track. While I was
+in school that afternoon for the last time, as I believed, I received a
+note from my uncle. It was as brief as his speech. "If you wish to
+return to your home, you may." This, with the signature, was all it
+contained. I went home that night, but my uncle did not see me&mdash;would
+not see me.</p>
+
+<p>I went to school as usual for several months, until<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_300" id="Page_300">[300]</a></span> the following
+spring, when an event occurred which made me a wanderer on the earth;
+which sent me to "<span class="smcap">seek and find</span>" the mother, for whom I longed and
+prayed in my loneliness, and which shall be related in another story.</p>
+
+<p>Our rebellion at the Institute had been successful. We had driven the
+tyrant from his throne, and seated another person in his place, who was
+fit to teach and to rule. Mr. Hardy was, perhaps, more severe than his
+predecessor, but he was just and fair. He had no favorites&mdash;at least
+none who did not win their high place in his esteem by being faithful
+and earnest in all things. Certainly he never gave the students occasion
+even to think of such a doubtful expedient as "<span class="smcap">Breaking Away</span>."<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_301" id="Page_301">[301]</a></span></p>
+
+
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+<h2><span class="u">OLIVER OPTIC'S BOOKS</span></h2>
+
+
+<div class='hang1'><b>The Blue and the Gray&mdash;Afloat.</b> By <span class="smcap">Oliver Optic</span>. Six volumes.
+Illustrated. Beautiful binding in blue and gray, with emblematic dies.
+Cloth. Any volume sold separately. Price per volume, $1.50.</div>
+
+
+
+<div class='center'>
+<table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" summary="The Blue and the Gray&mdash;Afloat.">
+<tr><td align='left'><b>1. Taken by the Enemy.</b></td><td align='left'><b>4. Stand by the Union.</b></td></tr>
+<tr><td align='left'><b>2. Within the Enemy's Lines.</b>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</td><td align='left'><b>5. Fighting for the Right.</b></td></tr>
+<tr><td align='left'><b>3. On the Blockade.</b></td><td align='left'><b>6. A Victorious Union.</b></td></tr>
+</table></div>
+
+<p>&nbsp;</p>
+
+<div class='hang1'><b>The Blue and the Gray&mdash;on Land.</b></div>
+
+
+
+<div class='center'>
+<table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" summary="The Blue and the Gray&mdash;on Land">
+<tr><td align='left'><b>1. Brother against Brother.</b></td><td align='left'><b>4. On the Staff.</b></td></tr>
+<tr><td align='left'><b>2. In the Saddle.</b></td><td align='left'><b>5. At the Front.</b></td></tr>
+<tr><td align='left'><b>3. A Lieutenant at Eighteen.</b>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</td><td align='left'><b>6. An Undivided Union.</b></td></tr>
+</table></div>
+
+<div class="blockquot"><p>"There never has been a more interesting writer in
+the field of juvenile literature than Mr. <span class="smcap">W. T.
+Adams</span>, who, under his well-known pseudonym, is
+known and admired by every boy and girl in the
+country, and by thousands who have long since
+passed the boundaries of youth, yet who remember
+with pleasure the genial, interesting pen that did
+so much to interest, instruct, and entertain their
+younger years. 'The Blue and the Gray' is a title
+that is sufficiently indicative of the nature and
+spirit of the latest series, while the name of
+<span class="smcap">Oliver Optic</span> is sufficient warrant of the absorbing
+style of narrative. This series is as bright and
+entertaining as any work that Mr. <span class="smcap">Adams</span> has yet put
+forth, and will be as eagerly perused as any that
+has borne his name. It would not be fair to the
+prospective reader to deprive him of the zest which
+comes from the unexpected by entering into a
+synopsis of the story. A word, however, should be
+said in regard to the beauty and appropriateness of
+the binding, which makes it a most attractive
+volume."&mdash;<i>Boston Budget.</i></p></div>
+
+
+<div class='hang1'><b>Woodville Stories.</b> By <span class="smcap">Oliver Optic</span>. Six volumes. Illustrated. Any volume
+sold separately. Price per volume, $1.25.</div>
+
+
+
+<div class='center'>
+<table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" summary="Woodville Stories.">
+<tr><td align='left'><b>1. Rich and Humble;</b> <span class="smcap">or, The Mission of Bertha Grant</span>.</td></tr>
+<tr><td align='left'><b>2. In School and Out;</b> <span class="smcap">or, The Conquest of Richard Grant</span>.</td></tr>
+<tr><td align='left'><b>3. Watch and Wait;</b> <span class="smcap">or, The Young Fugitives</span>.</td></tr>
+<tr><td align='left'><b>4. Work and Win;</b> <span class="smcap">or, Noddy Newman on a Cruise</span>.</td></tr>
+<tr><td align='left'><b>5. Hope and Have;</b> <span class="smcap">or, Fanny Grant among the Indians</span>.</td></tr>
+<tr><td align='left'><b>6. Haste and Waste;</b> <span class="smcap">or, The Young Pilot of Lake Champlain</span>.</td></tr>
+</table></div>
+
+<div class="blockquot"><p>"Though we are not so young as we once were, we
+relished these stories almost as much as the boys
+and girls for whom they were written. They were
+really refreshing, even to us. There is much in
+them which is calculated to inspire a generous,
+healthy ambition, and to make distasteful all
+reading tending to stimulate base
+desires."&mdash;<i>Fitchburg Reveille.</i></p></div>
+
+
+<div class='hang1'><b>The Starry Flag Series.</b> By <span class="smcap">Oliver Optic</span>. In six volumes. Illustrated.
+Any volume sold separately. Price per volume, $1.25.</div>
+
+
+
+<div class='center'>
+<table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" summary="The Starry Flag Series">
+<tr><td align='left'><b>1. The Starry Flag;</b> <span class="smcap">or, The Young Fisherman of Cape Ann.</span></td></tr>
+<tr><td align='left'><b>2. Breaking Away;</b> <span class="smcap">or, The Fortunes of a Student</span>.</td></tr>
+<tr><td align='left'><b>3. Seek and Find;</b> <span class="smcap">or, The Adventures of a Smart Boy</span>.</td></tr>
+<tr><td align='left'><b>4. Freaks of Fortune;</b> <span class="smcap">or, Half round the World</span>.</td></tr>
+<tr><td align='left'><b>5. Make or Break;</b> <span class="smcap">or, The Rich Man's Daughter</span>.</td></tr>
+<tr><td align='left'><b>6. Down the River;</b> <span class="smcap">or, Buck Bradford and the Tyrants</span>.</td></tr>
+</table></div>
+
+<div class="blockquot"><p>"Mr. <span class="smcap">Adams</span>, the celebrated and popular writer,
+familiarly known as <span class="smcap">Oliver Optic</span>, seems to have
+inexhaustible funds for weaving together the
+virtues of life; and, notwithstanding he has
+written scores of books, the same freshness and
+novelty run through them all. Some people think the
+sensational element predominates. Perhaps it does.
+But a book for young people needs this, and so long
+as good sentiments are inculcated such books ought
+to be read."</p></div>
+
+<h3>
+LOTHROP, LEE &amp; SHEPARD CO., Boston<br />
+</h3>
+
+
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" /><p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_302" id="Page_302">[302]</a></span></p>
+<h2><span class="u">OLIVER OPTIC'S BOOKS</span></h2>
+
+<div class='hang1'><b>The Great Western Series.</b> By <span class="smcap">Oliver Optic</span>. In six volumes. Illustrated.
+Any volume sold separately. Price per volume, $1.25.</div>
+
+
+<div class='center'>
+<table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" summary="The Great Western Series">
+<tr><td align='left'><b>1. Going West;</b> <span class="smcap">or, the Perils of a Poor Boy</span>.</td></tr>
+<tr><td align='left'><b>2. Out West;</b> <span class="smcap">or, Roughing it on the Great Lakes</span>.</td></tr>
+<tr><td align='left'><b>3. Lake Breezes;</b> <span class="smcap">or, the Cruise of the Sylvania</span>.</td></tr>
+<tr><td align='left'><b>4. Going South;</b> <span class="smcap">or, Yachting on the Atlantic Coast</span>.</td></tr>
+<tr><td align='left'><b>5. Down South;</b> <span class="smcap">or, Yacht Adventures in Florida</span>.</td></tr>
+<tr><td align='left'><b>6. Up the River;</b> <span class="smcap">or, Yachting on the Mississippi</span>.</td></tr>
+</table></div>
+<div class="blockquot"><p>"This is the latest series of books issued by this
+popular writer, and deals with life on the Great
+Lakes, for which a careful study was made by the
+author in a summer tour of the immense water
+sources of America. The story, which carries the
+same hero through the six books of the series, is
+always entertaining, novel scenes and varied
+incidents giving a constantly changing yet always
+attractive aspect to the narrative. <span class="smcap">Oliver Optic</span>
+has written nothing better."</p></div>
+
+
+<div class='hang1'><b>The Yacht Club Series.</b> By <span class="smcap">Oliver Optic</span>. In six volumes. Illustrated. Any
+volume sold separately. Price per volume, $1.25.</div>
+
+
+
+<div class='center'>
+<table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" summary="The Yacht Club Series">
+<tr><td align='left'><b>1. Little Bobtail;</b> <span class="smcap">or, the Wreck of the Penobscot</span>.</td></tr>
+<tr><td align='left'><b>2. The Yacht Club;</b> <span class="smcap">or, the Young Boat Builders</span>.</td></tr>
+<tr><td align='left'><b>3. Money-Maker;</b> <span class="smcap">or, the Victory of the Basilisk</span>.</td></tr>
+<tr><td align='left'><b>4. The Coming Wave;</b> <span class="smcap">or, the Treasure of High Rock</span>.</td></tr>
+<tr><td align='left'><b>5. The Dorcas Club;</b> <span class="smcap">or, Our Girls Afloat</span>.</td></tr>
+<tr><td align='left'><b>6. Ocean Born;</b> <span class="smcap">or, the Cruise of the Clubs</span>.</td></tr>
+</table></div>
+
+<div class="blockquot"><p>"The series has this peculiarity, that all of its
+constituent volumes are independent of one another,
+and therefore each story is complete in itself.
+<span class="smcap">Oliver Optic</span> is, perhaps, the favorite author of
+the boys and girls of this country, and he seems
+destined to enjoy an endless popularity. He
+deserves his success, for he makes very interesting
+stories, and inculcates none but the best
+sentiments, and the 'Yacht Club' is no exception to
+this rule."&mdash;<i>New Haven Journal and Courier.</i></p></div>
+
+
+<div class='hang1'><b>Onward and Upward Series.</b> By <span class="smcap">Oliver Optic</span>. In six volumes. Illustrated.
+Any volume sold separately. Price per volume, $1.25.</div>
+
+
+
+<div class='center'>
+<table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" summary="Onward and Upward Series">
+<tr><td align='left'><b>1. Field and Forest;</b> <span class="smcap">or, the Fortunes of a Farmer</span>.</td></tr>
+<tr><td align='left'><b>2. Plane and Plank;</b> <span class="smcap">or, the Mishaps of a Mechanic</span>.</td></tr>
+<tr><td align='left'><b>3. Desk and Debit;</b> <span class="smcap">or, the Catastrophes of a Clerk</span>.</td></tr>
+<tr><td align='left'><b>4. Cringle and Crosstree;</b> <span class="smcap">or, the Sea Swashes of a Sailor</span>.</td></tr>
+<tr><td align='left'><b>5. Bivouac and Battle;</b> <span class="smcap">or, the Struggles of a Soldier</span>.</td></tr>
+<tr><td align='left'><b>6. Sea and Shore;</b> <span class="smcap">or, the Tramps of a Traveller</span>.</td></tr>
+</table></div>
+
+<div class="blockquot"><p>"Paul Farringford, the hero of these tales, is,
+like most of this author's heroes, a young man of
+high spirit, and of high aims and correct
+principles, appearing in the different volumes as a
+farmer, a captain, a bookkeeper, a soldier, a
+sailor, and a traveller. In all of them the hero
+meets with very exciting adventures, told in the
+graphic style for which the author is famous."</p></div>
+
+
+<div class='hang1'><b>The Lake Shore Series.</b> By <span class="smcap">Oliver Optic</span>. In six volumes. Illustrated. Any
+volume sold separately. Price per volume, $1.25.</div>
+
+
+
+<div class='center'>
+<table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" summary="The Lake Shore Series">
+<tr><td align='left'><b>1. Through by Daylight;</b> <span class="smcap">or, the Young Engineer of the Lake Shore Railroad</span>.</td></tr>
+<tr><td align='left'><b>2. Lightning Express;</b> <span class="smcap">or, the Rival Academies</span>.</td></tr>
+<tr><td align='left'><b>3. On Time;</b> <span class="smcap">or, the Young Captain of the Ucayga Steamer</span>.</td></tr>
+<tr><td align='left'><b>4. Switch Off;</b> <span class="smcap">or, the War of the Students</span>.</td></tr>
+<tr><td align='left'><b>5. Brake Up;</b> <span class="smcap">or, the Young Peacemakers</span>.</td></tr>
+<tr><td align='left'><b>6. Bear and Forbear;</b> <span class="smcap">or, the Young Skipper of Lake Ucayga</span>.</td></tr>
+</table></div>
+
+<div class="blockquot"><p>"<span class="smcap">Oliver Optic</span> is one of the most fascinating
+writers for youth, and within one of the best to be
+found in this or any past age. Troops of young
+people hang over his vivid pages; and not one of
+them ever learned to be mean, ignoble, cowardly,
+selfish, or to yield to any vice from anything they
+ever read from his pen."&mdash;<i>Providence Press.</i></p></div>
+
+<h3>
+LOTHROP, LEE &amp; SHEPARD CO., Boston</h3>
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" /><p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_303" id="Page_303">[303]</a></span><br />
+</p>
+
+
+
+<h2><span class="u">OLIVER OPTIC'S BOOKS</span></h2>
+
+
+<div class='hang1'><b>Army and Navy Stories.</b> By <span class="smcap">Oliver Optic</span>. Six volumes. Illustrated. Any
+volume sold separately. Price per volume, $1.25.</div>
+
+
+
+<div class='center'>
+<table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" summary="Army and Navy Stories">
+<tr><td align='left'><b>1. The Soldier Boy;</b> <span class="smcap">or, Tom Somers in the Army</span>.</td></tr>
+<tr><td align='left'><b>2. The Sailor Boy;</b> <span class="smcap">or, Jack Somers in the Navy</span>.</td></tr>
+<tr><td align='left'><b>3. The Young Lieutenant;</b> <span class="smcap">or, Adventures of an Army Officer</span>.</td></tr>
+<tr><td align='left'><b>4. The Yankee Middy;</b> <span class="smcap">or, Adventures of a Navy Officer</span>.</td></tr>
+<tr><td align='left'><b>5. Fighting Joe;</b> <span class="smcap">or, The Fortunes of a Staff Officer</span>.</td></tr>
+<tr><td align='left'><b>6. Brave Old Salt;</b> <span class="smcap">or, Life on the Quarter Deck</span>.</td></tr>
+</table></div>
+
+<div class="blockquot"><p>"This series of six volumes recounts the adventures
+of two brothers, Tom and Jack Somers, one in the
+army, the other in the navy, in the great Civil
+War. The romantic narratives of the fortunes and
+exploits of the brothers are thrilling in the
+extreme. Historical accuracy in the recital of the
+great events of that period is strictly followed,
+and the result is, not only a library of
+entertaining volumes, but also the best history of
+the Civil War for young people ever written."</p></div>
+
+
+<div class='hang1'><b>Boat Builders Series.</b> By <span class="smcap">Oliver Optic</span>. In six volumes. Illustrated. Any
+volume sold separately. Price per volume, $1.25.</div>
+
+
+
+<div class='center'>
+<table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" summary="Boat Builders Series">
+<tr><td align='left'><b>1. All Adrift;</b> <span class="smcap">or, The Goldwing Club</span>.</td></tr>
+<tr><td align='left'><b>2. Snug Harbor;</b> <span class="smcap">or, The Champlain Mechanics</span>.</td></tr>
+<tr><td align='left'><b>3. Square and Compasses;</b> <span class="smcap">or, Building the House</span>.</td></tr>
+<tr><td align='left'><b>4. Stem to Stern;</b> <span class="smcap">or, Building the Boat</span>.</td></tr>
+<tr><td align='left'><b>5. All Taut;</b> <span class="smcap">or, Rigging the Boat</span>.</td></tr>
+<tr><td align='left'><b>6. Ready About;</b> <span class="smcap">or, Sailing the Boat</span>.</td></tr>
+</table></div>
+
+<div class="blockquot"><p>"The series includes in six successive volumes the
+whole art of boat building, boat rigging, boat
+managing, and practical hints to make the ownership
+of a boat pay. A great deal of useful information
+is given in this <b>Boat Builders Series,</b> and in each
+book a very interesting story is interwoven with
+the information. Every reader will be interested at
+once in Dory, the hero of 'All Adrift,' and one of
+the characters retained in the subsequent volumes
+of the series. His friends will not want to lose
+sight of him, and every boy who makes his
+acquaintance in 'All Adrift' will become his
+friend."</p></div>
+
+
+<div class='hang1'><b>Riverdale Story Books.</b> By <span class="smcap">Oliver Optic</span>. Twelve volumes. Illustrated.
+Illuminated covers. Price: cloth, per set, $3.60; per volume, 30 cents.</div>
+
+
+
+<div class='center'>
+<table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" summary="Riverdale Story Books">
+<tr><td align='left'><span style="margin-left: 0.5em;"><b>1. Little Merchant.</b></span></td><td align='left'><span style="margin-left: 0.5em;"><b>7. Proud and Lazy.</b></span></td></tr>
+<tr><td align='left'><span style="margin-left: 0.5em;"><b>2. Young Voyagers.</b>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</span></td><td align='left'><span style="margin-left: 0.5em;"><b>8. Careless Kate.</b></span></td></tr>
+<tr><td align='left'><span style="margin-left: 0.5em;"><b>3. Christmas Gift.</b></span></td><td align='left'><span style="margin-left: 0.5em;"><b>9. Robinson Crusoe, Jr.</b></span></td></tr>
+<tr><td align='left'><span style="margin-left: 0.5em;"><b>4. Dolly and I.</b></span></td><td align='left'><b>10. The Picnic Party.</b></td></tr>
+<tr><td align='left'><span style="margin-left: 0.5em;"><b>5. Uncle Ben.</b></span></td><td align='left'><b>11. The Gold Thimble.</b></td></tr>
+<tr><td align='left'><span style="margin-left: 0.5em;"><b>6. Birthday Party.</b></span></td><td align='left'><b>12. The Do-Somethings.</b></td></tr>
+</table></div>
+
+
+<div class='hang1'><b>Riverdale Story Books.</b> By <span class="smcap">Oliver Optic</span>. Six volumes. Illustrated. Fancy
+cloth and colors. Price per volume, 30 cents.</div>
+
+
+
+<div class='center'>
+<table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" summary="Riverdale Story Books, less expensive">
+<tr><td align='left'><b>1. Little Merchant.</b>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</td><td align='left'><b>4. Careless Kate.</b></td></tr>
+<tr><td align='left'><b>2. Proud and Lazy.</b></td><td align='left'><b>5. Dolly and I.</b></td></tr>
+<tr><td align='left'><b>3. Young Voyagers.</b></td><td align='left'><b>6. Robinson Crusoe, Jr.</b></td></tr>
+</table></div>
+
+
+<div class='hang1'><b>Laura Lee Library.</b> By <span class="smcap">Oliver Optic</span>. Six volumes. Illustrated. Fancy
+cloth and colors. Price per volume, 30 cents.</div>
+
+
+
+<div class='center'>
+<table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" summary="Laura Lee Library">
+<tr><td align='left'><b>1. The Picnic Party.</b></td><td align='left'><b>4. Christmas Gift.</b></td></tr>
+<tr><td align='left'><b>2. The Gold Thimble.</b></td><td align='left'><b>5. Uncle Ben.</b></td></tr>
+<tr><td align='left'><b>3. The Do-Somethings.</b>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</td><td align='left'><b>6. Birthday Party.</b></td></tr>
+</table></div>
+
+<div class="blockquot"><p>These are bright short stories for younger children
+who are unable to comprehend the <b>Starry Flag Series</b>
+or the <b>Army and Navy Series</b>. But they all display
+the author's talent for pleasing and interesting
+the little folks. They are all fresh and original,
+preaching no sermons, but inculcating good lessons.</p></div>
+
+<h3>
+LOTHROP, LEE &amp; SHEPARD CO., Boston</h3>
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_304" id="Page_304">[304]</a></span><br />
+</p>
+<h2><span class="u">OLIVER OPTIC'S BOOKS</span></h2>
+
+
+<div class='hang1'><b>The Famous Boat Club Series.</b> By <span class="smcap">Oliver Optic</span>. Six volumes. Illustrated.
+Any volume sold separately. Price per volume $1.25.</div>
+
+
+
+<div class='center'>
+<table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" summary="The Famous Boat Club Series">
+<tr><td align='left'><b>1. The Boat Club;</b> <span class="smcap">or, The Bunkers of Rippleton.</span></td></tr>
+<tr><td align='left'><b>2. All Aboard;</b> <span class="smcap">or, Life on the Lake.</span></td></tr>
+<tr><td align='left'><b>3. Now or Never;</b> <span class="smcap">or, The Adventures of Robby Bright..</span></td></tr>
+<tr><td align='left'><b>4. Try Again;</b> <span class="smcap">or, The Trials and Triumphs of Harry West.</span></td></tr>
+<tr><td align='left'><b>5. Poor and Proud;</b> <span class="smcap">or, The Fortunes of Katy Redburn.</span></td></tr>
+<tr><td align='left'><b>6. Little by Little;</b> <span class="smcap">or, The Cruise of the Flyaway.</span></td></tr>
+</table></div>
+
+<div class="blockquot"><p>"This is the first series of books written for the
+young by <span class="smcap">Oliver Optic</span>. It laid the foundation for
+his fame as the first of authors in which the young
+delight, and gained for him the title of the Prince
+of Story Tellers. The six books are varied in
+incident and plot, but all are entertaining and
+original."</p></div>
+
+
+<div class='hang1'><b>Young America Abroad:</b> <span class="smcap">A Library of Travel And Adventure in Foreign
+Lands</span>. By <span class="smcap">Oliver Optic</span>. Illustrated by <span class="smcap">Nast</span> and others. First Series.
+Six volumes. Any volume sold separately. Price per volume, $1.25.</div>
+
+
+
+<div class='center'>
+<table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" summary="Young America Abroad">
+<tr><td align='left'><b>1. Outward Bound;</b> <span class="smcap">or, Young America Afloat.</span></td></tr>
+<tr><td align='left'><b>2. Shamrock and Thistle;</b> <span class="smcap">or, Young America in Ireland and Scotland.</span></td></tr>
+<tr><td align='left'><b>3. Red Cross;</b> <span class="smcap">or, Young America in England and Wales.</span></td></tr>
+<tr><td align='left'><b>4. Dikes and Ditches;</b> <span class="smcap">or, Young America in Holland and Belgium.</span></td></tr>
+<tr><td align='left'><b>5. Palace and Cottage;</b> <span class="smcap">or, Young America in France and Switzerland.</span></td></tr>
+<tr><td align='left'><b>6. Down the Rhine;</b> <span class="smcap">or, Young America in Germany.</span></td></tr>
+</table></div>
+
+<div class="blockquot"><p>"The story from its inception, and through the
+twelve volumes (see Second Series), is a bewitching
+one, while the information imparted concerning the
+countries of Europe and the isles of the sea is not
+only correct in every particular, but is told in a
+captivating style. <span class="smcap">Oliver Optic</span> will continue to be
+the boys' friend, and his pleasant books will
+continue to be read by thousands of American boys.
+What a fine holiday present either or both series
+of 'Young America Abroad' would be for a young
+friend! It would make a little library highly
+prized by the recipient, and would not be an
+expensive one."&mdash;<i>Providence Press.</i></p></div>
+
+
+<div class='hang1'><b>Young America Abroad.</b> By <span class="smcap">Oliver Optic</span>. Second Series. Six volumes.
+Illustrated. Any volume sold separately. Price per volume, $1.25.</div>
+
+
+
+<div class='center'>
+<table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" summary="Young America Abroad 2">
+<tr><td align='left'><b>1. Up the Baltic;</b> <span class="smcap">or, Young America in Norway, Sweden, and Denmark.</span></td></tr>
+<tr><td align='left'><b>2. Northern Lands;</b> <span class="smcap">or, Young America in Russia and Prussia.</span></td></tr>
+<tr><td align='left'><b>3. Cross and Crescent;</b> <span class="smcap">or, Young America in Turkey and Greece.</span></td></tr>
+<tr><td align='left'><b>4. Sunny Shores;</b> <span class="smcap">or, Young America in Italy and Austria.</span></td></tr>
+<tr><td align='left'><b>5. Vine and Olive;</b> <span class="smcap">or, Young America in Spain and Portugal.</span></td></tr>
+<tr><td align='left'><b>6. Isles of the Sea;</b> <span class="smcap">or, Young America Homeward Bound.</span></td></tr>
+</table></div>
+
+<div class="blockquot"><p>"<span class="smcap">Oliver Optic</span> is a <i>nom de plume</i> that is known and
+loved by almost every boy of intelligence in the
+land. We have seen a highly intellectual and
+world-weary man, a cynic whose heart was somewhat
+embittered by its large experience of human nature,
+take up one of <span class="smcap">Oliver Optic's</span> books, and read it at
+a sitting, neglecting his work in yielding to the
+fascination of the pages. When a mature and
+exceedingly well-informed mind, long despoiled of
+all its freshness, can thus find pleasure in a book
+for boys, no additional words of recommendation are
+needed."&mdash;<i>Sunday Times.</i></p></div>
+
+<h3>
+LOTHROP, LEE &amp; SHEPARD CO., Boston</h3>
+
+
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" /><p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_305" id="Page_305">[305]</a></span><br />
+</p>
+<h2>THE START IN LIFE SERIES</h2>
+
+<h3>By J. T. TROWBRIDGE</h3>
+
+<div class='center'>Cloth&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Illustrated&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Price per volume, <b>$1.00</b></div>
+
+<hr style='width: 45%;' />
+
+<div class="figleft" style="width: 113px;">
+<img src="images/1startinlife.jpg" width="113" height="150" alt="A Start in Life" title="" />
+</div>
+
+
+<div class='unindent'><big><i><b>A Start in Life:</b></i> <span class="smcap">A Story of the Genesee Country.</span></big></div>
+
+<div class="blockquot"><p>In this story the author recounts the hardships of
+a young lad in his first endeavor to start out for
+himself. It is a tale that is full of enthusiasm
+and budding hopes.</p></div>
+
+
+<div class='unindent'><big><i><b>Biding His Time.</b></i></big></div>
+
+<div class="blockquot"><p>"It is full of spirit and adventure, and presents a
+plucky hero who was willing to 'bide his time,' no
+matter how great the expectations that he indulged
+in from his uncle's vast wealth, which he did not
+in the least covet."&mdash;<i>Boston Home Journal.</i></p></div>
+
+
+<div class='unindent'><big><i><b>The Kelp-Gatherers:</b></i> <span class="smcap">A Story of the Maine Coast.</span></big></div>
+
+<div class="blockquot"><p>A bright and readable story, with all the hints of
+character and the vicissitudes of human life, in
+depicting which the author is an acknowledged
+master.</p></div>
+
+
+<div class='unindent'><big><b><i>The Scarlet Tanager</i>,</b> <span class="smcap">and Other Bipeds.</span></big></div>
+
+<div class="blockquot"><p>Every new story which Mr. Trowbridge begins is
+followed through successive chapters by thousands
+who have read and re-read many times his preceding
+tales. One of his greatest charms is his absolute
+truthfulness. He does not depict little saints, or
+incorrigible rascals, but just <i>boys</i>.</p></div>
+
+<div class='unindent'><big><b><i>The Lottery Ticket.</i></b></big></div>
+
+<div class="blockquot"><p>"This is one of the many popular stories written by
+this well-known author, whose name on the
+title-page of a book makes it a welcome arrival to
+most of the young people who read. The moral is
+always good, the influence in the right direction,
+and the characters so portrayed that the right is
+always rewarded and the wrong fails to
+prosper."&mdash;<i>Dubuque, Iowa, Herald.</i></p></div>
+
+<div class='unindent'><big><b><i>The Adventures of David Vane and David Crane.</i></b></big></div>
+
+<div class="blockquot"><p>A strong, homely, humorous story of the everyday
+life of American country-bred boys, by one who is
+acknowledged to be the best living storyteller in
+his peculiar vein.</p></div>
+
+<hr style='width: 25%;' />
+
+<div class='center'>
+<i><b>For sale by all booksellers, or sent, postpaid, on receipt of price, by</b></i></div>
+<h3>LOTHROP, LEE &amp; SHEPARD CO.</h3>
+<div class='center'><b>BOSTON</b></div>
+
+
+<hr style='width: 65%;' /><p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_306" id="Page_306">[306]</a></span><br />
+</p>
+<h2>The Tide-Mill Stories</h2>
+
+<h3>By J. T. TROWBRIDGE</h3>
+
+<hr style='width: 25%;' />
+
+<h4><i>Six Volumes.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Cloth.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Illustrated.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Price per volume, $1.25</i></h4>
+
+<hr style='width: 25%;' />
+<div class='unindent'><br /><b>Phil and His Friends.</b></div>
+<div class="blockquot"><p>The hero is the son of a man who from drink got
+into debt, and, after having given a paper to a
+creditor authorizing him to keep the son as a
+security for his claim, ran away, leaving poor Phil
+a bond slave. The story involves a great many
+unexpected incidents, some of which are painful and
+some comic. Phil manfully works for a year
+cancelling his father's debt, and then escapes. The
+characters are strongly drawn, and the story is
+absorbingly interesting.</p></div>
+
+<div class='unindent'><br /><b>The Tinkham Brothers' Tide-Mill.</b></div>
+<div class="blockquot"><p>"'The Tinkham Brothers' were the devoted sons of an
+invalid mother. The story tells how they purchased
+a tide-mill, which afterwards, by the ill-will and
+obstinacy of neighbors, became a source of much
+trouble to them. It tells also how, by discretion
+and the exercise of a peaceable spirit, they at
+last overcame all difficulties."&mdash;<i>Christian
+Observer, Louisville, Ky.</i></p></div>
+
+<div class='unindent'><br /><b>The Satin-wood Box.</b></div>
+<div class="blockquot"><p>"Mr. Trowbridge has always a purpose in his
+writings, and this time he has undertaken to show
+how very near an innocent boy can come to the
+guilty edge and yet be able by fortunate
+circumstances to rid himself of all suspicion of
+evil. There is something winsome about the hero;
+but he has a singular way of falling into bad luck,
+although the careful reader will never feel the
+least disposed to doubt his honesty."&mdash;<i>Syracuse
+Standard.</i></p></div>
+
+<div class='unindent'><br /><b>The Little Master.</b></div>
+<div class="blockquot"><p>This is the story of a schoolmaster, his trials,
+disappointments, and final victory. It will recall
+to many a man his experience in teaching pupils,
+and in managing their opinionated and self-willed
+parents. The story has the charm which is always
+found in Mr. Trowbridge's works.</p>
+
+<p>"Many a teacher could profit by reading of this
+plucky little schoolmaster."&mdash;<i>Journal of
+Education.</i></p></div>
+
+<div class='unindent'><br /><b>His One Fault.</b></div>
+<div class="blockquot"><p>"As for the hero of this story 'His One Fault' was
+absent-mindedness. He forgot to lock his uncle's
+stable door, and the horse was stolen. In seeking
+to recover the stolen horse, he unintentionally
+stole another. In trying to restore the wrong horse
+to his rightful owner, he was himself arrested.
+After no end of comic and dolorous adventures, he
+surmounted all his misfortunes by downright pluck
+and genuine good feeling. It is a noble
+contribution to juvenile literature."&mdash;<i>Woman's
+Journal.</i></p></div>
+
+<div class='unindent'><br /><b>Peter Budstone.</b></div>
+<div class="blockquot"><p>"Mr. J. T. Trowbridge's 'Peter Budstone' is another
+of those altogether good and wholesome books for
+boys of which it is hardly possible to speak too
+highly. This author shows us convincingly how
+juvenile reading may be made vivacious and
+interesting, and yet teach sound and clean lessons.
+'Peter Budstone' shows forcibly the folly and crime
+of 'hazing.' It is the story of a noble young
+fellow whose reason is irreparably overthrown by
+the savage treatment he received from some of his
+associates at college. It is a powerful little
+book, and we wish every schoolboy and college youth
+could read it."&mdash;<i>Philadelphia American.</i></p></div>
+
+<hr style='width: 25%;' />
+
+<div class='center'><i><b>Illustrated Catalogue sent free on application.</b></i></div>
+
+<hr style='width: 25%;' />
+
+<h3>
+Lothrop, Lee &amp; Shepard Co., Boston</h3>
+
+
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" /><p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_307" id="Page_307">[307]</a></span><br />
+</p>
+<h2>The Silver Medal Stories</h2>
+
+<h3>By J. T. TROWBRIDGE</h3>
+
+<hr style='width: 25%;' />
+
+<div class='center'><i><b>Six Volumes.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Cloth.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Illustrated.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Price per volume, $1.25</b></i></div>
+
+<hr style='width: 25%;' />
+
+<div class='unindent'><b>The Silver Medal,</b> <span class="smcap">and other Stories.</span></div>
+
+<div class="blockquot"><p>There were some schoolboys who had turned
+housebreakers, and among their plunder was a silver
+medal that had been given to one John Harris by the
+Humane Society for rescuing from drowning a certain
+Benton Barry. Now Benton Barry was one of the
+wretched housebreakers. This is the summary of the
+opening chapter. The story is intensely interesting
+in its serious as well as its humorous parts.</p></div>
+
+<div class='unindent'><br /><b>His Own Master.</b></div>
+<div class="blockquot"><p>"This is a book after the typical boy's own heart.
+Its hero is a plucky young fellow, who, seeing no
+chance for himself at home, determines to make his
+own way in the world.&nbsp;.&nbsp;.&nbsp;. He sets out accordingly,
+trudges to the far West, and finds the road to
+fortune an unpleasantly rough one."&mdash;<i>Philadelphia
+Inquirer.</i></p></div>
+
+<div class='unindent'><br /><b>Bound in Honor.</b></div>
+<div class="blockquot"><p>This story is of a lad, who, though not guilty of
+any bad action, has been an eye-witness of the
+conduct of his comrades, and felt "Bound in Honor"
+not to tell.</p>
+
+<p>"A capital book in all respects, overflowing with
+all sorts of fun and adventure; just the sort of
+book, in short, that the young folks will be
+anxious to read and re-read with as much continuous
+interest as the most favored of their
+storybooks."&mdash;<i>Philadelphia Leader.</i></p></div>
+
+<div class='unindent'><br /><b>The Pocket Rifle.</b></div>
+<div class="blockquot"><p>"A boy's story which will be read with avidity, as
+it ought to be, it is so brightly and frankly
+written, and with such evident knowledge of the
+temperaments and habits, the friendships and
+enmities of schoolboys."&mdash;<i>New York Mail.</i></p>
+
+<p>"This is a capital story for boys. It teaches
+honesty, integrity, and friendship, and how best
+they can be promoted. It shows the danger of hasty
+judgment and circumstantial evidence; that
+right-doing pays, and dishonesty never."&mdash;<i>Chicago
+Inter-Ocean.</i></p></div>
+
+<div class='unindent'><br /><b>The Jolly Rover.</b></div>
+<div class="blockquot"><p>"This book will help to neutralize the ill effects
+of any poison which children may have swallowed in
+the way of sham-adventurous stories and wildly
+fictitious tales. 'The Jolly Rover' runs away from
+home, and meets life as it is, till he is glad
+enough to seek again his father's house. Mr.
+Trowbridge has the power of making an instructive
+story absorbing in its interest, and of covering a
+moral so that it is easy to take."&mdash;<i>Christian
+Intelligencer.</i></p></div>
+
+
+<div class='unindent'><br /><b>Young Joe,</b> <span class="smcap">and other Boys.</span></div>
+
+<div class="blockquot"><p>"Young Joe," who lived at Bass Cove, where he shot
+wild ducks, took some to town for sale, and
+attracted the attention of a portly gentleman fond
+of shooting. This gentleman went duck shooting with
+Joe, and their adventures were more amusing to the
+boy than to the amateur sportsman.</p>
+
+<p>There are thirteen other short stories in the book
+which will be sure to please the young folks.</p></div>
+
+<hr style='width: 25%;' />
+
+<div class='center'><i><b>Illustrated Catalogue sent free on application.</b></i></div>
+
+<hr style='width: 25%;' />
+
+<h3>
+Lothrop, Lee &amp; Shepard Co., Boston</h3>
+
+
+
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" /><p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_308" id="Page_308">[308]</a></span><br />
+</p>
+<h2><i>PHILLIPS EXETER SERIES</i></h2>
+
+<h3>By A. T. DUDLEY</h3>
+
+<div class='center'>
+Cloth, 12mo&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;  Illustrated by Charles Copeland &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;  Price per volume, <b>$1.25</b><br />
+</div>
+
+<hr style='width: 45%;' />
+<h3>FOLLOWING THE BALL</h3>
+<div class='unindent'><big>H</big>ERE is an up-to-date story presenting American boarding-school life and
+modern athletics. Football is an important feature, but it is a story of
+character formation in which athletics play an important part.</div>
+
+<div class="blockquot"><p>"Mingled with the story of football is another and
+higher endeavor, giving the book the best of moral
+tone."&mdash;<i>Chicago Record-Herald.</i></p></div>
+
+<h3>MAKING THE NINE</h3>
+<div class='unindent'><big>T</big>HE life presented is that of a real school, interesting, diversified,
+and full of striking incidents. The athletics are technically correct,
+while the characters are true and consistent types of American boyhood
+and youth.</div>
+
+<div class="blockquot"><p>"The story is healthful, for, while it exalts
+athletics, it does not overlook the fact that
+studious habits and noble character are imperative
+needs for those who would win success in
+life."&mdash;<i>Herald and Presbyter, Cincinnati.</i></p></div>
+
+<h3>IN THE LINE</h3>
+<div class='unindent'><big>T</big>ELLS how a stalwart young student won his position as guard, and made
+equally marked progress in the formation of character.</div>
+
+<div class="blockquot"><p>"The book gives boys an interesting story, much
+football information, and many lessons in true
+manliness."&mdash;<i>Watchman, Boston.</i></p></div>
+
+<h3>WITH MASK AND MITT</h3>
+<div class='unindent'><big>W</big>HILE appealing to the natural normal tastes of boys for fun and
+interest in the baseball, the book, without preaching, lays emphasis on
+the building up of character.</div>
+
+<div class="blockquot"><p>"No normal boy who is interested in our great
+national game can fail to find interest and profit,
+too, in this lively boarding-school
+story."&mdash;<i>Interior, Chicago.</i></p></div>
+
+
+<div class='center'>
+<table border="0" cellpadding="4" cellspacing="0" summary="The Great Year Ad">
+<tr><td align='left'><h3>THE GREAT YEAR</h3>
+<div class='unindent'><big>T</big>HREE manly comrades, captains respectively of the baseball, football,
+and track teams, help each other to achieve a "great year" of triple
+victory over their traditional rival.</div>
+
+<div class="blockquot"><p>"It is a fine, inspiring story for manly
+boys."&mdash;<i>N. Y. Christian Advocate.</i></p></div></td><td align='left'><img src="images/2greatyear.jpg" width="108" height="150" alt="THE GREAT YEAR" title="" />
+</td></tr>
+</table></div>
+
+
+
+
+<hr style='width: 25%;' />
+
+<div class='center'>
+<b>For sale by all booksellers or sent postpaid on receipt of price<br />
+by the Publishers,<br />
+<br />
+LOTHROP, &nbsp;&nbsp;LEE &nbsp;&nbsp;&amp;&nbsp;&nbsp; SHEPARD&nbsp;&nbsp; CO., &nbsp;&nbsp;BOSTON</b></div>
+
+
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" /><p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_309" id="Page_309">[309]</a></span><br />
+</p>
+<h2>THE BOY CRAFTSMAN</h2>
+<div><b><span style="margin-left: 8em;">Practical and Profitable Ideas for a Boy's</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 8em;">Leisure Hours</span></b></div>
+<h3>By A. NEELY HALL</h3>
+
+<div class="figleft" style="width: 109px;">
+<img src="images/3boycrafstman.jpg" width="109" height="150" alt="The Boy Craftsman" title="" />
+</div>
+<div class='center'>Illustrated with over 400 diagrams and working drawings 8vo Price, $2.00</div>
+
+
+
+<div class='unindent'><big>E</big>VERY real boy wishes to design and make things, but the questions of
+materials and tools are often hard to pet around. Nearly all books on
+the subject call for a greater outlay of money than is within the means
+of many boys, or their parents wish to expend in such ways. In this book
+a number of chapters give suggestions for carrying on a small business
+that will bring a boy in money with which to buy tools and materials
+necessary for making apparatus and articles described in other chapters,
+while the ideas are so practical that many an industrious boy can learn
+what he is best fitted for in his life work. No work of its class is so
+completely up-to-date or so worthy in point of thoroughness and
+avoidance of danger. The drawings are profuse and excellent, and every
+feature of the book is first-class. It tells how to make a boy's
+workshop, how to handle tools, and what can be made with them; how to
+start a printing shop and conduct an amateur newspaper, how to make
+photographs, build a log cabin, a canvas canoe, a gymnasium, a miniature
+theatre, and many other things dear to the soul of youth.</div>
+
+<div class="blockquot"><p>We cannot imagine a more delightful present for a
+boy than this book.&mdash;<i>Churchman, N. Y.</i></p>
+
+<p>Every boy should have this book. It's a practical
+book&mdash;it gets right next to the boy's heart and
+stays there. He will have it near him all the time,
+and on every page there is a lesson or something
+that will stand the boy in good need. Beyond a
+doubt in its line this is one of the cleverest
+books on the market.&mdash;<i>Providence News.</i></p>
+
+<p>If a boy has any sort of a mechanical turn of mind,
+his parents should see that he has this
+book.&mdash;<i>Boston Journal.</i></p>
+
+<p>This is a book that will do boys good.&mdash;<i>Buffalo
+Express.</i></p>
+
+<p>The boy who will not find this book a mine of joy
+and profit must be queerly
+constituted.&mdash;<i>Pittsburgh Gazette.</i></p>
+
+<p>Will be a delight to the boy mechanic.&mdash;<i>Watchman,
+Boston.</i></p>
+
+<p>An admirable book to give a boy.&mdash;<i>Newark News.</i></p>
+
+<p>This book is the best yet offered for its large
+number of practical and profitable
+ideas.&mdash;<i>Milwaukee Free Press.</i></p>
+
+<p>Parents ought to know of this book.&mdash;<i>New York
+Globe.</i></p></div>
+
+<hr style='width: 45%;' />
+
+
+<div class='center'>
+<b>For sale by all booksellers or sent postpaid on receipt of price<br />
+by the publishers,<br />
+<br />
+LOTHROP, &nbsp;&nbsp;LEE &nbsp;&nbsp;&amp;&nbsp;&nbsp; SHEPARD&nbsp;&nbsp; CO., &nbsp;&nbsp;BOSTON</b></div>
+
+
+
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" /><p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_310" id="Page_310">[310]</a></span><br />
+</p>
+<h2><i>Making of Our Nation Series</i></h2>
+
+<h3><i>By WILLIAM C. SPRAGUE</i></h3>
+
+<div class='center'>
+Large 12mo, Cloth &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;     Illustrated by A. B. Shute<br />
+Price per volume, $1.50<br />
+</div>
+
+<hr style='width: 45%;' />
+<h3>The Boy Courier of Napoleon</h3>
+<div class='center'><b>A Story of the Louisiana Purchase</b></div>
+
+<div class="figleft" style="width: 107px;">
+<img src="images/4couriernapoleon.jpg" width="107" height="150" alt="THE BOY COURIER OF NAPOLEON" title="" />
+</div>
+
+<div class='unindent'><big>W</big>ILLIAM C. SPRAGUE, the notably successful editor of "The American Boy,"
+has given for the first time the history of the Louisiana Purchase in
+entertaining story form. The hero is introduced as a French drummer boy
+in the great battle of Hohenlinden. He serves as a valet to Napoleon and
+later is sent with secret messages to the French in San Domingo and in
+Louisiana. After exciting adventures he accomplishes his mission and is
+present at the lowering of the Spanish flag, and later at that of the
+French and the raising of the Stars and Stripes.</div>
+
+<div class="blockquot"><p>"All boys and girls of our country who read this
+book will be delighted with it, as well as
+benefited by the historical knowledge contained in
+its pages."&mdash;<i>Louisville, Ky., Times.</i></p>
+
+<p>"An excellent book for boys, containing just enough
+history to make them hunger for more. No praise of
+this book can be too high."&mdash;<i>Town Topics,
+Cleveland, O.</i></p>
+
+<p>"This book is one to fascinate every intelligent
+American boy."&mdash;<i>Buffalo Times.</i></p></div>
+
+<h3>The Boy Pathfinder</h3>
+<div class='center'><b>A Story of the Oregon Trail</b></div>
+
+<div class="figright" style="width: 108px;">
+<img src="images/5pathfinder.jpg" width="108" height="150" alt="THE BOY PATHFINDER" title="" />
+</div>
+
+<div class='unindent'><big>T</big>HIS book has as its hero an actual character, George Shannon, a
+Pennsylvania lad, who at seventeen left school to become one of the
+Lewis and Clark expedition. He had narrow escapes, but persevered, and
+the story of his wanderings, interwoven with excellent historical
+information, makes the highest type of general reading for the young.</div>
+
+<div class="blockquot"><p>"It is a thoroughly good story, full of action and
+adventure and at the same time carrying a bit of
+real history accurately recorded."&mdash;<i>Universalist
+Leader, Boston.</i></p>
+
+<p>"It is an excellent book for a boy to
+read."&mdash;<i>Newark, N. J., Advertiser.</i></p></div>
+
+<hr style='width: 45%;' />
+
+<div class='center'>
+<b><i>For sale by all booksellers or sent postpaid on receipt of price<br />
+by the publishers,</i><br />
+<br />
+LOTHROP, &nbsp;&nbsp;LEE &nbsp;&nbsp;&amp;&nbsp;&nbsp; SHEPARD&nbsp;&nbsp; CO., &nbsp;&nbsp;BOSTON</b></div>
+
+
+
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" /><p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_311" id="Page_311">[311]</a></span><br />
+</p>
+<h2><i>Raymond Benson Series</i></h2>
+
+<h3><i>By CLARENCE B. BURLEIGH</i></h3>
+
+<div class='center'>
+Illustrated by L. J. Bridgman &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;   Large 12mo, Cloth<br />
+$1.50 per volume<br />
+</div>
+
+<hr style='width: 45%;' />
+<h3>The Camp on Letter K</h3>
+<div class='unindent'><big>T</big>HE story deals with two active boys in Aroostook County close to the
+northeastern boundary of our country, and where smuggling across the
+Canadian line has been prevalent. Equally ready in athletics, hunting,
+or helping their families on the rich farms of that section, these good
+chums have many exciting adventures, the most important of which
+directly concerns the leading smugglers of the district, and an
+important public service is rendered by the boys.</div>
+
+<div class="blockquot"><p>"There is an atmosphere about the whole book that
+is attractive to boys, and it will be read by them
+with enthusiastic delight."&mdash;<i>Democrat and
+Chronicle, Rochester, N. Y.</i></p></div>
+
+<h3>Raymond Benson at Krampton</h3>
+<div class='unindent'><big>R</big>AYMOND BENSON and his friend, Ned Grover, go to Krampton Academy, which
+is no other than the noted school at New Hampton, N. H., where Mr.
+Burleigh was fitted for college. We have had good books telling of the
+larger and more aristocratic preparatory schools, but never before one
+that so well told of life at a typical country academy of the sort that
+have furnished the inspiration for so many successful men.</div>
+
+<div class="blockquot"><p>"It is interesting from start to finish, and while
+rousing and full of enthusiasm, is wholesome in
+spirit, and teaches lessons of purity and justice
+and manliness in real life."&mdash;<i>Herald &amp; Presbyter.</i></p></div>
+
+<h3>The Kenton Pines</h3>
+<div class="figright" style="width: 108px;">
+<img src="images/6kentonpines.jpg" width="108" height="150" alt="THE KENTON PINES" title="" />
+</div>
+
+<div class='unindent'><big>"K</big>ENTON COLLEGE" is Bowdoin College, beautiful in its location and
+famous in its history. Raymond's athletic abilities insure him immediate
+and enduring prominence as a student, and the accounts of athletic
+contests will stir the blood of any one. But the book is far more than a
+tale of these things; it is a wonderful picture of life at a smaller
+college, with all its fine hard work, "grinds," and triumphs. It is a
+book that rings true on every manly question.</div>
+
+<div class="blockquot"><p>"This book, like the other of the series, is of a
+very high character, and should be an inspiration
+to all boys contemplating a college
+career."&mdash;<i>Interior.</i></p></div>
+
+<hr style='width: 45%;' />
+
+<div class='center'>
+<b><i>For sale by all booksellers or sent postpaid on receipt of price<br />
+by the publishers,</i><br />
+<br />
+LOTHROP, &nbsp;&nbsp;LEE &nbsp;&nbsp;&amp;&nbsp;&nbsp; SHEPARD&nbsp;&nbsp; CO., &nbsp;&nbsp;BOSTON</b></div>
+
+<hr style='width: 65%;' />
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_312" id="Page_312">[312]</a></span><br />
+</p>
+
+
+
+<h2>BOOKS BY EVERETT T. TOMLINSON.</h2>
+
+<hr style='width: 45%;' />
+<h3>THE WAR OF 1812 SERIES</h3>
+
+<div class="figleft" style="width: 106px;">
+<img src="images/7tecumsah.jpg" width="106" height="150" alt="TECUMSEH&#39;S YOUNG BRAVES" title="" />
+</div>
+
+<div class='center'>
+Six volumes Cloth Illustrated by A. E.<br />
+Shute&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;   Price per volume reduced to $1.25<br />
+</div>
+
+<p>No American writer for boys has ever occupied a higher position than Dr.
+Tomlinson, and the "War of 1812 Series" covers a field attempted by no
+other juvenile literature in a manner that has secured continued
+popularity.</p>
+
+
+
+<div class='center'>
+<table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" summary="THE WAR OF 1812 SERIES">
+<tr><td align='left'><b>The Search for Andrew Field</b><br /> <span style="margin-left: 1em;"><b>The Boy Soldiers of 1812</b></span> <br /><span style="margin-left: 2em;"><b>The Boy Officers of 1812</b></span><br /> <span style="margin-left: 3em;"><b>Tecumseh's Young Braves</b></span> <br /><span style="margin-left: 4em;"><b>Guarding the Border</b></span> <br /><span style="margin-left: 5em;"><b>The Boys with Old Hickory</b></span></td></tr>
+</table></div>
+
+<h3>ST. LAWRENCE SERIES</h3>
+<div class='unindent'><b>CRUISING IN THE ST. LAWRENCE</b></div>
+
+<div>
+<span style="margin-left: 4em;">Being the third volume of the "St. Lawrence Series" Cloth<br /></span>
+<span style="margin-left: 4em;">Illustrated  &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Price $1.50</span><br />
+</div>
+
+<p>Our old friends, "Bob," "Ben," "Jock," and "Bert," having completed
+their sophomore year at college, plan to spend the summer vacation
+cruising on the noble St. Lawrence. Here they not only visit places of
+historic interest, but also the Indian tribes encamped on the banks of
+the river, and learn from them their customs, habits, and quaint
+legends.</p>
+
+
+<div class='center'><i><b>PREVIOUS VOLUMES</b></i></div>
+
+<div class='unindent'>
+<b>CAMPING ON THE ST. LAWRENCE</b><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 3.5em;"><b>Or, On the Trail of the Early Discoverers</b></span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 1em;">Cloth&nbsp;  Illustrated&nbsp;  $1.50</span><br />
+<br />
+<b>THE HOUSE-BOAT ON THE ST. LAWRENCE</b><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 3.5em;"><b>Or, Following Frontenac</b></span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 1em;">Cloth&nbsp;  Illustrated&nbsp;  $1.50</span><br />
+</div>
+
+<div class='center'><i><b>BY THE SAME AUTHOR</b></i></div>
+
+<div class='unindent'>
+<b>STORIES OF THE AMERICAN REVOLUTION</b><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 1em;">First and Second Series&nbsp;  Cloth&nbsp;  Illustrated&nbsp;  $1.00 each</span><br />
+</div>
+
+<hr style='width: 45%;' />
+
+<h3>Lothrop, Lee &amp; Shepherd and Co., Boston</h3>
+
+
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" /><p>
+<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_313" id="Page_313">[313]</a></span><br />
+</p>
+<h2>PIGEON CAMP SERIES</h2>
+
+<h3>By MARTHA JAMES</h3>
+
+<div class='center'>
+Illustrated  &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Cloth &nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp; Large 12mo &nbsp;&nbsp;   <b>$1.25</b><br />
+</div>
+
+<hr style='width: 45%;' />
+<h3>JIMMIE SUTER</h3>
+<div class="figleft" style="width: 143px;">
+<img src="images/8suter.jpg" width="143" height="200" alt="JIMMIE SUTER" title="" />
+</div>
+
+<div class='unindent'><big>J</big>IMMIE SUTER is a sturdy, active, honest boy, whose father and mother
+are very worthy people in moderate circumstances. What Jimmie lacks in
+pocket money, however, he more than makes up in mechanical ingenuity and
+other good qualities, and his best boy friend is the son of a rich man,
+but not spoiled by the fact. They have royal times making and sailing an
+ice-boat and doing many other things, and best of all they organize the
+"S. F. B.," or Society for Feeding Birds, which spreads far and wide and
+is productive of most enjoyable acquaintances besides doing good service
+in the cause for which it was intended. Deeds of kindness to a queer old
+neighbor bring an unexpected reward, and the bright, wholesome book ends
+in a most pleasing manner.</div>
+
+<div class="blockquot"><p>"Martha James seems to have a good kind of insight
+for this juvenile literature, and in the course of
+an interesting story drops many valuable
+suggestions about the employment of a boy's time
+and his habits of life outside of
+school."&mdash;<i>Syracuse Herald.</i></p>
+
+<p>"In his kindness and thoughtfulness for both men
+and animals, Jimmie is an ideal boy."&mdash;<i>The
+Watchman, Boston.</i></p>
+
+<p>"The happy, wholesome book closes in a thoroughly
+satisfactory way."&mdash;<i>Chicago Inter-Ocean.</i></p>
+
+<p>"The tone is simple and healthy, and the book will
+no doubt find many young readers."&mdash;<i>The Churchman,
+Milwaukee.</i></p></div>
+
+<hr style='width: 25%;' />
+
+<div class='center'>
+<b>For sale by all booksellers or sent postpaid on receipt of price<br />
+by the publishers,<br />
+<br />
+LOTHROP,&nbsp;&nbsp; LEE &nbsp;&nbsp;&amp;&nbsp;&nbsp; SHEPARD&nbsp;&nbsp; CO., &nbsp;&nbsp;BOSTON</b></div>
+
+
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" /><p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_314" id="Page_314">[314]</a></span><br />
+</p>
+<h2>W. O. STODDARD'S BOOKS</h2>
+
+<div class='center'>
+12mo &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;  Cloth  &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Price per volume, <b>$1.25</b><br />
+<br /><br /></div>
+
+<div class='hang1'><b>DAN MONROE: A Story of Bunker Bill</b> Illustrated by W. F. Kennedy</div>
+
+<p>In this volume the hero is one whose name is found in several
+trustworthy records as the drummer boy of the Lexington militia, his
+closest friend, Nat Harrington, being the fifer. The Concord fight, the
+Battle of Bunker Hill, and the arrival of Washington are introduced as
+parts of a carefully preserved historical outline.<br /><br /></p>
+
+
+<div class='hang1'><b>LONG BRIDGE BOYS</b> Illustrated by I. B. Hazelton</div>
+
+<p>It tells the story of an actual attempt made by the Confederates of
+Virginia, just prior to the outbreak of the Civil War, to seize the city
+of Washington by force of arms, and make prisoners of President Lincoln
+and other high government officials.<br /><br /></p>
+
+
+<div class='hang1'><b>AHEAD OF THE ARMY</b> Illustrated by C. Chase Emerson</div>
+
+<p>This is a lively narrative of the experiences of an American boy who
+arrives in Mexico as the war with the United States is beginning.<br /><br /></p>
+
+
+<div class='hang1'><b>THE ERRAND BOY OF ANDREW JACKSON: A War Story of 1812</b> Illustrated by
+Will Crawford</div>
+
+<p>This tale is of the War of 1812, and describes the events of the only
+land campaign of 1812-1814 in which the Americans were entirely
+successful.<br /><br /></p>
+
+
+<div class='hang1'><b>JACK MORGAN: A Boy of 1812</b> Illustrated by Will Crawford</div>
+
+<p>It is the adventures of a boy of the frontier during the great fight
+that Harrison made on land, and Perry on the lakes for the security of
+the border.<br /><br /></p>
+
+
+<div class='hang1'><b>THE NOANK'S LOG: A Privateer of the Revolution</b> Illustrated by Will
+Crawford</div>
+
+<p>The further adventures of the plucky Guert Ten Eyck, as he fought King
+George on land and sea.<br /><br /></p>
+
+
+<div class='hang1'><b>THE DESPATCH BOAT OF THE WHISTLE: A Story of Santiago</b> Illustrated by
+Frank T. Merrill</div>
+
+<p>A breezy story of a newspaper despatch boat, in the war with Spain.<br /><br /></p>
+
+
+<div class='hang1'><b>GUERT TEN EYCK</b> Illustrated by Frank T. Merrill</div>
+
+<p>A hero story of real American girls and boys, in the <ins title="Transcriber's Note: original reads 'America'">American</ins>
+Revolution.<br /><br /></p>
+
+
+<div class='hang1'><b>THE PARTNERS</b> Illustrated by Albert Scott Cox</div>
+
+<p>A capital story of a bright, go-ahead country girl and two boys who
+helped her keep store.<br /><br /></p>
+
+
+<div class='hang1'><b>CHUCK PURDY: A New York Boy</b> Illustrated</div>
+
+<p>A delightful story of boy life in New York City.<br /><br /></p>
+
+
+<div class='hang1'><b>GID GRANGER: A Country Boy</b> Illustrated</div>
+
+<p>A capital story of American life.</p>
+
+<hr style='width: 25%;' />
+
+<div class='center'>
+<b>For sale by all booksellers or sent postpaid on receipt of price by the publishers,<br />
+<br />
+LOTHROP, &nbsp;&nbsp;LEE &nbsp;&nbsp;&amp;&nbsp;&nbsp; SHEPARD&nbsp;&nbsp; CO., &nbsp;&nbsp;BOSTON</b></div>
+
+
+
+
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_315" id="Page_315">[315]</a></span><br />
+</p><div class='bbox'>
+<h2>George Cary Eggleston's Juveniles</h2>
+
+
+<h3>The Bale Marked Circle X</h3>
+
+<div class='center'><big>A Blockade Running Adventure</big><br />
+
+<b>Illustrated by C. Chase Emerson. 12mo, red cloth, illustrated cover,
+$1.50.</b></div>
+
+<p>Another of Mr. Eggleston's stirring books for youth. In it are told the
+adventures of three boy soldiers in the Confederate Service who are sent
+in a sloop on a secret voyage from Charleston to the Bahamas, conveying
+a strange bale of cotton which holds important documents. The boys pass
+through startling adventures: they run the blockade, suffer shipwreck,
+and finally reach their destination after the pluckiest kind of effort.</p>
+
+
+<h3>Camp Venture</h3>
+
+<div class='center'><big>A Story of the Virginia Mountains</big><br />
+
+<b>Illustrated by W. A. McCullough. 12mo, dark red cloth, illustrated
+cover, $1.50.</b></div>
+
+<p>The <i>Louisville Courier Journal</i> says: "George Cary Eggleston has
+written a decidedly good tale of pluck and adventure in 'Camp Venture.'
+It will be of interest to young and old who enjoy an exciting story, but
+there is also a great deal of instruction and information in the book."</p>
+
+
+<h3>The Last of the Flatboats</h3>
+
+<div class='center'><big>A Story of the Mississippi</big><br />
+
+<b>Illustrated by Charlotte Harding. 12mo, green cloth, illustrated cover,
+$1.50.</b></div>
+
+<p>The <i>Brooklyn Eagle</i> says: "Mr. George Cary Eggleston, the veteran
+editor and author, has scored a double success in his new book, 'The
+Last of the Flatboats,' which has just been published. Written primarily
+as a story for young readers, it contains many things that are of
+interest to older people. Altogether, it is a mighty good story, and
+well worth reading."</p>
+
+<h3>
+Lothrop, Lee &amp; Shepard Co., Boston</h3>
+</div>
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_316" id="Page_316">[316]</a></span><br /></p>
+<p><br /><br />&nbsp;</p>
+
+<div class='bbox'>
+<h2><i>By Chaplain H. H. CLARK, U.S.N.</i></h2>
+</div>
+<div class='bbox'>
+<h2>THE ADMIRAL'S AID</h2>
+
+<div class='center'><i>A Story of Life in the New Navy</i><br /><br />
+
+12mo, blue cloth, illustrated by I. B. HAZELTON <b>$1.25</b></div>
+
+<p>In this favorite author's two earlier books we learned somewhat of the
+old navy. In this story it is the new navy, with all of its progress and
+development, which engages our attention. But the hope of the new navy
+is built upon the same qualities that have distinguished officers and
+men from its beginning. These Chaplain Clark portrays, to the delight of
+every reader, in this thrilling story.</p>
+
+</div><div class='bbox'>
+
+<h2>JOE BENTLY, Naval Cadet</h2>
+
+<div class='center'>12mo, blue cloth, illustrated by F. O. SMALL. <b>$1.25</b></div>
+
+<p>In this story Joe Bently meets with many new and intensely interesting
+adventures.</p>
+
+</div><div class='bbox'>
+
+<h2>BOY LIFE IN THE UNITED<br />STATES NAVY</h2>
+
+<div class='center'>12mo, blue cloth, illustrated. <b>$1.25</b></div>
+
+<p>The book is a true picture of a healthy, attractive life of the navy
+that is little known to the general public, and full enough of
+adventures to please all classes of readers.</p>
+
+</div><div class='bbox'>
+
+<h3>
+Lothrop, Lee &amp; Shepard Co., Boston<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_317" id="Page_317">[317]</a></span><br />
+</h3></div>
+
+
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+<h2><i>YOUNG DEFENDER SERIES</i></h2>
+
+<h3>By ELBRIDGE S. BROOKS</h3>
+
+<hr style='width: 45%;' />
+
+
+<div class='center'>
+<table border="0" cellpadding="4" cellspacing="0" summary="In Defense of the Flag ad">
+<tr><td align='left'>
+<h3>IN DEFENCE OF THE FLAG</h3>
+<div class='unindent'><b>A Boy's Adventures in Spain and Cuba in the War of 1898</b><br />
+Illustrated by W. F. <span class="smcap">Stecher</span> &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 12mo &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Cloth  $1.25<br />
+
+<br />
+<big>A</big> STORY of action and adventure such as all healthy boys like, telling
+of a plucky young American who defended his country's flag against mobs
+in Spain and foemen in Cuba, and had many thrilling experiences.</div>
+
+<div class="blockquot"><p>"Suffice it to say that he will be a lucky boy,
+with many a thrill before him, who finds this book
+in his Christmas stocking. Don is a hero after
+every boy's heart."&mdash;<i>Boston Herald.</i></p></div>
+</td><td align='left'><img src="images/9defenceflag.jpg" width="116" height="150" alt="IN DEFENCE OF THE FLAG" title="" />
+</td></tr>
+</table></div>
+
+
+
+<h3>WITH LAWTON AND ROBERTS</h3>
+<div class='unindent'><b>A Boy's Adventures in the Philippines and the Transvaal</b><br />
+
+Illustrated by C. <span class="smcap">Chase Emerson</span> &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 12mo &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Cloth  $1.25<br />
+<br />
+
+<big>T</big>HE stirring adventures of a manly American boy who follows Lawton in
+his last campaigns, and by a singular train of circumstances has "moving
+accidents by flood and field," in two wars, with American soldiers,
+Filipino insurrectos, Malay pirates, English troopers, and Boer
+burghers.</div>
+
+<div class="blockquot"><p>"Mr. Brooks presents vivid pictures of both wars,
+so widely separated. His pages are full of the
+swift moving incidents which boys love. Dull indeed
+must be the young reader whose interest
+flags."&mdash;<i>Boston Journal.</i></p></div>
+
+
+
+<div class='center'>
+<table border="0" cellpadding="4" cellspacing="0" summary="UNDER THE ALLIED FLAGS ad">
+<tr><td align='left'><img src="images/10underflag.jpg" width="87" height="150" alt="UNDER THE ALLIED FLAGS" title="" />
+</td><td align='left'><h3>UNDER THE ALLIED FLAGS</h3>
+<div class='unindent'><b>A Boy's Adventures in China During the Boxer Revolt</b>
+<br />
+Illustrated by W. F. <span class="smcap">Stecher</span> &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;  12mo  &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Cloth &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;  $1.25<br />
+<br />
+
+<big>T</big>HE stirring story of an American boy's adventures in Tien Tsin and
+Pekin, in the ranks of the International troops and as one of the
+defenders of the beleaguered legations. Up-to-date, absorbing, and full
+of healthy excitement. Characters who are in the stories "With Lawton
+and Roberts" and "In Defence of the Flag" reappear in this story.</div>
+
+<div class="blockquot"><p>"Men and women, boys and girls, of all the mingled
+nationalities that made this war in China so
+picturesque, appear in the story and give it vigor,
+variety, and unflagging interest."&mdash;<i>Cleveland
+World.</i></p></div></td></tr>
+</table></div>
+
+
+
+
+
+<hr style='width: 25%;' />
+
+<div class='center'>
+<b>For sale by all booksellers or sent postpaid on receipt of price<br />
+by the publishers,<br />
+<br />
+LOTHROP, &nbsp;&nbsp;LEE &nbsp;&nbsp;&amp;&nbsp;&nbsp; SHEPARD&nbsp;&nbsp; CO., &nbsp;&nbsp;BOSTON</b></div>
+
+
+<hr style='width: 65%;' />
+
+<div class='tnote'><h3>Transcriber's Notes:</h3>
+<p>Obvious punctuation errors repaired.</p>
+<p>Page 139, text missing was presumed. <br /></p>
+<div class='blockquot'>Original read:
+<br />the position, if I &nbsp;&nbsp; f
+&nbsp;&nbsp; every dec &nbsp;&nbsp; <br />
+fellow in the Institute had &nbsp;&nbsp; outraged &nbsp;&nbsp;nd &nbsp;&nbsp;<br />[Page Break]
+<br />sulted</div>
+
+<p>Page 172, paragraph break inserted between the lines:</p>
+<div class='blockquot'>
+<p>"Ay!" shouted the students, with one voice.</p>
+
+<p>"Those opposed, say no."</p></div>
+<p>The remaining corrections made are indicated by dotted lines under the corrections. Scroll the mouse over the word and the original text will <ins title="Transcriber's Note: original reads 'apprear'">appear</ins>.</p></div>
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+<pre>
+
+
+
+
+
+End of the Project Gutenberg EBook of Breaking Away, by Oliver Optic
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+</pre>
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+</body>
+</html>
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+The Project Gutenberg EBook of Breaking Away, by Oliver Optic
+
+This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with
+almost no restrictions whatsoever.  You may copy it, give it away or
+re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included
+with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.org
+
+
+Title: Breaking Away
+       or The Fortunes of a Student
+
+Author: Oliver Optic
+
+Illustrator: Kilburn
+
+Release Date: August 29, 2007 [EBook #22433]
+
+Language: English
+
+Character set encoding: ASCII
+
+*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK BREAKING AWAY ***
+
+
+
+
+Produced by David Edwards, Emmy and the Online Distributed
+Proofreading Team at http://www.pgdp.net (This file was
+produced from scans of public domain material produced by
+Microsoft for their Live Search Books site.)
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+  [Illustration: BREAKING AWAY
+        AMERICAN
+        BOYS
+        SERIES]
+
+
+
+
+THE STARRY FLAG SERIES,
+
+BY OLIVER OPTIC.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+          I. THE STARRY FLAG; OR, THE YOUNG FISHERMAN OF CAPE ANN.
+
+         II. FREAKS OF FORTUNE; OR, HALF ROUND THE WORLD.
+
+        III. BREAKING AWAY; OR, THE FORTUNES OF A STUDENT.
+
+         IV. SEEK AND FIND; OR, THE ADVENTURES OF A SMART BOY.
+
+          V. MAKE OR BREAK; OR, THE RICH MAN'S DAUGHTER.
+
+         VI. DOWN THE RIVER; OR, BUCK BRADFORD AND HIS TYRANTS.
+
+[Illustration: THE REBELLION IN THE PARKVILLE LITERARY
+INSTITUTE.--Page 30.]
+
+
+
+
+BREAKING AWAY;
+
+OR,
+
+THE FORTUNES OF A STUDENT.
+
+BY
+
+OLIVER OPTIC,
+
+        AUTHOR OF "YOUNG AMERICA ABROAD," "THE ARMY AND NAVY STORIES,"
+           "THE WOODVILLE STORIES," "THE BOAT-CLUB STORIES,"
+                 "THE RIVERDALE STORIES," ETC.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+        BOSTON:
+        LOTHROP, LEE & SHEPARD CO.
+
+
+
+
+ Entered, according to Act of Congress, in the year 1867, by
+        WILLIAM T. ADAMS,
+ In the Clerk's Office of the District Court of the District
+ of Massachusetts.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+        COPYRIGHT, 1895, BY WILLIAM T. ADAMS.
+               _All rights reserved._
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+        BREAKING AWAY.
+
+
+
+
+                    TO
+
+             MY YOUNG FRIEND,
+
+           _HARLAN H. BALLARD_,
+
+                This Book
+
+        IS AFFECTIONATELY DEDICATED.
+
+
+
+
+PREFACE.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+"BREAKING AWAY" is the second of the series of stories published in
+"OUR BOYS AND GIRLS," and the author had no reason to complain of the
+reception accorded to it by his young friends, as it appeared in the
+weekly issues of the Magazine; but, on the contrary, he finds renewed
+occasion cordially to thank them for their continued appreciation of
+his earnest efforts to please them.
+
+After an experience of more than twenty years as a teacher, the writer
+did not expect his young friends to sympathize with the schoolmaster
+of this story, for doubtless many of them have known and despised a
+similar creature in real life. Mr. Parasyte is not a myth; but we are
+grateful that an enlightened public sentiment is every year rendering
+more and more odious the petty tyrant of the school-room, and we are
+too happy to give this retreating personage a parting blow as he
+retires from the scene of his fading glories.
+
+Rebellions, either in the school or in the state, are always dangerous
+and demoralizing; but while we unequivocally condemn the tyrant in
+our story, we cannot always approve the conduct of his pupils. One
+evil gives birth to another; but even a righteous end cannot justify
+immoral means, and we beg to remind our young and enthusiastic readers
+that Ernest Thornton and his friends were compelled to acknowledge
+that they had done wrong in many things, and that "Breaking Away" was
+deemed a very doubtful expedient for the redress even of a real wrong.
+
+As it was impossible for Ernest to relate the whole of his eventful
+history in one volume, Breaking Away will be immediately followed by a
+sequel,--"Seek and Find,"--in which the hero will narrate his
+adventures in seeking and finding his mother, of whose tender care he
+was deprived from his earliest childhood.
+
+ HARRISON SQUARE, MASS.,
+   September 23, 1867.
+
+
+
+
+CONTENTS.
+
+
+        CHAPTER I.                                           PAGE
+  IN WHICH ERNEST THORNTON INTRODUCES HIMSELF.                 11
+
+        CHAPTER II.
+  IN WHICH THERE IS TROUBLE IN THE PARKVILLE LIBERAL
+    INSTITUTE.                                                 22
+
+        CHAPTER III.
+  IN WHICH ERNEST IS EXPELLED FROM THE PARKVILLE LIBERAL
+    INSTITUTE.                                                 33
+
+        CHAPTER IV.
+  IN WHICH ERNEST SAILS THE SPLASH, AND TAKES A BATH.          44
+
+        CHAPTER V.
+  IN WHICH ERNEST DECLINES A PROPOSITION.                      55
+
+        CHAPTER VI.
+  IN WHICH ERNEST FINDS HIS FELLOW-STUDENTS IN OPEN REBELLION. 66
+
+        CHAPTER VII.
+  IN WHICH ERNEST ATTENDS THE TRIAL OF BILL POODLES AND DICK
+    PEARL.                                                     78
+
+        CHAPTER VIII.
+  IN WHICH ERNEST VANQUISHES THE SCHOOLMASTER.                 89
+
+        CHAPTER IX.
+  IN WHICH ERNEST STRIKES A HEAVY BLOW, AND WINS ANOTHER
+    VICTORY.                                                  100
+
+        CHAPTER X.
+  IN WHICH ERNEST HAS AN INTERVIEW WITH HIS UNCLE.            111
+
+        CHAPTER XI.
+  IN WHICH ERNEST IS DISOWNED AND CAST OUT.                   122
+
+        CHAPTER XII.
+  IN WHICH ERNEST RAISES THE SPLASH, AND THERE IS A GENERAL
+    BREAKING AWAY AMONG THE STUDENTS.                         132
+
+        CHAPTER XIII.
+  IN WHICH ERNEST IS CHOSEN COMMODORE OF THE FLEET.           144
+
+        CHAPTER XIV.
+  IN WHICH ERNEST IS WAITED UPON BY A DEPUTY SHERIFF.         155
+
+        CHAPTER XV.
+  IN WHICH ERNEST AND THE COMMISSARY VISIT CANNONDALE.        166
+
+        CHAPTER XVI.
+  IN WHICH ERNEST CONVEYS THE STUDENTS TO PINE ISLAND.        177
+
+        CHAPTER XVII.
+  IN WHICH ERNEST FINDS THERE IS TREASON IN THE CAMP.         188
+
+        CHAPTER XVIII.
+  IN WHICH ERNEST AND HIS COMPANIONS LAND AT CANNONDALE.      199
+
+        CHAPTER XIX.
+  IN WHICH ERNEST AND HIS FRIENDS ARE DISGUSTED WITH MR.
+    PARASYTE'S INGRATITUDE.                                   211
+
+        CHAPTER XX.
+  IN WHICH ERNEST TAKES THE WHEEL OF THE ADIENO.              222
+
+        CHAPTER XXI.
+  IN WHICH ERNEST CONTINUES TO ACT AS PILOT OF THE STEAMER.   233
+
+        CHAPTER XXII.
+  IN WHICH ERNEST PILOTS THE ADIENO TO "THE SISTERS."         244
+
+        CHAPTER XXIII.
+  IN WHICH ERNEST TAKES COMMAND OF THE EXPEDITION.            255
+
+        CHAPTER XXIV.
+  IN WHICH ERNEST ENGAGES IN AN EXCITING STEAMBOAT RACE.      266
+
+        CHAPTER XXV.
+  IN WHICH ERNEST PILOTS THE ADIENO TO PARKVILLE.             277
+
+        CHAPTER XXVI
+  IN WHICH ERNEST FINDS A CHANGE IN THE MANAGEMENT OF
+    THE INSTITUTE.                                            287
+
+
+
+
+BREAKING AWAY;
+
+OR,
+
+THE FORTUNES OF A STUDENT.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER I.
+
+IN WHICH ERNEST THORNTON INTRODUCES HIMSELF.
+
+
+"Ernest Thornton!" called Mr. Parasyte, the principal of the Parkville
+Liberal Institute, in a tone so stern and severe that it was
+impossible to mistake his meaning, or not to understand that a tempest
+was brewing. "Ernest Thornton!"
+
+As that was my name, I replied to the summons by rising, and
+exhibiting my full length to all the boys assembled in the
+school-room--about one hundred in number.
+
+"Ernest Thornton!" repeated Mr. Parasyte, not satisfied with the
+demonstration I had made.
+
+"Sir!" I replied, in a round, full, square tone, which was intended to
+convince the principal that I was ready to "face the music."
+
+"Ernest Thornton, I am informed that you have been engaged in a
+fight," he continued, in a tone a little less sharp than that with
+which he had pronounced my name; and I had the vanity to believe that
+the square tone in which I had uttered the single word I had been
+called upon to speak had produced a salutary impression upon him.
+
+"I haven't been engaged in any fight, sir," I replied, with all the
+dignity becoming a boy of fourteen.
+
+"Sir! what do you mean by denying it?" added Mr. Parasyte, working
+himself up into a magnificent mood, which was intended to crush me by
+its very majesty--but it didn't.
+
+"I have not engaged in any fight, sir," I repeated, with as much
+decision as the case seemed to require.
+
+"Didn't you strike William Poodles?" demanded he, fiercely.
+
+"Yes, sir, I did. Bill Poodles hit me in the head, and I knocked him
+over in self-defence--that was all, sir."
+
+"Don't you call that a fight, sir?" said Mr. Parasyte, knitting his
+brows, and looking savage enough to swallow me.
+
+"No, sir; I do not. I couldn't stand still and let him pound me."
+
+"You irritated him in the beginning, and provoked him to strike the
+blow. I hold you responsible for the fight."
+
+"I had no intention to irritate him, and I did not wish to provoke
+him."
+
+"I hold you responsible for the fight, Thornton," said the principal
+again.
+
+I supposed he would, for Poodles was the son of a very wealthy and
+aristocratic merchant in the city of New York, while I belonged to
+what the principal regarded as an inferior order of society. At least
+twenty boys in the Parkville Liberal Institute came upon the
+recommendation of Poodle's father, while not a single one had been
+lured into these classic shades by the influence of my family--if I
+could be said to belong to any family. Besides, I was but a day
+scholar, and my uncle paid only tuition bills for me, while most of
+the pupils were boarders at the Institute.
+
+I am writing of events which took place years ago, but I have seen no
+reason to change the opinion then formed, that Mr. Parasyte, the
+principal, was a "toady" of the first water; that he was a
+narrow-minded, partial man, in whom the principle of justice had never
+been developed. He was a good teacher, an excellent teacher; by which
+I mean only to say that he had a rare skill and tact for imparting
+knowledge, the mere dry bones of art, science, and philosophy. He was
+a capital scholar himself, and a capital teacher; but that is the most
+that can be said of him.
+
+I have no hesitation in saying that his influence upon the boys was
+bad, as that of every narrow-minded, partial, and unjust man must be;
+and if I had any boys to send away to a boarding school, they should
+go to a good and true man, even if I knew him to be, intellectually,
+an inferior teacher, rather than to such a person as Mr. Parasyte. He
+"toadied" to the rich boys, and oppressed the poorer ones. Poodles
+was the most important boy in the school, and he was never punished
+for his faults, which were not few, nor compelled to learn his
+lessons, as other boys were. But I think Poodles hated the magnate of
+the Parkville Liberal Institute as much as any other boy.
+
+Parkville is situated on Lake Adieno, a beautiful sheet of water,
+twenty miles in length, in the very heart of the State of New York.
+The town was a thriving place of four thousand inhabitants, at which a
+steamboat stopped twice every day in her trip around the lake. The
+academy was located at the western verge of the town, while my home
+was about a mile beyond the eastern line of the village.
+
+I lived with my uncle, Amos Thornton. His residence was a vine-clad
+cottage, built in the Swiss style, on the border of the lake, the lawn
+in front of it extending down to the water's edge. My uncle was a
+strange man. He had erected this cottage ten years before the time at
+which my story opens, when I was a mere child. He had employed in the
+beginning, before the house was completed, a man and his wife as
+gardener and housekeeper, and they had been residents in the cottage
+ever since.
+
+I said that my uncle was a strange man; and so he was. He hardly ever
+spoke a word to any one, and never unless it was absolutely necessary
+to do so. He was not one of the talking kind; and old Jerry, the
+gardener, and old Betsey, the housekeeper, seemed to have been cast in
+the same mould. I never heard them talking to each other, and they
+certainly never spoke to me unless I asked them a question, and then
+only in the briefest manner.
+
+I never knew what to make of my uncle Amos. He had a little room,
+which he called his library, in one corner of the house, which could
+be entered only by passing through his bedroom. In this apartment he
+spent most of his time, though he went out to walk every day, while I
+was at school; but, if he saw me coming, he always retreated to the
+house. He was gloomy and misanthropic; he never went to church
+himself, though he always compelled me to go, and also to attend the
+Sunday school. He did not go into society, and had little or nothing
+to do with, or to say to, the people of Parkville. He never troubled
+them, and they were content to let him alone.
+
+As may well be supposed, my life at the cottage was not the
+pleasantest that could be imagined. It was hardly a home, only a
+stopping-place to me. It was gloom and silence there, and my uncle was
+the lord of the silent land. Such a life was not to my taste, and I
+envied the boys and girls of my acquaintance in Parkville, as I saw
+them talking and laughing with their fathers and mothers, their
+brothers and sisters, or gathered in the social circle around the
+winter fire. It seemed to me that their cup of joy was full, while
+mine was empty. I longed for friends and companions to share with me
+the cares and the pleasures of life.
+
+Of myself I knew little or nothing. My memory hardly reached farther
+back than the advent of my uncle at Lake Adieno, and all my early
+associations were connected with the cottage and its surroundings. I
+had a glimmering and indistinct idea of something before our coming to
+Parkville. It seemed to me that I had once known a motherly lady with
+a sweet and lovely expression on her face; and I had a faint
+recollection of looking out upon a dreary waste of waters; but I could
+not fix the idea distinctly in my mind. I supposed that the lady was
+my mother. I made several vain efforts to induce my uncle to tell me
+something about her; if he knew anything, he would not tell me.
+
+Old Jerry and his wife evidently had no knowledge whatever in regard
+to me before my uncle brought me to Parkville. They could not tell me
+anything, and my uncle would not. Though I was a boy of only fourteen,
+this concealment of my birth and parentage troubled me. I was told
+that my father was dead; and this was all the information I could
+obtain. Where he had lived, when and where he died, I was not
+permitted to know. If I asked a question, my uncle turned on his heel
+and left me, with no reply.
+
+The vision of the motherly lady, distant and indistinct as it was,
+haunted me like a familiar melody. If the person was my mother, why
+should her very name be kept from me? If she was still living, why
+could I not go to her? If she was dead, why might I not water the
+green sod above her grave with my tears, and plant the sweetest
+flowers by her tombstone? I was dissatisfied with my lot, and I was
+determined, at no distant day, to wring from my silent uncle the
+particulars of my early history. I was so eager to get this knowledge
+that I was almost ready to take him by the throat, if need be, and
+force out the truth from between his closed lips.
+
+I never had an opportunity to speak with him; but I could make the
+opportunity. He took no notice of me; he avoided me; he seemed hardly
+to be conscious of my existence. Yet he was not a hard man, in the
+common sense of the word. He clothed me as well as the best boys in
+the Institute. If I wanted anything for the table, old Jerry was
+ordered to procure it. When I was ten years old a little row-boat was
+furnished for me; but before I was fourteen I wanted something better,
+and told my uncle so. He made me no reply; but on my next birthday a
+splendid sail-boat floated on the lake before the house, which Jerry
+said had been built for me. I told my silent lord that I was much
+obliged to him for his very acceptable present, when I happened to
+catch him on the lawn. He turned on his heel, and fled as though I had
+stung him with the sting of ingratitude.
+
+If I wanted anything, I had only to mention it; and no one criticised
+my conduct, whatever I did. I was free to go and come when I pleased;
+and though in vacation I was absent three days at once in my boat, no
+one asked me where I had been, or what I had done. Neither my uncle
+nor his silent satellites ever expressed a fear that I might be
+drowned in my voyages in night and storm on the lake; and I came to
+the conclusion that no one would care if I were lost.
+
+I do not know how, under such a home government, I ever became a
+decent fellow. I do not know why I am not now a pirate, a freebooter,
+a pickpocket, or a nuisance to myself and the world in some other
+capacity. I have come to believe since that my inherited good
+qualities saved me under such an utter neglect of all home influences.
+It is a marvel to me that I was not ruined before I was twenty-one;
+and from the deepest depths of my heart I thank God for his mercy in
+sparing me from the fate which generally and naturally overtakes such
+a neglected child.
+
+At the age of twelve, after I had passed through the common school of
+the town, I was admitted to the Parkville Liberal Institute, which I
+wished to attend because a friend of mine in the town was there. My
+uncle did not object--he never objected to anything. Without pride or
+vanity I may say that I was a good scholar, and I took the highest
+rank at the academy. When I was about twelve years old, some
+instructions which I received in the Sunday school produced a strong
+impression on my mind, and led me to take my stand for life. I tried
+to be true to God and myself, to be just and manly in all things.
+Whatever the world may sneeringly say of goodness and truth, I am sure
+that I owe my popularity among the boys of the Parkville Liberal
+Institute to these endeavors--not always successful--to do right.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER II.
+
+IN WHICH THERE IS TROUBLE IN THE PARKVILLE LIBERAL INSTITUTE.
+
+
+I wish to say in the beginning, and once for all, that I did not set
+myself up as a saint, or even as a model boy. I made no pretensions,
+but I did try to be good and true. I felt that I had no one in this
+world to rely upon for my future; everything depended upon myself
+alone, and I realized the responsibility of building up my own
+character. I do not mean to assert that I had all these ideas and
+purposes clearly defined in my own mind; only that I had a simple
+abstract desire to be good, and to do good, without knowing precisely
+in what the being and the doing consisted. My notions, many of them, I
+am now aware, were crude and undefined.
+
+I have observed that I was a favorite among the boys of the
+Institute, a kind of leader and oracle among them, though I was not
+fully conscious of the fact at the time. While I now think I owe the
+greater portion of the esteem and regard in which I was held by my
+companions to my desire to be good and true, I must acknowledge that
+other circumstances had their influence upon them. I was the owner of
+the best boat on Lake Adieno, and to the boys this was a matter of no
+small consequence. There were half a dozen row-boats belonging to the
+academy, but nothing that carried a sail.
+
+I always had money. I had only to ask my uncle for any sum I wanted,
+and it was given me, without a question as to its intended use. I
+mention the fact to his discredit, and it would have been a luxury to
+me to have had him manifest interest enough in my welfare to refuse my
+request.
+
+I was naturally enterprising and fearless, and was therefore foremost
+in all feats of daring, in all trials of skill in athletic games.
+Indeed, to sum up the estimate which was made of me by my associates
+in school and the people of Parkville, I was "a smart boy." Perhaps
+my vanity was tickled once or twice by hearing this appellation
+applied to me; but I am sure I was not spoiled by the favor with which
+I was regarded.
+
+Though I was not an unhappy boy, there was an aching void in my heart
+which I could not fill, a longing for such a home as hundreds of my
+young friends enjoyed; and I would gladly have exchanged the freedom
+from restraint for which others envied me for the poorest home in the
+town, where I could have been welcomed by a fond mother, where I could
+have had a kind father to feel an interest in me.
+
+During the spring, summer, and autumn months, when the wind and
+weather would permit, I went to school in my sail-boat. My course lay
+along the shore, and if I was becalmed and likely to be tardy, I had
+only to moor my craft, and take to the road. At the noon intermission,
+therefore, my boat was available for use, and I always had a party.
+
+On the day that I was called up charged with fighting, the Splash--for
+that was the suggestive name I had chosen for my trim little
+craft--was lying at the boat pier on the lake in front of the
+Institute building. The forenoon session of the school had just
+closed, and I had gone to the boat to eat my dinner, which I always
+carried in the stern locker.
+
+Before I had finished, Bill Poodles came down with an Arithmetic in
+his hand. It was the dinner hour of the boarding students, and I
+wondered that Bill was not in the refectory. Our class had a difficult
+lesson in arithmetic that day, which I had worked out in the solitude
+of my chamber at the cottage the preceding evening. The students had
+been prohibited, under the most severe penalty, from assisting each
+other; and it appeared that Bill had vainly applied to half a dozen of
+his classmates for help: none of them dared to afford it.
+
+Bill Poodles was a disagreeable fellow, arrogant and "airy" as he was
+lazy and stupid. I doubt whether he ever learned a difficult task
+alone. The arithmetic lesson was a review of the principles which the
+class had gone over, and consisted of a dozen examples, printed on a
+slip of paper, to test the knowledge of the students; and it was
+intimated that those who failed would be sent down into a lower class.
+Bill dreaded anything like a degradation. He was proud, if he was
+lazy. He knew that I had performed the examples, and while his
+fellow-boarders were at dinner, he had stolen the opportunity to
+appeal to me for the assistance he so much needed.
+
+Though Bill was a disagreeable fellow, and though, in common with a
+majority of the students, I disliked him, I would willingly have
+assisted him if the prohibition to do so had not been so emphatic. Mr.
+Parasyte was so particular in the present instance, that the following
+declaration had been printed on the examination paper, and each boy
+was required to sign it:--
+
+_"I declare upon my honor, that I have had no assistance whatever in
+solving these examples, and that I have given none to others."_
+
+Bill begged me to assist him. I reasoned with him, and told him he had
+better fail in the review than forfeit his honor by subscribing to a
+falsehood. He made light of my scruples; and then I told him I had
+already signed my own paper, and would not falsify my statement.
+
+"Humph!" exclaimed he, with a sneer. "You hadn't given any one
+assistance when you signed, but you can do it now, and it will be no
+lie."
+
+I was indignant at the proposition, it was so mean and base; and I
+expressed myself squarely in regard to it. I had finished my dinner,
+and, closing the locker, stepped out of the boat upon the pier. Bill
+followed me, begging and pleading till I was disgusted with him. I
+told him then that I would not do what he asked if he teased me for a
+month. He was angry, and used insulting language. I turned on my heel
+to leave him. He interpreted this movement on my part as an act of
+cowardice, and, coming up behind me, struck me a heavy blow on the
+back of the head with his fist. He was on the point of following it up
+with another, when, though he was eighteen years old, and half a foot
+taller than I was, I hit him fairly in the eye, and knocked him over
+backwards, off the pier, and into the lake.
+
+A madder fellow than Bill Poodles never floundered in shallow water.
+The lake where he fell was not more than two or three feet deep, and
+doubtless its soft bosom saved him from severe injury. He picked
+himself up, and, dripping from his bath, rushed to the shore. He was
+insane with passion. Seizing a large stone, he hurled it at me. I
+moved towards him, with the intention of checking his demonstration,
+when his valor was swallowed up in discretion, and he rushed towards
+the school building.
+
+For this offence I was brought to the bar of Mr. Parasyte's uneven
+justice. Poodles had told his own story after changing his drabbled
+garments. It was unfortunate that there were no witnesses of the
+affray, for the principal would sooner have doubted the evidence of
+his own senses than the word of Bill Poodles, simply because it was
+not politic for him to do so. My accuser declared that he had spoken
+civilly and properly to me, and that I had insulted him. He had walked
+up to me, and placed his hand upon my shoulder, simply to attract my
+attention, when I had struck him a severe blow in the face, which had
+knocked him over backwards into the lake.
+
+In answer to this charge, I told the truth exactly as it was. Bill
+acknowledged that he had asked me some questions about the review
+lesson, which I had declined to answer. He was sorry he had offended
+so far, but was not angry at my refusal. He had determined to
+sacrifice his dinner, and his play during the intermission, to enable
+him to perform the examples. I persisted in the statement I had
+already made, and refused to modify it in any manner. It was the
+simple truth.
+
+"Ernest Thornton," said Mr. Parasyte, solemnly, "hitherto I have
+regarded you with favor. I have looked upon you as a worthy and
+deserving boy, and I confess my surprise and grief at the event of
+to-day. Not content with the dastardly assault committed upon William
+Poodles,--whose devotion to his duty and his studies has been
+manifested by the sacrifice of his dinner,--you utter the most
+barefaced falsehood which it was ever my misfortune to hear a boy
+tell."
+
+"I have told the truth, sir!" I exclaimed, my cheek burning with
+indignation.
+
+"Silence, sir! Such conduct and such a boy cannot be tolerated at the
+Parkville Liberal Institute. But in consideration of your former good
+conduct, I purpose to give you an opportunity to redeem your
+character."
+
+"My character don't need any redeeming," I declared, stoutly.
+
+"I see you are in a very unhappy frame of mind, and I fear you are
+incorrigible. But I must do my duty, and I proceed to pronounce your
+sentence, which is, that you be expelled from the Parkville Liberal
+Institute."
+
+"Bill Poodles is the biggest liar in the school!" shouted a daring
+little fellow among my friends, who were astounded at the result of
+the examination, and at the sentence.
+
+"That's so!" said another.
+
+"Yes!" "Yes!" "Yes!" shouted a dozen more. "Throw him over! Bill
+Poodles is the liar!"
+
+Mr. Parasyte was appalled at this demonstration--a demonstration which
+never could have occurred without the provocation of the grossest
+injustice. The boys were well disciplined, and the order of the
+Institute was generally unexceptionable. Such a flurry had never
+before been known, and it was evident that the students intended to
+take the law into their own hands. They acted upon the impulse of the
+moment, and I judged that at least one half of them were engaged in
+the demonstration.
+
+Poodles was a boy of no principle; he was notorious as a liar; and the
+boys regarded it as an outrage upon themselves and upon me that he
+should be believed, while my story appeared to have no weight
+whatever.
+
+Mr. Parasyte trembled, not alone with rage, but with fear. The
+startling event then transpiring threatened the peace, if not the very
+existence, of the Parkville Liberal Institute. I folded my arms,--for
+I felt my dignity,--and endeavored to be calm, though my bosom heaved
+and bounded with emotion.
+
+"Boys--young gentlemen, I--" the principal began.
+
+"Throw him over! Put him out!" yelled the students, excited beyond
+measure.
+
+"Young gentlemen!" shouted Mr. Parasyte.
+
+"Three cheers for Ernest Thornton!" hoarsely screamed Bob Hale, my
+intimate friend and longtime "crony."
+
+They were given with an enthusiasm which bordered on infatuation.
+
+"Will you hear me, students?" cried Mr. Parasyte.
+
+"No!" "No!" "No!" "Throw him over!" "Put him out!"
+
+The scene was almost as unpleasant to me as to the principal, proud as
+I was of the devotion of my friends. I did not wish to be vindicated
+in such a way, and I was anxious to put a stop to such disorderly
+proceedings. I raised my hand in an appealing gesture.
+
+"Fellow-students," said I; and the school-room was quiet.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER III.
+
+IN WHICH ERNEST IS EXPELLED FROM THE PARKVILLE LIBERAL INSTITUTE.
+
+
+"Fellow-students," I continued, when the school-room was still enough
+for me to be heard, "I am willing to submit to the rules of the
+Institute, and even to the injustice of the principal. For my sake, as
+well as for your own, behave like men."
+
+I folded my arms, and was silent again. I felt that it was better to
+suffer than to resist, and such an exhibition of rowdyism was not to
+my taste. I glanced at Mr. Parasyte, to intimate to him that he could
+say what he pleased; and he took the hint.
+
+"Young gentlemen, this is a new experience to me. In twenty years as a
+teacher, I have never been thus insulted."
+
+This was an imprudent remark.
+
+"Be fair, then!" shouted Bob Hale; and the cry was repeated by others,
+until the scene of disorder promised to be renewed.
+
+I raised my hand, and shook my head, deprecating the conduct of the
+boys. Once more they heeded, though it was evidently as a particular
+favor to me, rather than because it was in keeping with their ideas of
+right and justice.
+
+"I intend to be fair, young gentlemen," continued Mr. Parasyte; "that
+is the whole study of my life. I am astonished and mortified at this
+unlooked-for demonstration. I was about to make a further statement in
+regard to Thornton, when you interrupted me. I told you that I
+purposed to give him an opportunity to redeem his character. I intend
+to do my duty on this painful occasion, though the walls of the
+Parkville Liberal Institute should crumble above my head, and crush me
+in the dust."
+
+"Let her crumble!" said a reckless youth, as Mr. Parasyte waxed
+eloquent.
+
+"Will you be silent, or will you compel me to resort to that which I
+abhor--to physical force?"
+
+Some of the boys glanced at each other with a meaning smile when this
+remark was uttered; but I shook my head, to signify my disapprobation
+of anything like resistance or tumult.
+
+"Thornton," added Mr. Parasyte, turning to me, "I have fairly and
+impartially heard your story, and carefully weighed all your
+statements. I have come to the conclusion, deliberately and without
+prejudice, that you were the aggressor."
+
+"I was not, sir," I replied, as gently as I could speak, and yet as
+firmly.
+
+"It appears that Poodles placed his hand upon your arm merely to
+attract your attention; whereupon you struck him a severe blow in the
+face, which caused him to reel and fall over backward into the lake,"
+said Mr. Parasyte, so pompously that I could not tell whether he
+intended to "back out" of his position or not.
+
+"Poodles hit me in the head, and was on the point of repeating the
+blow, when I knocked him over in self-defence."
+
+"It does not appear to me that Poodles, who is a remarkably
+gentlemanly student, would have struck you for simply refusing to
+assist him about his examples. Such a course would not be consistent
+with the character of Poodles."
+
+"No, sir, I did not strike him at any time," protested Poodles.
+
+"I find it impossible to change my opinion of the merits of this case;
+and for the good of the Parkville Liberal Institute, I must adhere to
+the sentence I have already--with regret and sorrow--pronounced upon
+you. But--"
+
+There were again strong signs of another outbreak among the pupils,
+and I begged them to be silent.
+
+"The conduct of Thornton in this painful emergency merits and receives
+my approbation. His love of order and his efforts to preserve proper
+decorum in the school-room are worthy of the highest commendation,"
+continued Mr. Parasyte; "and I would gladly remit the penalty I have
+imposed upon him without any conditions whatever; but I feel that such
+a course, after the extraordinary events of this day, would be
+subversive of the discipline and good order which have ever
+characterized the Parkville Liberal Institute. I shall, however,
+impose a merely nominal condition upon Thornton, his compliance with
+which shall immediately restore him to the full enjoyment of his
+rights and privileges as a member of this academy. I wish to be as
+lenient as possible, and, as I observed, the penalty will be merely
+nominal.
+
+"As the quarrel occurred when the parties were alone, so also may the
+reparation be made in private; for after Thornton's magnanimous
+behavior to-day, under these trying circumstances, I do not wish to
+humiliate or mortify him. I wish that it were consistent with my ideas
+of stern duty to impose no penalty."
+
+Mr. Parasyte had certainly retreated a long way from his original
+position. I did not wish to be expelled, and I hailed with
+satisfaction his manifestation of leniency; and rather than lose the
+advantages of the school, I was willing to submit to the nominal
+penalty at which he hinted, supposing it would be a deprivation of
+some privilege.
+
+"I have not resisted your authority, sir; and I do not mean to do so
+now," I replied, submissively; for, as the popular sentiment of the
+students sustained me, I could afford to yield.
+
+"Your conduct since the quarrel is entirely satisfactory; I may say
+that it merits my admiration." This was toadying to the boys, whom he
+feared. "I have sentenced you to expulsion, the severest penalty known
+in the discipline of the Parkville Liberal Institute; but, Thornton, I
+propose to remit this penalty altogether on condition that, in
+private, and at your own convenience, but within one week, you
+apologize to Poodles for your conduct. I could not make the condition
+any milder, I think."
+
+Mr. Parasyte smiled as though he had entirely forgiven me; as though
+he had, in some mysterious manner, wiped out the stains of falsehood
+upon my character. I bowed, but made no reply. I was sentenced to
+expulsion; but the penalty was to be remitted on condition that I
+would apologize to Poodles.
+
+Apologize to Poodles! For what? For his attack upon me, or for the
+lies he had told about me? It was no more possible for me to apologize
+for knocking him over when he assailed me than it would have been for
+me to leap across Lake Adieno in the widest place. I did not wish to
+deprive myself of the advantages of attending the Parkville Liberal
+Institute; but if my remaining depended upon my humiliating myself
+before Poodles, upon my declaring that what I had done was wrong, when
+I believed it was right, I was no longer to be a student in the
+academy.
+
+The exercises of the school proceeded as usual for a couple of hours,
+and there were no further signs of insubordination among the boys. At
+recess I purposely kept away from my more intimate friends, for I did
+not wish to tell them what course I intended to pursue, fearful that
+it would renew the disturbance.
+
+An hour before the close of the session, the boys were required to
+bring in their examination papers in arithmetic. Every student, even
+to Poodles, handed in solutions to all the problems, and Mr. Parasyte
+and his assistants at once devoted themselves to the marking of them.
+In half an hour the principal was ready to report the result.
+
+Half a dozen of the class had all the examples right, and I was one of
+the number. Very much to my astonishment, Poodles also was announced
+as one of the six; and when his name was mentioned, a score of the
+students glanced at me.
+
+I did not understand it. I was quite satisfied that Poodles could not
+do the problems himself, and it was certain that he had obtained
+assistance from some one, though the declaration on the paper was duly
+signed. He had found a friend less scrupulous than I had been. Some
+one must have performed the examples for him; and as he had them all
+correct, it was evident that one of the six, who alone had presented
+perfect papers, must have afforded the assistance. After throwing out
+Poodles and myself, there were but four left; and two of these, to my
+certain knowledge, had joined in the demonstration in my favor:
+indeed, they were my friends beyond the possibility of a doubt.
+Between the other two I had no means of forming an opinion.
+
+During the afternoon Mr. Parasyte had been very uneasy and nervous. It
+was plain to him that he ruled the boys by their free will, rather
+than by his own power; and this was not a pleasant thing for a man
+like him to know. Doubtless he felt that he had dropped the reins of
+his team, which, though going very well just then, might take it into
+its head to run away with him whenever it was convenient. Probably he
+felt the necessity of doing something to reestablish his authority,
+and to obtain a stronger position than that he now occupied. If, with
+the experience I have since acquired, I could have spoken to him, I
+should have told him that justice and fairness alone would make him
+strong as a disciplinarian.
+
+"Poodles," said Mr. Parasyte, just before the close of the session, "I
+see that all your examples were correctly performed, and that you
+signed the declaration on the paper."
+
+"Yes, sir," replied Poodles.
+
+"When did you perform them?"
+
+"I did all but two of them last night."
+
+"And when did you do those two?" continued the principal, mildly, but
+with the air of a man who expects soon to make a triumphant point.
+
+"Between schools, at noon, while the students were at dinner and at
+play."
+
+"Very well. You had them all done but two when you met Thornton to-day
+noon?"
+
+"Yes, sir."
+
+"Thornton," added Mr. Parasyte, turning to me, "I have no disposition
+to hurry you in the unsettled case of to-day, though the result of
+Poodles's examination shows that he had no need of the assistance you
+say he asked of you; but perhaps it would be better that you should
+state distinctly whether or not you intend to apologize. It is quite
+possible that there was a misunderstanding between you and Poodles,
+which a mutual explanation might remove."
+
+"I do not think there was any misunderstanding," I replied.
+
+"If you wish to meet Poodles after school, I offer my services as a
+friend to assist in the adjustment of the dispute."
+
+"I don't want to meet him," said Poodles.
+
+Mr. Parasyte actually rebuked him for this illiberal sentiment; and
+while he was doing so, I added that I had no desire to meet Poodles,
+as proposed. I now think I was wrong; but I had a feeling that the
+principal intended to browbeat me into an acknowledgment.
+
+"Very well, Thornton; if you refuse to make peace, you must take the
+consequences. Do you intend to apologize to Poodles, or not?"
+
+"I do not, sir," I replied, decidedly.
+
+"Then you are expelled from the Parkville Liberal Institute."
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER IV.
+
+IN WHICH ERNEST SAILS THE SPLASH, AND TAKES A BATH.
+
+
+Difficult as the task was, I had thus far kept cool; but my sentence
+fell heavily upon me, and I could not help being angry, for I felt
+that I had been treated unfairly and unjustly. Poodles's statement had
+been accepted, and mine rejected; his word had been taken, while mine,
+which ought at least to have passed for as much as his, was utterly
+disregarded.
+
+I turned upon my heel and went to my seat. My movement was sharp and
+abrupt, but I did not say anything.
+
+"Stop!" said Mr. Parasyte, who evidently believed that the moment had
+come for him to vindicate his authority.
+
+I did not stop.
+
+"Stop, I say!" repeated the principal.
+
+I proceeded to pick up my books and papers, to enable me to comply
+literally with my sentence.
+
+"Come here, Thornton."
+
+I took no notice of the order, but continued to pack up my things.
+
+"Do you hear me?" demanded Mr. Parasyte, in a loud and angry tone.
+
+"I do hear you, sir. I have been expelled, and I don't care about
+listening to any more speeches."
+
+"If you don't come here, I'll bring you here," added the principal,
+with emphasis.
+
+Somewhat to my surprise, but greatly to my satisfaction, the boys made
+no demonstration in my favor. They seemed to think I was now in a mood
+to fight my own battle, though they were doubtless ready to aid me if
+I needed any help. Mr. Parasyte appeared to have begun in a way which
+indicated that he intended to maintain his authority, even at the risk
+of a personal encounter with me and the boys who had voluntarily
+espoused my cause.
+
+Having packed up my books and papers, I took the bundle under my arm,
+and deliberately walked out of the school-room. The principal ordered
+me to stop; but as he had already sentenced me to expulsion, I could
+see no reason why I should yield any further allegiance to the magnate
+of the institution. He was very angry, which was certainly an
+undignified frame of mind for a gentleman in his position; and I was
+smarting under the wrong and injustice done to me. Mr. Parasyte
+stopped to procure his hat, which gave me the advantage in point of
+time, and I reached the little pier at which my boat was moored before
+he overtook me.
+
+I hauled in the painter, and pushed off, hoisting the mainsail as the
+boat receded from the wharf. Mr. Parasyte reached the pier while I was
+thus engaged.
+
+"Stop, Thornton!" shouted he.
+
+"I would rather not stop any longer," I replied, running up the
+foresail.
+
+"Will you come back, or I shall bring you back?" demanded he,
+fiercely.
+
+"Neither, if you please."
+
+"If you wish to save trouble, you will come back," said he.
+
+"I'm not particular about saving trouble. If you have any business
+with me, I will return."
+
+"I have business with you."
+
+"Will you please to tell me what it is?"
+
+"No, I will not."
+
+"Then you will excuse me if I go home," I added, as I hoisted the jib.
+
+There was only a very light breeze, and the Splash went off very
+slowly. I took my seat at the helm, trying to keep as cool as
+possible, though my bosom bounded with emotion. I was playing a
+strange part, and I was not at home in it. I could not help feeling
+that I was riding "a high horse;" but the injustice done me seemed to
+warrant it.
+
+"Poodles, call the men," I heard Mr. Parasyte say to his flunky, and
+saw him run off to execute the command.
+
+"Once more, Thornton, I ask you to come back," said the principal,
+still standing on the pier, from which the Splash had receded not more
+than a couple of rods.
+
+"If you have any business with me, sir, I will do so," I replied. "You
+have expelled me from the school, and I don't think you have anything
+more to do with me."
+
+"I want no words or arguments. It will be better for you to come
+back."
+
+"Perhaps it will; but I shall not come."
+
+There was not breeze enough to enable me to make a mile an hour, and I
+had some doubts in regard to the result, if Mr. Parasyte persisted. He
+did persist, and presently Poodles returned with two men, who were
+employed upon the school estate, and whose services were so often
+required in the boats that they were good oarsmen. I comprehended the
+principal's plan at once. He intended to chase me in the boat, and
+bring me back by force. I was rather amused at the idea, and should
+have been more so if there had been a fair sailing breeze.
+
+The Splash was the fastest boat on the lake, or, at least, faster than
+any with which I had had an opportunity to measure paces. But it made
+but little difference how fast she was, as long as there was hardly
+wind enough to stiffen the mainsail. Mr. Parasyte ordered the men to
+take their places on the thwarts, and ship their oars. I saw that a
+little farther out from the shore there was a ripple on the water, and
+putting one of my oars out at the stern, I sculled till I caught the
+breeze, and the Splash went off at a little livelier pace.
+
+By this time all the boys had gathered on the bank of the lake to see
+the fun, and it _was_ fun to them. I knew that their sympathies were
+with me, and I only wished for a better breeze, that I might do
+justice to myself and to my boat. But the chances for me were
+improving as the Splash receded from the shore. Mr. Parasyte had taken
+his place in the stern sheets of the row-boat, and was urging forward
+the men at the oars, who were now pulling with all their might. I
+could not conceal from myself the fact that they were gaining rapidly
+upon me. Unless the wind increased, I should certainly be captured;
+for the two men with the principal would ask no better sport than to
+overhaul and roughly handle an unruly boy.
+
+But the wind continued to increase as I went farther out upon the
+lake, and I soon had all that was necessary to enable me to keep a
+"respectful distance" between the Splash and the row-boat. By this
+time my anger had abated, and I had begun to enjoy the affair. With a
+six-knot breeze I could have it all my own way. I could still see the
+boys on the shore, watching the chase with the liveliest interest and
+satisfaction. They were not silent observers, for an occasional cheer
+or shout was borne to my ears over the lake, and I could see the
+waving of hats, and the swinging of arms, with which my friends
+encouraged me to persevere.
+
+Mr. Parasyte was resolute. He felt, doubtless, that the reputation of
+the Parkville Liberal Institute, and his own reputation as a
+disciplinarian, were at stake. The tumult in the school-room early in
+the afternoon would weaken his power and influence over the boys,
+unless its effects were counteracted by a triumph over me. Right or
+wrong, he probably felt that he must put me down, or be sacrificed
+himself; and he continued to urge his oarsmen forward, intent upon
+capturing and subduing me.
+
+While I had the breeze I felt perfectly easy. I had stood out from the
+shore with the wind on the beam, and there was nothing to prevent my
+running before it directly to the cottage of my uncle. I was disposed
+to tantalize my pursuer, and wear out his men. I knew that my silent
+guardian would not thank me for leading Mr. Parasyte into his
+presence, and I was willing to gratify him in this instance. Besides,
+the students on the shore seemed to derive too much enjoyment from the
+scene to have the sport cut short. Hauling aft the sheets, I stood
+down the lake, close to the wind, until I had brought my pursuer
+astern of me. I then brought the Splash up into the wind, and coolly
+waited for the row-boat to come up within hailing distance.
+
+Mr. Parasyte, deceived by my position, thought his time had come. He
+was much excited, and with renewed zeal pressed his oarsmen to
+increase their efforts. When he had approached within a few rods of
+me, I put up the helm, and dashed away again towards the pier. Again I
+distanced him, and ran as near to the pier as I dared to go, fearful
+that I might lose the wind under the lee of a bluff below the school
+grounds. The boys hailed me with a cheer, which must have been
+anything but soothing to the feelings of Mr. Parasyte. Then, "wing and
+wing," I ran off before the wind; and, still unwilling to deprive my
+friends of the excitement of witnessing the race, I again stood out
+towards the middle of the lake.
+
+The principal could not give up the pursuit without abandoning the
+high position he had taken, and subjecting himself to the derision of
+the students. He followed me, therefore, and I led him over the same
+course he had gone before. On my return I unfortunately ran in a
+little too near the shore, and got under the lee of the bluff, which
+nearly becalmed me. I realized that I had made a fatal blunder, and I
+wished I had disappointed the boys, and continued on my course across
+the lake, where the wind favored me. I tried to scull the Splash out
+of the still water before Mr. Parasyte came up.
+
+"Pull with all your might, men!" said the principal, excitedly; and
+they certainly did so.
+
+Seeing that he was upon me, I attempted to come about, and run off
+before the wind; but I had lost my steerage-way. I suppose I was
+somewhat "flurried" by the danger of my situation, and did not do as
+well as I might have done.
+
+"Pull! Pull!" shouted Mr. Parasyte, nervously, as he steered the
+row-boat.
+
+Thus urged, the men did pull better than I had ever known them to do
+before. The principal of the Parkville Liberal Institute was no
+boatman himself, and his calculations were miserably deficient, or
+else his intentions were more vicious than I had given him credit for.
+He was angry and excited; and as I looked at him, it seemed to me that
+he did not know what he was about. The Splash lay broadside to him.
+She was a beautiful craft, built light and graceful, rather than
+strong and substantial. On the other hand, the row-boat was a solid,
+sharp, ram-nosed craft, setting low in the water; and on it came at
+the highest speed to which it could be urged by the powerful muscles
+of the strong men at the oars.
+
+"Pull! Pull!" repeated Mr. Parasyte, fiercely, under the madness of
+the excitement and the resentment caused by the hard chase I had led
+him.
+
+"Down with your helm, or you will smash me!" I shouted, seeing that a
+collision was inevitable.
+
+If Mr. Parasyte did not intend to run me down, my warning was too
+late. The row-boat came upon me like a whirlwind, striking the Splash
+on the beam, below her water-line, and staving in her side as though
+she had been a card box. I do not know whether this was a part of the
+principal's programme or not; but my boat was most effectually
+smashed, and, being heavily ballasted, she went down like a rock. It
+was hardly an instant after the shock before I felt her sinking
+beneath me. The two men at the oars of the principal's boat, without
+any order from Mr. Parasyte,--for he knew not what to do,--backed
+water. I could swim like a fish; and as the Splash sank beneath me, I
+struck out from the wreck, and was left like a waif floating upon the
+glassy surface of the lake.
+
+[Illustration: ERNEST SAILS THE SPLASH AND TAKES A BATH. Page 54.]
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER V.
+
+IN WHICH ERNEST DECLINES A PROPOSITION.
+
+
+The battle had been fought and lost to me. Mr. Parasyte, roused to the
+highest pitch of anger and excitement, seemed to be determined to
+overwhelm me. He was reckless and desperate. He had smashed my boat
+apparently with as little compunction as he would snap a dead stick in
+his fingers. He was thoroughly in earnest now; and it was fully
+demonstrated that he intended to protect the discipline of the
+Parkville Liberal Institute, even if it cost a human life for him to
+do so.
+
+I was then "lying round loose" in the lake. I had no idea that I was
+in any personal peril from the water; all that disturbed me was the
+fact that I could not swim fast enough to keep out of the principal's
+way. The treacherous breeze had deserted me in the midst of my
+triumph, and consigned me to the tender mercies of my persecutor.
+
+I swam away from the boat which had been pursuing me, as though from
+an instinct which prompted me to escape my oppressor; but Mr.
+Parasyte, without giving any attention to my sinking craft, ordered
+his men to pull again; and he steered towards me. Of course a few
+strokes enabled him to overtake me. If I had had the means, I would
+have resisted even then, and avoided capture; for I could easily have
+swum ashore. But it would have been childish for me to hold out any
+longer; and when one of the men held out his oar to me, I grasped it,
+and was assisted into the boat.
+
+"Are you satisfied, Thornton?" said Mr. Parasyte, with a sneer, as I
+shook myself like a water dog, and took my seat in the boat.
+
+"No, sir; I am not satisfied," I replied.
+
+"What are you going to do about it?"
+
+"I don't know about that; I will see in due time."
+
+"You will see in due time, I trust, that the discipline of the
+Parkville Liberal Institute is not to be set at defiance with
+impunity."
+
+"I have not set the discipline at defiance. I submitted myself, and
+did what I could to make others do so. You can't say that I did
+anything wrong while I was a member of the academy. You turned me out,
+and I was going quietly and in order, when you began to browbeat me."
+
+"I ordered you to come to me, and you did not come. That was downright
+disobedience."
+
+"It was after you had turned me out; and all I had to do was to go."
+
+"You were still on my premises, and were subject to my orders."
+
+"I don't think I was."
+
+"I shall not argue the matter with you. I am going to teach you the
+duty of obedience."
+
+"Perhaps you will; but I don't believe you will," I replied, in a tone
+of defiance.
+
+"We'll see."
+
+"There's another thing we'll see, while we are about it; and that is,
+you will pay for smashing my boat."
+
+"Pay for it!" exclaimed he.
+
+"I think so."
+
+"I think not."
+
+"You will, if there is any law in the land."
+
+"Law!" ejaculated he; but his lips actually quivered with anger at the
+idea of such an outrage upon his magnificent dignity, as being sued,
+and compelled in a court of justice to pay for the boat he had
+destroyed.
+
+"You had no right to run into my boat--no more right than I had to set
+your house on fire."
+
+"We will see."
+
+He relapsed into a dignified silence; but he was thinking, I fancy,
+how very pleasant it would be for him to pay three or four hundred
+dollars for the Splash; not that he would care much for the money, but
+it would make him appear so ridiculous in the eyes of the students.
+
+The men were pulling for the shore; but I observed that Mr. Parasyte
+did not head the boat towards the pier, where the boys were waiting
+our return. Probably he feared that they would attempt to resist his
+mighty will, and deliver me from his hands. He intended, therefore, to
+land farther down the lake, and convey me to the Institute buildings
+by some unfrequented way.
+
+For my own part, I was not much disturbed by Mr. Parasyte's intentions
+or movements. The only thing that really distressed me was the loss of
+my boat; for the Splash had been one of my best and dearest friends. I
+was a little sentimental in regard to her; and her destruction gave me
+a pang of keen regret akin to anguish. I had cruised all over the lake
+in her; had eaten and slept in her for a week at a time, and I
+actually loved her. She was worthy to be loved, for she had served me
+faithfully in storm and sunshine. It is quite likely that I had some
+feelings of revenge towards the tyrant who had crushed her, and I was
+thinking how he could be compelled to pay for the damage he had done.
+
+As soon as I had, in a measure, recovered my equanimity, I tried to
+obtain the bearings of the spot where the Splash had disappeared
+beneath the waters, so that, if I failed to obtain justice, I might
+possibly recover my boat. If raised, she was in very bad condition;
+for her side was stove in, and I feared she could not be repaired so
+as to be as good as she was before.
+
+As the row-boat neared the shore, I made my preparations to escape
+from my captor; for it was not my intention to be borne back in
+triumph to the Institute, as a sacrifice to the violated discipline of
+the establishment. When the boat touched the beach, I meant to jump
+into the water, and thus pass the men, who were too powerful for me. I
+changed my position so as to favor my purpose; but Mr. Parasyte had
+been a schoolmaster too many years not to comprehend the thought which
+was passing through my mind. He picked up the boat-hook, and it was
+clear to me that he intended with this instrument to prevent my
+escape.
+
+The boat was beached; but I saw no good chance to execute my purpose,
+and was forced to wait till circumstances favored me. The spot where
+we had put in was over two miles distant from the Institute by the
+road, though not more than one by water. Mr. Parasyte directed one of
+the men to go to a stable, near the shore, and procure a covered
+carriage, compelling me to keep my seat in the stern of the boat near
+him, while the messenger was absent. He still held the boat-hook in
+his hand, with which he could fasten to me if I made any movement.
+
+When the vehicle came, the principal placed me on the back seat, and
+took position himself at my side. One of the men was to drive, while
+the other was directed to await his return, and then pull the boat
+back. I was forced to acknowledge to myself that Mr. Parasyte's
+strategy was excellent, and that I was completely baffled by it; but
+as I was satisfied that my time would soon come, I was content to
+submit, with what patience I could command, to the captivity from
+which I could not escape.
+
+The vehicle was driven to the front door of the Institute; and the
+boys, who were still on the shore of the lake, watching for the return
+of the boat, did not have any notice of the arrival of the prisoner. I
+was conducted to the hall of the principal's apartments first, and
+then to a vacant chamber on the third floor. Mr. Parasyte performed
+this duty himself, being unwilling to intrust my person to the care of
+one his subordinate teachers. A suit of clothes belonging to a boy of
+my own size was sent to me, and I was directed to put it on, while my
+own dress was dried at the laundry fire. This was proper and humane,
+and I did not object.
+
+When I had changed my clothing, Mr. Parasyte presented himself. By
+this time he had thoroughly cooled off. He looked solemn and dignified
+as he entered the little room, and seated himself in one of the two
+chairs, which, with the bed, formed the furniture of the apartment. He
+had probably considered the whole subject of his relations with me,
+and was now prepared to give his final decision, to which I was also
+prepared to listen.
+
+"Thornton," said he, with a kind of jerk in his voice.
+
+"Sir."
+
+"You have made more trouble in the Parkville Liberal Institute to-day
+than all the other boys together have made since the establishment was
+founded."
+
+"I didn't make it," I replied, promptly, intending to give him an
+early assurance that I would not recede from the position I had
+taken.
+
+"Yes, you did. You provoked a quarrel, and refused to apologize--a
+very mild penalty for the offence you had committed."
+
+"I deny that I provoked a quarrel, sir."
+
+"That question has been settled, and we will not open it again. I have
+shown the students, by my prompt pursuit of you when you set my
+authority at defiance, that I intended to maintain the discipline of
+this institution. I have taken you and brought you back. So far I am
+satisfied, Thornton."
+
+"I am not. You have smashed my boat, and you must pay for her," I
+added, calmly, but in the most uncompromising manner.
+
+"This is not a matter of dollars and cents with me. I would rather
+have given a thousand dollars than had this trouble occur; and I would
+give half that sum now to have it satisfactorily settled."
+
+Mr. Parasyte wiped his brow, for he was thrown into a violent
+perspiration by the mental effort which this acknowledgment caused
+him. It looked like "backing out."
+
+"Thornton, you are a very popular young man among the students; it
+would be useless to deny it, if I were disposed to do so. You have
+the sympathies of your companions, because Poodles is not popular."
+
+"The boys don't like Poodles simply because he is not a good fellow.
+He is a liar and a cheat, and--"
+
+"Nothing more of that kind need be said. What I have done cannot be
+undone."
+
+"Very well, sir; I have been expelled. Let me go; that's all I ask."
+
+"In due time you will have permission to go. I think I am,
+technically, legally liable for the destruction of your boat," he
+added, wiping his brow again; for it was hard work for him to say so
+much. "But you have defied me, and the well-being of this institution
+required that I should act promptly. I wish to make a proposition to
+you."
+
+He paused and looked at me. I intimated that I was ready to hear him.
+
+"In about an hour the boys will assemble for evening prayers," he
+continued, after rising from his chair and consulting his watch. "If
+at that time you will apologize to me for your conduct, in their
+presence, and before that time to Poodles, privately, I will restore
+you to your rank and privileges in the Parkville Liberal Institute,
+and--and pay you for your boat."
+
+"I will not do it, sir," I replied, without an instant's hesitation.
+
+Mr. Parasyte gave me a glance of mingled anger and mortification, and
+turning on his heel, left the room, locking the door upon me.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER VI.
+
+IN WHICH ERNEST FINDS HIS FELLOW-STUDENTS IN OPEN REBELLION.
+
+
+To apologize to Poodles was to acknowledge that I had done wrong. Had
+I done wrong so far as my fellow-student was concerned? Seriously and
+earnestly I asked myself this question. No; I had told the truth in
+regard to the affair exactly as it was, and it would be a lie for me
+to apologize to Poodles. I could not and would not do it. I would be
+cut to pieces, and have my limbs torn piecemeal from my body before I
+would do it.
+
+As far as the principal was concerned, I felt that, provoked and
+irritated by his tyranny and injustice, I had exhibited a proud and
+defiant spirit, which was dangerous to the discipline of the school. I
+was sorry that, when he called me back, I had not obeyed. While I was
+in the school-room, or on the premises of the academy, I should have
+yielded obedience, both in fact and in spirit; and I could not excuse
+my defiant bearing by the plea that I had been expelled. I was
+willing, after reflection, to apologize to Mr. Parasyte.
+
+He proposed to pay for my boat. This was a great concession on his
+part, though it was called forth by the belief that he was legally
+liable for its destruction. He was willing to do me justice in that
+respect, if I would humiliate myself before Poodles, and publicly heal
+the wound which the discipline of the Institute had received at my
+hands. Even at that time it seemed to me to be noble and honorable to
+acknowledge an error and atone for it; and I am quite sure, if I could
+have felt that I had done wrong, I should have been glad to own it,
+and to make the confession in the presence of the students. There was
+a principle at stake, and something more than mere personal feeling.
+
+While I was debating with myself what I should do, Mr. Parasyte
+appeared again. It was a matter of infinite importance to him. The
+prosperity, if not the very existence, of his school depended upon
+the issue of this affair; and he was naturally nervous and excited.
+The students were in a state of incipient rebellion, as their conduct
+in the afternoon indicated, and it was of the highest moment to the
+Institute to have the matter amicably adjusted.
+
+On the one hand, if I apologized to Poodles and the principal, the
+"powers that be" would be vindicated, and the authority of the master
+fully established. On the other hand, if I declined to do so, and the
+sentence of expulsion was carried out, the boys were in sympathy with
+me, and the rebellion might break out afresh, and end in the total
+dissolution of the establishment. Under these circumstances, it was
+not strange that Mr. Parasyte desired to see me again.
+
+"I hope you have carefully considered your position, Thornton," said
+he.
+
+"I have," I replied; "and I am willing to apologize to you, but not to
+Poodles."
+
+"That is something gained," added he; and I could see his face
+brighten up under the influence of a hope.
+
+"My manner was defiant, and my conduct disobedient. I am willing to
+apologize to you for this, and to submit to such punishment as you
+think proper to inflict."
+
+"That is very well; but it does not fully meet the difficulty. You
+must also apologize to Poodles, which you are aware may be done in
+private."
+
+"I cannot do it, sir, either in public or in private. Poodles was
+wholly and entirely to blame."
+
+"I think not; when I settled the case it was closed up, and it must
+not be opened again; at least not till some new testimony is obtained.
+I cannot eat my own words."
+
+"You may obtain new testimony, if you desire," I suggested.
+
+"What?"
+
+"Poodles signed the declaration that he had performed the examples on
+the papers without assistance."
+
+"He did. Have you any doubt that such is the case?" asked Mr.
+Parasyte, though he must have been satisfied that Poodles did not work
+out the examples.
+
+"I am entirely confident that he did not perform them. Mr. Parasyte,"
+I continued, earnestly, "I desire to stay at the Institute. It would
+be very bad for me to be turned out, and I am willing to confess I
+have done wrong. If you give Poodles the paper with the examination on
+it, and he can perform one half of the examples, even now, without
+help, I will apologize to him in public or in private."
+
+"That looks very fair, but it is not," replied the principal, rubbing
+his head, as if to stimulate his ideas.
+
+"If Poodles can do the problems, I shall be willing to believe that I
+am mistaken. In my opinion, he cannot perform a single one of them,
+let alone the whole of them."
+
+"I object to this proceeding," said he, impatiently. "It will be
+equivalent to my making a confession."
+
+The bell rang for the boys to assemble for the evening devotions. It
+gave Mr. Parasyte a shock, for the business was still unsettled. I had
+submitted to him a method by which he could ascertain the truth or
+falsehood of Poodle's statements; but it involved an acknowledgment
+that he, Mr. Parasyte, was in the wrong. He seemed to be afraid it
+would be proved that he had made a blunder; that he had given an
+unjust judgment. I was fully aware that the principal's position was a
+difficult and painful one, and I was even disposed to sympathize with
+him to a certain extent, though I was the victim of his partiality and
+injustice. The perils and discomforts of his situation, however, had
+been produced by his own hasty and unfair judgment; and it would have
+been far better for him even to apologize to me. He would have lost
+nothing with the boys by such a course; for never in my life did I
+have so exalted an opinion of a schoolmaster, as when, conscious that
+he had done wrong, he nobly and magnanimously acknowledged his error,
+and begged the forgiveness of the boy whom he had unintentionally
+misjudged.
+
+I feel bound to say, in this connection, and after a longer experience
+of the world, that many schoolmasters, "armed with a little brief
+authority," are the most contemptible of petty tyrants. Their
+arrogance and oppression are intolerable; and I have often wondered,
+that where such men have been planted, they have not produced more of
+the evil fruit of strife and rebellion. Mr. Parasyte was one of this
+class; and the fact that he was a splendid teacher did not help his
+influence in the slightest degree.
+
+"There is the bell for evening prayers, Thornton, and it is necessary
+for me to know instantly what you intend to do," said the principal.
+
+"I shall not apologize to Poodles; I will to you."
+
+"Think well of it."
+
+"I have done so. If Poodles can do one half the examples on the paper,
+I will apologize."
+
+"I have decided that question, and shall not open it again."
+
+"I have nothing more to say, Mr. Parasyte," I replied, with becoming
+dignity, as I braced myself for the consequences of the decision I had
+made.
+
+"You are an obstinate and self-willed fellow!" exclaimed the
+principal, irritated by the result.
+
+I made no reply.
+
+"The consequences be upon your own head."
+
+I bowed in silence.
+
+"You have lost your good character and your boat."
+
+I glanced out of the window, and saw the boys filing into the
+school-room.
+
+"I shall explain this matter to your fellow-students, and tell them
+what I proposed."
+
+"Do so," I answered.
+
+He could not help seeing that I was thoroughly in earnest, and that I
+did not intend to yield any more than I had indicated. He was vexed,
+annoyed, angry, and bolted out of the room, at last, in no proper
+frame of mind to conduct the religious exercises of the hour. It was
+quite dark now; and I lay down upon the bed, to think of what had
+passed, and to conjecture the result of my conduct. How I sighed then
+for some kind friend to advise me! How I wished that I had a father
+who would tell me what to do, and fight my battle for me! How I longed
+for a tender mother, into whose loving face I could gaze as I related
+the sad experience of that eventful day! Perhaps she would bid me
+apologize to Poodles, for the sake of saving my good name, and
+retaining my connection with the school. If so, though it would be
+weak and unworthy, I could humble myself for her sake.
+
+I felt that I had done right. I had made all the concession which
+truth and justice required of me, and I was quite calm. I hardly
+inquired why Mr. Parasyte was keeping me a prisoner in the Institute
+after he had expelled me, or what he intended to do with me. About
+nine o'clock my own clothes were brought back to me by one of the
+servants; but the door was securely locked when he retired.
+
+A few minutes later, and before the sound of the servant's retreating
+footsteps had ceased, I heard some one thrust a key into the door. It
+did not fit, and a dozen others were tried in like manner, but with no
+better success. I heard a whispered consultation; and then the door
+began to strain, and crack, until the bolt yielded, and it flew open.
+My sympathizing friends, the students, headed by Bob Hale, had broken
+it down.
+
+"Come, Ernest," said Bob. "You needn't stay in here any longer. We
+want you down stairs."
+
+"What are you going to do?" I asked, quietly, of my excited
+deliverers.
+
+"There is no law or justice in this concern; and we are going to put
+things to rights," replied Tom Rush, a good fellow, who had spent a
+week's vacation with me circumnavigating Lake Adieno in the Splash.
+
+"You know I don't approve of any rows or riots," I added.
+
+"No row nor riot about it. We have taken possession of this
+establishment, and we are going to straighten things out,--you can bet
+your life on that."
+
+"Where is Mr. Parasyte?"
+
+"He has gone up to see your uncle. He told us, at evening prayers,
+what an obstinate boy you were; how kind, and tender, and forgiving he
+had been to you, and how he had exhausted good nature in trying to
+bring you to a proper sense of duty."
+
+"Did he say that?"
+
+"He did, and much more. But come with us. The fellows have captured
+the citadel, and we hold the school-room now, waiting for you."
+
+"I will go with you; but I don't want the fellows to make a
+disturbance."
+
+"No disturbance at all, Ernest; but we have turned the assistant
+teachers out, and mean to ascertain who is right and who is wrong in
+this matter."
+
+The rebellion had actually broken out again; and the students, in the
+most high-handed manner, had established a tribunal in the
+school-room, to try the issue of my affair with the principal. I
+followed Bob Hale, Tom Rush, and half a dozen others, who constituted
+the committee to wait on me. They conducted me to the main
+school-room, which was a large hall. At every door and window were
+stationed two or three of the larger boys, with their hockies, bats,
+and rulers as weapons, to defend the court, as they called it, from
+any interruption.
+
+About two thirds of the students were there assembled; and though the
+gathering was a riotous proceeding, the boys were in as good order as
+during the sessions of the school. In an arm-chair, on the platform,
+sat Henry Vallington, one of the oldest and most dignified students
+of the Institute, who, it appeared, was to act as judge. Before him
+were Bill Poodles and Dick Pearl,--the latter being one of the six
+whose examples were all right,--arraigned for trial, and guarded by
+four stout students.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER VII.
+
+IN WHICH ERNEST ATTENDS THE TRIAL OF BILL POODLES AND DICK PEARL.
+
+
+I confess that I was appalled at the boldness and daring of my
+fellow-students, who had actually taken possession of the Parkville
+Liberal Institute, and purposed to mete out justice to me and to Bill
+Poodles. There was a certain kind of solemnity in the proceedings,
+which was not without its effect upon me. My companions were
+thoroughly in earnest, and the affair was not to be a farce.
+
+Mr. Parasyte, after prayer, had made a statement to the students in
+regard to the unpleasant event of the day, in which he represented me
+as a contumacious offender, one who desired to make all the trouble he
+could; an obstinate, self-willed fellow, whose example was dangerous
+to the general peace, and who had refused to be guided by reason and
+common sense. He told the students that he had even offered to pay for
+my boat--a concession on his part which had had no effect in softening
+my obdurate nature. He appealed to them to sustain the discipline of
+the Parkville Liberal Institute, which had always been celebrated as a
+remarkably orderly and quiet establishment. He then added that he
+should consult my uncle in regard to me, and be guided in some measure
+by his judgment.
+
+The students heard him in silence; but Bob Hale assured me that it was
+with compressed lips, and a fixed determination to carry out the plan
+which had been agreed upon while the boys were watching the chase on
+the lake, and which had not been modified by the wilful destruction of
+the Splash.
+
+I glanced around at my fellow-students as I entered the hall; and
+though they smiled as their gaze met mine, there was a look of
+earnestness and determination which could not be mistaken. Henry
+Vallington, the chairman, judge, or whatever the name of his office
+was, had the reputation of being the steadiest boy in the school. It
+was understood that he intended to become a minister. He was about
+eighteen, and was nearly fitted to enter college. He never joined in
+what were called the "scrapes" of the Institute, but devoted himself
+with the closest attention to his studies. He was esteemed and
+respected by all who knew him; and when I saw him presiding over this
+irregular assemblage, I could not help regarding the affair as much
+more serious than it had before seemed, even to me, the chief actor
+therein.
+
+Poodles and Pearl, I learned, had been captured in their rooms, and
+dragged by sheer force into the school-room, to be examined on the
+charges to be preferred against them. Poodles looked timid and
+terrified, while Pearl was dogged and resolute.
+
+"Thornton," said Henry Vallington, as my conductors paused before the
+judge, "I have sent for you in order that we may ascertain the truth
+of the charges brought against you by Mr. Parasyte. If you provoked
+the quarrel to-day noon with Poodles, it is no more than fair and
+right that you should make the apology required of you. If you did
+not, we intend to stand by you. Have you anything to say?"
+
+"I wish to say, in the first place, that, guilty or innocent, I am
+willing to submit to whatever penalty the principal imposes upon me."
+
+"That is very well for you, but it won't do for us," interposed the
+judge. "If such gross injustice is done to one, it may be to another.
+We act in self-defence."
+
+"I don't know what you intend to do; but I am opposed to any
+disorderly conduct, and to any violation of the rules of the
+Institute."
+
+"We know you are, Thornton; and you shall not be held responsible for
+what we do to-night. If you are willing to tell us what you know about
+this affair, all right. If not, we shall go on without you."
+
+"I am willing to tell the truth here, as I have done to-day. As there
+seems to be some mistake in regard to what transpired between Mr.
+Parasyte and myself, up stairs, I will state the facts as they
+occurred. He agreed to pay for my boat on condition that I would
+apologize, privately, to Poodles, and publicly to the principal. I
+offered to apologize to Mr. Parasyte, but not to Poodles, who was the
+aggressor in the beginning. I told him, if Poodles would perform half
+the examples now, I would make the apology to him."
+
+"That's it!" shouted half a dozen boys.
+
+"Order!" interposed the judge, sternly.
+
+"I think that would be a good way to prove that Poodles did or did not
+tell the truth, when he said he had performed the examples,"
+interposed Bob Hale.
+
+"Capital!" added Tom Rush.
+
+"I approve the method; but let us have no disorder," replied
+Vallington. "Conduct Poodles to the blackboard."
+
+The custodians of the culprit promptly obeyed this order, and led him
+to the blackboard, which was cleaned for immediate use. The
+school-room was well lighted, and the expression on the faces of all
+could be distinctly seen.
+
+"Poodles, we desire to have justice done to all," said Vallington,
+when the culprit had taken his place at the blackboard. "You shall
+have fair play in every respect. You shall have a chance to prove
+that you were right, and Thornton wrong."
+
+"Well, I was right," replied Poodles.
+
+"Did you perform all the examples on your paper without any help?"
+
+"Of course I did."
+
+"Then of course you know how to perform them. Here is an examination
+paper. If you can perform five of the ten examples you shall be
+acquitted."
+
+"Perhaps I don't choose to do them," said Poodles, looking around for
+some way to escape his fate.
+
+"Are you not willing that the truth should come out?"
+
+"I told the truth to-day."
+
+"All right, if you did. You surely will not object to _prove_ that you
+did. You shall have fair play, I repeat."
+
+"Suppose I don't choose to do them?" asked Poodles, doubtfully.
+
+"Then we shall take it for granted that you did not do them, as you
+declared on your paper."
+
+"You can take it for granted, then, if you like," answered Poodles, as
+he dropped the chalk.
+
+"You refuse to perform the examples--do you?" demanded Vallington,
+sternly.
+
+"Yes, I do."
+
+"Then you may take the consequences. Either you shall be expelled from
+the Institute, or at least fifty of us will petition our parents to
+take us from this school. We have done with you."
+
+Bill Poodles smiled, and was pleased to get off so easily; but I
+noticed that Dick Pearl turned pale, and looked very much troubled. He
+was a relative of Mr. Parasyte, and it was generally understood that
+he was a free scholar, his parents being too poor to pay his board and
+tuition. While he expected to be ducked in the lake, or subjected to
+some personal indignity, after the manner in which boys usually treat
+such cases, his courage was good. Now, it appeared that the boys
+simply intended to have Poodles expelled, or to ask their parents and
+guardians to remove them; and as most of the students were from
+fourteen to eighteen years of age, they would probably have influence
+enough to effect their design.
+
+"Pearl," said the judge, while the other culprit was apparently still
+attempting to figure out the result of the trial.
+
+"I'm here," replied Pearl.
+
+"We are entirely satisfied that Poodles had some assistance in
+performing his examples. It is believed that you gave him that
+assistance. If you did, own up."
+
+"Who says I helped Poodles?"
+
+"I say so, for one," added the judge, sharply.
+
+"Can you prove it?"
+
+"I will answer that question after you have confessed or refused to
+confess. You shall have fair play, as well as Poodles. If you wish to
+put yourself right on the record, you can do so; if not, you shall
+leave, or we will."
+
+Pearl looked troubled. He was under very great obligations to Mr.
+Parasyte. If he denied that he had helped Poodles, and it was then
+proved against him, the boys would insist that he should be expelled.
+If he stood out, he must either be expelled or the Institute be broken
+up. He did not appear willing to take such a responsibility.
+
+"You can do as you please, Pearl; but tell the truth, if you say
+anything," continued Vallington.
+
+"I did help Poodles," said he, looking down at the floor.
+
+"How much did you help him?"
+
+"I lent him my examination paper, and he copied all the solutions upon
+his own."
+
+"And after that you were willing to declare that you had not assisted
+any one?" demanded the judge, with a look of supreme contempt on his
+fine features.
+
+"I had not helped any one _when_ I signed my paper."
+
+"Humph!" exclaimed Vallington, with a withering sneer. "That is the
+meanest kind of a lie."
+
+"I didn't mean to assist him; he teased me till I couldn't help
+myself," pleaded Pearl.
+
+A further examination showed that Poodles had browbeaten and
+threatened him; and we were disposed to palliate Pearl's offence, in
+consideration of his poverty and his dependent position, after he had
+confessed his error.
+
+"Are you willing to make this acknowledgment to Mr. Parasyte?" asked
+the judge, in a tone of compassion.
+
+"I don't want to; but I will. I suppose he will send me home then,"
+replied the culprit.
+
+"We will do what we can for you," added the judge.
+
+Pearl had been a pretty good fellow among the boys, was generally
+popular, and all were sorry for him. But his confession in a manner
+absolved him, and the students heartily declared that they would stand
+by him.
+
+"Our business is finished," said Vallington, "unless Poodles has
+something more to say."
+
+Poodles had listened with consternation to the confession of Pearl,
+and he now appeared to be dissatisfied with himself rather than with
+the court.
+
+"I didn't think Dick Pearl would let on in that way," said he, casting
+a reproachful glance at his fellow-culprit.
+
+"He has told the truth. If he had not confessed, we could have proved
+that he helped you," added Vallington. "I have seen the six papers
+that were all right myself. Pearl performed the third example in a
+very peculiar and roundabout way; and Poodles had it in the same way,
+while the other did it by the most direct method."
+
+"I suppose it's of no use to stand out now," said Poodles, timidly.
+
+"Will you confess now?"
+
+"I will, if it will do any good."
+
+"If you will tell the truth to Mr. Parasyte, that is all we want. The
+fellows haven't anything against you. Will you do so?"
+
+"I will if you say I shall not be expelled," whined Poodles.
+
+"I can only say that we will not ask for your expulsion. I suppose
+there is no danger of Mr. Parasyte expelling _you_," added the judge,
+with a dry humor, appreciated by all the students.
+
+"Mr. Parasyte!" exclaimed one of the sentinels at the door.
+
+There was an attempt on the part of the principal to pull the door
+open, but it was well secured upon the inside.
+
+"Let him in," said the judge.
+
+The door opened, and Mr. Parasyte entered the school-room.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER VIII.
+
+IN WHICH ERNEST VANQUISHES THE SCHOOLMASTER.
+
+
+Mr. Parasyte had evidently obtained some information in regard to the
+great rebellion before he entered the school-room; for though he
+looked extremely troubled, he did not seem to be so much astonished as
+might have been expected. He was admitted by order of the judge, and
+took off his hat as he walked up the aisle to the platform, wiping
+away the perspiration which gathered on his heated brow under the
+severe mental struggles his position induced.
+
+"What does all this mean?" he demanded, with a sternness which we
+could not help seeing was assumed.
+
+The boys were all orderly and quiet; the school room was as still as
+during the regular sessions of the Institute. The sentinels, with
+their bats and clubs, stood immovable at their stations, and the
+scene produced its full impression upon the mind of the principal. As
+he did not seem to be prepared to receive an answer to his question,
+none was given; and Mr. Parasyte glanced uneasily around the room,
+apparently seeking to obtain a better understanding of the scene.
+
+"What does all this _mean_?" demanded he, a second time.
+
+"It means, sir," replied Henry Vallington, "that the boys are
+dissatisfied, and intend to have things set right."
+
+"Is this a proper way to express their dissatisfaction--to take
+advantage of my absence to get up a riotous assembly?"
+
+"We have been perfectly orderly, sir," added the judge, in respectful
+tones.
+
+"How came you here, Thornton?" continued the principal, as his gaze
+rested on me.
+
+"We brought him here, sir," promptly interposed Vallington, anxious to
+relieve me of any responsibility for my escape from my prison-chamber.
+
+"Vallington, I confess my astonishment at seeing you engaged in an
+affair of this kind," said Mr. Parasyte, reproachfully; and he fixed
+his gaze upon the judge, and again wiped the perspiration from his
+forehead. "I have always regarded you as an orderly and well-behaved
+boy."
+
+"I do not expect to forfeit my reputation as such by what I have done.
+Mr. Parasyte, the boys are dissatisfied. We are not little children.
+We have all reached the years of discretion, and we know the
+difference between right and wrong, between justice and injustice."
+
+"Do you intend to read me a lecture?" demanded the principal, angrily.
+
+"No, sir; I had no such intention--only to state the facts."
+
+"But you are arraigning me, the principal of the Parkville Liberal
+Institute," added Mr. Parasyte, measuring the judge from head to foot.
+
+"You may call it what you please, sir."
+
+"May I ask what you purpose to do?" continued the principal, in a
+sneering tone, not unmingled with timidity.
+
+"Poodles," said the judge, turning to the lank toady, "stand up."
+
+He obeyed; and being now with the majority of the boys, I think he was
+mean enough to enjoy the discomfiture of Mr. Parasyte, for there can
+be no real respect or true sympathy in the relation of one flunky with
+another.
+
+"Are you ready to tell the whole truth?" demanded Vallington.
+
+"I am," replied Poodles.
+
+"Perhaps you will be willing to inform Mr. Parasyte, in the beginning,
+whether you do so of your own free will and accord, or not."
+
+"I do so of my own free will and accord."
+
+"Did you perform the examples on the examination paper without any
+assistance?"
+
+"I did not."
+
+"How many did you do yourself?"
+
+"None of them."
+
+"Who struck the first blow in the affray on the pier with Thornton?"
+
+"I did," answered Poodles, with a silly leer. "Thornton told the facts
+just exactly as they were."
+
+"You may sit down."
+
+Mr. Parasyte wiped his brow again.
+
+"Pearl," continued Vallington.
+
+This culprit, unlike his companion in guilt, looked sheepish and
+crestfallen, as he slowly rose from his seat. He was not so base and
+low-minded as Poodles, and he felt a genuine shame for the mean
+conduct of which he had been guilty.
+
+"Have you anything to say, Pearl?" asked the judge.
+
+"I lent my paper to Poodles, who copied the solutions from it,"
+replied Pearl, with his glance fixed upon the floor.
+
+"That's all; you may sit down."
+
+Pearl seated himself; and if a pin had fallen to the floor then, it
+might have been heard in the anxious silence that followed. Mr.
+Parasyte's chest heaved with emotion. He wanted to storm, and scold,
+and threaten, but seemed to be afraid to do so.
+
+"I have nothing more to say at present, Mr. Parasyte. In the name and
+in behalf of the students, I have brought the facts to your notice,"
+said Vallington, breaking the impressive stillness, as the principal
+did not seem disposed to do so.
+
+"After the riotous proceedings of this afternoon, I might have
+expected this; but I did not," the principal began. "You appear to
+have intimidated Poodles to such an extent that he has entirely
+modified and reversed the statements he made this afternoon. He is a
+weak-minded boy, and it was not difficult to do so."
+
+This remark roused the ire of Poodles, and it required a sharp
+reprimand from the judge to repress his impertinence.
+
+"Pearl is a poor boy, upon whose fears you seem to have successfully
+wrought. A confession from either of them, under the circumstances, is
+not reliable. I do not countenance this meeting, or these proceedings.
+I am not to be intimidated by your action. In regard to what you have
+done, I have nothing to say; but I require you to separate, and go at
+once to your rooms."
+
+"Will you be kind enough to inform us what you intend to do, Mr.
+Parasyte?" said Vallington.
+
+"I am not to be taken to task by my pupils."
+
+"We do not intend to resort to any disorderly proceedings," added the
+judge. "Poodles and Pearl, without compulsion, have acknowledged
+their errors, and it has been fully proved that Thornton was not to
+blame for the affair on the pier. We ask, therefore, that Thornton be
+restored to his rank and privileges as a member of the Institute. If
+this is not done, at least fifty of us will sign a paper urging our
+parents and guardians to take us away from this school."
+
+"I will grant nothing under these circumstances--promise nothing,"
+replied the principal, doggedly.
+
+"We are in no haste. We leave the matter for your consideration, Mr.
+Parasyte. We will all go to our rooms now."
+
+Vallington left the chair, and walked out of the school-room, followed
+in good order by all the students who had taken part in these
+irregular proceedings. I was going out with the rest, when Mr.
+Parasyte intimated that he had something to say to me, and I remained.
+When the boys had all gone, he invited me to accompany him to his
+private office--a small apartment, opening from the main hall, near
+the front door, in which he received callers, and sat in state when
+not employed in the school-room.
+
+There is an old saying that "you must summer and winter" a man before
+you know him. Mr. Parasyte was considered a tyrant; not a coarse and
+brutal tyrant, but a refined and gentlemanly one, who cows you by his
+polite impertinence. He seldom indulged in harsh speech, never in
+personal violence--at least no instance of it was known to the
+students. He indulged in sneers and polished browbeating. A boy was
+never stupid--he lacked common intelligence; never a blockhead--his
+perceptions were very dull. His polite epithets were more cutting than
+good round invectives would have been.
+
+He had a will of his own; and he was obstinate, mulish, pig-headed. If
+he had been surprised into declaring that black was white, then black
+would continue to be white, in spite of positive demonstration to the
+contrary. He was dogmatic to the last degree; and this is a fault to
+which the schoolmaster is peculiarly liable. It required the event of
+the day whereof I speak to enable us fully to comprehend Mr. Parasyte.
+We had summered him before; now we were to winter him.
+
+What he had said in the school-room indicated that he intended to
+regard the confessions of Poodles and Pearl as extorted from them by
+intimidation, and that he purposed to persist in persecuting me. I had
+no desire to be a martyr; but I did not see how I could help myself.
+
+"Thornton, I see you intend, if possible, to break up the Parkville
+Liberal Institute," said he.
+
+"No, sir, I do not. I hadn't anything to do with what took place in
+the school-room," I replied.
+
+"You did not seem to be a martyr there," sneered he. "The boys have
+made a mistake; so have you. They don't know me; you don't. You got up
+a quarrel this afternoon."
+
+"No, sir, I did not."
+
+"Don't contradict me," said he, sharply. "I say you got up a quarrel
+this afternoon."
+
+"And I say I did not."
+
+"I am in no humor to trifle with you," said he, opening a desk, and
+taking out a cowhide.
+
+I was willing to confess, when I saw that implement, that I had not
+known him before. He was about to step down from refined to brutal
+tyranny.
+
+"Poodles himself has confessed that he lied," I added, taking no
+further notice of the cowhide.
+
+"Confessed!" exclaimed Mr. Parasyte, savagely. "The boys have either
+bribed or frightened him into this confession. It will have no effect
+upon me."
+
+"I have nothing to say, then," I answered, with dignity. "If you will
+look into the case again, and require Poodles to do the examples, you
+will see that you, and not the boys, have made a mistake."
+
+"Silence, sir! I don't intend to be addressed in that impudent way by
+any student. I have attempted to suppress this rebellion by mild
+means; but they have failed. I have been to see your uncle. As I
+supposed he would, he has taken a proper view of the case. He does not
+wish to have you expelled, and I revoke my sentence; but he desires to
+have you reduced to subjection."
+
+My uncle had actually spoken, and taken sides with the tyrant. I was
+astonished, but not intimidated.
+
+"I have drawn up a paper for you to sign, which shall be read to the
+boys to-morrow morning. There it is."
+
+[Illustration: RESISTANCE TO TYRANNY.--Page 99.]
+
+I glanced at the document. It was an acknowledgment of all Mr.
+Parasyte charged me with, and a promise to behave myself properly. I
+refused to sign it. The principal rolled up his sleeves, and took the
+cowhide in his hand. He looked cool and malignant.
+
+"Then I shall do as your uncle wishes me to do--reduce you to
+subjection," said he. "Consider well what you are doing."
+
+"I have considered, sir. If you strike me with that cowhide, I shall
+do the best I can to defend myself."
+
+"Do you threaten me?" demanded Mr. Parasyte, stepping towards me with
+a jerk.
+
+"No, sir; but I will not submit to a blow, if it costs me my life."
+
+"Won't you? We'll see."
+
+He did see. He struck me. The blow cut my soul. I sprang upon him with
+all the tiger in my nature let loose. I kicked, bit, scratched. I
+clawed at his throat like a vampire, and, though severely belabored, I
+finally wrenched the cowhide from his grasp, and hurled him back so
+that he fell full length upon the floor.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER IX.
+
+IN WHICH ERNEST STRIKES A HEAVY BLOW, AND WINS ANOTHER VICTORY.
+
+
+I was astonished at my own prowess, as I stood, with heaving breast,
+gazing at the prostrate form of the vanquished tyrant. I was a stout
+young fellow, heavy enough and strong enough for a boy of fifteen; but
+I did not regard myself as a match for a full-grown man. I suppose the
+fury and impetuosity of the onslaught I made had given me the victory
+before Mr. Parasyte was able to bring all his power to bear upon me.
+
+I was satisfied with what I had done, and did not care to do any more.
+I wished to leave; but the principal had locked the door, and put the
+key into his pocket. I glanced at the window, hoping to find a means
+of egress in that direction, though it was at least ten feet above the
+ground. But ten feet are nothing to a boy of spirit; and I was moving
+towards the window, intending to take the leap, when Mr. Parasyte
+sprang to his feet, and confronted me again. If ever a man wore the
+expression of a demon, the principal of the Parkville Liberal
+Institute did at that moment; and it was patent to me that, unless I
+could effect my escape, my trials and troubles had but just commenced.
+
+I was more disposed to use strategy than force; for, in spite of the
+victory I had won, I was fearful that the tyrant "carried too many
+guns" for me. The malignity of his aspect was accompanied by an
+expression of pain, as though he had been injured by his fall. This
+was in my favor, if I was to be again compelled to break a lance with
+him.
+
+"You villain!" gasped Mr. Parasyte, with one hand upon his side. "How
+dare you resist?"
+
+"I have no fancy for being cut to pieces with a cowhide," I replied,
+as coolly as I could, which, however, was not saying much.
+
+"Your uncle wished me to reduce you to subjection, and to flog you
+till you came to your senses."
+
+"I am not very grateful to my uncle for his request; and I have to
+say, that I will not be tamely flogged either by you or by him."
+
+"What do you mean to do?" demanded he, apparently astonished to find
+me so resolute.
+
+"I mean to resist as long as I am flogged," I replied, twisting the
+cowhide I still held in my hand.
+
+Saying this, I jumped upon the window-seat, and unfastened the sash.
+
+"Stop!" said he, moving towards me.
+
+"I know what you mean now; and if you come near me, I will hit you
+over the head with the butt-end of this cowhide," I replied, raising
+the sash.
+
+"I intend to reduce you to subjection at any hazard," he added.
+
+Without making reply, I attempted to get out of the window in such a
+way that I could drop to the ground, or "hang off" with my hands. In
+doing this, I laid myself open to the assault of the enemy, who was
+prompt in perceiving his advantage, and in availing himself of it.
+Seizing me by the collar with both hands, he dragged me back into the
+office, and hurled me heavily upon the floor, at the same time
+wrenching the cowhide from my grasp. I sprang to my feet with the
+celerity of a wounded tiger; but the principal began to beat me with a
+zeal corresponding to his malignity.
+
+A heavy round ruler on the desk, which had before attracted my
+attention, was available as a weapon, and in the fury of my passion I
+grasped it. Without thought or consideration except in my own defence,
+I sprang upon the tyrant again, and dealt him several heavy blows with
+the implement, until one was planted in such a place on his head that
+it knocked him insensible upon the floor. Panting like a hunted deer
+from the rage which filled my soul, and from the violence of my
+exertions, I gazed upon the work I had done. Mr. Parasyte lay
+motionless upon the floor. I took the key from his vest pocket, and
+unlocked the door.
+
+In the hall I found several persons, including Mrs. Parasyte, and Mr.
+Hardy, one of the assistant teachers. They had been sitting in the
+parlor opposite the office, and had heard the noise of the desperate
+struggle between the principal and myself.
+
+"What have you done!" exclaimed Mrs. Parasyte, greatly alarmed when
+she saw her husband lying senseless upon the floor.
+
+"This is bad business," added Mr. Hardy, as he hastened to the
+assistance of the principal.
+
+"Is he dead?" asked the wife, in tremulous tones.
+
+"No--O, no! But he has had a heavy blow on the temple," replied the
+teacher.
+
+I assisted Mrs. Parasyte and Mr. Hardy in carrying my foe to his
+chamber. I was alarmed myself. I feared that I had done more than I
+intended to do. I went for the doctor at the lady's request; but
+before my return Mr. Parasyte had come to his senses, and complained
+of a severe sickness at his stomach. The physician carefully examined
+him, and declared that his patient was not seriously injured. I need
+not say that I was greatly relieved by this opinion. I left the room,
+intending to depart from the house, though it was now nearly eleven
+o'clock at night. Mr. Hardy followed me out into the hall, and wished
+to know where I was going.
+
+"Home," I replied.
+
+"I'm afraid you have got into difficulty, Thornton," added he.
+
+"I can't help it if I have. I didn't mean to hurt him so badly; but it
+was his own fault."
+
+"How did it happen?"
+
+I told him how it happened; but Mr. Hardy expressed no opinion on the
+merits of the case. He knew, as well as I did, that Mr. Parasyte had
+been wrong from the beginning; but being in a subordinate position, it
+was not proper for him to condemn his principal.
+
+"The boys are in a riotous condition, and it is fortunate they do not
+know of this affair. I hope you do not intend to inform them--at least
+not to-night," he added.
+
+"No, sir, I do not. I have tried from the first to keep the peace.
+Poodles confessed to Mr. Parasyte that he had lied about the affair on
+the pier, but he refused to believe him. I am sorry there has been any
+trouble; but I couldn't help it."
+
+Mr. Hardy was really troubled; but he could not say anything, and he
+did not. He was a poor man, trying to earn the means to study a
+profession by teaching, and a word or a look of sympathy to a rebel
+like me would have cost him his situation. He was a just and a fair
+man, and as such was loved and respected by all the students. Many of
+the boys had often wished that he might be the principal of the
+academy, instead of Mr. Parasyte, who had established and who still
+owned the institution.
+
+There was nothing more to be said or done, and I left the academy for
+home. I was sincerely sorry for what had happened. Even a quarrel in
+which I had been the victor had no pleasant reflections for me. I
+would have submitted to any punishment except the flogging, and borne
+the injustice of it without a complaint; but I had been required to
+confess that of which I was not guilty, and I could not do that. I
+hated a lie of any kind, and I could not tell one to save myself from
+the consequences of the tyrant's rage and injustice.
+
+I considered all the events of the day as I walked home, and came to
+the conclusion that I was not to blame for the mischief that had been
+done. If I had been haughty and disobedient, it was because I had been
+treated badly. I certainly did not deserve flogging, and it would have
+been impossible for me to submit to it. If I had been guilty, I could
+have borne even that.
+
+My uncle had counselled Mr. Parasyte to reduce me to subjection; and
+much I marvelled that he had found words to say so much. It was an
+evidence of interest in me which he had never before manifested. It
+was plain that, in the settlement of the difficulty, I must count upon
+the opposition of my uncle, who had already espoused the principal's
+side of the quarrel. But I did not make any rash resolves, preferring
+to act as my sense of right and justice should dictate when the time
+for action came.
+
+As I approached the cottage by the lake, I saw a light in my uncle's
+library. My guardian sat up late at night, and rose early in the
+morning. He did not sleep well, and he always looked pale and haggard.
+He was a misanthrope in the worst sense of the word. He seemed to have
+no friends, and to care for no one in the world--not even for himself.
+Certainly he had no regard for me.
+
+Of his past history I knew nothing; but I had already concluded that
+he had been subjected to some terrible disappointment or injustice. He
+appeared to suffer all the time; and if he would have permitted it,
+how gladly would I have assuaged his woe by my sympathy! He was cold
+and forbidding, and would not permit me to speak a word to him. I had
+once tried to make him tell me something about my father and mother;
+but, with an expression of angry impatience upon his face, he had
+turned and fled in disgust from me.
+
+I longed to know who and what my mother was; but my questions brought
+no answer. One day, when my uncle was away, I had crept into his
+library, and tried vainly to obtain some information from his books
+and papers. He caught me in the room, and drove me out with a curse
+upon his lips. After that a spring lock was put upon the door, the key
+of which he carried in his pocket.
+
+On the present occasion I had nothing to expect from my uncle; but I
+wished to see him, and tell him my story. I knew that he could talk;
+for, during the preceding year, a man of thirty, elegantly dressed,
+came to the cottage one afternoon, and walked with my uncle into the
+grove by the lake. They had business together, and it was not of a
+pleasant nature; for, prompted by curiosity, I rowed my skiff up to
+the shore, to learn what I might of the stranger's purpose. I could
+not understand a word that was said; but my uncle talked rapidly and
+fiercely, and a violent altercation ensued, which I feared would end
+in blows. The stranger did not come back to the cottage, and the
+supper which Betsey had prepared for the guest was not needed.
+
+Learning from this that my uncle had a tongue, I asked him who the
+stranger was. The answer was only a savage frown. He had no tongue for
+me. Neither old Jerry nor his wife was any better informed than I was,
+for both assured me they did not know the stranger. Satisfied,
+therefore, that my uncle could talk, I was determined to see him
+before I went to bed, though it was nearly midnight. Perhaps, also, I
+was disposed to adopt this course, because my guardian had given such
+bad advice to Mr. Parasyte. I was not insensible to the indulgence
+with which I had ever been treated; and seeing that my silent uncle
+wished to avoid me, I had generally favored him in doing so. It was
+different now. He had given an order or a permission to have me
+brutally punished, and I was determined to make him "face the music."
+
+I entered the house, and passing through my uncle's chamber, stood at
+the door of the library, which was fastened by the spring lock.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER X.
+
+IN WHICH ERNEST HAS AN INTERVIEW WITH HIS UNCLE.
+
+
+With my resolution still at the highest pitch of firmness, I knocked
+at the library door. I expected a storm; it was hardly possible to
+avoid one; but I hoped, if I could induce my stern and silent guardian
+to speak or to listen, that I might make an impression upon him. There
+was no answer to my knock, and I repeated it. Then I heard a stir in
+the library, and my uncle opened the door. When he saw me, he was
+about to close the door in my face, doubtless regarding my conduct in
+knocking at his door as impudent in the highest degree. I was not
+disposed to be shut out, and anticipating his purpose, I stepped
+nimbly into the room.
+
+"Uncle Amos, I wish to speak with you for a few moments, if you will
+be kind enough to hear me," I began, in tones as humble as the veriest
+tyrant could have required.
+
+He sat down in his arm-chair, leaned his head upon his hand in such a
+way as to cover his face, but made me no reply, either by word or by
+sign.
+
+"I would not trouble you if it were not necessary to do so," I
+continued. "Will you permit me to tell my story?"
+
+He removed his hand, and gave me an affirmative nod; but it was
+evident to me that my presence was the occasion of positive suffering
+to him. I knew of no reason why I should be personally disagreeable to
+him, and it seemed to me that his aversion was caused wholly by a kind
+of obstinacy, which I could not understand.
+
+"I have had a difficulty with Mr. Parasyte; but I was not to blame, as
+I can prove by more than half the students in the academy," I
+proceeded; and then I rehearsed all the particulars of my affray with
+Poodles, on the pier, including the rebellion of the students, and the
+confession of the guilty ones.
+
+My uncle may have heard me, and he may not; but he took not the least
+notice of me, appearing to be absorbed in his own meditations during
+the recital of my wrongs.
+
+"Mr. Parasyte called me into his private office, and informed me that
+he had been to see you," I added.
+
+My uncle removed his hand from his face, glanced at me, nodded his
+head, which was the first indication he had given that he was
+conscious of my presence, after I began to relate my story. The look
+that accompanied the nod was anything but a pleasant one. There was
+something like malignant satisfaction in the glance that he bestowed
+upon me.
+
+"Then you did request Mr. Parasyte to reduce me to subjection, as he
+expressed it?"
+
+"I did," replied he, decidedly, as he again uncovered his face, and
+nodded to emphasize his reply.
+
+This was hopeful, for I had at least got an answer out of him, though
+the reply was cold-blooded and cruel.
+
+"Did you request him to flog me?" I demanded, a little excited by the
+fact that my uncle was likely to prove as malignant as the
+schoolmaster.
+
+"I did," he added; and his eyes seemed to glow like two coals of fire.
+
+It was not difficult now for me to understand the situation. My uncle
+hated me,--why I knew not. I could not reconcile such a feeling with
+the indulgence he had always extended to me. I could not see why, if
+he hated me, as that fierce glare of his eyes indicated, he had always
+allowed me to have my own way, had always given me money without
+stint, and had permitted me to go and come when and as I pleased, and
+rove at will over the broad and dangerous lake.
+
+I have since learned that this indulgence was perfectly consistent
+with hatred, and that the judicious parent, who truly loves his son,
+would deprive him of such unhealthy and dangerous indulgences. As he
+hated me, so he let me have my own way. Had he loved me, he would have
+restrained me; he would have inquired into my conduct when away from
+home; and above all, he would not have allowed me to risk my life upon
+the stormy lake as I did.
+
+"You _did_ request him to flog me, and without understanding the
+merits of the case!" I replied, indignantly.
+
+He nodded again.
+
+"Uncle Amos, I have tried to do my duty faithfully at school, and to
+be respectful and obedient to my teachers. This is the first time I
+have had any trouble. I say, most solemnly, I was not to blame."
+
+"You were," said my uncle.
+
+"Will you hear the evidence in my favor?"
+
+"No."
+
+"You will not?"
+
+"No."
+
+"What would you have me do?"
+
+"Obey your teacher."
+
+"Mr. Parasyte ordered me to apologize to Poodles."
+
+"Do it then."
+
+"But Poodles confesses that I was not to blame."
+
+"No matter."
+
+"I cannot do it, uncle."
+
+"The master must make you do it," added my uncle, with a sneer.
+
+"He attempted to do so. He began to flog me, and I knocked him down,"
+I replied, quietly, but sullenly.
+
+My uncle sprang to his feet, and stared at me with an intensity which
+would have made me quail if I had been guilty.
+
+"You struck him!" exclaimed he, trembling with emotion.
+
+"When he attempted a second time to flog me, I hit him on the head
+with a heavy ruler, and he fell insensible upon the floor."
+
+My stern guardian rushed furiously across the room, foaming with
+passion.
+
+"You villain!" gasped he, pausing before me. "You struck the master?"
+
+"I knocked him down, as I would any other man who insulted me with a
+blow," I replied, firmly; for I intended to have my uncle understand
+exactly how I felt.
+
+"You are an obstinate whelp!" ejaculated my guardian, who had
+certainly found a tongue now.
+
+"All the students think I am right."
+
+"The students! What do I care what they think?"
+
+"They understand the case."
+
+"Humph!" sneered my uncle.
+
+"I see, sir, that I have nothing to expect from you," I continued.
+
+"No!"
+
+"I have only to say that Mr. Parasyte can't flog me. If I were guilty,
+I would not resist; but I will fight as long as I have a breath left
+against such injustice."
+
+"Very pretty! May I ask what you are going to do with yourself?"
+
+"I don't know yet; only, if I am not wanted here, I won't stay here. I
+think I can take care of myself."
+
+"Do you consider this a proper return for all I have done for you?"
+asked he, more calmly.
+
+"I don't know what you have done for me. I asked you once something
+about my father and mother, and you did not answer me."
+
+"You have no father and mother," he replied, with visible emotion.
+"You need not ask any questions, for I will not answer them."
+
+"Did they leave any property for me?" I asked, mildly; and I had
+already concluded that they did, or my uncle would not have been so
+lavish of his money upon me.
+
+"Property! What put that idea into your head?" demanded he; and he was
+more agitated than the circumstances seemed to warrant.
+
+"I have no idea anything about it. I only asked the question."
+
+"It is enough for you to know that I am willing to take care of you,
+and pay your expenses, however extravagant they may be, as long as you
+behave properly."
+
+"I have always done so."
+
+"No, you haven't! You have resisted your teacher, knocked him down,
+killed him for aught I know. You are a bad boy."
+
+It seemed just as though my uncle intended to drive me to desperation,
+and compel me to commit some rash act. I could not see why he should
+refuse to tell me anything about my father and mother.
+
+"I asked you whether my parents left any property for me. You did not
+answer me," I continued.
+
+"I will answer no questions," replied he.
+
+"If they did, it is right that I should know it," I persisted.
+
+"If they did, you will know it when you are of age to receive it."
+
+"I would like to know whether you are supporting me out of your own
+property or with my own."
+
+"It doesn't concern you to know, so long as you are supported."
+
+"Yes, it does, and I insist upon knowing."
+
+"I shall answer no questions," replied he, more troubled now than
+angry.
+
+"If there is nothing belonging to me, I am very willing to go to work
+and support myself. I don't wish to be a burden upon one who cares so
+little for me as you do."
+
+"I did not say you were a burden. I have given you all you asked for,
+and am willing to do so still."
+
+"I don't wish to have you do so, if what you give me does not belong
+to me."
+
+"You are a foolish boy!" said he, impatiently.
+
+"You have hardly spoken to me before for a year; and you never said as
+much to me as you have to-night before in all my lifetime."
+
+"It was not necessary to do so."
+
+"Uncle Amos, I am old enough now to be able to think for myself," I
+continued, earnestly. "It is time for me to know who and what I am,
+and I am going to find out if it is possible for me to do so."
+
+"It is not possible," said he, greatly agitated, though he struggled
+to be calm. "What do you wish to know?"
+
+"About my parents."
+
+He walked the room for a moment with compressed lips, as if
+considering whether he should tell me what I wanted to know.
+
+"If I have concealed anything from you, it was for your own good,"
+replied he, with a desperate effort. "Your father is dead; he died
+eleven years ago."
+
+"And my mother?" I asked, eagerly.
+
+"She is a raving maniac in an insane asylum."
+
+This information came like a shock upon me, and I wept great tears of
+grief.
+
+"I thank you, uncle Amos, for telling me so much, sad as it is. One
+more question and I am satisfied. Did my father leave any property?"
+
+"No," said he.
+
+I fancied that this single word cost him a mightier effort than all he
+had said before, though I could not see why it should.
+
+"Where is my mother now?" I asked.
+
+"You were to ask no more questions; and it is not best for you to know
+where she is," he answered. "Now, Ernest, I wish you to make your
+peace with Mr. Parasyte."
+
+"How make my peace with him?"
+
+"Do what he requires of you."
+
+"I cannot do that; and I will not."
+
+"If you persist you will ruin me," said my uncle, bitterly.
+
+"I don't understand you, uncle Amos."
+
+"Mr. Parasyte owes me a large sum of money."
+
+Here was the hole in that millstone!
+
+"His Institute is mortgaged to me. If there is trouble there, the
+property will depreciate in value, and I shall be the loser."
+
+My uncle seemed to be ashamed of himself for having said so much, and
+told me to go to bed. I retired from his presence with the feeling
+that I must sacrifice myself or my guardian.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XI.
+
+IN WHICH ERNEST IS DISOWNED AND CAST OUT.
+
+
+I was so nervous and excited after the stirring events of the day,
+that I could not sleep when I went to bed, tired and almost exhausted
+as I was. I had enough to think of, and that night has always seemed
+to me like a new era in my existence. My father was dead; and my
+mother, somewhere in the wide world, was an occupant of an insane
+asylum. My uncle had told me I had no property, which was equivalent
+to informing me that I must soon begin to earn my daily bread, unless
+he chose to support me.
+
+I would not even then have objected to earning my own living; indeed,
+there was something pleasurable and exciting in the idea of depending
+upon myself for my food and raiment; but I was not satisfied with my
+uncle's statements. I could see no reason why he should not tell me
+where my father had lived and died, and where my mother was confined
+as a lunatic. I meant to know all about these things in due time, for
+it was my right to know.
+
+I could not help weeping when I thought of my mother, with her
+darkened mind, shut out from the world and from me. What a joy she
+would have been to me! What a comfort I might have been to her! My
+father was dead, and she had no one to care for her. Was she in a
+proper place? Was she kindly treated while overshadowed by her
+terrible infirmity? I shuddered when I thought of her, for fear that
+she might be in the hands of cruel persons.
+
+It seemed very strange to me that my uncle should spend money so
+freely upon me if I had no expectations. Why should he wish to conceal
+anything that related to my father and mother from me? Who was the
+person that came to the cottage and quarrelled with him? I had reached
+the years of discretion, and was able to think for myself. What my
+uncle told me, and what he refused to tell me, taken in connection
+with his conduct, his mode of life, and his misanthropic habits,
+convinced me that there was something wrong. I intended to ascertain
+what it was; and I was fully resolved, whether it was right or wrong,
+to explore the library in search of any letters, legal documents, or
+other papers which would throw some light on the mystery, now becoming
+painfully oppressive to me. It was my duty, as a son, to assure myself
+that my mother, in her helplessness, was kindly cared for.
+
+I went to sleep at last; and I did not wake the next morning till nine
+o'clock, which was my uncle's usual breakfast hour. I took my morning
+meal with him; but he did not speak a single word. After breakfast I
+went down to the boat-house. I missed the Splash very much indeed; for
+I wanted to take her, and sail away to some remote part of the lake,
+and consider what I should do. Then it occurred to me that my
+sail-boat might be raised and repaired; and I was getting into the
+row-boat, with the intention of pulling out and finding the place
+where the Splash had gone down, when my uncle made his appearance.
+
+"Ernest, have you considered what you mean to do?" said he. "Do you
+intend to go to school?"
+
+"No, sir, I do not," I replied, promptly and decidedly.
+
+"Then I disown you, and cast you out," he added, turning on his heel
+and walking back to the house.
+
+Was I becoming obstinate and self-willed? Was I refusing a reasonable
+service? I sat down in the boat to think over it. It was not right
+that I should apologize to Poodles, after he had confessed that the
+evidence on which I had been condemned was a lie; and it was of no use
+for me to return to the academy unless I could do so.
+
+Mr. Parasyte owed my uncle a large sum of money, secured by the estate
+and good-will of the Institute. If I was driven from the school, a
+majority of the boys would petition their parents to be taken from it
+also, and the establishment would be seriously injured. There was
+plainly an understanding between Mr. Parasyte and my uncle, or the
+tyrant would not have made war upon me as he did. Should I sacrifice
+myself in order to save my uncle's money, or to prevent the debt from
+being imperilled?
+
+No! I could not; but I hoped my uncle would not lose his money, though
+it would not be my fault if he did. I had just been "disowned and cast
+out." The sentence hardly produced an impression upon me. I was not
+banished from a happy home, where I had been folded in a mother's
+love, and had lived in the light of a father's smile; only from the
+home of coldness and silence; only from shelter and food, which I
+could easily find elsewhere.
+
+I took the oars and pulled towards the bluff off which the Splash had
+sunk. It seemed to me just then that I was breaking away from all my
+early associations, from my home and my school, and pushing out on the
+great ocean of life, as my boat was upon the lake. I must go out into
+the world, and make for myself a name and a fortune. There was
+something solemn and impressive in the thought, and I rested upon my
+oars to follow out the idea. Breaking away! To me it was not going
+away, it was _breaking_ away. There was no near and dear friend to bid
+me God speed on my journey of life. As for my uncle, he would not
+have cared if I had, at that moment, been forever buried beneath the
+deep waters of the lake.
+
+I was awed and solemnized by the thought that I was alone in the
+world. And looking up to the clear blue sky, I prayed that God would
+help me to keep in the path of truth and duty. I really hoped that, if
+I had done wrong, or was then doing wrong, I might be convicted of my
+error. I prayed for light. I was afraid that I had been wilful and
+wayward; but as I knew that I was right so far as Poodles was
+concerned, I could not accuse myself of obstinacy in refusing to
+apologize. On the whole, I was satisfied with myself, though willing
+to acknowledge that in some things I had rather overdone the matter.
+
+Resuming the oars, I pulled towards the bluff. My course lay near the
+shore until I had passed the northerly point of Parkville, where the
+steamboat wharf extends a hundred feet out to the deep water of the
+lake. Continuing beyond this long pier, I came in sight of the
+Parkville Liberal Institute. As it was then the middle of the
+forenoon, I did not expect to see any of the students; but, to my
+surprise, I discovered large numbers of them on the grounds between
+the buildings and the lake. They did not seem to be engaged in the
+usual sports, but were gathered in groups on various parts of the
+premises. Everything looked as though some important event had
+transpired, which the boys were busily engaged in discussing.
+
+I was tempted to pull up towards the Institute, and ascertain what had
+occurred, and why the students were not in the school-room, attending
+to their studies; but I was fearful that my presence might do
+mischief, and I reluctantly continued on my way to the bluff. As
+nearly as I could interpret the signs, the boys were in a state of
+rebellion, though it was possible that Mr. Parasyte was too ill to
+attend to his duties, and in the present excited state of the school,
+had deemed it best to give the boys a holiday.
+
+The bearings of the spot where the Splash sank had been carefully
+noted, after my capture, by the principal and his men, and without
+much difficulty I found the place. The bed of this part of the lake
+was composed of gravel, washed down by the continual wearing away of
+the bluff; and as the water was clear, I could see the bottom. The
+Splash lay in about twenty-five feet of water--as I found by measuring
+with a fish-line. She sat nearly upright on her keel, and the tops of
+her masts were not more than a foot below the surface.
+
+How could I coax her to the top of the water? The Splash had been
+father and mother to me, and I loved her. In my loneliness I wanted
+her companionship. It did not look like an easy task to raise her; and
+yet the most difficult things become easy when we hit upon the right
+method of doing them. The Splash was ballasted with ten fifty-sixes,
+each with a ring for lifting it. They were deposited on the bottom of
+the boat, where I could remove a portion of them when I had a large
+party to take out. I made up my mind, that with a long pole, having a
+hook on the end of it, I could fasten to the rings of the fifty-sixes,
+and raise them, one by one, to the surface; and when the ballast was
+removed, the boat would rise of herself.
+
+Satisfied that this idea was a practical one, I started for Parkville
+to procure the pole. As I took the oars, I discovered that one of the
+Institute boats, which I had not before noticed, was pulling towards
+me. At first I was startled, fearful that it might contain some of my
+tyrant's minions, sent out to capture me, and carry me back to the
+school. As the boat came nearer, however, I saw that it was filled
+with my friends, prominent among whom were Bob Hale and Tom Rush; and
+I lay upon my oars to await her coming.
+
+"Good morning, Ernest; I'm glad to see you," said Bob, as the
+Institute boat ranged up alongside of mine.
+
+"What is the matter at the Institute? Don't school keep to-day?" I
+asked, when I had returned the salutations of my friend.
+
+"There's big news there, Ernest, you'd better believe," replied Bob,
+in an excited tone.
+
+"What is it? What has happened?"
+
+"There has been an awful row between Mr. Parasyte and Mr. Hardy, and
+Mr. Hardy has been discharged--that's the first thing; and the fellows
+won't stand it, anyhow."
+
+"What was it about?"
+
+"We don't know. Mr. Hardy opened the school as usual at nine o'clock;
+but he didn't say a word to us about the troubles. A little after
+nine, Mr. Parasyte came in, with a black eye and a broken head. He and
+Mr. Hardy talked together a little while, and we saw that Parasyte was
+as mad as a hop. They went into the recitation-room to have it out;
+but in two or three minutes they returned, and Mr. Hardy said he was
+going to leave; but he didn't tell the reason--just bade us good by.
+If we had only known what the trouble was, we would have pitched
+Parasyte out of the window."
+
+"Then Mr. Hardy has gone," I added.
+
+"Left, and at once. Then Mr. Parasyte made a speech, in which he told
+us the school was in a state of rebellion; that Thornton had assaulted
+him, and struck him on the head with a heavy ruler, and that he
+intended to flog him till he apologized to Poodles, as his uncle
+wished him to do. We didn't wait to hear any more. We gave a yell, and
+rushed out of the school-room."
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XII.
+
+IN WHICH ERNEST RAISES THE SPLASH, AND THERE IS A GENERAL BREAKING
+AWAY AMONG THE STUDENTS.
+
+
+I listened, with astonishment and dismay, to the tale which Bob Hale
+told me. I could not help asking myself to what extent I was
+responsible for the troubles which overwhelmed the Parkville Liberal
+Institute. I told Bob how I felt, and he ridiculed the idea of my
+shouldering any portion of the blame.
+
+"Even the parson says you are not to blame, and that you have behaved
+like a gentleman from the beginning," said he, alluding to Henry
+Vallington, who, on account of his intended profession, often went by
+the name of the "parson."
+
+"Can you imagine why Mr. Hardy was discharged?" I asked.
+
+"We don't know; but it is easy enough to see that he blamed Mr.
+Parasyte, though he never said a word to the fellows. The idea of
+staying at the Institute after Mr. Hardy goes is not to be thought
+of," replied Bob, who, like myself, was a day scholar at the school.
+"What did Parasyte mean when he said your uncle wished him to flog you
+into subjection?"
+
+"He meant that; my uncle told him to do so," I replied, with shame and
+mortification, not for myself, but for him who should have been my
+guardian and protector.
+
+"Did he, though? Well, that was amiable of him," added Tom Rush. "He
+and Parasyte will do to go together."
+
+"They do go together. I find that Mr. Parasyte owes my uncle a large
+sum of money. I had no idea that they were even acquainted with each
+other before," I continued.
+
+"Then I wonder that Parasyte made a row with you, if he owed your
+uncle so much money."
+
+"I don't understand it; but I think Mr. Parasyte didn't expect any
+trouble. He judged hastily between Poodles and me, and when he had
+given his decision, he was too proud and too obstinate to alter it. I
+suppose he was a little afraid after what he had done, and went to see
+my uncle and ask for instructions."
+
+"But it was cold-blooded for your uncle to say what he did."
+
+"Probably Parasyte told his own story," I replied, willing to shield
+my uncle as much as possible.
+
+"What did your uncle say to you when you went home?" asked Bob Hale,
+full of interest and sympathy.
+
+"We had some words, and he disowned and cast me out--to use his own
+expression."
+
+"Turned you out of house and home!" exclaimed Tom Rush.
+
+"That was what he meant."
+
+"Don't mind it, Ernest," interposed Bob. "You shall come to my house."
+
+"I can take care of myself, I think," was my reply, rather proudly
+spoken.
+
+"Of course you can; but you shall have half my bed and half my dinner
+as long as I have any."
+
+"Thank you, Bob."
+
+"We will talk that over another time, Ernest; for at present we have a
+big job on our hands."
+
+"What is that?"
+
+"We'll tell you by and by. Parasyte says you assaulted him, and hit
+him over the head with a big ruler. How was that, Ernest?"
+
+I told them what had occurred after we left the school-room, and gave
+them all the particulars of my battle with the principal.
+
+"Served him right," was the verdict of the boys. "He didn't tell us
+that he attempted to flog you; only that you pitched into him,
+apparently without any cause or reason," added Tom Rush.
+
+"You all ran out of school," said I. "What is Mr. Parasyte going to do
+about it?"
+
+"We don't know, and we don't care. He is a tyrant, and a toady; and
+all but about a dozen of the fellows are going to quit the school."
+
+"But where are you going?" I asked, surprised at this decided step.
+
+"We have it all arranged, and are going to break away in a bunch. We
+are getting things ready; but we want you, Ernest."
+
+"Why me?"
+
+"Because you are a good sailor, and know all about boats?"
+
+That was highly complimentary in a direction where I was peculiarly
+weak--my love of boats and boating. Bob Hale then informed me that the
+students were going into camp on their own hook this year. This was an
+annual institution at the academy. Belonging to the Institute were
+seven tents, large enough to accommodate all the boys and all the
+teachers; and in the month of July the whole school camped out for one
+or two weeks. This custom did more for the popularity of the Institute
+than anything else, and without it, it was doubtful if the school
+could have been kept together; for it was an offset to the dislike
+with which a large majority of the boys regarded the principal.
+
+The students had begun to talk about camping out as soon as the spring
+opened, and when the rebellion broke out, it immediately ran into this
+channel. The camp during the preceding year had been in a piece of
+woods ten miles east of Parkville; but the rebels had already decided
+to establish it, at the present time, on Cleaver Island, two miles
+north-west of the steamboat pier, and including an area of about
+twenty acres, well covered with wood.
+
+I could not say that I approved of this scheme; but Bob Hale and Tom
+Rush said the students had unanimously agreed to it. I was not in
+favor of insubordination and rebellion. But the moral sense of the
+boys had been outraged; Mr. Parasyte had resorted to the grossest
+injustice, and they were determined to "break away" from him. Rather
+reluctantly I consented to join the insurrection. I ought not to have
+done so; but smarting as I then was under the injustice of my uncle
+and the principal, I found an argument to satisfy myself with my
+conduct.
+
+The Splash seemed to be necessary, in my estimation, for the success
+of the enterprise, and my friends volunteered to assist me in raising
+her. I went to Parkville, and procured a long spruce pole, to which
+the blacksmith attached a hook. Without much difficulty the ballast
+was hoisted out of the sunken craft, and obedient to the law of
+gravitation, she came to the surface. We towed her to a bank of the
+lake in the town, near the shop of a wheelwright, who promised to
+have her repaired in a few hours. One of the ribs was snapped off, and
+six of the "streaks" stove in. We hauled her up on the shore, and got
+the water out of her; and the wheelwright went to work upon her at
+once, assisted by his journeyman.
+
+I had regarded the Splash as a lost boat; and I was delighted with my
+success in raising her, and with the prospect of having her again as
+good as new; for the wheelwright assured me she was not materially
+injured in her timbers. The result of this enterprise rather inflated
+my spirits, and not without good reason; for, as I was now to take
+care of myself, it had already occurred to me that I could make money
+enough to support me by boating--for there were always residents and
+strangers enough in the town who wanted to sail to afford me a good
+business for at least three months in the year.
+
+"Now, Ernest," said Bob Hale, who had embarked with me in my row-boat,
+"how shall we get the crowd, the tents, and the provisions over to
+Cleaver Island?"
+
+"I don't think it is a very big job," I replied.
+
+"I do. Of course Parasyte will prevent us from going if he can," said
+he.
+
+"Too many cooks will spoil the broth," I added. "You want a leader, or
+captain, who shall manage the affair."
+
+"We will choose you."
+
+"No; I decline at the outset. I don't want the credit of being the
+ringleader in this scrape after what has happened."
+
+"What do you say to the parson?" asked he.
+
+"Capital!"
+
+We consulted the students in the other boat, and they agreed to this
+selection. Both boats then pulled to the pier at the Institute. As we
+approached, all the rebels gathered around us. Bob Hale immediately
+called them to order, and made a brief statement of the necessity of
+the hour, and then nominated Henry Vallington as leader of the
+enterprise. He was unanimously elected, and somewhat to my surprise he
+accepted.
+
+"Fellow-students," said the parson, in accepting the position, "if I
+didn't feel that every decent fellow in the Institute had been
+outraged and insulted by the conduct of the principal, I wouldn't
+have anything to do with such an affair as this. I want you all to
+understand that I, for one, am going into this thing for a purpose,
+and on principle."
+
+"So say we all of us!" shouted the boys.
+
+"Now, you must obey orders, and have no rioting or rows. We shall do
+this thing in order."
+
+The boys were excited; but the parson told them to keep cool, and,
+when the orders came, to execute them promptly, which they promised
+with one voice to do. By this time I had a scheme arranged in my mind
+for the conveyance of the forces to Cleaver Island, and the leader did
+me the honor to appoint me master of transportation. I stated my plan
+to Vallington and two or three of the more influential of the boys. It
+was cordially approved.
+
+At half past twelve the dinner bell of the Institute rang, as usual;
+and the boys, who had no idea of being deprived of their rations,
+marched in to dinner in order; and I went home with Bob Hale, who had
+invited me to dine with him. On our return, we learned that Mr.
+Parasyte had made a stirring appeal to the students, in the
+dining-room, to support the discipline of the school, and had
+intimated that he intended to prosecute Thornton in the courts for the
+assault upon him. I was rather startled at this intelligence, for a
+court was an appalling affair to me.
+
+The boys heard in silence what the principal had to say, and left the
+dining-room in as good order as usual. At quarter before two the
+school-bell rang; but only about twenty obeyed the summons. I was on
+the pier at this time, and shortly after I saw Mr. Parasyte coming
+down to see the students. Deeming it best to keep out of his way, I
+pulled over to the wheelwright's, to look after the Splash. An hour
+later, Bob Hale, Henry Vallington, and Tom Rush joined me, saying that
+Mr. Parasyte had been very gentle with the boys, and had used only
+mild persuasions. Having failed in all, he had taken his horse and
+gone away. This was favorable to our operations, and I advised the
+parson to hasten back, and do the job at once.
+
+At four o'clock the Splash was finished, and a coat of paint put on
+the new streaks. I got under way at once in her, taking my tender in
+tow. Near the Institute lived a man who owned a large flat-boat, or
+scow, used for bringing wood down the lake. Tom Rush had hired this
+clumsy craft for a week. The three row-boats belonging to the
+Institute had been manned by the boys, and were towing this scow down
+to the pier, according to the plan I had suggested to the parson. When
+the flat was near the pier, a signal was given, and the boys on shore
+all rushed to the building in which the tents were stored. There were
+enough of them to carry all the canvas, poles, and other materials at
+one load, and the students rushed down to the pier with them at a
+rapid pace, so that the work was accomplished before any of the
+assistant teachers or laborers could interfere.
+
+The tents were tumbled into the scow, and all the boys not needed in
+the row-boats embarked with the camp material.
+
+"All ready!" shouted Henry Vallington.
+
+"Give way!" I added to the oarsmen.
+
+[Illustration: OFF FOR THE ISLAND.--Page 143.]
+
+The long painter of the scow had been extended over, and fastened to,
+the three boats. As the wind was fresh, I went to the head of this
+line, attached a rope to the painter, and the procession of boats
+straightened out and moved off, dragging the scow after them.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XIII.
+
+IN WHICH ERNEST IS CHOSEN COMMODORE OF THE FLEET.
+
+
+The procession of boats went off in good style, after the line was
+straightened; but the flat-boat was large and heavy, and it required a
+hard pull to put her in motion. The boys rowed well, and the wind was
+fresh enough to enable the Splash to do her full share of the work.
+The distance from the Institute to the island was two miles and a
+half, and at the rate we moved, I calculated that it would take nearly
+two hours to accomplish the voyage.
+
+The movements of the students had been so sudden and so well arranged,
+that if any one saw them, there was not time to interfere before the
+boats were off. When the scow was fairly in motion, I saw Mr. Gaule,
+one of the teachers, and the two laborers on the estate, rushing down
+to the pier, apparently intent upon doing something.
+
+"Come back, boys!" shouted Mr. Gaule.
+
+No one made any reply, or took any notice of him.
+
+"Come back, I say!" he cried again, but with no better result than
+before.
+
+I was very glad that none of the boys made any insulting replies. They
+were as silent and dignified as so many judges. We all knew very well
+that Mr. Gaule had not force enough to attempt anything, and we did
+not expect to be molested until the return of Mr. Parasyte.
+
+In something less than the two hours I had allowed for the passage,
+the procession of boats reached Cleaver Island. I was perfectly
+familiar with every foot of the shore, and I decided that the landing
+should be effected on the western side, at a point of land which
+extended out a short distance into the lake. The rowers landed and
+carried the painter of the scow on shore, by which they pulled the
+clumsy craft up to the bank.
+
+The tents, cooking utensils, and other camp furniture, were landed and
+conveyed to the high ground in the southerly portion of the island. As
+soon as this work was done, Henry Vallington intimated that he wished
+all the boys to assemble near the point, for a "powwow," to consult
+upon the state of affairs. The word was passed from mouth to mouth,
+till all the rebels had gathered at the appointed place.
+
+"Now, fellows, we want to make arrangements for doing this business in
+good order. When Mr. Parasyte gets back to the Institute, and finds
+that we are gone, he will not be likely to take it as quietly as he
+has all day. Our breaking away has really broken up the Parkville
+Liberal Institute, and I shouldn't be surprised if its principal took
+some decided steps. I haven't any idea what he will do, but in my
+opinion he will do something."
+
+"What can he do?" asked Tom Rush.
+
+"He can do a great many things, and especially a great many foolish
+things. I suppose, when we come down to the niceties of the matter, we
+hadn't any right to take the boats or the tents. In fact, Mr. Parasyte
+stands _in loco parentis_ to us."
+
+"In what?" asked one of the boys who did not study Latin.
+
+"In the place of our parents; and therefore has authority to do
+anything which parents might do. I can't help saying that I have no
+respect for Mr. Parasyte; that I despise him from the bottom of my
+heart. He knows, just as well as we do, that Bill Poodles made the
+trouble yesterday, and he persists in punishing Thornton for it. For
+such a man I can have no respect."
+
+"So say we all!" shouted the boys.
+
+"There is no safety for any of us, if we permit such injustice. He may
+take a miff at any of us any time. I hope that something good will
+come out of this scrape; and I think that something will."
+
+I learned then, for the first time, that Vallington had drawn up a
+paper, setting forth the grievances of the students, in which several
+instances of Mr. Parasyte's injustice and partiality were related, and
+concluding with a full history of the affair between Poodles and
+myself. This paper had been signed by eighty-one of the students, and
+the publisher of the Parkville Standard had engaged to print it on a
+letter sheet, to be sent to the parents of the rebel scholars.
+
+"Mr. Hardy has been discharged. He was the best man in the
+Institute--just and fair. I don't know anything about it; but I am
+satisfied that he was sent away because he condemned Mr. Parasyte's
+treatment of Thornton."
+
+"That was the reason," added Bob Hale. "Mr. Hardy saw Ernest last
+night, after the row in the office."
+
+"I think we have the right of the case," continued Vallington, "though
+I suppose we are wrong in breaking away; but, for one, I won't see a
+fellow like Ernest Thornton browbeaten, and flogged, and ground down.
+If Mr. Parasyte wants to grind down one, he must grind down the
+whole."
+
+"I am very much obliged to you," I interposed; "but I want you to
+understand that I don't ask any one to get himself into a scrape for
+me."
+
+"When we protect you, Thornton, we protect ourselves. Your cause is
+our own. We won't say anything more about that matter. We are here now
+in a state of rebellion, and we must make the best of our situation.
+When Mr. Parasyte will give us fair play, we will return to the
+Institute."
+
+"We will," replied some of the boys; but I am free to say that they
+hoped he would not give them fair play until they had spent a week or
+more in camp.
+
+"Now, fellows, we will see how we stand, and make arrangements for the
+future. We have boats and tents, and these are about all we have. We
+have provisions enough for supper and breakfast. We must get a supply
+of eatables to-night or in the morning. It will require money, but I
+suppose all of you have some; at any rate, I told you to bring your
+money with you, if you had any."
+
+Most of the boys had some funds, which had been saved from their
+pocket money for a Fourth of July Celebration, planned months before.
+
+"We need some officers, and as I don't believe in one-man power, I
+shall ask you to elect them. Please to nominate a treasurer."
+
+"George Weston!" shouted one of the students.
+
+"George Weston is nominated. All in favor of his election will
+manifest it by raising the right hand."
+
+It was a unanimous vote, and the nominee was declared elected.
+
+"Now we want to raise the money, we need to buy provisions, fairly. If
+any one will make a motion, it will be in order," added the chairman.
+
+The Parkville Debating Society, an association connected with the
+Institute, had fully educated the students in parliamentary forms, and
+they were entirely "at home" in the business before them.
+
+"I move you, Mr. Chairman, that each fellow be assessed fifty cents
+for expenses," said one of the students.
+
+The motion was put and carried; and after Fred Mason had been elected
+clerk, the treasurer was instructed to collect the assessments
+forthwith. The next business was the selection of a commissary, and
+Tom Rush was chosen to this important office.
+
+"Mr. Chairman, I nominate Ernest Thornton for commodore of our
+squadron," said Bob Hale; and, though the nomination created some
+merriment, on account of the high-sounding title of the officer, the
+vote was unanimous.
+
+"I accept, Mr. Chairman; but I should prefer to be called simply the
+boatman," I replied.
+
+"That won't do!" exclaimed Bob. "Ernest is to have charge of all the
+boats, including the scow, and I am in favor of calling him
+commodore."
+
+"We won't dispute about titles," laughed Vallington; "but the boats
+are all under Thornton's charge. I advise the commissary to consult
+with the commodore, immediately, in regard to procuring a supply of
+provisions for the company."
+
+The rest of the business was soon completed. As an indication of the
+spirit of the boys, it was voted that the place should be called "Camp
+Fair Play." Vallington announced that six boys should be chosen each
+day to do the cooking and serve out the provision; that a watch should
+be kept around the camp night and day, to prevent a surprise from Mr.
+Parasyte and his forces; and that all work should be fairly divided
+among the students, with the exception of those who had been elected
+to offices. The boys then separated; and those who had been detailed
+to pitch the tents commenced their work.
+
+"Commodore," said Tom Rush, laughing at the title.
+
+"Mr. Commissary," I replied.
+
+"Good! We are even, except that you are a bigger officer than I am."
+
+"What can I do for you?"
+
+"About the provisions--how shall we get them?"
+
+"In the boats, of course," I replied.
+
+"Do you think it will be quite safe for us to go back to Parkville?"
+
+"We won't go there. It is only about six miles to Cannondale, on the
+other side of the lake. I think we had better go to-night, for we
+don't know what will happen to-morrow."
+
+"That's a capital idea! I was thinking how awkward it would be to
+answer the questions that would be asked of us in Parkville. To-night
+it is. How many of us shall go?"
+
+"Only you and I. The Splash will carry a good load. What are you going
+to buy?"
+
+"We must live cheap," replied the commissary.
+
+"I think we will bring off hams, potatoes, and bread or crackers."
+
+"Those will be good feed. I advise you to make out a list of what you
+will want."
+
+"I will do so."
+
+"But we need not buy everything we want. The lake is full of fish, and
+I know just where to catch them."
+
+"That's first rate," added Tom, with enthusiasm. "But it will take a
+heap of fish to feed all the fellows."
+
+"I have caught a boat-load of lake bass and salmon trout in a day. I
+will agree to catch fish enough to feed the crowd for a week. But the
+fellows will want something besides fish to eat. Potatoes are cheap,
+and so are pork and bacon."
+
+"When shall we start?"
+
+"The sooner we go the better. We have no time to spare. There is a
+good wind now, and we may not have it much longer. I will land you at
+Cannondale in an hour; and if the breeze holds, we shall return by
+nine o'clock."
+
+Tom Rush went to the treasurer to procure the funds he had collected,
+and hastened down to the Splash; but before the commissary joined me,
+a messenger came from Vallington to inform me that the lookouts on the
+bluff at the southerly end of the island had discovered a boat pulling
+towards the camp. I had a small spy-glass in one of the lockers of the
+Splash, with which I repaired to the bluff, to ascertain who the
+intended visitors could be.
+
+"I suppose that boat bodes trouble to the camp," said the leader.
+
+"I think it does, for it contains Mr. Parasyte and Deputy Sheriff
+Greene," I replied, after examining the boat through the glass.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XIV.
+
+IN WHICH ERNEST IS WAITED UPON BY A DEPUTY SHERIFF.
+
+
+We had no means of knowing the object of Mr. Parasyte's visit to Camp
+Fair Play--whether he was coming to make a treaty of peace, or to
+declare and carry on the war. The boat in which he was approaching was
+a hired one, rowed by the two men who worked for him. His force was
+sufficient to do us a great deal of mischief; and the questions as to
+what he would, and what he could do, were full of interest to us. Four
+men are a formidable force to any number of boys; and the fact that
+Sheriff Greene was one of the party added to the seriousness of the
+visitation.
+
+"What can they do?" asked Vallington. "We can at least prepare for
+possibilities."
+
+"They can take the boats from us," answered Bob Hale, "and leave us
+here to be starved into submission."
+
+"It would be awkward to be obliged to return to the academy like
+whipped puppies; but I suppose we could be starved into it."
+
+"We will look out for that," I added.
+
+"How can you help it?"
+
+"Leave that to me," I replied, as I hastened down to the
+landing-place, where I summoned my boatmen for service.
+
+We took the three row-boats out of the water, and carried them some
+distance from the shore, hiding them in the bushes. The Splash was too
+large to be carried far; but we took her out of the water, and put her
+high and dry on the island. A force of twenty students had been placed
+under my command, and with a little engineering we made easy work even
+of these heavy jobs. The rudder of the sail-boat was unshipped, and
+concealed, so that she would be useless to the invaders, if they
+attempted to carry her off. There was no fear that they would try to
+tow the scow back to Parkville; for in doing this their punishment
+would be too severe.
+
+Having accomplished my work, I returned to the headland where
+Vallington had his headquarters, just as Mr. Parasyte's boat touched
+the shore below.
+
+"We are all right now," I remarked to the leader.
+
+"The boats are secure--are they?"
+
+"They are."
+
+"Very well; then we are ready to receive our visitors. I will appoint
+a committee of three to wait upon them and invite them to our
+headquarters."
+
+Three students were detailed for this duty, and they descended the
+bluff. Mr. Parasyte and the deputy sheriff followed them up the bank,
+where Vallington was ready to receive them in state, supported by his
+officers. The parson had instructed the rebels to treat our visitors
+with the utmost politeness, and enjoined them not to insult or annoy
+Mr. Parasyte. This was good advice, for some of the boys would have
+been glad to duck him in the lake, or to subject him to other
+indignities, now that they had the power to do so.
+
+The principal of the Parkville Liberal Institute had doubtless been
+very angry when he returned to the school, and found that a "breaking
+away" had taken place; but he had cooled off during his passage over
+the lake, and now he looked troubled and anxious, rather than angry.
+As he walked towards the spot where the officers of the camp stood, he
+gazed curiously around him; but he said nothing.
+
+"Vallington, I am very much surprised to find you with this party,"
+were the first words he spoke, as he discovered our leader, standing
+on his dignity, a little in advance of his supporters.
+
+"Considering the circumstances, Mr. Parasyte, I am not at all
+surprised to find myself here," replied the parson. "If it were a mere
+frolic for the love of mischief, I should not be here. I presume you
+come on business, sir."
+
+"On business!" exclaimed the principal, apparently taken aback by the
+remarks of Vallington. "I _did_ come on business."
+
+"You will oblige me by stating it, sir. I have been chosen the leader
+of this company, and I represent the students here assembled."
+
+"My business is to order you back to the Institute," continued Mr.
+Parasyte, becoming a little excited by the independent manner of our
+leader.
+
+"In behalf of those whom I represent, I must decline to obey the
+order--at least for the present."
+
+The eye of the deputy sheriff twinkled as he listened to these
+speeches. He seemed to regard the affair as a big joke, and to
+appreciate it accordingly. Though none of us had ever had any official
+relations with him, we knew him as what all the people called "a good
+fellow," witty, jovial, and never severe even in the discharge of his
+duties. It is more than probable that he knew Mr. Parasyte as the boys
+knew him, and despised him accordingly. At any rate, we judged from
+the expression on his round face, that he was at heart on our side,
+however his official position might compel him to act.
+
+"I am sorry, boys, that you have engaged in this rebellion, for it
+will not be pleasant for me to compel obedience," continued Mr.
+Parasyte, struggling to repress his anger.
+
+"I am sorry, also, that we have been compelled to take this unpleasant
+stand," replied Vallington, with dignity. "If you are willing to hear
+it, sir, I should like to state the position of the boys in this
+matter. Perhaps the difficulty can be arranged; if it can, we will at
+once return to the Institute."
+
+"If there are any real abuses, I am willing to correct them. I will
+hear what you have to say."
+
+Vallington briefly rehearsed the grievances of the boys, and demanded
+that Thornton should be restored to all his privileges, without
+punishment, and that Mr. Hardy should be reengaged.
+
+Mr. Parasyte turned red in the face, and bit his lips with anger and
+vexation.
+
+"Are you the principal of the Parkville Liberal Institute, or am I?"
+said he, when the parson had finished.
+
+"Neither of us, I think, as the matter now stands, sir."
+
+"I see that you are determined to defy me," added Mr. Parasyte. "You
+ask me to restore Thornton without punishment of any kind. Are you
+aware that he assaulted me with a deadly weapon?"
+
+"We are aware that he defended himself when assaulted."
+
+"Assaulted!" gasped Mr. Parasyte, astounded to hear his own act
+called by such a name. "Are you aware of the powers which the law
+lodges in the hands of the teacher?"
+
+"I am."
+
+"Thornton refused to obey me; and, at his uncle's request, I intended
+to enforce obedience. It was my duty to do so."
+
+"May I inquire, Mr. Parasyte, in what Thornton refused to obey you?"
+asked Vallington, in the gentlest of tones.
+
+"I required him to apologize to Poodles privately, and to me publicly.
+He refused to do so."
+
+"I told Mr. Parasyte that I would apologize to him," I interposed,
+addressing our leader.
+
+"That wasn't enough," replied the principal.
+
+"At the time, sir, you knew Poodles had confessed that he alone was to
+blame for the affair on the pier. Thornton was innocent; and it had
+been fairly proved to you that he was innocent. Poodles himself
+assured you of the fact, and his evidence was fully confirmed by
+Pearl. In the face of this overwhelming proof, you attempted to flog
+Thornton into apologizing for that of which you knew he was not
+guilty. No boy with a soul would submit to be flogged under such
+circumstances. I would not, and I have no respect for any fellow that
+would. No boy was ever yet flogged in the Institute, and it was an
+outrage to attempt such a thing."
+
+Vallington was quite eloquent, and Mr. Parasyte actually quailed as he
+poured out his feelings in well-chosen words, and with an emphasis
+which forced their meaning home to the heart. The tyrant had gone too
+far to recede. He did what weak, low-minded men always do under such
+circumstances--he got furiously angry, and delivered himself in
+abusive terms. He declared that Poodles and Pearl had been frightened
+into their confession, and persisted in saying that I had caused the
+quarrel on the pier.
+
+"But it is no use to reason with you. I am going to compel obedience
+now. If you will not mind, I shall make you mind," foamed he, stamping
+the ground in his rage.
+
+"We have nothing to say, sir, except that we shall defend ourselves
+from assaults of all kinds," added Vallington.
+
+"Assaults! How dare you use that word to me! I am in the lawful
+exercise of my authority as the principal of the Parkville Liberal
+Institute. You were committed to my care by your parents, and I shall
+do my duty by you. As to Thornton, his case shall be settled by the
+court. Mr. Greene, you have a warrant for his arrest."
+
+"Yes, I have," replied the deputy sheriff, with a broad grin.
+
+"That's the boy," continued Mr. Parasyte, furiously, as he pointed to
+me.
+
+My companions were evidently disconcerted, as I certainly was, by this
+action of Mr. Parasyte. They had got up the rebellion on my account
+directly, though indirectly on their own, and it would be a sad defeat
+to have me carried off by an officer of the law. Mr. Greene walked up
+to me, still wearing his smiling face.
+
+"Well, Ernest, I am sorry for you; but I suppose I must do my duty. I
+have a warrant for your arrest."
+
+"I shall not resist," I replied.
+
+"You shall have fair play."
+
+"That's all I want."
+
+"I am sorry to take you away," he added, in a low tone; "for, between
+you and me, I think the boys have the rights of the matter; but I
+can't help serving the warrant."
+
+"Put him in irons, Mr. Greene. He is a violent fellow," said Mr.
+Parasyte, savagely.
+
+"I shall not do that," replied the sheriff. "I can handle him without
+any irons."
+
+"Mr. Greene," interposed Vallington, "will you allow me to look at
+your warrant?"
+
+"Certainly, if you want to."
+
+"Don't do it, Mr. Greene!" shouted Mr. Parasyte.
+
+"Don't be so grouty, sir. The young gentleman may see it, if he wants
+to do so," replied the sheriff, with a broad grin on his fat face, as
+he handed the warrant to the parson. "I don't belong to your school,
+Mr. Parasyte, and I suppose I can do as I please."
+
+The principal bit his lip again; and Vallington glanced at the legal
+document.
+
+"This warrant speaks about 'our county of Adieno,'" said the leader.
+"Are you aware, Mr. Greene, that this island is not in the county of
+Adieno?"
+
+"No! Isn't it though?" laughed the sheriff.
+
+"It certainly is not," added Vallington, returning the warrant to the
+sheriff.
+
+"What odds does that make?" demanded Mr. Parasyte, angrily. "The
+offence was committed in Adieno county."
+
+"Well, I don't know," said the sheriff. "I don't want to do anything
+that isn't lawful. It may be right to take him here; but I'm not sure,
+you see."
+
+"That is absurd, Mr. Greene."
+
+"I haven't been a deputy sheriff but about six months, and I'm not
+fully posted yet. We'll go back to Parkville, and if I find it's all
+right, I'll come over and arrest Ernest to-morrow. That will be soon
+enough."
+
+Mr. Greene seemed to be the happiest person on the island; and Mr.
+Parasyte was so angry he could hardly contain himself.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XV.
+
+IN WHICH ERNEST AND THE COMMISSARY VISIT CANNONDALE.
+
+
+Mr. Parasyte, angry as he was, had sense enough left to see that he
+could accomplish nothing by remaining longer at Camp Fair Play. The
+spirit of freedom that prevailed there was unsuitable to his
+constitution.
+
+"'I go, but I return,'" said he, in the language of Catiline to the
+Roman senate.
+
+"When you return we shall receive you with all due respect, Mr.
+Parasyte," said Harry Vallington.
+
+Mr. Greene chuckled, and shook his fat sides with suppressed mirth;
+and it was plain the principal had a very doubtful ally in the person
+of the deputy sheriff. And the ill-mated pair walked towards the
+landing, where we saw them embark, and leave the shore.
+
+"Mr. Parasyte has more pluck than I gave him credit for," said Bob
+Hale, after we had silently watched the departure of the boat. "Isn't
+it a pity a man who knows so much, and is such a good teacher, should
+be a tyrant?"
+
+"He is intellectually great and morally little," added the parson,
+with a savor of the cloth he was destined to wear. "He has always been
+politic, and we have felt his tyranny only in little things, which are
+all the more mean because they are small. He is now fully roused; he
+is too obstinate to back out, even when he knows and feels that he is
+in the wrong; and now he will lay policy aside. I tell you, fellows,
+you must make up your minds for a hard battle, for Mr. Parasyte is in
+earnest. He will leave no stone unturned to reduce us to subjection;
+and if I mistake not, 'breaking away' will prove to be no joke. If any
+of the students feel like giving up, now is the best time to take the
+back track, for the farther we go the deeper in the mire we shall be.
+If there are any who are sick of their bargain, they had better say so
+now."
+
+"No!" "No!" "No!" shouted the boys, till the sound became a unanimous
+voice.
+
+"I see you are all of one mind," continued Vallington. "I deem it
+right to tell you now that, in my opinion, Mr. Parasyte is no
+contemptible foe to deal with. He will make a good deal of trouble, if
+he does not cause much anxiety, perhaps suffering, in our ranks."
+
+"What can he do?" asked one of the boys.
+
+"I don't know. He hasn't told me what he intends to do, and probably
+he will not," replied our chief, facetiously.
+
+"Can't you guess?" asked another boy; and there seemed to be a general
+desire to anticipate the terrible things the principal would attempt
+in order to reduce the rebellious pupils to subjection.
+
+"I am no Yankee, and I can't guess. I can mention several things he
+might do."
+
+"Tell us, if you please!" called out one of the more timid of the
+boys.
+
+"Very likely he will attempt to starve us out by surrounding the
+island with boats, and preventing us from obtaining provisions. He
+must know that we have a very small stock of eatables on hand."
+
+"We will trust to our commodore to break his lines, if he blockades
+our camp," laughed Tom Rush.
+
+"He may come with a force of men in the night, and take away the
+boats."
+
+"You said we should keep a watch at night," suggested Fred Mason.
+
+"We hope the commodore will be able to protect his squadron," said Bob
+Hale.
+
+"I shall do my best to insure the safety of the boats, or to run the
+blockade, if one is established," I replied, with becoming modesty;
+and in fact I was getting so excited over the prospect, that I rather
+hoped there would be an attempt to blockade us, or to carry off the
+boats, that I might have an opportunity to exercise my talent for
+navigation and strategy.
+
+"And Mr. Parasyte may collect a force, and come over to capture the
+whole of us. He can charge us with stealing his boats, or something of
+that sort. He has already obtained a warrant for the arrest of
+Thornton, and to have him taken away from us would be about the worst
+thing that could happen," said Vallington.
+
+"We will not let them take him," interposed a belligerent student.
+
+"What will you do?"
+
+"Pitch the sheriff overboard," replied the spunky speaker.
+
+"That will not do," I added. "I hope no fellow will think of such a
+thing as resisting an officer of the law."
+
+"No, that wouldn't do," continued Vallington. "If Mr. Greene could not
+arrest Thornton because he was out of his county, Mr. Parasyte will
+get a sheriff from the proper county to do the job."
+
+"That's so," said Bob Hale. "He will do his worst, you may depend upon
+that."
+
+"I have an idea!" I shouted, under the inspiration of my new thought;
+and it really seemed to me like a brilliant suggestion.
+
+"What is it?" demanded our leader.
+
+"Suppose we change our quarters?"
+
+"Where shall we go?"
+
+"To Pine Island. It is about seven miles from here, or nine miles and
+a half from Parkville," I answered.
+
+"What shall we gain by moving?" asked Vallington, deeply interested in
+my proposition.
+
+"Several things. We are now six miles from Cannondale, where we must
+procure our provisions, while Pine Island is less than three."
+
+"That's a decided advantage, if we are to be starved out," added the
+commissary.
+
+"It is so far from Parkville that our movements could not be observed
+from the shore," I continued. "And Pine Island is at least four times
+as large as Cleaver Island, which would make it four times as
+difficult to blockade."
+
+"Pine Island! Pine Island!" shouted the rebels, in concert, as they
+began to perceive the advantages of the proposed location.
+
+"If the fellows don't object to working a part or the whole of the
+night, we might be in our new quarters before morning; and if we keep
+a good lookout, we may stay there two or three days before Mr.
+Parasyte finds out where we are."
+
+"Pine Island! Pine Island!" was the chorus which came from the throng
+of boys, all of whom had gathered near the bluff.
+
+"Those in favor of moving to-night, say ay," continued Vallington.
+
+"Ay!" shouted the students, with one voice.
+
+"Those opposed, say no."
+
+There was not a dissenting voice.
+
+"It is a unanimous vote," added the leader. "Commodore Thornton, you
+are charged with the execution of this order, and you will make your
+preparations accordingly."
+
+"But what shall we do for provisions?" asked the commissary, troubled
+about the proper administration of the affairs of his department. "We
+must have something to eat before dinner-time to-morrow; and if we are
+to keep out of sight, I don't see how we are to get anything."
+
+"Perhaps Commodore Thornton can afford us some information on that
+subject," said Vallington. "Our safety and success depend mainly upon
+the vulgar things which the stomach requires."
+
+"There is a good breeze now, General Vallington, and--"
+
+The students interrupted me with a hearty laugh at the new title I had
+given to the parson.
+
+"A truce to titles," laughed our leader.
+
+"You call me commodore, and I think it is no more than fair that I
+should give you your proper title."
+
+"But you were duly elected commodore of our squadron."
+
+"Mr. Chairman, I move that Henry Vallington be created
+general-in-chief of all our forces, by sea and by land," I continued.
+
+"Second the motion," added Bob Hale. "I call upon the secretary to put
+the question."
+
+The question was put by Fred Mason, and carried, unanimously.
+
+"I am very much obliged to you for the honor you have conferred upon
+me; but we can hardly afford the time now to talk about titles. You
+were going to say something about the breeze, Commodore Thornton."
+
+"I say that there is a good breeze now, General Vallington; and I
+think, if the commissary is ready, we can reach Cannondale in the
+Splash by nine o'clock. It is half past seven now," I replied, looking
+at my watch.
+
+"The commissary is all ready," said Tom Rush.
+
+"What time shall you return?" asked the general.
+
+"By eleven or twelve. I think the fellows had better turn in, and
+sleep till we return," I suggested. "There will be time enough then to
+load the scow, and reach the island by daylight."
+
+The general approved of this idea, but was afraid the boys were too
+much excited to sleep. I called those who had been detailed to serve
+as boatmen to assist in putting the Splash into the water, and, with
+Tom Rush alone, started for Cannondale. The breeze was fresh, and
+before the time I had mentioned we landed at our destination.
+
+Since I had owned the Splash, I had spent all my vacations and
+holidays, and indeed all my spare time every week day when boating was
+practicable, on the lake. A spirit of adventure had prompted me to
+make long trips, and I had sometimes spent half the night in my lonely
+cruises. The darkness, therefore, was not an obstacle with me to the
+navigation of those familiar waters. I knew every point, headland,
+bay, and inlet, at midnight as well as noonday.
+
+Lake Adieno, though a fresh-water lake, was not always the smoothest
+of navigation. Its shores were nearly level land, and there was
+nothing to shelter it from the blasts when the wind blew; and, with
+an uninterrupted reach of twenty miles from east to west, old Boreas
+had room enough to kick up quite a heavy sea. In a strong north-west
+or south-west wind, boating on the lake was no child's play.
+
+We landed at Cannondale, and secured the Splash at the steamboat pier.
+For several years I had purchased the groceries for the cottage of my
+uncle; and since I had owned the sail-boat, I had as often procured
+them at Cannondale as at Parkville, and I was nearly as familiar with
+the streets of the former as with those of the latter.
+
+We found a grocer and a provision-dealer, of whom Tom Rush purchased
+the supplies we needed. Of the former the commissary purchased ten
+kegs of crackers, and a variety of small stores, and of the latter
+sixteen hams, twenty pounds of salt pork, and twelve bushels of
+potatoes. At the baker's we obtained all the soft bread on hand--about
+a hundred loaves. These articles amounted to more than the assessments
+levied on the members, but Tom and I made up the balance. The
+provision-dealer harnessed his horse and carted the stores down to the
+pier; and, grateful for the patronage we had given him, and the cash
+paid him, he asked no troublesome questions; and we simply told him
+that the goods were for the school, which was then camping out.
+
+The Splash was loaded to her utmost capacity, and we decided to land
+the stores at Pine Island before we returned to our companions.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XVI.
+
+IN WHICH ERNEST CONVEYS THE STUDENTS TO PINE ISLAND.
+
+
+We landed the provisions at Pine Island, and being still favored with
+a fresh breeze, made a quick run over to Cleaver Island. It was bright
+moonlight now, and very pleasant sailing on the lake. As we approached
+the landing-place, I discovered a row-boat pulling round the point
+below. My first thought was, that Mr. Parasyte was paying a second
+visit to the camp, intent upon carrying out the threats he had
+uttered.
+
+"Can you make her out, Ernest?" asked Tom.
+
+"It is a boat full of men or boys--I don't know which," I replied. "We
+will run down to her, and see what she is."
+
+"It may be Parasyte."
+
+"Very likely it is," I added, heading the Splash towards the
+intruder.
+
+"What shall we do if it is?"
+
+"I don't know that we can do anything but keep an eye upon him. I have
+a great mind to serve him as he did me yesterday--run him down, and
+sink his boat; but I won't do it."
+
+I decided, however, to give him a scare; and with all sail drawing
+well, the Splash going through the water at a rapid rate, I ran
+directly for the row-boat. When we came within a few feet of the
+intruders, the fate that stared them in the face was too much for
+their nerves. They sprang to their feet, and begged me not to run them
+down. It was a startling scene for them; but at that moment I put the
+helm up, and ran astern of the row-boat, just grazing her as we went
+by.
+
+"Boat ahoy!" I shouted as I put the helm down, and the Splash came up
+into the wind on the other side of the row-boat.
+
+"Don't run into us," said one of the boys in the boat, whose voice I
+recognized as that of Bill Poodles; and by this time I had found that
+Mr. Parasyte was not one of the party.
+
+"Who are you?" demanded Tom Rush.
+
+[Illustration: ARRIVAL OF THE RECRUITS.--Page 178.]
+
+"It's me," replied Poodles.
+
+"Who's _me_?"
+
+It was a disgrace to the Parkville Liberal Institute that any member
+of the school should use such execrable grammar, and we were not quite
+willing to believe that the party were fellow-students, with the
+exception of Poodles, from whom nothing better in the shape of correct
+speech was to be expected.
+
+"I'm Bill Poodles--don't you know me?"
+
+"Bill Poodles!" exclaimed Tom, in disgust. "What do you want here?"
+
+"We have come over to see you," said another in the boat, whose voice
+was that of Dick Pearl.
+
+"Well, what do you want?"
+
+"We want to join you," answered Pearl.
+
+"I don't know that we want you. Have you any news from the shore?"
+added Tom.
+
+"We can tell you all that has happened since you left. We ran away
+after supper to join you," said Pearl. "If you will let us in, we will
+do all we can to help you."
+
+"I don't know; I will speak to the general, and if he is willing, you
+may join; but you can't go ashore till he gives you leave."
+
+Pearl, who seemed to be the leading spirit of the recruits, promised
+to wait off the shore till Vallington had been informed of his
+request, and his answer returned. The Splash filled away, and we
+landed at the point where the scow lay. We found that our enterprising
+general had not been idle during our absence. The tents had been
+struck, and the materials put on board the flat-boat. Everything was
+ready for the departure to Pine Island.
+
+The approach of the row-boat had been noticed by the vigilant
+sentinels on the bluff, and the whole company had watched our
+interview with the new comers. Tom Rush reported on the case to our
+general, and it was necessary to act upon the request of the party for
+admission to the camp. In this matter there was less unanimity than
+had before been manifested, and several of the students were opposed
+to granting the request. Bob Hale was the most earnest among them, and
+declared that Bill Poodles, Dick Pearl, and the rest of the party
+could not be trusted; they were mean fellows, and we should be better
+off without them than with them. They were the "creatures" of Mr.
+Parasyte, and they would make trouble if we admitted them.
+
+It would have been well for us if this advice had been heeded, as the
+sequel will show; but it was not. Some of our best declaimers urged
+that there was power in mere numbers; and the strength of an
+harmonious union was yielded to this idea. The vote was in favor of
+permitting the recruits to be received; but a very respectable
+minority voted against it. Bob cheerfully surrendered the point, and
+Poodles and his companions were invited to land. When they came on
+shore, Vallington questioned them in regard to their intentions. They
+all made fair promises, and assured the general they would be good and
+faithful subjects.
+
+Tom Rush had reported on the provision question, and gladdened the
+hearts of all the fellows when he stated what bountiful supplies of
+ham, bread, potatoes, and coffee had been deposited on Pine Island for
+the use of the party.
+
+"Now, we are all ready to move," said Vallington. "The boats are all
+loaded, and we submit the rest of the job to the skill of Commodore
+Thornton."
+
+"Move!" exclaimed Dick Pearl, and in the bright moonlight I saw him
+glance anxiously at Poodles.
+
+"We have decided to break up our camp here and move to Pine Island."
+
+"Be you?" said Poodles.
+
+"We _be_," answered Vallington.
+
+"If we had known it, I don't know that we should have come," added
+Pearl.
+
+"What possible difference can it make to you whether we camp at Pine
+Island or at Cleaver Island?"
+
+"I don't know."
+
+"It is too late to back out now; you have found out where we are
+going, and you must go with us, to help keep the secret," said our
+general, decidedly.
+
+Pearl and Poodles looked at each other, and evidently wished to
+consult together; but there was no opportunity.
+
+For my own part, I was not satisfied with their conduct, and I
+determined to keep a close watch upon them; for it seemed to me, from
+their appearance, that they intended to make mischief. I whispered my
+suspicions to Vallington, who thought it was well enough to keep an
+eye upon them; but he did not believe ten such fellows as they were
+would attempt to interfere with the plans of the company. I assured
+him Pearl was a smart fellow, and under his lead the party might make
+trouble.
+
+As the wind was not only fresh, but fair for our passage to Pine
+Island, I rigged one of the tent poles as a mast for the flat-boat,
+intending to save the boys the hard labor of towing her seven miles. I
+secured another pole across the mast for a yard, to which I bent on
+the canvas of one of the tents for a sail. There was a heavy steering
+oar in the boat, which answered the purpose of a rudder. Having
+adjusted all this gear to my satisfaction, we pushed off, and I took
+my station at the helm of the flat-boat, which was crowded with boys.
+
+I appointed Bob Hale, who had some experience as a boatman, to the
+charge of the Splash, though, as a matter of prudence, I directed him
+to set only the jib and mainsail. The row-boats were towed alongside
+the scow. The sail fully answered all my expectations, and the old
+"gundalow" actually made about three knots an hour under her new rig.
+The students stretched themselves on the tents, and very likely some
+of them went to sleep, for it was now two o'clock in the morning, and
+most of them were tired out, and gaped fearfully.
+
+It was daylight when we ran into the little sheltered bay where we had
+landed the goods from the Splash. It was quite chilly in the morning
+air, and the fellows were glad of the exercise required to unload the
+scow and pitch the tents. But in a couple of hours the work was done,
+and the weary laborers were glad enough to stretch themselves on the
+beds of pine foliage in the tents. All the boats were hauled into an
+inlet, where they could not be seen by any passing craft on the lake,
+and I felt that everything was safe.
+
+Everybody was worn out, and I think everybody went to sleep, even to
+the sentinels, who were stationed where they could give notice of the
+approach of any intruders. I was so exhausted myself that I should
+have slept if I had known all the deputy sheriffs in the state had
+been after me. And there we all lay till noon, buried in slumber. And
+when we awoke there appeared to be no life anywhere but on the
+island. The lake was calm and silent, and from the distant shores not
+a sound came to disturb us.
+
+When the boys did wake they were wide awake, and immediately voted
+that "breaking away" was a capital idea. It was then unanimously
+resolved that it was time to have something to eat. The boys had had
+some experience in the culinary art in previous campaigns, and we had
+all the pots, kettles, and pans provided for such occasions. A fire
+was made in the woods, near the centre of the island, where it was
+hoped the smoke would not betray us, and potatoes and ham were soon
+hissing in the pans. About twenty of the students were employed in
+this work,--peeling potatoes, and preparing the pork and bacon,--while
+only four of the most experienced were intrusted with the care of the
+actual cooking. We had a big meal, though we had no knives and forks,
+or plates. The company was divided into messes of ten each, there
+being one large tin pan for each, from which the boys took the "grub"
+with sharpened sticks or jackknives. We enjoyed it quite as much as
+we did our dinners at the Institute.
+
+We passed a quiet day, without interruption from within or without. We
+neither saw nor heard anything from Mr. Parasyte, and the Poodles
+party behaved better than we had expected, so that we had learned to
+trust them. The necessary work of the camp was all we could do, and
+when night came we were glad to turn in at an early hour, for we had
+not yet fully recovered from the fatigues of the previous day and
+night.
+
+It was ordered by the general-in-chief that the watch during the night
+should be relieved every two hours, and that three should be on duty
+at once. A sufficient number of the company were detailed for this
+purpose, and a tent apart from the rest assigned to them, that others
+might not be disturbed when the watch was changed. How faithfully this
+watch performed their duty we learned from the developments of the
+next day.
+
+I turned out about five o'clock in the morning, intending to try my
+hand at fishing with Bob Hale and Tom Rush. We went down to the inlet
+where the squadron had been secured, to obtain one of the row-boats.
+
+There was not a boat there!
+
+Even the old scow had disappeared, and the Splash was nowhere to be
+seen!
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XVII.
+
+IN WHICH ERNEST FINDS THERE IS TREASON IN THE CAMP.
+
+
+What had become of the boats? I was a commodore without a squadron,
+and I felt so cheap that I would have sold out my commission for
+sixpence, and thrown myself in. The boats had been carefully secured,
+under my own direction, in the little inlet, and they could not have
+drifted away, I looked at Bob Hale, and Bob Hale looked at me; but
+neither of us could explain the disappearance of the fleet.
+
+"An enemy hath done this," I began, in Scripture phrase.
+
+"Of course it couldn't have been done by a friend," added Tom Rush.
+"It's lucky we have a good stock of provisions on hand."
+
+"But the stock won't last forever," suggested Bob.
+
+"We are not going to be starved out in a week, or a year, for that
+matter," I interposed. "We are not to be broken up by any such
+accident as this."
+
+"The commodore is spunky," laughed Bob, who was always good-natured,
+whatever happened.
+
+"I am not to be put down by any such expedient as this taking away the
+boats. When I want to visit the main shore, I shall do so, boat or no
+boat," I replied; for I already saw how I could counteract the
+misfortune of the loss of our squadron.
+
+"Parasyte has snuffed us out, I suppose, and sent a party up here in
+the night to take the boats," continued Bob Hale. "He means to starve
+us out."
+
+"He will discover his mistake. But let us take a look round the
+island; perhaps we may find out what has become of the boats;" and I
+led the way to the nearest point, at which a sentinel had been
+stationed.
+
+The student on watch there knew nothing of the absence of the boats.
+There had been no alarm given at the guard tent. We walked around the
+island without obtaining any information of the lost squadron. We
+reported the mishap to Vallington, who was both surprised and
+indignant.
+
+The occupants of the guard tent were all turned out, and those who had
+been on watch during the night were examined; but none of them knew
+anything about the boats. They had not heard any noise during the
+night, or seen anything on the lake. The general then mustered the
+company, and after stating what had occurred, called for any
+information; but no one had any to give.
+
+"Where is Bill Poodles?" suddenly demanded Bob Hale, as he glanced
+around among the students.
+
+"He is not here," replied Tom Rush, after he had scrutinized all the
+faces.
+
+"And Dick Pearl?"
+
+"Not here."
+
+"Is any of the party that came off that night present?" demanded the
+general.
+
+"No," answered several, after each fellow had looked his neighbor full
+in the face.
+
+"That's what's the matter!" exclaimed Bob Hale. "Bill Poodles and the
+rest of them have run away with the boats; and in my opinion that's
+what they joined us for."
+
+A further examination convinced all present that this was the fact. It
+looked as though Mr. Parasyte had sent off the ten boys who joined us
+on the first night, to rob us of the boats. We remembered the dismay
+with which Pearl and Poodles had listened to the announcement of our
+intended removal from Cleaver Island, and were fully confirmed in our
+view of the traitors' purpose.
+
+We found that the conspirators had all occupied the same tent, and one
+of the fellows who slept with them now remembered that he had half
+waked up, and heard Dick Pearl talking in a low tone to some one.
+Vallington called up the sentinels again, and spoke pretty sharply to
+them of their neglect of duty.
+
+"It would have been impossible for them to carry off the boats if you
+had been awake; and now you have got us into a pretty scrape. We shall
+have to back out, and march back to the Institute like whipped
+puppies," said he, with becoming indignation.
+
+But the sentinels protested that they had kept awake all the time.
+
+"Tell that to a dead mule, and he would kick your brains out," replied
+the general. "Who stood at the south station?"
+
+"I did from ten till twelve," answered Joe Slivers; "and I am sure no
+boat went out of the cove during that time."
+
+"And who from twelve till two?" continued the general.
+
+No one answered.
+
+"Who was it--don't you know?" demanded Vallington, sternly.
+
+"I know," replied Ben Lyons. "It was Carl Dorner, for I had the north
+station at the same time."
+
+"Carl Dorner!" exclaimed Bob Hale. "He was one of the Poodles party."
+
+"That accounts for it," added Vallington. "Who had the east station
+from twelve till two?"
+
+"Mat Murray," replied Slivers.
+
+"He's another of the Poodles tribe," added Bob. "It's as clear as mud
+now. We put traitors on guard, and we are sold out."
+
+"Ben Lyons, you had the north station from twelve till two," continued
+the general.
+
+"I did; but I was nearly half a mile from the cove," replied the
+sentinel.
+
+"And Carl Dorner and Mat Murray had the east and south stations at the
+same time."
+
+"They did."
+
+"Who called the fellows that were to relieve you?"
+
+"I did," answered Lyons.
+
+"Didn't you miss Dorner and Murray?"
+
+"I didn't notice them; but I did see the three fellows who went on
+guard at two o'clock. They started for their stations, and I turned
+in, without thinking anything about Dorner and Murray."
+
+It further appeared that the two traitors had used some "shuffling" to
+obtain the east and south stations. It was evident now that the
+conspirators had executed their plan shortly after midnight, while
+their associates were on guard at the two posts where their operations
+could be seen or heard. The south station was on a point of land which
+commanded a full view of the cove where the boats lay. From the east
+station the lake in the direction of Parkville and Cannondale could be
+seen. From the north station, which was considerably farther west
+than either of the other posts, nothing could be seen on the south
+side of the island.
+
+If the conspirators had gone to the eastward with the boats, they
+could easily have kept out of sight of the sentinel at the north
+station--the only true one on duty when the mischief was done--by
+hugging the main south shore of the lake. If they had gone to the
+westward, or farther away from Parkville,--which was not likely,--they
+could not have been seen by Ben Lyons till they had gone at least a
+mile.
+
+In the mud at the bottom of the cove we found a pole sticking up,
+which the traitors had probably used in pushing the scow out into the
+lake. This showed us in what manner they had gone to work; but I was
+satisfied that they had not attempted to tow the scow any distance; it
+would not have been possible for them to do so. It was comparatively
+easy to move her with setting-poles, but they could have done nothing
+with the unwieldy craft in the deep water. I therefore concluded that
+they had merely pushed her out into the lake, and then turned her
+adrift. It was probable that she had been driven ashore by the
+north-west wind somewhere in the vicinity of Cannondale.
+
+What the conspirators had done with the Splash was not so clear to me,
+for not one of them knew anything about the management of a sail-boat.
+She had a pair of oars on board, and it was probable they had rowed
+her, as they had the other boats. All the sentinels agreed in their
+statements that the wind had blown pretty fresh in the night, and I
+was not quite willing to believe that the ten faithless ones had
+pulled the four boats the whole distance to Parkville, which was nine
+miles, in the heavy sea that must have been caused by a brisk
+north-west wind. They were not boatmen enough to undertake such a job,
+or to carry it through if they did attempt it.
+
+Cannondale lay to the south-east of Pine Island, and with the
+prevailing wind of the night, it was an easy matter to accomplish the
+two miles which lay between them. After a great deal of thinking,
+reasoning, and studying, I came to the conclusion that the Splash,
+and perhaps two or three of the four row-boats,--for the conspirators
+had added one to our original number,--were not farther off than
+Cannondale. The wind was still fresh from the north-west, and the
+traitors would hardly care to pull even a single boat eight miles. The
+steamer, on her way to Parkville, would touch at Cannondale about one
+o'clock, and I surmised that the deserters would return in her.
+
+I made up my mind, in view of these facts and suppositions, that it
+would be advisable for some of our party to visit Cannondale before
+one o'clock. Pine Island had sometimes been used as a picnic ground,
+and the people had been conveyed thither in a steamer. Near the south
+station, in the deepest water, there was a rude pier of logs built
+out, for the convenience of landing the parties. This loose structure
+suggested to me the means of reaching the main shore; and, without
+waiting for breakfast, I "piped" away my boatmen, and proceeded to
+build a raft.
+
+Placing three large logs in the water, we lashed them together, and
+covered them with short pieces of board, from the ruins of an old
+cook-house on the island. The job was finished when breakfast was
+ready, about seven o'clock, including a mast and sail, the latter made
+of the curtain of a tent. The preparations I had been making had a
+wonderful effect in warming up the spirits of the boys, considerably
+depressed by the prospective calamities which were supposed to lie in
+the wake of the loss of our boats; and at least three quarters of them
+applied to me for permission to join my expedition to the main shore.
+I determined, however, to take but four with me, among whom were Bob
+Hale and Tom Rush.
+
+As soon as we had eaten a hearty breakfast, we embarked, and hoisted
+the sail on our clumsy craft. When she had passed out of the cove, she
+took the breeze, and went off at a very satisfactory pace towards
+Cannondale, plunging and rolling in the heavy sea like a ship in a
+gale. With us as navigators, "the die was cast," for it would be
+impossible to return to the island unless the wind changed, for the
+raft would only go before it.
+
+The craft dived down and jumped up, and every wave swept completely
+over it; but we had taken off our shoes and stockings, and rolled up
+our trousers' legs, so that we suffered no inconvenience. The fresh
+breeze carried us over in about half an hour, and the raft was thrown
+high and dry on the beach, a quarter of a mile below the town.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XVIII.
+
+IN WHICH ERNEST AND HIS COMPANIONS LAND AT CANNONDALE.
+
+
+We landed on the beach, put on our shoes and stockings, and walked
+towards the village of Cannondale. It was still early in the
+morning,--as people who lie abed till breakfast measure time,--and I
+was quite confident that I should find the boats, if not the deserters
+from our camp, at the town. The fact that none of the party were
+boatmen assured me they could not have gone on to Parkville. The wind
+must have brought them to Cannondale, and must have prevented them
+from leaving it.
+
+We followed the beach from the point where we had landed until we came
+to the steamboat pier, which was the usual landing-place for all
+boats.
+
+On the further side of the wharf, sheltered from the wind and the
+sea, was our entire squadron, with the exception of the flat-boat.
+
+"We are all right now," said Bob Hale; and we broke into a run, and
+hastened over to the point where the boats were secured.
+
+"Where do you suppose the deserters are?" asked Tom Rush.
+
+"Probably, as they didn't sleep any last night, they have gone to bed
+at the hotel," I replied. "It will be a good joke for them, when they
+wake up, to find they have had their labor for their pains."
+
+On the steamboat wharf there was a building used for the storage of
+goods. Just as I was about to go down the steps at the foot of which
+the Splash lay, with the row-boats made fast to her, a lame man came
+out of the warehouse, and hailed us.
+
+"What do you want?" he demanded, in no conciliatory tones.
+
+"I want this boat," I replied.
+
+"You can't have her," he added, decidedly.
+
+"Why not?"
+
+"Because you can't."
+
+"That doesn't seem to be a very good reason," I answered, descending
+the steps, and jumping into the Splash.
+
+"Do you hear what I say?" demanded he, in savage tones.
+
+"I do; I am not deaf, and you speak loud enough to be heard," I added,
+as I proceeded to remove the stops from the mainsail, preparatory to
+hoisting the sail.
+
+"Are you going to mind what I say, or not?" he shouted, in loud tones.
+
+"I am not."
+
+"That boat's in my charge, and you can't have her."
+
+"I don't care whose charge she is in. The boat belongs to me, and I
+intend to have her."
+
+"Who are you?"
+
+"It doesn't matter who I am; but I take it any one has a right to his
+own property, wherever he finds it."
+
+"Can you prove that the boat is your property?" asked he, in a milder
+tone.
+
+"I can, but I shall not take the trouble to do so," I replied, with
+more impudence than discretion.
+
+"All I've got to say is, that you can't have that boat," added he,
+angrily; and he came down the steps, and took position by my side in
+the Splash.
+
+"Come aboard, fellows!" I called to my companions.
+
+"I suppose you claim these row-boats too--don't you?" said the lame
+man, with a sneer.
+
+"I do not," I answered, concluding, under the circumstances, to go no
+farther than the facts would warrant. "Those boats belong to the
+Parkville Liberal Institute."
+
+"I know they do," growled the man, who seemed to be in doubt what to
+do.
+
+"Hoist the jib, Tom. If you wish to land, sir, now is your time," I
+suggested to the intruder, as I picked up the heavy oak tiller of the
+Splash.
+
+"What are you going to do with that tiller?" continued he, fixing his
+eye fiercely upon me.
+
+"I am going to steer the boat with it," I replied. "If you wish to go
+with us, I shall not object to your company."
+
+I saw that the man only wished me to bully and threaten him a little,
+to induce him to pitch into me, though it was plain he did not like
+the looks of the heavy tiller in my hand. I refrained from provoking
+him any further than to persist in claiming possession of my boat.
+
+"You say this boat is yours," said he, after a moment of deliberation.
+
+"I do; if you need any proof, I will now refer to Mr. Leman, the
+grocer, and Mr. Irwin, the provision-dealer; and if you belong on this
+wharf, you must have seen me land from her more than once."
+
+"I don't want to quarrel with you," he added. "I know the boat very
+well, and very likely I've seen you in her; but I don't remember. I
+live close to the shore beyond the village, and I was waked up in the
+night--it was about one o'clock, I guess--by a lot of boys hollering.
+I got up, and found all these boats heaved up on the beach, and the
+boys trying to get 'em off. I helped 'em a while, and then brought the
+boats round here, for they would all got stove to pieces there."
+
+The man talked very well now, and I met him in the same spirit.
+
+"The boys who got into the scrape ought to pay you for helping them
+out," I replied.
+
+"I don't like to be turned out of my bed in the night to do such a job
+for nothing."
+
+"You must make them pay you."
+
+"They said they would, or that the schoolmaster over to Parkville
+would, for he sent them to look out for some boys who had run away."
+
+"Did they?" I replied, glancing significantly at Bob Hale, for this
+acknowledgment implied that Mr. Parasyte had sent the deserters to do
+the work they had accomplished. "But I don't see that we have anything
+to do with the matter. If I were you, I would hold the other boats
+till they paid me for my trouble."
+
+"I'll do that."
+
+"How much do they owe you?" asked Bob.
+
+"Well, I don't know; they ought to give me a couple of dollars, I
+think," replied the man.
+
+We passed a few words among ourselves, and Tom handed the man two
+dollars.
+
+"That's to pay for saving this boat," said Tom. "We ought not to pay
+it, for our boat was stolen from us; but you must collect as much
+more before you let the other boats go."
+
+"Thank ye," replied the man, with a broad grin, indicative of his
+satisfaction, as he took the money. "I spoke rather sharp to you at
+first, because I thought you were going to take the boats without
+paying for the job I did. I didn't mean nothing by it, and I hope
+you'll excuse it."
+
+"It is all right."
+
+"You can take the other boats too, if you like," continued the man,
+magnanimously.
+
+We concluded that we did not want them. They were of no service to us,
+for with a south-west wind, I could work the scow over to Parkville;
+and I intended to go in search of her in the Splash.
+
+"Did the fellows that came in these boats say anything to you about
+where they came from?" asked Bob Hale of the man.
+
+"They told me all about it; but I knew something about it yesterday,
+for the schoolmaster came over here in the steamer, inquiring after
+you. He said you went to the Cleaver first, and then left--he didn't
+know where you was now."
+
+"Mr. Parasyte here!" exclaimed Tom Rush.
+
+"He's at the hotel, and he's going to find you and bring you back
+to-day," added the man, with a laugh. "You have done the handsome
+thing by me, and I don't mind telling you all about it."
+
+We could scarcely believe that this was the man who had been so intent
+upon quarrelling with us; but it seemed he supposed we were the same
+boys who had come in the boats, and intended to cheat him out of his
+money for the job he had done.
+
+"What is he going to do?" asked Bob Hale, rather excited.
+
+"He has engaged the Adieno, and is going to look for you."
+
+"The Adieno!" ejaculated Tom Rush.
+
+The Adieno was a small steamer, owned in Parkville and Cannondale,
+employed in towing, conveying pleasure parties, and other uses on the
+lake. She was lying at the other side of the steamboat pier, and the
+smoke was already rolling out of her smokestack. Our informant did not
+precisely know in what manner Mr. Parasyte intended to proceed; and
+we could not ascertain whether he intended to bring off our party by
+force, or to resort to some milder means to break up the camp; but we
+were very grateful for the information we had obtained. By this time
+Mr. Parasyte had learned from the deserters where we were.
+
+Our new-made friend, who, I think, had learned to respect me for the
+decision with which I had answered him, went up the steps. As he did
+so, he repeated his offer to allow us to take the other boats, which
+we again declined.
+
+"He's coming!" said our new ally, as he reached the cap-sill of the
+wharf.
+
+"Who?"
+
+"The schoolmaster, and all them boys. Be in a hurry! He's close by."
+
+I ran the mainsail up, and cast off the fasts which secured the
+Splash; but just as I had pushed off from the steps, Mr. Parasyte,
+attended by the deserters, appeared on the wharf. The eyes of the
+latter opened wide when they saw our party in the Splash, and it
+appeared to be a great mystery to them how we happened to be on the
+main shore, when they had left us on the island without a boat or
+craft of any kind. We were behind the wharf and building, so that the
+sails of the Splash did not get the wind, and I told a couple of my
+companions to take the oars.
+
+"Stop, Thornton!" shouted Mr. Parasyte.
+
+"Hold on a minute, and let us hear what he has to say," said Bob Hale.
+
+We waited, looking up at the principal of the Parkville Liberal
+Institute to hear what he had to communicate. Mr. Parasyte went down
+the steps with the deserters, and they got into a couple of the
+row-boats.
+
+"We are ready to hear anything you have to say," called Tom Rush.
+
+"I simply wish to know whether you intend to compel me to use extreme
+measures," said Mr. Parasyte, as, by his direction, Dick Pearl pushed
+the boat in which they stood towards the Splash.
+
+"We will return to the Institute when you comply with the terms stated
+by Henry Vallington," replied Bob Hale, as the bow of the row-boat
+came up to the stern of our craft.
+
+"Perhaps I did not clearly understand what that proposition was," said
+Mr. Parasyte, as he turned and said something to Pearl which we could
+not hear.
+
+Bob was going to restate the terms, when Pearl suddenly made fast the
+painter of his boat to a ring in the stern of the Splash.
+
+"Only to hold her for a moment," said the principal, as he stepped
+into the bow of the row-boat.
+
+We watched him closely. The other row-boat, in which six of the
+deserters had taken their places, was also working up to the Splash. I
+decided that we were getting into a scrape, and told my companions
+with the oars to pull. They obeyed, and in a moment we caught the
+stiff breeze; the Splash forged ahead, twitching the row-boat after
+it.
+
+"Hold on tight, Pearl!" said Mr. Parasyte, savagely, now indicating
+that he meant war, and not peace.
+
+I dragged the boat half a mile from the shore, and then, in tacking,
+gave it such a sudden twitch as to throw Mr. Parasyte, who was still
+standing, off his balance, and he went over the side into the angry
+waters.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XIX.
+
+IN WHICH ERNEST AND HIS FRIENDS ARE DISGUSTED WITH MR. PARASYTE'S
+INGRATITUDE.
+
+
+It was very imprudent in Mr. Parasyte to stand up in a boat, while
+being dragged through the water at such a rapid rate as the Splash was
+going. I tried my best, before the accident, to detach the painter of
+his boat; but Pearl had passed the rope through the ring, hauled it
+back, and made it fast on the stem of his own craft. It was my
+intention to cut it as soon as I came about, and I had taken out my
+knife for the purpose.
+
+When the Splash tacked, the row-boat ran up to her stern, slacking the
+painter. As this was a favorable moment for Mr. Parasyte, who was
+determined to "board" us, he was on the point of stepping forward. As
+soon as the sails of our craft caught the breeze, she darted off
+again, straightening the painter, and giving the principal's boat
+such a fierce jerk, that it not only upset Mr. Parasyte, but heeled
+his boat over so that she half filled with water.
+
+"Help! Help!" shouted Mr. Parasyte, in tones which convinced us that
+he fully appreciated the perils of his position.
+
+"Let go your painter, Dick Pearl!" I shouted.
+
+"I can't; we are half full of water," replied he.
+
+It was useless to argue the point, and with the knife I had open in my
+hand, I severed the half-inch rope, and permitted the row-boat to go
+adrift. There was a heavy sea for an inland lake, and the row-boat
+made very bad weather of it, in her water-logged condition.
+
+"Don't leave us, Thornton," said Dick, with what self-command he had,
+while Bill Poodles, who was with him, actually blubbered with terror.
+
+"Sit down and bale out your boat!" I called to them, as I put the
+Splash about to save Mr. Parasyte. "Keep cool and you are all right.
+Bale out your boat!"
+
+"We have no dipper."
+
+When my boat had come about, I ran her close to them, and tossed a
+small bucket to Pearl, with which he went to work to free his boat
+from water. The circumstances were by no means desperate, though Pearl
+was the only fellow among them who appeared to have any
+self-possession.
+
+"Help! Help!" shouted Mr. Parasyte, more feebly than before.
+
+"Go forward, Bob, with the boat-hook; and stand by, Tom, to help him.
+Let him get hold of the boat-hook."
+
+I swept round in the Splash, till I threw her up into the wind with
+Mr. Parasyte under the bow. Bob Hale extended the boat-hook to him,
+which he promptly grasped, and with some difficulty we hauled him on
+board. It was a warm day in June, and I did not think him any the
+worse for the bath he had taken; but I was perfectly satisfied that he
+would have been drowned if we had left him to be rescued by Pearl and
+his party. We felt that we had done a good thing--that we had rendered
+good for evil.
+
+For my own part, judging by what I should have felt in his situation,
+I expected some conciliatory proposition from him; and we waited,
+with no little interest and anxiety, till he had wiped his face and
+neck, and adjusted his damp linen as well as he could. He had the
+satisfaction of knowing that I, the rebel, who had resisted him, and
+whom he regarded as the author of all the mischief, had saved his
+life; and I am sure that it was a greater satisfaction to me than it
+was to him. I ran the Splash up towards the deserters, who were still
+employed in baling out their boat.
+
+Mr. Parasyte spoke at last. Though I knew he was a tyrant, though I
+knew there was nothing that could be called noble in his nature, I did
+not expect what followed. I supposed there was some impressible spot
+in his heart which might have been reached through the act we had just
+done.
+
+"So you meant to drown me--did you?" were the first words he said, and
+in a tone so uncompromising that we saw at once there was nothing to
+hope.
+
+I looked at Bob Hale, and Bob looked at me. Our surprise was mutual;
+and as there was nothing that could be said, we said nothing.
+
+"You meant to drown me--did you?" repeated Mr. Parasyte, with more
+emphasis than before.
+
+Bob and I looked at each other again. Grave as was the charge he
+indirectly preferred against us, there was something so ludicrous in
+the making of it by one whom we had just pulled out of the water, that
+I could not help smiling. Mr. Parasyte saw that smile, and as he
+always put the worst construction upon what was done by those not in
+favor, he misinterpreted it, and tortured it into a sneer.
+
+"I say you meant to drown me; and you sneer at me."
+
+"We did not mean to drown you, sir," replied Tom Rush, respectfully.
+
+"Yes, you did! And now you are laughing at your wicked deed," he
+replied, looking fiercely at me.
+
+"I was laughing, Mr. Parasyte, to think that one whom we have just
+pulled out of the water should accuse us of attempting to drown him,"
+I replied.
+
+"That's what you meant to do; but you didn't dare to do it. You were
+afraid of the consequences."
+
+"You are mistaken, sir; we had no such intentions," added Bob Hale,
+with due deference.
+
+"Didn't you, or didn't Thornton, throw me over into the lake?"
+demanded he, as if surprised that we should attempt to deny the
+charge.
+
+"No, sir; I did not," I answered.
+
+"Didn't you turn your boat, and jerk the painter so as to throw me
+into the water?"
+
+"I certainly changed the course of my boat, and that jerked the rope;
+but I did not intend to throw you into the water."
+
+"Yes, you did! It is worse than folly for you to deny it!" replied he,
+angrily.
+
+"If you had not been very careless, you could not have been thrown
+out!" I added.
+
+"Don't tell me I was careless!"
+
+"People acquainted with boats don't often stand up in them in such a
+sea as this, when they are towed."
+
+"Let me hear no more of your impudence."
+
+Discretion lay in silence, and we said no more. I ran the Splash up
+alongside the boat, from which Pearl and his companions had by this
+time dipped out all the water.
+
+"Here is your boat, Mr. Parasyte," said Bob Hale. "Will you get into
+her, sir?"
+
+"No, I will not," he replied.
+
+"May I ask what you intend to do, sir?" I demanded, out of patience
+with him, in his unreasoning malice.
+
+"You will take me to the shore."
+
+"I will not," I replied, bluntly.
+
+"You won't!"
+
+"No, sir."
+
+"We'll see," said he, rising to his feet.
+
+"Better sit down, sir, or you will be overboard again," interposed
+Bob, as I drew the heavy tiller from its socket, intending to defend
+myself from assault.
+
+The Splash lay with her sails shaking, and her position was a very
+uneasy one. Mr. Parasyte concluded to sit down, simply because he
+could not stand up, and I restored the tiller to the rudder.
+
+"If you don't choose to get into that boat, Mr. Parasyte, I will land
+you at Cleaver Island," I added, as I filled away again, and headed
+the Splash towards the point indicated.
+
+"Thornton, I want you to understand, that for all you have done you
+shall be brought to a strict account," said the principal, sternly,
+but vexed that he had failed to have his own way.
+
+"I am ready to face the music, sir."
+
+"No slang to me!"
+
+"Will you land on Cleaver Island, or will you get into that boat?"
+
+"I will get into the boat, but only that I may the sooner bring you to
+justice," said he, desperately.
+
+I came about again, and ran alongside of Pearl's boat. Mr. Parasyte,
+still dripping from his bath, embarked with his toadies.
+
+"The end is not yet," said he, shaking his head, as the Splash filled
+away once more. "You will soon hear from me again."
+
+We made no reply; and I was profoundly grateful that his life had been
+saved. My high hopes that what we had done for him might enable him to
+yield with better grace, and thus end the "breaking away," were dashed
+to the ground. With the wind on the beam, we ran by Cannondale, and
+stood down the lake near the shore, in search of the flat-boat,
+though it would be impossible for us to work her over to the island
+with the wind from the north-west.
+
+"It is no use of talking any more," said Bob Hale, after a silence of
+several minutes. "I can never go back to the Parkville Institute while
+Mr. Parasyte is the principal of it. He is too mean a man for me to
+sit under."
+
+"My sentiments exactly," replied Tom Rush.
+
+"I suppose I shall not go back, whoever is principal," I added.
+
+"Why not?"
+
+"I must take care of myself after this; and I can't afford to go to
+school."
+
+"Perhaps your uncle will think better about it," suggested Tom.
+
+"He may, but I don't believe he will."
+
+"There's the flat-boat!" exclaimed one of our party forward.
+
+"I see her; when the wind hauls round to the southward or eastward, we
+will come over, and work her back to the island," I replied. "She
+looks comfortable where she is, and we will return to our party."
+
+In a short time the Splash reached the cove, where we found all our
+company assembled to learn the news, for they had observed our
+movements on the water. Vallington was much surprised when he learned
+that Mr. Parasyte was the person who had fallen overboard, and been
+rescued by the Splash. We told him what our persecutor intended to do
+with the steamer, and a council was immediately called to decide upon
+our proper course.
+
+"What shall we do?" asked our general. "That's the question."
+
+"I don't see that we can do anything," answered Bob Hale.
+
+"Perhaps it will be best for us to keep still, and let things take
+their course," added Vallington.
+
+"But Mr. Parasyte will carry off our tents and provisions," I
+interposed. "Can't we conceal our hams and other eatables."
+
+"There comes the steamer!" shouted one of the boys.
+
+"There isn't time now to do anything," continued Vallington. "I will
+do the best I can for you, fellows."
+
+Some proposed one thing, and some another; but it was plain that, in
+the multitude of advisers, nothing could be adopted which promised to
+help our prospects; and it was finally voted to leave the course of
+action entirely to our general, who had thus far proved himself worthy
+of confidence. He was to be guided entirely by circumstances; and he
+assured us he would be prompt to take advantage of any favorable
+event.
+
+"Now, fellows, I want you all to keep together," said Vallington.
+"Don't one of you wander away from the rest. Leave all the talking to
+me--don't say a word to any one who comes in the steamer."
+
+Our whole company promised to obey these instructions to the letter,
+and to be in readiness for any movement which might be ordered. The
+steamer ran up to the rude pier, and made fast her bow-line to a
+tree.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XX.
+
+IN WHICH ERNEST TAKES THE WHEEL OF THE ADIENO.
+
+
+We watched with intense interest the proceedings of the men who came
+off in the steamer. After the exhibition of meanness on the part of
+Mr. Parasyte, it seemed that the rebellion was more serious than any
+of us had supposed. We made up our minds, with Bob Hale, that it would
+be impossible for us ever to be reconciled to him again. We felt as
+though the Rubicon had been passed, and what had commenced as a mere
+frolic was likely to end as a very grave affair. Though the boys
+talked solemnly at first about their rights, and had "struck" to
+vindicate a principle, they had no idea of the seriousness of their
+proceedings.
+
+I shall not pretend to justify all that was done by our boys, or even
+to acknowledge that "breaking away," under any circumstances, is
+justifiable; but I do say, that such a man as the principal of the
+Parkville Liberal Institute was not a fit person to instruct and
+discipline young men. He was grossly unjust and partial; he was a
+tyrant at heart, though for policy's sake he veiled his purposes; he
+was low-minded and narrow in his views; and I am happy to say that he
+was not a fair specimen of the teachers of our land.
+
+If the boys were wrong, he was so to a much greater degree, and his
+position and his influence made him responsible for the mischief he
+had driven the boys to perpetrate. It would have been better for them,
+as a body, to submit until redress could be obtained in a better
+way--as by the circular addressed to their parents, which was even
+then in the hands of the printer. I palliate, I do not justify, the
+conduct of the students.
+
+Matters had begun to assume a graver aspect. Mr. Parasyte had come
+with a steamer, and with about a dozen men, as nearly as we could
+judge, to accomplish some purpose not yet apparent to us. We were
+curious to know whether we were to be driven like sheep on board of
+the Adieno, or whether our persecutor intended to resort to strategy.
+He had sent off his toadies to take our boats away; but he had started
+them while we were upon Cleaver Island, and before we had laid in our
+stock of provisions. This plan had failed. We were not long left in
+doubt.
+
+Mr. Parasyte stepped on shore, followed by nine men, and then by the
+ten deserters from our camp. The men had sticks, bits of rope, and
+other articles in their hands. This looked like force, and we could
+not help glancing anxiously at Vallington, to ascertain, if we might,
+whether he intended to fight or to run away. We had no clubs or other
+weapons, but the pile of sticks which we had gathered for fuel was
+near. I saw the general glance at it; but I concluded that he did not
+intend to give battle, unless it was in self-defence.
+
+As soon as the party under the lead of Mr. Parasyte had landed, the
+man who was left on board as boat-keeper hauled in the plank, by Mr.
+Parasyte's order, apparently to prevent the students from going on her
+deck. I could not but smile at this precaution, for the Adieno lay in
+such a position that the removal of the plank was no hinderance to
+agile boys like the students, and we could go on board when we chose.
+
+Vallington stood on a stump near the path leading from the pier to the
+interior of the island, and his forces were gathered behind him,
+leaving the road open for the passage of the invaders.
+
+Mr. Parasyte marched solemnly up the path, closely followed by the men
+and boys of his party. He looked uglier than I had ever seen him look
+before. By this time he must have been convinced that the Institute
+was ruined; that such a host of rebels could never be reduced to
+subjection; and he appeared to be acting out of the malice of his
+heart. But even then something was due to appearances, and he halted
+opposite the stump on which our general stood.
+
+"Vallington!" said he, sharply and crustily.
+
+"Sir."
+
+"If you choose to go on board of that steamer, return to the
+Institute, and submit to the punishment you deserve, it is not too
+late for you to do so," continued Mr. Parasyte.
+
+"Do you allude to me alone?"
+
+"To all of you. I understand you to speak for the whole party."
+
+"We shall be happy to do so," replied our general; and I am sure he
+spoke the sentiment of all the students.
+
+"I am glad to see you are returning to reason," added the principal;
+but there was a look upon his face which showed how much pleasure he
+expected to derive from the proposed punishment.
+
+"May I ask whether we are to be punished equally?" asked Vallington.
+
+"You are to be punished in proportion to your offences--the
+ringleaders more, of course, than those who were simply led away by
+the influence of their leaders."
+
+"And we are to be punished only for this breaking away?"
+
+Mr. Parasyte bit his lips. It is possible he had a hope of restoring
+the Institute to its former condition.
+
+"I don't understand you," said he.
+
+"Is Thornton to be regarded as guilty only of breaking away, with the
+rest of us?"
+
+"Thornton's affair is to be settled by itself," replied Mr. Parasyte.
+
+"Then I have nothing more to say, sir," added Vallington, with
+becoming dignity.
+
+I interposed, and begged him not to consider me, but to make terms if
+he could, and permit me to settle my own affair. Bob Hale and Tom Rush
+protested; but no protest was needed to keep Vallington true to his
+purpose.
+
+"You reject my terms, Vallington," said Mr. Parasyte.
+
+"I do, sir."
+
+"I wish to do what I can to end this unhappy disturbance, and I am
+willing to say that the punishment shall be very mild--if you will
+return to your duty."
+
+"You have treated one of our number with shameful injustice, Mr.
+Parasyte. We can prove, and have proved, that he was not guilty of the
+charge brought against him. If you will do him justice, and through
+him all the rest of us, we will submit to such punishment as you think
+proper for breaking away."
+
+"Thornton!" exclaimed Mr. Parasyte, with a malignant sneer. "Do you
+expect me to receive the forced confession of Poodles and Pearl?"
+
+"The confession was not forced, sir."
+
+"Come here, Poodles," said the principal, sharply.
+
+Poodles stepped forward.
+
+"Did you make this confession?" demanded Mr. Parasyte, sternly.
+
+"I did--but I was afraid the fellows would kill me if I didn't do it,"
+whined the toady.
+
+"Do you hear that?"
+
+"I hear it, and do not wonder at anything he says," replied
+Vallington.
+
+Pearl told the same story; but our general protested that no
+compulsion had been used by the students; that two boys who were
+charged with deception were not to be believed in preference to eighty
+others. Vallington proposed that the case should be heard over again,
+and Poodles required to perform the examples. The principal was
+indignant, and refused all compromise.
+
+"Thornton is not only guilty, but this very day he attempted to drown
+me in the lake," said he. "Do you think I can forgive him, without--"
+
+"We don't ask you to forgive him, and he does not ask it. We only wish
+you to give him a fair trial."
+
+"I will hear no more about it!" replied Mr. Parasyte, impatiently.
+"Will you return or not?"
+
+"We will not."
+
+"Very well. I wish every one here to understand that I have given you
+an opportunity to return to your duty. You will not, and the
+consequences be upon yourselves."
+
+Mr. Parasyte walked up the path, followed by his party. As Pearl and
+Poodles passed us, a suggestion was made that we seize upon them, and
+punish them for the falsehoods they had uttered, and the meanness of
+which they had been guilty; but this proposition was promptly
+negatived by Vallington. We wondered what the invaders intended to do,
+and whether our general purposed to let them proceed without
+opposition. He stood calm and apparently unmoved on the stump,
+watching the enemy.
+
+The principal halted his forces at the point where our provisions and
+cooking utensils were kept. Every eatable, and every utensil, even to
+the wooden forks and spoons we had made, were seized and conveyed to
+the steamer. It was now clear that the enemy did not mean to use
+force, unless we attacked them. Mr. Parasyte intended to deprive us of
+our food, and starve us into subjection. But he was not satisfied yet;
+and when his party had deposited their burden on the deck of the
+steamer, and the plank had again been hauled in, he marched them by us
+once more.
+
+"We shall soon see how long you will be willing to stay here," said
+our tyrant, as he walked by the stump. "As Thornton said to the man in
+charge of the boats at Cannondale, this morning, I suppose I have a
+right to my own property, wherever I find it."
+
+"We paid for the provisions with our own money," replied Vallington.
+
+Mr. Parasyte made no reply, but continued on his way up the hill
+towards the tents. These also he meant to take from us; and then, or
+in the course of the day, he probably expected us to surrender,
+without conditions. The prospect did not look pleasant, for we were to
+be without food or shelter on the island. I was thinking how to save
+the Splash from capture, and I was about to suggest to Vallington that
+it would be better for me to put off in her, when our general spoke
+for himself.
+
+The invaders were busily employed in striking the tents, and rolling
+up the canvas, about forty rods from where we stood. In a few moments
+they would be ready to put them on board of the steamer.
+
+"Fellows," said Vallington, in a low and decided tone, "our time has
+come! We will take possession of that steamer. I have no idea of being
+starved into subjection. When I give the word, rush on board the best
+way you can."
+
+"There's a man on her deck," said one of the boys; and we were all
+appalled at the boldness of the venture.
+
+"Never mind him. Commodore Thornton, you will go to the wheel-house at
+once, and take the helm."
+
+"Who will be engineer?" asked Tom Rush.
+
+"I will be that myself. Bob Hale, you will run the Splash out from
+the shore, and come on board when we are clear of the pier; take two
+good fellows with you. Are you all ready?"
+
+"All ready!" replied the boys; and the voices of some trembled.
+
+"Forward then!" shouted Vallington; and he leaped from the stump, and
+ran down to the wharf, followed by the whole company.
+
+Bob Hale got into the Splash with two boys, and pushed her off. The
+rest of us leaped over the bulwarks, scrambled up to the hurricane
+deck, or rushed in at the gangway. Vallington cast off the bow-line
+himself, just as I reached the wheel-house.
+
+"Back her!" I shouted; and the word was passed through the boys to
+Vallington, who had now gone to the engine-room.
+
+We were not a moment too quick, for just as the steamer began to back
+from the pier, the invaders, laden with canvas and poles, appeared on
+the wharf.
+
+[Illustration: THE CAPTURE OF THE ADIENO.--Page 232.]
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXI.
+
+IN WHICH ERNEST CONTINUES TO ACT AS PILOT OF THE STEAMER.
+
+
+When I reached the deck of the Adieno I met the person who was in
+charge of the steamer. It was the lame man who had disputed my right
+to the Splash in the morning, and to whom we had given two dollars. He
+looked astonished at the sudden movement of the students, but he
+offered no resistance; and, without waiting to hear what he had to
+say, I ran up the ladder to the wheel-house, leaving Tom Rush to
+settle all questions in dispute with him.
+
+My heart bounded with excitement as we carried out our desperate
+enterprise, and I gave Henry Vallington credit for more daring and
+courage than I had ever supposed him to possess. He seemed to me just
+then to be a general indeed, and to be better fitted to fight his way
+through an enemy's country than to become a parson.
+
+"Back her!" I shouted, almost beside myself with excitement, as I saw
+Mr. Parasyte and his heavily-laden followers rushing down to the pier.
+
+My words were repeated by the boys on the forward deck, and Vallington
+hastened to the engine-room. I heard the hissing steam as it rushed
+through the cylinders, and without knowing what was going to happen
+next,--whether or not the boiler would explode, and the deck be torn
+up beneath me,--I waited in feverish anxiety for the result. Then I
+heard the splash of the wheels; the crank turned, rumbled, and jarred
+on its centre, but went over, and continued to turn. The Adieno moved,
+and the motion sent a thrill through my whole being. It was fortunate
+for us that she lay at the pier in such a position as to require no
+special skill in handling her. The open lake was astern of her, with
+clear sailing for two miles.
+
+I was not a steamboat man; I had never even steered any craft with a
+wheel, and I did not feel at all at home. But I had often been up and
+down the lake in this very steamer, and being of an inquiring mind, I
+had carefully watched the steersman. It had always looked easy enough
+to me, and I always believed I could do it as well as anybody else. I
+tried to keep cool, and I think I looked cool to others; but I was
+extremely nervous. I did not exactly know which way to turn the wheel.
+
+When I found there were no obstructions astern of the steamer, I
+brought the flagstaff on the bow into range with the end of the
+pier,--or rather I found them in range,--and with these to guide me, I
+soon learned by experience which way to turn the wheel; and the moment
+I got the hang of the thing, I had confidence enough to offer my
+services to pilot any steamer all over the lake. The paddles kept
+slapping the water, and the boat continued to back until she was a
+quarter of a mile from the land, when I thought it was time to come
+about, and go forward instead of backward. There were two bell-pulls
+on the wheel-frame, and at a venture I pulled one of them. I did not
+know whether Vallington understood the bells or not; but there was
+only one thing to be done in this instance, and he did it--he stopped
+the machinery.
+
+After pausing a moment for the steamer to lose her sternway, I rang
+the other bell, intending to have her go ahead; but the engineer did
+not heed my summons. A moment afterwards Vallington appeared on the
+forward deck, wiping from his brow the perspiration, which indicated
+that the engine-room was a hot place, or that his mental struggles
+were very severe.
+
+"What was that last bell for?" he asked, hailing me in the
+wheel-house.
+
+"To go ahead," I replied.
+
+"You haven't got the hang of the bells, commodore," said he, with a
+smile; "but come down, and we will talk the matter over, and find out
+what we are going to do."
+
+I went down to the forward deck, quite as anxious as any one else to
+know what was to be done, for it seemed to me that we had "drawn an
+elephant" as a prize. When I reached the deck, Vallington was writing
+with his pencil, and handed me the paper as I joined him.
+
+"Here are your directions, Mr. Pilot," said he.
+
+"I know the lake, but I never had any experience in a steamer," I
+replied, in self-defence, as I read the paper, on which was written:--
+
+_"One bell--ahead, slowly.
+
+Two bells--stop.
+
+Three bells--back.
+
+Four bells--ahead, full speed."_
+
+"There are two bell-pulls in the wheel-house," I added.
+
+"You pulled the right one the first time; the other is for the men to
+shift the chain-box," he replied. "Now, fellows, what shall we do? is
+the next question."
+
+Nobody seemed to know what we were to do; and all were quite willing
+to leave the question with our bold general.
+
+"Where is the lame man who had charge of the steamer?" he asked.
+
+"I have fixed him," answered Tom Rush, with a significant smile.
+
+"How have you fixed him?"
+
+"I told him we should throw him overboard if he didn't keep quiet,
+and gave him three dollars I picked up among the fellows."
+
+Tom was fit to be a member of the diplomatic corps--bully and bribe in
+the same breath! Probably the lame man, who was only a deck hand,
+employed but for that day, was not disposed to make any very active
+opposition to our plans. At any rate, he sat on the chain-box as
+contented as though everything was going on regularly on board of the
+boat. Mr. Parasyte had pressed all hands into his service, even to the
+captain and engineer, in bringing off the provisions and tents. I
+suppose that it never occurred to the principal, or to the officers of
+the boat, that a crowd of boys would attempt such a desperate
+enterprise as the capture of the Adieno, or they would have taken some
+precautions to avoid such an event. It is not strange that they did
+not think of such a thing, for if it had been proposed to me
+beforehand, I should as soon have thought of carrying off the island
+as the steamer.
+
+Mr. Parasyte, the captain, and engineer stood on the edge of the pier.
+The principal looked astonished and overwhelmed; the captain was
+gesticulating violently to us; and the rest of the party looked like
+so many statues. There was no remedy for their misfortune; they had no
+boat, and could do nothing. Mr. Parasyte now had the same pleasant
+prospect which he had spread out before us--that of staying on Pine
+Island without food till some one came to his assistance. We hoped he
+enjoyed it; and in the mean time we turned our attention to our own
+immediate future.
+
+"Fellows, I am afraid we have got into a bad scrape," said Vallington,
+again wiping his heated brow; and we could not help seeing that he did
+not feel just right in view of what he had done.
+
+"All right; we will take our chances," replied one of the students;
+and this was the prevailing sentiment.
+
+"Although I think we were right in the beginning, I am afraid we are
+overdoing the matter. But what could we do?" continued our general,
+with energy. "We couldn't stay on that island and be starved out. We
+paid for the provisions with our own money, and they had no right to
+take them from us."
+
+"No!" shouted the boys, indignantly.
+
+"Now we have the steamer; what shall we do with her?"
+
+"Let us go on a cruise," suggested Fred Mason.
+
+"I did not take possession of the boat with the intention of making
+any use of her only to get away from the island while it was possible
+to do so," replied Vallington.
+
+"O, let's have some fun in her, now we have got her," added Mason.
+
+"We are drifting over to Cannondale pretty rapidly, general," I
+interposed. "We must go ahead, or we shall run ashore."
+
+"I don't exactly know what to do, or where to go," continued our
+perplexed leader.
+
+"We must go ahead now, and settle that question by and by," I added.
+
+"Can you steer her, commodore?" he asked.
+
+"Certainly I can. I understand the wheel now, and I know all about the
+lake. If you can manage the engine, I can take care of the steering."
+
+"My brother is an engineer on a Hudson River boat, and I have spent
+many a day with him in the engine-room. I think I understand the
+engine pretty well," he replied.
+
+"Let us go ahead then," said one of the impatient fellows.
+
+"We will start her again, commodore; and I wish you would take her to
+some place where we can lie to, and decide upon our future course."
+
+"I will do so, general; but I don't think it will hurt those on the
+island to wait a while," I answered.
+
+"Very well; we will go where you pilot us, commodore," added
+Vallington, as he returned to the engine-room.
+
+Three of the students were sent down into the fire-room, after being
+instructed in their duty by the general, who was careful to tell them
+not to put too much wood in the furnaces. By this time the Splash had
+come alongside, and was made fast to the stern. I invited Bob Hale and
+Tom Rush to occupy the wheel-house with me, and I took my place at the
+spokes.
+
+"What are we going to do?" asked Bob, who had not been present at the
+conference on the forward deck.
+
+"That is not decided," replied Tom. "We are going to lie to
+somewhere, and talk the matter over."
+
+"I don't know about this steaming it on the lake," added Bob, shaking
+his head. "Suppose the boat should burst her boiler--where should we
+be?"
+
+"No danger of that; Vallington knows all about engines, and the
+commodore knows how to steer," said Tom, lightly.
+
+I struck one bell, after looking at the paper which Vallington had
+given me, to make sure that I was right. In response to my signal, the
+wheels began to turn, and the Adieno went "ahead slowly." I soon
+brought her to bear on the helm, and finding I had the boat under
+perfect control, I ventured to strike the four bells, which indicated
+that she was to "go ahead, full speed."
+
+The steam was rather low in the boilers, and "full speed" I found was
+not very rapid. The boat steered easily, and minded her helm so
+promptly, that I soon became quite fascinated with my occupation.
+There was something very exhilarating in the fact that I was directing
+the course of what to me was an immense craft; and every time I moved
+the wheel, and saw the bow veer in obedience to her helm, it afforded
+me a thrill of delight, and I wholly forgot the enormity of the
+enterprise in which our party were engaged. I was so pleased with my
+employment that I came very near devoting my life to the business of
+piloting a steamboat.
+
+I steered the Adieno to the northward, until she had passed clear of
+Pine Island, when I put her head to the west, intending to run for a
+couple of islands six miles down the lake, called "The Sisters."
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXII.
+
+IN WHICH ERNEST PILOTS THE ADIENO TO "THE SISTERS."
+
+
+"There comes the Champion!" exclaimed Bob Hale, pointing to the
+steamer that regularly made her trip round the lake every day, as she
+came out from behind a point of land on the north shore, beyond which
+she made a landing.
+
+"We must give her a wide berth," I replied.
+
+"Why so? Her people will not know that it isn't all right with the
+Adieno."
+
+"We are in no immediate danger; but suppose the captain of this boat
+should find means to get to Cannondale before the Champion does, he
+might engage her to go in pursuit of us."
+
+"That would be jolly!" said Tom Rush. "We should have a glorious
+race!"
+
+"But the chances are against us in a race," I replied, confounded by
+the temerity of Tom in thinking of such a thing as contending with the
+steamboat men on their own ground.
+
+"Not a bit of it, Ernest. The Adieno is the faster boat of the
+two--that has been tried a dozen times," added Tom, as much excited as
+though the race had actually commenced.
+
+"We must not attempt to beard the lion in his den."
+
+"Why not? We might as well be hung for an old sheep as a lamb. We are
+in a scrape, and even Vallington thinks it is a bad one by this time.
+The more advantage we gain, the better terms we can make."
+
+"I don't know about it, Tom. I feel as though we had carried this
+thing about far enough, and the sooner we get out of the scrape, the
+better it will be for us."
+
+"Those are my sentiments. My father is part owner in this boat, and I
+think he will not enjoy the idea of our going off on a cruise in her,"
+added Bob Hale.
+
+"Pooh! we won't hurt her," replied Tom.
+
+"We don't intend to hurt her; but we are following a business just now
+that we don't know much about."
+
+"Don't you know the lake, and don't Vallington know all about the
+engine?"
+
+"Neither of us has had any experience."
+
+"That's so," added Bob. "In my opinion breaking away is about played
+out. We have made up our minds that we can't have anything more to do
+with Mr. Parasyte, and we may as well return to Parkville, and go to
+work in a more reasonable way. We can send the circulars to our
+parents, and dig out of the difficulty the best way we can."
+
+"I agree to that," I answered. Not that I cared for myself, for my
+"breaking away" was a much more serious matter than that of my
+fellow-students; but I thought it better for them to get out of the
+mud before they sank any deeper into the mire.
+
+"I am willing to do as the rest of the fellows do; but I don't want to
+be whipped round a stump when there is no need of it," continued Tom.
+"If the Champion chases us, I go for keeping out of the way till we
+can retire from the field without any broken heads."
+
+"So far I shall agree with you, Tom," I replied. "I am not in favor of
+surrendering, to be kicked and cuffed by these steamboat men, who are
+not exactly lambs in their dispositions."
+
+"What's the use of talking?" interposed Bob Hale. "The Champion is not
+after us, and it does not appear that she will be."
+
+"It appears so to me," I answered. "I have no idea that the captain of
+the Adieno will stay on Pine Island all day. I found a way to get
+ashore this morning, and I think he will be able to do so."
+
+"Perhaps he will."
+
+"I am perfectly satisfied that he will reach the shore by one o'clock,
+if he has not already done so. No doubt he thinks his boat will be
+smashed to pieces, or blown up, if he does not recover her soon. He
+isn't going to sit down and bite his finger nails."
+
+"He may not be able to get the Champion," replied Bob Hale, who
+evidently did not wish to believe that there would be a contest for
+superiority between the two steamers.
+
+"I don't profess to be a prophet, Bob, but I can see through a
+millstone when the hole is big enough. I will tell you just how I
+_think_ it will be. The captain of the Adieno will make a raft, and
+get to Cannondale. Then he will take the Champion for Parkville,
+arriving about half past one. The boat does not start on her trip down
+the lake till five o'clock, and that will give her three hours and a
+half to spare. You may take my word for it, that time will be used in
+chasing us."
+
+"Very likely you are right, Ernest; we shall see. It is twelve o'clock
+now, and we haven't much time to consider what we shall do," said Bob
+Hale, looking very serious; and it was evident now, if it had not been
+before, that he had strong objections to any steamboat enterprises.
+
+"It's nearly dinner time," added Tom; "and I must go and see about the
+provender."
+
+Bob Hale went below to have a talk with Vallington, and the commissary
+left for the kitchen, to provide our noon rations. I was left alone in
+the wheel-house. I enjoyed my occupation very much; but the talk of
+my friends had filled me with doubts and fears, so that my situation
+was not so delightful as before. I could not help asking myself what
+was to come out of this scrape, and it seemed to me that it could
+result in nothing but defeat and disaster.
+
+The Adieno was approaching The Sisters, at one of which there was a
+pier, like that at Pine Island, which had been erected for the use of
+the scows employed in the transportation of the wood cut on the
+island. I knew that the water around it was deep enough for the
+steamer, for I had seen her land there. Between the two islands there
+was a channel not more than twenty rods wide, by which alone the wood
+pier could be reached.
+
+The channel had barely depth enough in the middle to permit the
+passage of the Adieno; but as it was perfectly straight, and the water
+high in the lake, I considered myself competent to take her through.
+The boat minded her helm very prettily, and there was no current in
+the channel to interfere with my calculations, so that I did not
+regard the place as very difficult navigation. I had been through the
+channel twenty times in the Splash. The pier ran out from the island
+to the deep water, so that I had only to run the bow up to it, and
+make fast to the ring. The steamer would be safe here, and, being
+concealed between the islands, could only be seen from one point above
+and one below; and here we could have our dinner, and hold our
+important consultation without the danger of interruption.
+
+I had another and stronger motive for entering this channel, and
+without which, perhaps, I might not have had the confidence to run
+even the slight risk which the navigation of the passage involved. It
+was so fully ground into my bones that the Champion would be after us
+about three o'clock, or as soon as she had landed her passengers at
+Parkville, that I wished to be fully prepared for any emergency. To
+the north of the "North Sister," and to the south of the "South
+Sister," the water was shoal for a mile in each direction, while the
+channel between the islands seemed to have been kept open by the
+strong south-west and north-east winds, as they forced the waters
+through. At any rate, there was a channel with five feet of water in
+it, though I was not entirely certain in regard to the explanation of
+the fact.
+
+The Champion was a larger boat, drawing one foot more water aft than
+the Adieno, and therefore could not pass through the channel, or come
+within half a mile of the wood pier. My idea was, that in this
+position we could not be approached by our anticipated pursuer, as we
+lay moored at the wharf. If chased, I might be able to gain on the
+Champion by running through The Sisters Channel, which would enable me
+to come out two or three miles ahead of her on the opposite side, as
+she would be obliged to go a mile, north or south, to get round the
+shoal water.
+
+I was so pleased with the calculation I had made, that I could not
+help wishing I was employed in a better cause than in fighting the
+battle of a parcel of runaway students,--it would have been so
+exciting to play the game of strategy in real earnest, and in a good
+cause. I plumed myself just then on being a great navigator, and a
+shrewd calculator, and I wished to test my plans. It so happened,
+however, that they were tested, as the sequel will show.
+
+The Adieno approached the narrow channel, which was just as clearly
+defined in my mind as though the bottom of the lake had been laid bare
+to me; for I had always been obliged to keep in the deep water even
+when I went through in the Splash. As the wind, though not so strong
+as it had been in the morning, still came fresh from the north-west, I
+hugged the weather side of the channel, and, with the boat at full
+speed, went on my course. I was just on the point of ringing one bell
+to slow down, when the steamer's wheels suddenly stopped.
+
+"What are you about, Thornton?" shouted Vallington, rushing out of the
+engine-room to the forward deck, both excited and angry.
+
+"I'm all right!" I replied, provoked at his singular conduct in
+stopping the boat at such a critical point.
+
+"Where are you going? Do you want to run us all ashore?"
+
+"_I_ don't, but I think _you_ do. Go ahead, or we shall be aground in
+a moment," I added, as the Adieno was losing her headway, and we were
+not yet sheltered by the North Sister from the force of the wind.
+
+"I'm not going any farther into this hole," replied he, sternly. "I
+think you are crazy, Thornton, to take the boat into such a place."
+
+"I know what I am about," I answered, rather sharply; "and if you will
+take care of the engine, I will look out for the helm."
+
+"You'll smash the boat all to pieces--going into a little, narrow,
+dirty channel at full speed."
+
+"I know the channel as well as I know my own name. If you will go
+ahead, we shall be all right!" I shouted.
+
+"I won't go ahead any farther into this hole," said he, decidedly.
+
+"O, yes, go ahead," interposed Bob Hale. "Ernest knows what he is
+about."
+
+"Perhaps he does; but I want to know what he is about too. I don't
+want the steamer smashed or injured."
+
+It was of no use for me to say anything more, and I held my tongue.
+The Adieno had now entirely lost her headway, and as the strong wind
+began to act on her top works, she drifted over to the lee side of the
+channel. She grated a moment on the bottom, and then stuck fast, hard
+aground, so far as I could judge.
+
+"There! now do you see what you have done?" shouted Vallington,
+stamping his foot angrily upon the deck.
+
+"I see what _you_ have done," I replied, as calmly as I could; and
+that was not saying much, for I was very indignant at being charged
+with what was plainly his doing.
+
+And there we were, hard and fast aground, with a tempest brewing
+between the general and the commodore.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXIII.
+
+IN WHICH ERNEST TAKES COMMAND OF THE EXPEDITION.
+
+
+It was useless for me to remain any longer in the wheel-house, and I
+descended by the forward ladder to the deck. I was indignant, but I
+was determined to "face the music." The best of friends are liable to
+"fall out" at times, and no better than Vallington and myself had ever
+existed. He was burdened by the responsibility of the position he had
+assumed, and perhaps did not feel just right about the course he had
+taken. These things may have made him irritable. Though I had never
+before known him to be unkind or uncourteous, he had certainly
+"pitched into me," on the present occasion, in a manner which my
+self-respect would not permit me to endure.
+
+I had been acting, in charge of the wheel, to the best of my ability;
+and I was perfectly confident that nothing would have gone wrong with
+the steamer if the engineer had not stopped the wheels. However I felt
+on the general question of duty, I was quite satisfied that I had been
+faithful to the interests of the expedition upon which we had
+embarked; and I could not bear to be "snapped up," and treated like an
+inferior in knowledge and skill, even by my chosen leader. I was
+"chief of navigation," at least; and I felt that the general had
+interfered with my part of the work. He accused me of causing the
+mischief, when he had been the author of it himself; and this was so
+plain to me that I could not help resenting it.
+
+Very likely my face was flushed with anger and excitement when I
+confronted Vallington on the forward deck. If it was, his was not less
+so, and there was a lively prospect of a "family quarrel." With my
+strong consciousness that I had done right, or, at least, intended to
+do right, so far as our expedition was concerned, I could have
+afforded to refrain from heated expressions; and it would have been
+better if I had done so. It is no reason, because one person gets
+mad, that another should. It is more dignified, manly, and Christian
+for one always to control his temper. Let the truth be spoken
+forcibly, if need be, but kindly.
+
+"We are in for a pretty scrape now," said Vallington, sternly and
+angrily, as I walked up to him.
+
+"It isn't my fault if we are," I answered, sharply.
+
+"Why do you say it isn't your fault, Thornton? Didn't you pilot the
+steamer into this hole?"
+
+"I didn't pilot her aground. When you stopped her there were two or
+three feet of water under her keel."
+
+"What did you bring her in here for? If I hadn't stopped her when I
+did, you would have smashed her up."
+
+"Perhaps I should," I answered with a sneer, when I found it was
+impossible to make any headway against the general's unreasonable
+speech.
+
+"You were going at full speed; and it is lucky I happened to see the
+shore and stop her when I did."
+
+"I have nothing more to say," I replied, seating myself on the rail of
+the steamer.
+
+"I don't think there is much more to be said. Here we are, hard
+aground; and anybody that has a mind to come after us can take us."
+
+I made no reply. Vallington went to the gangway and looked over into
+the shallow water. Then he walked over to the other side, and I had no
+doubt our situation looked hopeless to him. After he had walked about
+a while, his anger abated; and perhaps he was conscious that he had
+been too fast in expressing himself.
+
+"What's to be done? That's the next question," said he.
+
+"I suppose nothing can be done," replied Tom Rush, who was more
+disappointed than any other fellow on board. "They say the Champion
+will be down after us this afternoon. Perhaps she will drag us off,
+and then our tyrants will treat us as they think proper."
+
+"You needn't disturb yourselves about the Champion," I interposed.
+"She can't come within half a mile of us at least."
+
+"Is that so?"
+
+"That is so."
+
+"It doesn't make much difference whether she can or not. We must stay
+here till some one helps us out of the scrape," added Vallington. "It
+was stupid to come in here."
+
+"I don't think so," said Bob Hale, decidedly.
+
+"Here we are aground, anyhow."
+
+"Harry," continued Bob, gently and kindly, "I think Ernest was right
+in what he said. If you hadn't stopped the engine, we should have gone
+through well enough."
+
+Vallington bit his lips, and he and Bob walked aft together. They were
+absent a few moments; and when he returned, the general's face wore a
+different expression.
+
+"Thornton, I acknowledge that I was wrong," said he, extending his
+hand to me.
+
+The boys standing around us immediately began to clap their hands in
+token of their satisfaction. In matters of navigation they were more
+willing to believe in me than in Vallington; and probably most of them
+were satisfied that I had been in the right.
+
+"Don't say another word," I replied, jumping down from my seat, and
+grasping his offered hand.
+
+"You will excuse my hasty language," he continued.
+
+"Certainly; and I ask the same favor of you," I replied.
+
+"I irritated you, commodore, by my unreasonable words, and I am
+willing to bear all the blame."
+
+"You don't deserve it all."
+
+If Vallington had been less noble and manly, we might have had a bad
+quarrel; as it was, our differences were promptly healed.
+
+"Now, what's to be done, commodore?" the general proceeded. "I have
+got you into the scrape; but I hope you will be able to get out of
+it."
+
+"I think I shall," I replied, confidently.
+
+"They say we are to be chased by the Champion this afternoon; but just
+now we don't seem to be in condition to be chased even by a scow."
+
+"We are not very hard aground; we only drifted on the shoal bottom;
+and if I mistake not, we can work her off. So far as the Champion is
+concerned, I am satisfied she will be after us as soon as she has
+landed her passengers at Parkville; but that will not be for a couple
+of hours yet."
+
+"Then you really expect her."
+
+"I certainly do; and when we float again, I don't care how soon she
+comes. I came into this place, which you call a hole, general, simply
+to get ready for the Champion; for she draws too much water to pass
+through this channel."
+
+"Well, that's a double proof that I have wronged you, and I am all the
+more sorry for my unkindness."
+
+"Don't mention that again, Vallington," I replied, touched by his
+magnanimity.
+
+"Fellows," said Vallington, turning to the boys, "I resign my
+commission as general-in-chief of this expedition."
+
+"No, no!" shouted the students.
+
+"We are on the water now, and it is more proper that the commodore
+should have the entire command. When we are on shore again, I will
+resume my office. I will obey all the commodore's orders now, and the
+rest of you will do the same."
+
+I protested, but the general insisted. We finally agreed to the
+proposition, and for the time I became the commander of the
+expedition. Our first business was to float the steamer. Vallington
+went back to the engine-room, and I resumed my place at the wheel. I
+rang to back her, and the paddles slapped the water furiously for a
+time, but without producing any effect. The steamer had taken the
+ground harder than I supposed. She had run her bow upon the gradual
+slope of the bottom till the wheels were powerless to move her.
+
+The boys looked at one another in blank dismay, and seemed to feel
+just as though the enemy were to "bag" them, as a sportsman does the
+game he has brought down. I did not despair yet. From the wheel-house
+I had surveyed the surroundings, and a plan had occurred to me by
+which I hoped to work the Adieno out of her uncomfortable position.
+
+"No go," said Vallington, as we met together on the main deck.
+
+"Not yet; but we won't give it up. The bow had dug into the bottom
+more than I supposed. We must carry a line ashore, and make fast to
+one of those trees; then I think we can pull her off."
+
+Bob Hale, with two others, was sent ashore on the North Sister in the
+Splash, carrying the end of a long rope. When he had secured it to a
+large tree on the shore, I took the other end, the line passing
+through a round hawse-hole forward, and conveyed it aft to the shaft.
+After winding it four or five times round the shaft, I told the boys
+to haul it taut; and about twenty of them laid hold of the rope to
+"take in the slack," if we were fortunate enough to obtain any.
+
+"Bully for you," said Vallington, as he comprehended my arrangement.
+
+"If the rope don't break, something will come," I replied.
+
+I had been obliged to join several ropes, in order to form one long
+enough; but having carefully avoided "granny knots," I hoped it would
+hold. The bearing of the line was at the hawse-hole, near the bow of
+the boat; and as the power was applied to the rope by turning the
+wheel and shaft, the tendency was to haul the forward end of the boat
+off the ground into the deeper water.
+
+"All ready now, Vallington," I continued, when the preparations were
+completed. "Back her slowly."
+
+He started the engine, as I directed.
+
+"Haul taut on that rope!" I shouted to the boys at the line.
+
+The wheels turned, and the shaft revolved. The rope groaned and
+strained.
+
+"Stop her!" I added to the engineer, afraid to risk the strain. "Run
+aft the chain-box."
+
+My orders were obeyed; and as the boat floated at her stern, the
+weight of the chain-box was sensibly felt.
+
+"Back her slowly again," I continued.
+
+Again the rope groaned and strained as though too much was expected of
+it.
+
+"She starts!" cried the boys forward. "She is coming off!"
+
+I heard the keel scraping upon the bottom; and as the rope wound up,
+the Adieno slid off into the deep water.
+
+"Hurrah!" shouted the boys.
+
+"Let go the rope!" I called to the boys aft. "Stop her, Vallington."
+
+I hastened up to the wheel-house, the better to work her. I found she
+lay in good position to go ahead, and I shouted to Bob Hale to cast
+off the rope from the tree, directing the boys on the forward deck to
+haul it on board. I rang one bell, and the boat moved ahead slowly
+towards the wood pier. The boys cheered lustily, and were overjoyed at
+our good fortune in getting out of the scrape. In a few moments I ran
+the bow of the steamer up to the pier, and she was made fast to the
+ring.
+
+"Now we are all hunky-dory," said Tom Rush, who was rather given to
+"expressions," and who was overjoyed to find there was still a chance
+for an excitement.
+
+"Not quite," I added.
+
+"What's the matter now?"
+
+"We want some dinner."
+
+"You shall have it in half an hour."
+
+And while Tom was superintending the cooking, Vallington, Bob Hale,
+and myself had a consultation in the wheel-house.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXIV.
+
+IN WHICH ERNEST ENGAGES IN AN EXCITING STEAMBOAT RACE.
+
+
+"If you ask for my opinion," said Bob Hale, "I say we had better
+return to Parkville at once, and not wait to be driven back."
+
+"It is easy enough for you to say that," replied Tom Rush, who had
+joined us. "You live there, and all you have to do is to go home; but
+what are the fellows who reside a hundred miles from there to do?"
+
+"They will not be any worse off there than they will be here. The
+question is only between going back and being driven back," added Bob.
+
+"I suppose that we are to acknowledge that breaking away has been a
+failure," said Vallington.
+
+"Not at all; I, for one, won't have any more to do with Mr. Parasyte,"
+answered Bob. "What do you say, Ernest?"
+
+"I probably shall not go back to the Institute, whatever happens," I
+replied. "My breaking away is not from school only, but from all the
+home I ever knew. I have been thrown out upon the world, to take care
+of myself."
+
+For a moment my friends seemed to forget that we were in council to
+determine what should be done for the rebels in their sympathy for me;
+but I assured them I was not at all concerned about myself, and felt
+abundantly able to make my way without any help.
+
+"But what an old humbug your uncle is!" said Tom.
+
+"He is a strange man. He seemed to have turned me out because I
+displeased him in resisting Mr. Parasyte's injustice. He is afraid my
+conduct will lessen the value of his mortgage on the Parkville Liberal
+Institute."
+
+"I think Mr. Parasyte's conduct has lessened it," said Vallington.
+"But all this is neither here nor there. What shall we do with this
+steamer?"
+
+"Take her back to Parkville, and leave her there," answered Bob.
+
+"What are the fellows to do?" asked Tom.
+
+"Let them go back to the Institute, and lie back till something
+happens."
+
+"I don't believe anything will happen this year," laughed Tom, who was
+always light-hearted in any emergency.
+
+"Now, I think something will happen within a few days. I know that
+certain persons in Parkville, who have long been dissatisfied with Mr.
+Parasyte, intended to have a change months ago; and if I mistake not,
+this affair of ours will bring matters to a head," said Bob.
+
+"What can they do? Mr. Parasyte is as obstinate as a mule, and owns
+the Institute himself," added Vallington.
+
+"Not quite; my uncle will own the most of it if his note isn't paid,"
+I interposed.
+
+"I am not at liberty to tell even what I know, which is not much; but
+I believe something will turn up which will put things right at the
+Institute. All we have to do is to go back to Parkville and make our
+peace with the steamboat folks the best way we can," continued Bob.
+
+We all agreed that the steamboat enterprise was a bad affair for us;
+but we were just as unanimous in the opinion that we could not have
+done otherwise than take her as we did. It was mean of her captain to
+lend himself and his boat to such a man as Mr. Parasyte. We could not
+stay on Pine Island without food and without shelter. But we hoped to
+return the Adieno uninjured, and, through the powerful influence of
+Bob Hale's father, who was the wealthiest man in the county, to escape
+without any serious consequences. It was decided, therefore, to return
+to Parkville just as soon as we had eaten our dinner.
+
+Tom Rush's cooks were either very dilatory, or they had not got the
+hang of the steamer's kitchen, for we had to wait an hour for the
+meal. We dined in the cabin, where we found everything we needed to
+set the table; and in spite of the desperate condition of our affairs,
+we enjoyed ourselves very much. Some one ventured to inquire if we
+could not charter the Adieno for a week, and finish our breaking away
+in her, it would be so pleasant to live on board, and cruise up and
+down the beautiful lake. But it was satisfactorily shown that our
+finances, however they might be improved by letters from home, would
+not warrant such a piece of extravagance.
+
+This was the last day of the breaking away, at least on the lake and
+in camp, and we were disposed to make the most of it. As soon as it
+was announced that we were to return to Parkville, though some of the
+students murmured, and wished to make a trip down the lake before we
+went back, the plan was accepted, and the boys were disposed to
+improve the remainder of the cruise. They persisted in enjoying it;
+and before the boat left the wood pier, they were skylarking and
+training as though the future would require no account to be rendered
+of their past conduct.
+
+Vallington went to the engine-room, and directed the boys below to
+start up the fires. With Bob Hale I went to the wheel-house; while Tom
+Rush, as he had been directed by our chief, had all the dishes washed,
+and everything put in order in the cabin and kitchen, for we wished to
+leave the boat in as good condition in every respect as we found her.
+
+"Cast off the fasts!" I called to the boys on the forward deck, when
+Vallington informed me that he had steam enough.
+
+"All clear!" replied those who were doing duty as deck hands.
+
+I rang to back her; and when the bow of the Adieno was clear of the
+wharf, I started her forward slowly; and keeping her in the middle of
+the channel, she passed in safety out into the broad lake.
+
+"We are too late; we ought to have gone before," said Bob,
+impatiently. "There comes the Champion. I was certain she would be
+after us--as certain as you were. What shall we do?"
+
+I headed the Adieno down the lake when I saw the Champion--that is,
+away from Parkville.
+
+"We must take our chances; we can't do anything else," I replied to
+Bob, as I threw the wheel over.
+
+"But you are not headed for Parkville."
+
+"Not yet; for I don't mean to be captured."
+
+"How can you help it?"
+
+"Perhaps I can't help it; but I can try."
+
+I notified Vallington through the speaking-tube that the Champion was
+in sight, and headed towards us.
+
+"We mustn't let her overtake us, if we can help it. I will put on the
+steam," he replied.
+
+"All right; I can keep out of her way," I answered.
+
+"Why not surrender?" said Bob, who stood at my side watching the
+Champion.
+
+"Surrender!" I exclaimed.
+
+"Why not? What harm will it do?"
+
+"I have no idea of throwing myself into the hands of those steamboat
+men. Don't you see the Champion is full of men?"
+
+"Do you suppose they would harm us?"
+
+"I do. No doubt Mr. Parasyte is on board, and he will give them
+liberty to maul us as much as they please."
+
+"Perhaps you are right; I didn't think of Mr. Parasyte's being with
+them."
+
+"Of course he is; and I think we can make better terms by fighting it
+out. For my own part, I would run the steamer ashore and take to the
+woods, rather than give myself up to Mr. Parasyte and such a gang as
+he has now."
+
+Bob did not fully agree with me, though he thought we had better get
+back to Parkville, if we could. This was not an easy matter, for the
+Champion lay between us and our destination, and could cut us off if
+we attempted to pass her. She could run up alongside of the Adieno, if
+we attempted to dodge her, and throw her men on our decks.
+
+The Sisters lay near the middle of the lake, and the Champion must go
+to the north or to the south of them. I made a blunder; I ought to
+have waited at the end of the channel until our pursuer had reached
+his most southern or most northern point in coming round the shoal,
+and then gone off in the opposite direction; but even then he might
+have put about, and headed us off. It was hard to decide what to do,
+and I continued to go to the westward until the Champion, which had
+chosen the southern passage, was due south of The Sisters, when I
+stood away to the northward.
+
+But the pursuer "had me;" and finding it was useless to attempt to get
+by her, I headed the boat down the lake again. The Champion then
+crowded on all steam and chased us. This was exactly what I wished her
+to do, and I led her five miles down the lake.
+
+"I don't know about it, Ernest," said Bob, shaking his head. "I think
+she will catch us. This boat is the fastest, but we don't understand
+her well enough to make her do her best."
+
+"I am afraid of that; but don't talk to me, if you please, now," I
+replied.
+
+I led the Champion to the northward of an island at this point; and
+here her captain made a blunder, which restored to me the advantage I
+had lost before. When the Champion was well by the island, I turned
+the Adieno to the southward, and went round the island, which
+prevented our pursuer from cutting us off, and saving any of the
+distance, as he might have done, in the open lake.
+
+"There, Bob, I have done it now, and I am satisfied," I said. "She
+can't cut us off, and it will be a square race up the lake."
+
+"The Champion is gaining on us every moment," replied Bob.
+
+[Illustration: THE RACE BETWEEN THE ADIENO AND THE CHAMPION.--Page
+275.]
+
+The other steamer was certainly overhauling us. The superior skill of
+the men in charge of her gave them the advantage. I told Vallington of
+the fact, and soon the roaring of the furnaces and the creaking of
+the boat assured me he was in earnest. But in spite of his renewed
+exertions, the Champion was gaining a little, and I was sure that she
+would overtake us long before we could reach Parkville. I headed her
+for The Sisters, therefore, determined to put in force the plan I had
+devised before dinner. I ran directly for the channel, and the
+Champion followed.
+
+The pursuer was almost upon us when we came within a quarter of a mile
+of the end of the channel. Both boats were shaking and trembling under
+the high pressure of steam, and every fellow on board the Adieno was
+in a fever of excitement.
+
+"Crowd her, Vallington!" I shouted through the tube.
+
+"The Champion's bow is within ten feet of us!" exclaimed Bob.
+
+"Stop her, you villains!" cried the captain of the boat from the bow
+of the Champion.
+
+"Give it to her, Vallington! In two minutes more we are safe!" I
+yelled through the tube.
+
+"She is almost upon us!" said Bob, tremulously.
+
+At that moment we heard the engine bell of the Champion ring, as the
+Adieno approached the narrow channel. Her wheels stopped, and she
+began to back vigorously.
+
+"Give them three cheers!" I called to the students, as the pursuer
+backed out; and they were given with a will.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXV.
+
+IN WHICH ERNEST PILOTS THE ADIENO TO PARKVILLE.
+
+
+The Champion could not pass through the narrow and shoal channel
+between The Sisters, and my calculation had been correct. I was so
+elated at the victory that I could not refrain from calling for the
+cheers, though it was bad policy for us to crow over such rivals. A
+moment before, the nerves of all on board of the Adieno had been
+strained to their utmost tension by the exciting peril of the moment.
+The bow of our pursuer had actually lapped over the stern of our
+steamer, and we expected the captain of the Adieno, who stood on the
+rail, holding on to an awning stanchion, would leap on board of us,
+after he had bawled himself hoarse in ordering us to stop.
+
+The pilot of the Champion was evidently the coolest man in the
+steamer, and he had run her to the very mouth of The Sisters
+Channel; but he knew that she could not go through, and at the last
+practicable instant, he had "stopped" and "backed," leaving the
+victory with us. It was a tremendous relief when the pressure was
+removed from our overstrained nerves; and never were cheers given
+more enthusiastically, even madly, than those which saluted the
+people of the Champion at the dawn of our triumph.
+
+The Adieno had entered the narrow channel, and I doubt not her
+appalled captain on the deck of the other boat expected to see her
+"take the ground" and be smashed to pieces. The moment I saw the
+pursuer was backing out, I rang to stop her, and then to go ahead
+slowly; for I had no more idea of smashing her than I had of smashing
+my own head.
+
+"Silence, now!" I shouted to the boys on deck, who were still yelling
+to the utmost capacity of their lungs; for I was afraid the noise
+might drown the sound of the bell in the engine-room, in case I had
+occasion to ring it.
+
+The students hushed up instantly. They had climbed upon the rails,
+and secured other positions where they could obtain a view of our
+discomfited pursuer; and a more excited and delighted set of fellows
+never gathered on the deck of a steamer.
+
+"Have your eye on the Champion, Bob, and tell me what she does," said
+I to my companion in the wheel-house; for I needed both of my own eyes
+to keep the Adieno in the channel, where a slight mistake on my part
+would have ruined all my plans, and perhaps the steamer in which we
+sailed.
+
+"I will," replied he.
+
+"What is she doing?"
+
+"Nothing."
+
+"Don't she move?"
+
+"No--she hasn't started yet. They probably expect us to go ashore
+before we get through the channel."
+
+"Well, the longer she waits there, the better for us, for she can't
+come through," I added.
+
+The Adieno passed safely through the channel, and came out into the
+broad lake beyond The Sisters. I rang to go ahead at full speed again,
+for we had now a clear run to Parkville before us.
+
+"The Champion has started her wheels again, Ernest," said Bob Hale,
+as I rang the bell; "she is backing out of the inlet into the open
+lake."
+
+"All right--let her back. We have a good three miles the start of her,
+and she can't catch us before we get to Parkville," I replied.
+
+I informed Vallington through the speaking tube in regard to the
+situation, with which he was entirely satisfied. I asked him to keep
+the boat moving at her best pace, assuring him, if he did so, that we
+were perfectly safe from capture. In half an hour we passed Pine
+Island, with the Champion, which did not appear to be straining
+herself, fully three miles astern. I was afterwards told that the
+captain of the Adieno held her back, fearing that if she crowded us
+again, we should run ashore, burst the boiler, or otherwise damage his
+steamer.
+
+In an hour and a half after the passage of The Sisters Channel, we
+were off the bluff, within half a mile of the steamboat pier, which we
+saw crowded with people. It was plain that we had succeeded in
+creating an excitement, and not a few of us had some _delicacy_ about
+landing in the presence of the multitude. The Champion still kept her
+relative distance from us, and was now more than a mile beyond Cleaver
+Island.
+
+"Where shall we land?" I asked of Vallington through the tube, after
+Bob and I had considered the matter a little.
+
+"Wherever you please, commodore," replied our chief.
+
+"What do you say, Bob?" I added, turning to my companion.
+
+"Can't we land at the boat pier, in front of the Institute?"
+
+"No; there isn't water enough to float the Adieno. In fact the only
+safe place is the regular steamboat pier."
+
+"I suppose my father is there, and I don't like to meet him just yet,"
+replied Bob, earnestly.
+
+"We can anchor within a few rods of the Institute pier, and land in
+the Splash," I suggested.
+
+"I like that better."
+
+"But the Splash would have to go three or four times to land the
+fellows, and the Champion would be upon us before we could all get
+ashore," I added.
+
+I stated the plan and the objections to Vallington.
+
+"Let us face the music like men," said he, decidedly.
+
+"I think that is the better way," I continued to Bob. "So far as we
+have done wrong, let us acknowledge the corn, and take the
+consequences."
+
+Bob Hale assented, overcoming his modesty with an effort, and I headed
+the Adieno for the steamboat pier. I think we all felt a little
+bashful about landing in the presence of so many people. The students
+were directed to make no noisy demonstrations of any kind, and to
+repair directly to the school-room of the Institute, where Mr.
+Parasyte would soon find us, and where we hoped to make a final
+adjustment of all the difficulties.
+
+As we approached the pier, the boat was "slowed down," and the fasts
+got ready for landing; and other work was done as regularly and
+properly as though we were all old steamboat men. At the regular time,
+I stopped her wheels, and she ran her bow up gently to the wharf, and
+the line was thrown ashore. A couple of turns of the wheels backward
+brought the Adieno to a stand-still, and our cruise was ended.
+Vallington let off steam, and we formed in a body, intending to march
+ashore as compactly as possible, in order to feel the full force of
+the bond of association.
+
+With Vallington at the head of the procession, we landed. Some of the
+crowd hooted at us, others laughed, and a few steamboat owners berated
+us roundly. We heeded none of them, but made our way through the mob,
+up the pier. Before we reached the street, it suddenly occurred to me
+that I had left the Splash made fast to the stern of the steamer. I
+had forgotten her in the exciting whirl of events. When I told Bob
+Hale and Tom Rush that I must return for my boat, they volunteered to
+accompany me.
+
+"Robert," said a stern voice, as we moved down the wharf.
+
+We halted, and Bob's father confronted him.
+
+"What does all this mean?" demanded Mr. Hale. "Are you one of those
+who ran away with the steamer?"
+
+"I am, sir," replied Bob, squarely, but with due humility.
+
+Mr. Hale bit his lips with chagrin. Probably he had hoped that his son
+was not one of the reckless fellows who had taken possession of the
+Adieno. But Bob was a noble fellow, and seldom gave his father any
+cause to complain of his conduct,--so seldom that he appeared to be
+appalled at the magnitude of the present offence.
+
+"Robert was opposed to taking the steamer from the first," I
+interposed, hoping to save him from some portion of his father's
+displeasure.
+
+"I went with the rest of the fellows, and I am willing to bear my
+share of the blame."
+
+"What does all this mean? What possessed you to do such a thing?"
+asked Mr. Hale.
+
+"We could not endure the injustice of Mr. Parasyte any longer; that
+was the beginning of it. And when he came in the steamer to Pine
+Island, and took away our provisions, we ran off with the steamer
+rather than be starved out," answered Bob.
+
+"What business had you on Pine Island?"
+
+"We have been breaking away."
+
+"Breaking away! I should think you had! Were you concerned in these
+disgraceful proceedings, Robert?"
+
+"I was, sir. I am willing to own that I have done wrong."
+
+Mr. Hale's stern look softened down, and I ventured to ask him to take
+a seat in my boat, and go over to the Institute, where he would have
+an opportunity to hear the whole story of the "breaking away," and
+judge for himself. During this conversation, a crowd had gathered
+around us, curious to know what had happened; and the charge we made
+against Mr. Parasyte was publicly proclaimed. Mr. Hale accepted my
+invitation, and we shoved off from the Adieno just as the Champion
+came up to the pier.
+
+"Stop them! Stop them!" shouted the captain of the Adieno, as I was
+hoisting the jib.
+
+No one ventured to stop a boat in which Mr. Hale, the most important
+person in the county, was seated.
+
+"We want those boys!" called the angry captain again. "They are the
+ones who ran off with the boat."
+
+"Captain Woelkers," said Mr. Hale, mildly.
+
+"Ah, Mr. Hale!" exclaimed the captain, as he recognized the principal
+owner of the steamer he commanded.
+
+"By whose authority did you take the Adieno to Pine Island to-day?"
+
+"Mr. Parasyte wanted her, and I let him have her," stammered the
+captain.
+
+"Did you consult the agent?"
+
+"No, sir; he was not at home."
+
+"Do you generally leave your boat with steam up without an engineer?"
+
+"I never did before, but we needed every man to bring off the things
+on the island," replied Captain Woelkers, his confusion crimsoning his
+face.
+
+"It appears that you have used the boat without authority, and
+permitted her to be taken from you by a parcel of boys. I will see you
+at my house this evening. You may fill away, Ernest, if you are
+ready."
+
+Mr. Hale did not say another word, and I ran the Splash over to the
+Institute pier. I landed my passengers, and we all walked up to the
+school-room, where the rebels had by this time assembled.
+
+"Henry Vallington, I am sorry to see you engaged in such a disgraceful
+affair as this," said Mr. Hale, when he met our leader.
+
+"I am very glad you have come, sir, for I feel that we need counsel,"
+replied Vallington. "Perhaps you will not consider the affair so
+disgraceful, after you have heard the whole truth."
+
+"Nothing can justify your conduct in running away with the steamer. It
+is a miracle that you were not blown up, or sunk in the lake."
+
+Vallington handed our distinguished guest one of the circulars he had
+procured at the printer's on his way up to the Institute, the "copy"
+of which had been given out before the "breaking away."
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXVI.
+
+IN WHICH ERNEST FINDS A CHANGE IN THE MANAGEMENT OF THE INSTITUTE.
+
+
+Mr. Hale put on his spectacles and read the circular, which had been
+carefully prepared by several of the best scholars in the school; but
+he was already familiar with the facts it contained. He knew that Mr.
+Parasyte was a tyrant, and that he was very unpopular with the boys.
+It was a fact that only a few of the students remained at the
+Institute for any considerable length of time, and that its numbers
+had never equalled its capacity.
+
+He had hardly finished reading the circular before Mr. Parasyte,
+followed by Poodles, Pearl, and the rest of the deserters, entered the
+hall. All of them had been passengers on the Champion, and of course
+they didn't feel very good after being beaten by the Adieno. Mr. Hale
+was evidently glad to see the principal of the academy, for he did
+not seem to know what to do after he had finished the circular.
+
+"I am glad you have come, Mr. Parasyte," said he; "it seems these boys
+have been running away with one of our steamers."
+
+"They have; and I hope you will punish the ringleaders as they
+deserve," replied Mr. Parasyte, wiping his brow, as he was wont to do
+when excited.
+
+"My son is one of them," added Mr. Hale, with a smile.
+
+"Not one of the ringleaders, sir--by no means. Thornton, Rush, and
+Vallington are the leaders in this enterprise."
+
+"No more than myself, father. I have done as much as they have, and I
+am willing to bear my share of the blame," said Bob.
+
+The boys clapped their hands at this interposition. Bob was not a
+fellow to shirk when the time of settlement came.
+
+"My boy behaves like a man, and I honor him for that," replied Mr.
+Hale, proudly; "but he shall be punished if the others are. Mr.
+Parasyte, things seem to be at rather loose ends in the Institute just
+now."
+
+"Yes, sir; I am sorry to say they are. One bad boy can stir up a
+whirlwind of mischief," answered Mr. Parasyte, looking at me.
+
+"These boys seem to be pretty well agreed in this matter."
+
+"But this trouble has all been made by one boy--and that one is Ernest
+Thornton. I expelled him once; but out of regard for his uncle, to
+whom I am under great obligations, I reversed my sentence, and
+endeavored to reduce him to proper subjection."
+
+"Have you seen this paper, Mr. Parasyte?" continued the visitor,
+handing him the circular. "It seems to be signed by nearly all the
+students in the Institute."
+
+Mr. Parasyte took the printed document, and proceeded to read it. When
+he had gone far enough to comprehend the nature of the paper, he
+turned red; and when he came to the long array of signatures, he
+became very pale.
+
+"May I inquire the object of this paper?" demanded the principal, with
+quivering lips.
+
+"I'm sure I don't know. I never saw or heard of it till I entered
+this room," replied Mr. Hale "I see that it is addressed to the
+parents of the students."
+
+"I need not say that the statements contained in this circular are,
+without a single exception, infamous falsehoods and slanders. I think
+you know me well enough, Mr. Hale, to understand that justice and
+fairness have always characterized my dealings with my pupils."
+
+Mr. Hale did not so understand it. He knew that the reverse of this
+statement was the truth. Mr. Parasyte then insisted on relating the
+facts connected with the "breaking away." He told the story of my
+misconduct, as he termed it, and embellished it with sundry flourishes
+about his own impartiality and magnanimity. He said that after it had
+been fairly proved that I had assaulted my schoolmate, in
+consideration of my previous good conduct, he had only required that I
+should apologize in private to the one I had injured. Forbearance
+could extend no farther than this; but I had even refused to make this
+slight reparation for the offence I had committed. Then I had openly
+disobeyed and insulted him in the presence of the whole school.
+
+"Of course, after this," continued Mr. Parasyte, "I could do nothing
+more for him. My gentleness was not appreciated; my leniency was
+despised. My mistake was in treating him too kindly--in not resorting
+to the strong arm in the beginning. Then, as I might have expected of
+such an obdurate boy, I was subjected to a personal assault."
+
+"But all the boys seemed to be on his side," said the matter-of-fact
+Mr. Hale.
+
+"Very true. Thornton keeps a boat, and almost any boy may be bought or
+sold with a boat. He has sailed them on the lake, and won them by his
+arts."
+
+"Isn't it possible that there was some mistake in the matter of the
+quarrel between Thornton and Poodles?"
+
+"It is quite impossible that there should have been any mistake,"
+replied Mr. Parasyte, with a look of injured innocence. "I
+investigated the matter very carefully and impartially."
+
+"I should really like to hear what the boys have to say about it,"
+added Mr. Hale.
+
+"It would be useless for you to talk with them, and it would be an
+insult to me for you to do so. Do you doubt my word, Mr. Hale? Do you
+think I have not told you the truth?" said the principal, rather
+warmly.
+
+"But there may be some mistake."
+
+"I have said that it was quite impossible there should be any
+mistake."
+
+"Have you any objections to my asking the boys a few questions, Mr.
+Parasyte?"
+
+"Certainly I have. I am not willing to be arraigned and tried before
+my own school."
+
+"O, very well!" exclaimed Mr. Hale, nodding his head significantly;
+and without saying anything more, he left the school-room.
+
+The students felt that they had a friend in Mr. Hale, and even did not
+fear a prosecution for running away with the steamer. We judged that
+the captain of the Adieno would have to bear all the blame of that
+occurrence.
+
+"What are these circulars for?" demanded Mr. Parasyte, when the
+visitor had departed. "Vallington, as the ringleader in this
+conspiracy, I call upon you for an answer."
+
+"Those whose names are signed to the paper intend to send them to
+their parents."
+
+"They do--do they?" exclaimed the principal, with compressed lips.
+"Are you aware that published slanders of this kind subject those who
+utter them to a severe penalty?"
+
+"We can prove all we assert, and should be glad of an opportunity to
+do so," replied Vallington, firmly.
+
+"There is not a word of truth in the paper," added Mr. Parasyte,
+wiping his brow.
+
+He walked up and down the platform two or three times in silence. With
+him the case was desperate. He knew not what to do. He had learned
+that the students would not be browbeaten or bullied.
+
+"Scholars," said he, at last, "I think we are all too much fatigued
+and excited to consider this difficult problem this afternoon. In
+spite of the ill treatment I have received at your hands, I am still
+your friend, as I have always been. By and by you will see that you
+have done wrong. To-morrow morning, if you will meet at the usual
+hour in the school-room, I shall have a proposition to make, which I
+am confident will restore peace to the Parkville Liberal Institute.
+You are dismissed now, for the day."
+
+Mr. Parasyte left the hall, and we held a meeting there on our own
+account. If the principal did not know what to do, we were no better
+off, and we finally separated without any fixed plans. We agreed to
+meet in the school-room in the morning, though we all doubted whether
+Mr. Parasyte would have any proposition to submit. The students
+decided not to send the circulars to their parents until the next day.
+
+We wanted advice, and our hope was with Mr. Hale. At Vallington's
+suggestion, half a dozen of us were appointed a committee to wait upon
+him. He had expressed a desire to hear "the other side" of the case.
+We went to Mr. Hale's house, and found there Mr. Hardy, the assistant
+teacher, who had been discharged. We told our story, and related the
+facts as they occurred. Mr. Hardy said nothing in our presence, and we
+left him with Mr. Hale, who, we afterwards learned, had sent for him.
+
+Bob invited me to spend the night with him, and having no home now, I
+was glad to accept. After supper, I was called into the library, and
+questioned at great length by Mr. Hale and Mr. Hardy in regard to the
+affairs of the Institute. While we were thus engaged, Bob was sent to
+deliver several notes to prominent and wealthy men in the place. At
+seven o'clock there were not less than half a dozen of the "heavy men"
+of Parkville in the library.
+
+Of course Bob and I did not know what was going on, but we were
+confident that the affairs of the Institute were under discussion. At
+a later hour, Mr. Hale and another gentleman drove off, in a buggy,
+towards the cottage of my uncle, where I heard one of them say they
+were going. Bob and I went to bed, tired out, and did not ascertain
+what had been done by the gentlemen who assembled that evening.
+
+At nine o'clock in the forenoon of the next day, the students were all
+in their seats, in the school-room; but Mr. Parasyte did not appear.
+It was reported that there were half a dozen gentlemen with him in his
+office, and that my uncle Amos was one of them. I was astonished at
+this intelligence. I subsequently heard that he was there on business,
+and hardly spoke a word during a long and stormy interview between Mr.
+Parasyte and his visitors.
+
+The clock on the school-house struck ten, and still Mr. Parasyte did
+not come. It was deeply impressed upon our minds that something was
+about to happen, and we waited with intense anxiety for the event. At
+half past eleven o'clock, Mr. Parasyte entered the school-room. He
+looked sad and subdued, and his coming was the signal for a breathless
+silence among the boys. It was evident that he had a proposition to
+make.
+
+"Young gentlemen, I appear before you now for the last time," said he.
+
+He paused, and his words made a tremendous sensation, though, I am
+happy to say, there was no demonstration of any kind. We looked upon
+him as a fallen man.
+
+"I have sold the Parkville Liberal Institute to a company composed of
+the citizens of this town, who have made me an offer for the property,
+so liberal that I could not afford to refuse it. Until about a week
+ago, my relations with the students have been exceedingly pleasant. I
+shall not allude to recent events. I take my leave with many regrets,
+and I sincerely desire that prosperity and happiness may attend you in
+the future. Good by."
+
+"Good by," replied a large number of the boys, and Mr. Parasyte bowed
+and left the room.
+
+As he went out at one door, the "company" entered at another. Mr. Hale
+went upon the platform, and repeated what Mr. Parasyte had told us,
+that the Institute had been purchased by a number of the citizens of
+Parkville, and in future its affairs would be managed by a board of
+trustees, of which he had the honor to be chairman. The trustees had
+just appointed Mr. Hardy as principal,--here he was interrupted by a
+spontaneous burst of cheers,--and the school would be reorganized by
+him in the afternoon. The "boarders" were requested to write to their
+parents and guardians, informing them of the change.
+
+Mr. Hale dismissed the students, after he had assured them that the
+domestic part of the establishment would remain as before. The boys
+went out upon the play ground, and gave three rousing cheers for the
+new company, trustees, and principal. I went home to dinner with Bob,
+and learned that the purchase of the Institute had been contemplated
+for some months, by prominent citizens, who were aware that the school
+was badly managed. They acted, many of them, simply as business men,
+for the interests of the town. The Institute was "running down," and
+they had taken this step to build it up. They knew that Mr. Hardy was
+a true man and a good teacher, and as he was popular among the boys,
+he was promptly elected principal.
+
+Mr. Hale told Bob and me that the conduct of the students in "breaking
+away" was strongly condemned by the gentlemen who had discussed the
+affair, and he by no means approved of it himself; but the injustice
+of Mr. Parasyte had provoked them to such a degree that the
+misdemeanor was palliated, if not excused, and it was deemed best to
+say nothing about it. The mortgage which my uncle held was paid, and
+he had fled the instant the business was finished.
+
+Mr. Parasyte had long and obstinately refused to sell the property,
+even for a third more than its actual value; but finally, convinced
+that the Institute would not succeed under his administration, he had
+yielded the point. The next day he left Parkville, with his family,
+"bag and baggage;" and so disagreeable was he to me, that I hoped I
+never should see his face again.
+
+In the afternoon we went to school, and Mr. Hardy appeared upon the
+platform. We attempted to cheer him, but he silenced us. He made quite
+a speech, in which, however, he did not allude to recent events, and
+in half an hour the students were all at work on the old track. While
+I was in school that afternoon for the last time, as I believed, I
+received a note from my uncle. It was as brief as his speech. "If you
+wish to return to your home, you may." This, with the signature, was
+all it contained. I went home that night, but my uncle did not see
+me--would not see me.
+
+I went to school as usual for several months, until the following
+spring, when an event occurred which made me a wanderer on the earth;
+which sent me to "SEEK AND FIND" the mother, for whom I longed and
+prayed in my loneliness, and which shall be related in another story.
+
+Our rebellion at the Institute had been successful. We had driven the
+tyrant from his throne, and seated another person in his place, who
+was fit to teach and to rule. Mr. Hardy was, perhaps, more severe than
+his predecessor, but he was just and fair. He had no favorites--at
+least none who did not win their high place in his esteem by being
+faithful and earnest in all things. Certainly he never gave the
+students occasion even to think of such a doubtful expedient as
+"BREAKING AWAY."
+
+
+
+
+OLIVER OPTIC'S BOOKS
+
+
+=The Blue and the Gray--Afloat.= By OLIVER OPTIC. Six volumes.
+Illustrated. Beautiful binding in blue and gray, with emblematic dies.
+Cloth. Any volume sold separately. Price per volume, $1.50.
+
+        1. Taken by the Enemy.
+        2. Within the Enemy's Lines.
+        3. On the Blockade.
+        4. Stand by the Union
+        5. Fighting for the Right.
+        6. A Victorious Union.
+
+
+=The Blue and the Gray--on Land.=
+
+        1. Brother against Brother.
+        2. In the Saddle.
+        3. A Lieutenant at Eighteen.
+        4. On the Staff.
+        5. At the Front.
+        6. An Undivided Union.
+
+        "There never has been a more interesting writer in the
+        field of juvenile literature than Mr. W. T. ADAMS,
+        who, under his well-known pseudonym, is known and
+        admired by every boy and girl in the country, and by
+        thousands who have long since passed the boundaries of
+        youth, yet who remember with pleasure the genial,
+        interesting pen that did so much to interest,
+        instruct, and entertain their younger years. 'The Blue
+        and the Gray' is a title that is sufficiently
+        indicative of the nature and spirit of the latest
+        series, while the name of OLIVER OPTIC is sufficient
+        warrant of the absorbing style of narrative. This
+        series is as bright and entertaining as any work that
+        Mr. ADAMS has yet put forth, and will be as eagerly
+        perused as any that has borne his name. It would not
+        be fair to the prospective reader to deprive him of
+        the zest which comes from the unexpected by entering
+        into a synopsis of the story. A word, however, should
+        be said in regard to the beauty and appropriateness of
+        the binding, which makes it a most attractive
+        volume."--_Boston Budget._
+
+
+=Woodville Stories.= By OLIVER OPTIC. Six volumes. Illustrated. Any
+volume sold separately. Price per volume, $1.25.
+
+        1. =Rich and Humble=; OR, THE MISSION OF BERTHA GRANT.
+        2. =In School and Out=; OR, THE CONQUEST OF RICHARD GRANT.
+        3. =Watch and Wait=; OR, THE YOUNG FUGITIVES.
+        4. =Work and Win=; OR, NODDY NEWMAN ON A CRUISE.
+        5. =Hope and Have=; OR, FANNY GRANT AMONG THE INDIANS.
+        6. =Haste and Waste=; OR, THE YOUNG PILOT OF LAKE CHAMPLAIN.
+
+        "Though we are not so young as we once were, we
+        relished these stories almost as much as the boys and
+        girls for whom they were written. They were really
+        refreshing, even to us. There is much in them which is
+        calculated to inspire a generous, healthy ambition,
+        and to make distasteful all reading tending to
+        stimulate base desires."--_Fitchburg Reveille._
+
+
+=The Starry Flag Series.= By OLIVER OPTIC. In six volumes.
+Illustrated. Any volume sold separately. Price per volume, $1.25.
+
+        1. =The Starry Flag=; OR, THE YOUNG FISHERMAN OF CAPE ANN.
+        2. =Breaking Away=; OR, THE FORTUNES OF A STUDENT.
+        3. =Seek and Find=; OR, THE ADVENTURES OF A SMART BOY.
+        4. =Freaks of Fortune=; OR, HALF ROUND THE WORLD.
+        5. =Make or Break=; OR, THE RICH MAN'S DAUGHTER.
+        6. =Down the River=; OR, BUCK BRADFORD AND THE TYRANTS.
+
+        "Mr. ADAMS, the celebrated and popular writer,
+        familiarly known as OLIVER OPTIC, seems to have
+        inexhaustible funds for weaving together the virtues
+        of life; and, notwithstanding he has written scores of
+        books, the same freshness and novelty run through them
+        all. Some people think the sensational element
+        predominates. Perhaps it does. But a book for young
+        people needs this, and so long as good sentiments are
+        inculcated such books ought to be read."
+
+        LOTHROP, LEE & SHEPARD CO., Boston
+
+
+
+
+OLIVER OPTIC'S BOOKS
+
+=The Great Western Series.= By OLIVER OPTIC. In six volumes.
+Illustrated. Any volume sold separately. Price per volume, $1.25.
+
+1. =Going West=; OR, THE PERILS OF A POOR BOY. 2. =Out West=; OR,
+ROUGHING IT ON THE GREAT LAKES. 3. =Lake Breezes=; OR, THE CRUISE OF
+THE SYLVANIA. 4. =Going South=; OR, YACHTING ON THE ATLANTIC COAST. 5.
+=Down South=; OR, YACHT ADVENTURES IN FLORIDA. 6. =Up the River=; OR,
+YACHTING ON THE MISSISSIPPI.
+
+        "This is the latest series of books issued by this
+        popular writer, and deals with life on the Great
+        Lakes, for which a careful study was made by the
+        author in a summer tour of the immense water sources
+        of America. The story, which carries the same hero
+        through the six books of the series, is always
+        entertaining, novel scenes and varied incidents giving
+        a constantly changing yet always attractive aspect to
+        the narrative. OLIVER OPTIC has written nothing
+        better."
+
+
+=The Yacht Club Series.= By OLIVER OPTIC. In six volumes. Illustrated.
+Any volume sold separately. Price per volume, $1.25.
+
+        1. =Little Bobtail=; OR, THE WRECK OF THE PENOBSCOT.
+        2. =The Yacht Club=; OR, THE YOUNG BOAT BUILDERS.
+        3. =Money-Maker=; OR, THE VICTORY OF THE BASILISK.
+        4. =The Coming Wave=; OR, THE TREASURE OF HIGH ROCK.
+        5. =The Dorcas Club=; OR, OUR GIRLS AFLOAT.
+        6. =Ocean Born=; OR, THE CRUISE OF THE CLUBS.
+
+        "The series has this peculiarity, that all of its
+        constituent volumes are independent of one another,
+        and therefore each story is complete in itself. OLIVER
+        OPTIC is, perhaps, the favorite author of the boys and
+        girls of this country, and he seems destined to enjoy
+        an endless popularity. He deserves his success, for he
+        makes very interesting stories, and inculcates none
+        but the best sentiments, and the 'Yacht Club' is no
+        exception to this rule."--_New Haven Journal and
+        Courier._
+
+
+=Onward and Upward Series.= By OLIVER OPTIC. In six volumes.
+Illustrated. Any volume sold separately. Price per volume, $1.25.
+
+        1. =Field and Forest=; OR, THE FORTUNES OF A FARMER.
+        2. =Plane and Plank=; OR, THE MISHAPS OF A MECHANIC.
+        3. =Desk and Debit=; OR, THE CATASTROPHES OF A CLERK.
+        4. =Cringle and Crosstree=; OR, THE SEA SWASHES OF A SAILOR.
+        5. =Bivouac and Battle=; OR, THE STRUGGLES OF A SOLDIER.
+        6. =Sea and Shore=; OR, THE TRAMPS OF A TRAVELLER.
+
+        "Paul Farringford, the hero of these tales, is, like
+        most of this author's heroes, a young man of high
+        spirit, and of high aims and correct principles,
+        appearing in the different volumes as a farmer, a
+        captain, a bookkeeper, a soldier, a sailor, and a
+        traveller. In all of them the hero meets with very
+        exciting adventures, told in the graphic style for
+        which the author is famous."
+
+
+=The Lake Shore Series.= By OLIVER OPTIC. In six volumes. Illustrated.
+Any volume sold separately. Price per volume, $1.25.
+
+        1. =Through by Daylight=; OR, THE YOUNG ENGINEER OF THE LAKE
+        SHORE RAILROAD.
+        2. =Lightning Express=; OR, THE RIVAL ACADEMIES.
+        3. =On Time=; OR, THE YOUNG CAPTAIN OF THE UCAYGA STEAMER.
+        4. =Switch Off=; OR, THE WAR OF THE STUDENTS.
+        5. =Brake Up=; OR, THE YOUNG PEACEMAKERS.
+        6. =Bear and Forbear=; OR, THE YOUNG SKIPPER OF LAKE UCAYGA.
+
+        "OLIVER OPTIC is one of the most fascinating writers
+        for youth, and within one of the best to be found in
+        this or any past age. Troops of young people hang over
+        his vivid pages; and not one of them ever learned to
+        be mean, ignoble, cowardly, selfish, or to yield to
+        any vice from anything they ever read from his
+        pen."--_Providence Press._
+
+        =LOTHROP, LEE & SHEPARD CO., Boston=
+
+
+
+OLIVER OPTIC'S BOOKS
+
+
+=Army and Navy Stories.= By OLIVER OPTIC. Six volumes. Illustrated.
+Any volume sold separately. Price per volume, $1.25.
+
+        1. =The Soldier Boy=; OR, TOM SOMERS IN THE ARMY.
+        2. =The Sailor Boy=; OR, JACK SOMERS IN THE NAVY.
+        3. =The Young Lieutenant=; OR, ADVENTURES OF AN ARMY OFFICER.
+        4. =The Yankee Middy=; OR, ADVENTURES OF A NAVY OFFICER.
+        5. =Fighting Joe=; OR, THE FORTUNES OF A STAFF OFFICER.
+        6. =Brave Old Salt=; OR, LIFE ON THE QUARTER DECK.
+
+        "This series of six volumes recounts the adventures of
+        two brothers, Tom and Jack Somers, one in the army,
+        the other in the navy, in the great Civil War. The
+        romantic narratives of the fortunes and exploits of
+        the brothers are thrilling in the extreme. Historical
+        accuracy in the recital of the great events of that
+        period is strictly followed, and the result is, not
+        only a library of entertaining volumes, but also the
+        best history of the Civil War for young people ever
+        written."
+
+
+=Boat Builders Series.= By OLIVER OPTIC. In six volumes. Illustrated.
+Any volume sold separately. Price per volume, $1.25.
+
+        1. =All Adrift=; OR, THE GOLDWING CLUB.
+        2. =Snug Harbor=; OR, THE CHAMPLAIN MECHANICS.
+        3. =Square and Compasses=; OR, BUILDING THE HOUSE.
+        4. =Stem to Stern=; OR, BUILDING THE BOAT.
+        5. =All Taut=; OR, RIGGING THE BOAT.
+        6. =Ready About=; OR, SAILING THE BOAT.
+
+        "The series includes in six successive volumes the
+        whole art of boat building, boat rigging, boat
+        managing, and practical hints to make the ownership of
+        a boat pay. A great deal of useful information is
+        given in this =Boat Builders Series=, and in each book
+        a very interesting story is interwoven with the
+        information. Every reader will be interested at once
+        in Dory, the hero of 'All Adrift,' and one of the
+        characters retained in the subsequent volumes of the
+        series. His friends will not want to lose sight of
+        him, and every boy who makes his acquaintance in 'All
+        Adrift' will become his friend."
+
+
+=Riverdale Story Books.= By OLIVER OPTIC. Twelve volumes. Illustrated.
+Illuminated covers. Price: cloth, per set, $3.60; per volume, 30
+cents.
+
+         =1. Little Merchant.=
+         =2. Young Voyagers.=
+         =3. Christmas Gift.=
+         =4. Dolly and I.=
+         =5. Uncle Ben.=
+         =6. Birthday Party.=
+         =7. Proud and Lazy.=
+         =8. Careless Kate.=
+         =9. Robinson Crusoe, Jr.=
+        =10. The Picnic Party.=
+        =11. The Gold Thimble.=
+        =12. The Do-Somethings.=
+
+
+=Riverdale Story Books.= By OLIVER OPTIC. Six volumes. Illustrated.
+Fancy cloth and colors. Price per volume, 30 cents.
+
+        =1. Little Merchant.=
+        =2. Proud and Lazy.=
+        =3. Young Voyagers.=
+        =4. Careless Kate.=
+        =5. Dolly and I.=
+        =6. Robinson Crusoe, Jr.=
+
+
+=Laura Lee Library.= By OLIVER OPTIC. Six volumes. Illustrated. Fancy
+cloth and colors. Price per volume, 30 cents.
+
+        =1. The Picnic Party.=
+        =2. The Gold Thimble.=
+        =3. The Do-Somethings.=
+        =4. Christmas Gift.=
+        =5. Uncle Ben.=
+        =6. Birthday Party.=
+
+        These are bright short stories for younger children
+        who are unable to comprehend the =Starry Flag Series=
+        or the =Army and Navy Series=. But they all display
+        the author's talent for pleasing and interesting the
+        little folks. They are all fresh and original,
+        preaching no sermons, but inculcating good lessons.
+
+        =LOTHROP, LEE & SHEPARD CO., Boston=
+
+
+
+OLIVER OPTIC'S BOOKS
+
+
+=The Famous Boat Club Series.= By OLIVER OPTIC. Six volumes.
+Illustrated. Any volume sold separately. Price per volume $1.25.
+
+        1. =The Boat Club;= OR, THE BUNKERS OF RIPPLETON.
+        2. =All Aboard;= OR, LIFE ON THE LAKE.
+        3. =Now or Never;= OR, THE ADVENTURES OF ROBBY BRIGHT..
+        4. =Try Again;= OR, THE TRIALS AND TRIUMPHS OF HARRY WEST.
+        5. =Poor and Proud;= OR, THE FORTUNES OF KATY REDBURN.
+        6. =Little by Little;= OR, THE CRUISE OF THE FLYAWAY.
+
+        "This is the first series of books written for the
+        young by OLIVER OPTIC. It laid the foundation for his
+        fame as the first of authors in which the young
+        delight, and gained for him the title of the Prince of
+        Story Tellers. The six books are varied in incident
+        and plot, but all are entertaining and original."
+
+
+=Young America Abroad:= A LIBRARY OF TRAVEL AND ADVENTURE IN FOREIGN
+LANDS. By OLIVER OPTIC. Illustrated by NAST and others. First Series.
+Six volumes. Any volume sold separately. Price per volume, $1.25.
+
+  1. =Outward Bound;= OR, YOUNG AMERICA AFLOAT.
+  2. =Shamrock and Thistle;= OR, YOUNG AMERICA IN IRELAND AND SCOTLAND.
+  3. =Red Cross;= OR, YOUNG AMERICA IN ENGLAND AND WALES.
+  4. =Dikes and Ditches;= OR, YOUNG AMERICA IN HOLLAND AND BELGIUM.
+  5. =Palace and Cottage;= OR, YOUNG AMERICA IN FRANCE AND SWITZERLAND.
+  6. =Down the Rhine;= OR, YOUNG AMERICA IN GERMANY.
+
+        "The story from its inception, and through the twelve
+        volumes (see Second Series), is a bewitching one,
+        while the information imparted concerning the
+        countries of Europe and the isles of the sea is not
+        only correct in every particular, but is told in a
+        captivating style. OLIVER OPTIC will continue to be
+        the boys' friend, and his pleasant books will continue
+        to be read by thousands of American boys. What a fine
+        holiday present either or both series of 'Young
+        America Abroad' would be for a young friend! It would
+        make a little library highly prized by the recipient,
+        and would not be an expensive one."--_Providence
+        Press._
+
+
+=Young America Abroad.= By OLIVER OPTIC. Second Series. Six volumes.
+Illustrated. Any volume sold separately. Price per volume, $1.25.
+
+  1. =Up the Baltic;= OR, YOUNG AMERICA IN NORWAY, SWEDEN, AND DENMARK.
+  2. =Northern Lands;= OR, YOUNG AMERICA IN RUSSIA AND PRUSSIA.
+  3. =Cross and Crescent;= OR, YOUNG AMERICA IN TURKEY AND GREECE.
+  4. =Sunny Shores;= OR, YOUNG AMERICA IN ITALY AND AUSTRIA.
+  5. =Vine and Olive;= OR, YOUNG AMERICA IN SPAIN AND PORTUGAL.
+  6. =Isles of the Sea;= OR, YOUNG AMERICA HOMEWARD BOUND.
+
+        "OLIVER OPTIC is a _nom de plume_ that is known and
+        loved by almost every boy of intelligence in the land.
+        We have seen a highly intellectual and world-weary
+        man, a cynic whose heart was somewhat embittered by
+        its large experience of human nature, take up one of
+        OLIVER OPTIC'S books, and read it at a sitting,
+        neglecting his work in yielding to the fascination of
+        the pages. When a mature and exceedingly well-informed
+        mind, long despoiled of all its freshness, can thus
+        find pleasure in a book for boys, no additional words
+        of recommendation are needed."--_Sunday Times._
+
+        LOTHROP, LEE & SHEPARD CO., Boston
+
+
+
+
+THE START IN LIFE SERIES
+
+By J. T. TROWBRIDGE
+
+Cloth Illustrated Price per volume, =$1.00=
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+[Illustration: A START IN LIFE]
+
+
+_A Start in Life_: A STORY OF THE GENESEE COUNTRY.
+
+        In this story the author recounts the hardships of a
+        young lad in his first endeavor to start out for
+        himself. It is a tale that is full of enthusiasm and
+        budding hopes.
+
+
+_Biding His Time._
+
+        "It is full of spirit and adventure, and presents a
+        plucky hero who was willing to 'bide his time,' no
+        matter how great the expectations that he indulged in
+        from his uncle's vast wealth, which he did not in the
+        least covet."--_Boston Home Journal._
+
+
+_The Kelp-Gatherers_: A STORY OF THE MAINE COAST.
+
+        A bright and readable story, with all the hints of
+        character and the vicissitudes of human life, in
+        depicting which the author is an acknowledged master.
+
+
+_The Scarlet Tanager_, AND OTHER BIPEDS.
+
+        Every new story which Mr. Trowbridge begins is
+        followed through successive chapters by thousands who
+        have read and re-read many times his preceding tales.
+        One of his greatest charms is his absolute
+        truthfulness. He does not depict little saints, or
+        incorrigible rascals, but just _boys_.
+
+_The Lottery Ticket._
+
+        "This is one of the many popular stories written by
+        this well-known author, whose name on the title-page
+        of a book makes it a welcome arrival to most of the
+        young people who read. The moral is always good, the
+        influence in the right direction, and the characters
+        so portrayed that the right is always rewarded and the
+        wrong fails to prosper."--_Dubuque, Iowa, Herald._
+
+_The Adventures of David Vane and David Crane._
+
+        A strong, homely, humorous story of the everyday life
+        of American country-bred boys, by one who is
+        acknowledged to be the best living storyteller in his
+        peculiar vein.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+        _For sale by all booksellers, or sent, postpaid, on receipt of
+        price, by_
+        LOTHROP, LEE & SHEPARD CO.
+        BOSTON
+
+
+
+The Tide-Mill Stories
+
+By J. T. TROWBRIDGE
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+_Six Volumes. Cloth. Illustrated. Price per volume, $1.25_
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+=Phil and His Friends.=
+
+        The hero is the son of a man who from drink got into
+        debt, and, after having given a paper to a creditor
+        authorizing him to keep the son as a security for his
+        claim, ran away, leaving poor Phil a bond slave. The
+        story involves a great many unexpected incidents, some
+        of which are painful and some comic. Phil manfully
+        works for a year cancelling his father's debt, and
+        then escapes. The characters are strongly drawn, and
+        the story is absorbingly interesting.
+
+
+=The Tinkham Brothers' Tide-Mill.=
+
+        "'The Tinkham Brothers' were the devoted sons of an
+        invalid mother. The story tells how they purchased a
+        tide-mill, which afterwards, by the ill-will and
+        obstinacy of neighbors, became a source of much
+        trouble to them. It tells also how, by discretion and
+        the exercise of a peaceable spirit, they at last
+        overcame all difficulties."--_Christian Observer,
+        Louisville, Ky._
+
+
+=The Satin-wood Box.=
+
+        "Mr. Trowbridge has always a purpose in his writings,
+        and this time he has undertaken to show how very near
+        an innocent boy can come to the guilty edge and yet be
+        able by fortunate circumstances to rid himself of all
+        suspicion of evil. There is something winsome about
+        the hero; but he has a singular way of falling into
+        bad luck, although the careful reader will never feel
+        the least disposed to doubt his honesty."--_Syracuse
+        Standard._
+
+
+=The Little Master.=
+
+        This is the story of a schoolmaster, his trials,
+        disappointments, and final victory. It will recall to
+        many a man his experience in teaching pupils, and in
+        managing their opinionated and self-willed parents.
+        The story has the charm which is always found in Mr.
+        Trowbridge's works.
+
+        "Many a teacher could profit by reading of this plucky
+        little schoolmaster."--_Journal of Education._
+
+
+=His One Fault.=
+
+        "As for the hero of this story 'His One Fault' was
+        absent-mindedness. He forgot to lock his uncle's
+        stable door, and the horse was stolen. In seeking to
+        recover the stolen horse, he unintentionally stole
+        another. In trying to restore the wrong horse to his
+        rightful owner, he was himself arrested. After no end
+        of comic and dolorous adventures, he surmounted all
+        his misfortunes by downright pluck and genuine good
+        feeling. It is a noble contribution to juvenile
+        literature."--_Woman's Journal._
+
+
+=Peter Budstone.=
+
+        "Mr. J. T. Trowbridge's 'Peter Budstone' is another of
+        those altogether good and wholesome books for boys of
+        which it is hardly possible to speak too highly. This
+        author shows us convincingly how juvenile reading may
+        be made vivacious and interesting, and yet teach sound
+        and clean lessons. 'Peter Budstone' shows forcibly the
+        folly and crime of 'hazing.' It is the story of a
+        noble young fellow whose reason is irreparably
+        overthrown by the savage treatment he received from
+        some of his associates at college. It is a powerful
+        little book, and we wish every schoolboy and college
+        youth could read it."--_Philadelphia American._
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+_Illustrated Catalogue sent free on application._
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+        Lothrop, Lee & Shepard Co., Boston
+
+
+
+
+The Silver Medal Stories
+
+By J. T. TROWBRIDGE
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+_Six Volumes. Cloth. Illustrated. Price per volume, $1.25_
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+=The Silver Medal=, AND OTHER STORIES.
+
+        There were some schoolboys who had turned
+        housebreakers, and among their plunder was a silver
+        medal that had been given to one John Harris by the
+        Humane Society for rescuing from drowning a certain
+        Benton Barry. Now Benton Barry was one of the wretched
+        housebreakers. This is the summary of the opening
+        chapter. The story is intensely interesting in its
+        serious as well as its humorous parts.
+
+
+=His Own Master.=
+
+        "This is a book after the typical boy's own heart. Its
+        hero is a plucky young fellow, who, seeing no chance
+        for himself at home, determines to make his own way in
+        the world.... He sets out accordingly, trudges to the
+        far West, and finds the road to fortune an
+        unpleasantly rough one."--_Philadelphia Inquirer._
+
+
+=Bound in Honor.=
+
+        This story is of a lad, who, though not guilty of any
+        bad action, has been an eye-witness of the conduct of
+        his comrades, and felt "Bound in Honor" not to tell.
+
+        "A capital book in all respects, overflowing with all
+        sorts of fun and adventure; just the sort of book, in
+        short, that the young folks will be anxious to read
+        and re-read with as much continuous interest as the
+        most favored of their storybooks."--_Philadelphia
+        Leader._
+
+
+=The Pocket Rifle.=
+
+        "A boy's story which will be read with avidity, as it
+        ought to be, it is so brightly and frankly written,
+        and with such evident knowledge of the temperaments
+        and habits, the friendships and enmities of
+        schoolboys."--_New York Mail._
+
+        "This is a capital story for boys. It teaches honesty,
+        integrity, and friendship, and how best they can be
+        promoted. It shows the danger of hasty judgment and
+        circumstantial evidence; that right-doing pays, and
+        dishonesty never."--_Chicago Inter-Ocean._
+
+
+=The Jolly Rover.=
+
+        "This book will help to neutralize the ill effects of
+        any poison which children may have swallowed in the
+        way of sham-adventurous stories and wildly fictitious
+        tales. 'The Jolly Rover' runs away from home, and
+        meets life as it is, till he is glad enough to seek
+        again his father's house. Mr. Trowbridge has the power
+        of making an instructive story absorbing in its
+        interest, and of covering a moral so that it is easy
+        to take."--_Christian Intelligencer._
+
+
+=Young Joe=, AND OTHER BOYS.
+
+        "Young Joe," who lived at Bass Cove, where he shot
+        wild ducks, took some to town for sale, and attracted
+        the attention of a portly gentleman fond of shooting.
+        This gentleman went duck shooting with Joe, and their
+        adventures were more amusing to the boy than to the
+        amateur sportsman.
+
+        There are thirteen other short stories in the book
+        which will be sure to please the young folks.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+        _Complete Illustrated Catalogue sent free on application._
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+        Lothrop, Lee & Shepard Co., Boston
+
+
+
+
+_PHILLIPS EXETER SERIES_
+
+By A. T. DUDLEY
+
+ Cloth, 12mo  Illustrated by Charles Copeland  Price per volume, =$1.25=
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+=FOLLOWING THE BALL=
+
+Here is an up-to-date story presenting American boarding-school life
+and modern athletics. Football is an important feature, but it is a
+story of character formation in which athletics play an important
+part.
+
+        "Mingled with the story of football is another and
+        higher endeavor, giving the book the best of moral
+        tone."--_Chicago Record-Herald._
+
+
+=MAKING THE NINE=
+
+The life presented is that of a real school, interesting, diversified,
+and full of striking incidents. The athletics are technically correct,
+while the characters are true and consistent types of American boyhood
+and youth.
+
+        "The story is healthful, for, while it exalts
+        athletics, it does not overlook the fact that studious
+        habits and noble character are imperative needs for
+        those who would win success in life."--_Herald and
+        Presbyter, Cincinnati._
+
+
+=IN THE LINE=
+
+Tells how a stalwart young student won his position as guard, and made
+equally marked progress in the formation of character.
+
+        "The book gives boys an interesting story, much
+        football information, and many lessons in true
+        manliness."--_Watchman, Boston._
+
+
+=WITH MASK AND MITT=
+
+While appealing to the natural normal tastes of boys for fun and
+interest in the baseball, the book, without preaching, lays emphasis
+on the building up of character.
+
+        "No normal boy who is interested in our great national
+        game can fail to find interest and profit, too, in
+        this lively boarding-school story."--_Interior,
+        Chicago._
+
+
+[Illustration: THE GREAT YEAR]
+
+=THE GREAT YEAR=
+
+Three manly comrades, captains respectively of the baseball, football,
+and track teams, help each other to achieve a "great year" of triple
+victory over their traditional rival.
+
+        "It is a fine, inspiring story for manly boys."--_N.
+        Y. Christian Advocate._
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+        For sale by all booksellers or sent postpaid on receipt of price
+        by the Publishers,
+
+        LOTHROP, LEE & SHEPARD CO., BOSTON
+
+
+
+
+THE BOY CRAFTSMAN
+
+=Practical and Profitable Ideas for a Boy's Leisure Hours=
+
+By A. NEELY HALL
+
+
+Illustrated with over 400 diagrams and working drawings 8vo Price,
+$2.00
+
+[Illustration: The Boy Craftsman]
+
+Every real boy wishes to design and make things, but the questions of
+materials and tools are often hard to pet around. Nearly all books on
+the subject call for a greater outlay of money than is within the
+means of many boys, or their parents wish to expend in such ways. In
+this book a number of chapters give suggestions for carrying on a
+small business that will bring a boy in money with which to buy tools
+and materials necessary for making apparatus and articles described in
+other chapters, while the ideas are so practical that many an
+industrious boy can learn what he is best fitted for in his life work.
+No work of its class is so completely up-to-date or so worthy in point
+of thoroughness and avoidance of danger. The drawings are profuse and
+excellent, and every feature of the book is first-class. It tells how
+to make a boy's workshop, how to handle tools, and what can be made
+with them; how to start a printing shop and conduct an amateur
+newspaper, how to make photographs, build a log cabin, a canvas canoe,
+a gymnasium, a miniature theatre, and many other things dear to the
+soul of youth.
+
+        We cannot imagine a more delightful present for a boy
+        than this book.--_Churchman, N. Y._
+
+        Every boy should have this book. It's a practical
+        book--it gets right next to the boy's heart and stays
+        there. He will have it near him all the time, and on
+        every page there is a lesson or something that will
+        stand the boy in good need. Beyond a doubt in its line
+        this is one of the cleverest books on the
+        market.--_Providence News._
+
+        If a boy has any sort of a mechanical turn of mind,
+        his parents should see that he has this book.--_Boston
+        Journal._
+
+        This is a book that will do boys good.--_Buffalo
+        Express._
+
+        The boy who will not find this book a mine of joy and
+        profit must be queerly constituted.--_Pittsburgh
+        Gazette._
+
+        Will be a delight to the boy mechanic.--_Watchman,
+        Boston._
+
+        An admirable book to give a boy.--_Newark News._
+
+        This book is the best yet offered for its large number
+        of practical and profitable ideas.--_Milwaukee Free
+        Press._
+
+        Parents ought to know of this book.--_New York Globe._
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+        For sale by all booksellers or sent postpaid on receipt of
+        price by the publishers,
+
+        LOTHROP, LEE & SHEPARD CO., BOSTON
+
+
+
+
+_Making of Our Nation Series_
+
+_By WILLIAM C. SPRAGUE_
+
+        Large 12mo, Cloth      Illustrated by A. B. Shute
+        Price per volume, $1.50
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+=The Boy Courier of Napoleon=
+
+=A Story of the Louisiana Purchase=
+
+[Illustration: THE BOY COURIER OF NAPOLEON]
+
+William C. Sprague, the notably successful editor of "The American
+Boy," has given for the first time the history of the Louisiana
+Purchase in entertaining story form. The hero is introduced as a
+French drummer boy in the great battle of Hohenlinden. He serves as a
+valet to Napoleon and later is sent with secret messages to the French
+in San Domingo and in Louisiana. After exciting adventures he
+accomplishes his mission and is present at the lowering of the Spanish
+flag, and later at that of the French and the raising of the Stars and
+Stripes.
+
+        "All boys and girls of our country who read this book
+        will be delighted with it, as well as benefited by the
+        historical knowledge contained in its
+        pages."--_Louisville, Ky., Times._
+
+        "An excellent book for boys, containing just enough
+        history to make them hunger for more. No praise of
+        this book can be too high."--_Town Topics, Cleveland,
+        O._
+
+        "This book is one to fascinate every intelligent
+        American boy."--_Buffalo Times._
+
+
+=The Boy Pathfinder=
+
+=A Story of the Oregon Trail=
+
+[Illustration: THE BOY PATHFINDER]
+
+This book has as its hero an actual character, George Shannon, a
+Pennsylvania lad, who at seventeen left school to become one of the
+Lewis and Clark expedition. He had narrow escapes, but persevered, and
+the story of his wanderings, interwoven with excellent historical
+information, makes the highest type of general reading for the young.
+
+        "It is a thoroughly good story, full of action and
+        adventure and at the same time carrying a bit of real
+        history accurately recorded."--_Universalist Leader,
+        Boston._
+
+        "It is an excellent book for a boy to read."--_Newark,
+        N. J., Advertiser._
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+_For sale by all booksellers or sent postpaid on receipt of price by
+the publishers_
+
+        LOTHROP, LEE & SHEPARD CO., BOSTON
+
+
+
+
+_Raymond Benson Series_
+
+_By CLARENCE B. BURLEIGH_
+
+        Illustrated by L. J. Bridgman  Large 12mo, Cloth
+        $1.50 per volume
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+=The Camp on Letter K=
+
+The story deals with two active boys in Aroostook County close to the
+northeastern boundary of our country, and where smuggling across the
+Canadian line has been prevalent. Equally ready in athletics, hunting,
+or helping their families on the rich farms of that section, these
+good chums have many exciting adventures, the most important of which
+directly concerns the leading smugglers of the district, and an
+important public service is rendered by the boys.
+
+        "There is an atmosphere about the whole book that is
+        attractive to boys, and it will be read by them with
+        enthusiastic delight."--_Democrat and Chronicle,
+        Rochester, N. Y._
+
+
+=Raymond Benson at Krampton=
+
+Raymond Benson and his friend, Ned Grover, go to Krampton Academy,
+which is no other than the noted school at New Hampton, N. H., where
+Mr. Burleigh was fitted for college. We have had good books telling of
+the larger and more aristocratic preparatory schools, but never before
+one that so well told of life at a typical country academy of the sort
+that have furnished the inspiration for so many successful men.
+
+        "It is interesting from start to finish, and while
+        rousing and full of enthusiasm, is wholesome in
+        spirit, and teaches lessons of purity and justice and
+        manliness in real life."--_Herald & Presbyter._
+
+
+=The Kenton Pines=
+
+[Illustration: THE KENTON PINES]
+
+"Kenton College" is Bowdoin College, beautiful in its location and
+famous in its history. Raymond's athletic abilities insure him
+immediate and enduring prominence as a student, and the accounts of
+athletic contests will stir the blood of any one. But the book is far
+more than a tale of these things; it is a wonderful picture of life at
+a smaller college, with all its fine hard work, "grinds," and
+triumphs. It is a book that rings true on every manly question.
+
+        "This book, like the other of the series, is of a very
+        high character, and should be an inspiration to all
+        boys contemplating a college career."--_Interior._
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+_For sale at all booksellers or sent postpaid on receipt of price by
+the publishers_
+
+        LOTHROP, LEE & SHEPARD CO., BOSTON
+
+
+
+BOOKS BY EVERETT T. TOMLINSON.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+=THE WAR OF 1812 SERIES=
+
+
+[Illustration: TECUMSEH'S YOUNG BRAVES]
+
+        Six volumes Cloth Illustrated by A. E.
+        Shute   Price per volume reduced to $1.25
+
+No American writer for boys has ever occupied a higher position than
+Dr. Tomlinson, and the "War of 1812 Series" covers a field attempted
+by no other juvenile literature in a manner that has secured continued
+popularity.
+
+        =The Search for Andrew Field=
+          =The Boy Soldiers of 1812=
+            =The Boy Officers of 1812=
+              =Tecumseh's Young Braves=
+                =Guarding the Border=
+                  =The Boys with Old Hickory=
+
+
+=ST. LAWRENCE SERIES=
+
+=CRUISING IN THE ST. LAWRENCE=
+
+        Being the third volume of the "St. Lawrence Series"   Cloth
+        Illustrated  Price $1.50
+
+Our old friends, "Bob," "Ben," "Jock," and "Bert," having completed
+their sophomore year at college, plan to spend the summer vacation
+cruising on the noble St. Lawrence. Here they not only visit places of
+historic interest, but also the Indian tribes encamped on the banks of
+the river, and learn from them their customs, habits, and quaint
+legends.
+
+
+_=PREVIOUS VOLUMES=_
+
+        =CAMPING ON THE ST. LAWRENCE=
+               =Or, On the Trail of the Early Discoverers=
+          Cloth   Illustrated   $1.50
+
+        =THE HOUSE-BOAT ON THE ST. LAWRENCE=
+               =Or, Following Frontenac=
+          Cloth   Illustrated   $1.50
+
+_=BY THE SAME AUTHOR=_
+
+        =STORIES OF THE AMERICAN REVOLUTION=
+          First and Second Series   Cloth   Illustrated   $1.00 each
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+        Lothrop, Lee & Shepard Co., Boston
+
+
+
+
+PIGEON CAMP SERIES
+
+By MARTHA JAMES
+
+        Illustrated   Cloth   Large 12mo    =$1.25=
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+=JIMMIE SUTER=
+
+[Illustration: JIMMIE SUTER]
+
+Jimmie Suter is a sturdy, active, honest boy, whose father and mother
+are very worthy people in moderate circumstances. What Jimmie lacks in
+pocket money, however, he more than makes up in mechanical ingenuity
+and other good qualities, and his best boy friend is the son of a rich
+man, but not spoiled by the fact. They have royal times making and
+sailing an ice-boat and doing many other things, and best of all they
+organize the "S. F. B.," or Society for Feeding Birds, which spreads
+far and wide and is productive of most enjoyable acquaintances besides
+doing good service in the cause for which it was intended. Deeds of
+kindness to a queer old neighbor bring an unexpected reward, and the
+bright, wholesome book ends in a most pleasing manner.
+
+        "Martha James seems to have a good kind of insight for
+        this juvenile literature, and in the course of an
+        interesting story drops many valuable suggestions
+        about the employment of a boy's time and his habits of
+        life outside of school."--_Syracuse Herald._
+
+        "In his kindness and thoughtfulness for both men and
+        animals, Jimmie is an ideal boy."--_The Watchman,
+        Boston._
+
+        "The happy, wholesome book closes in a thoroughly
+        satisfactory way."--_Chicago Inter-Ocean._
+
+        "The tone is simple and healthy, and the book will no
+        doubt find many young readers."--_The Churchman,
+        Milwaukee._
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+        For sale by all booksellers or sent postpaid on receipt of price
+        by the publishers,
+
+        LOTHROP, LEE & SHEPARD CO., BOSTON
+
+
+
+
+W. O. STODDARD'S BOOKS
+
+        12mo   Cloth   Price per volume, =$1.25=
+
+=DAN MONROE: A Story of Bunker Bill= Illustrated by W. F. Kennedy
+
+In this volume the hero is one whose name is found in several
+trustworthy records as the drummer boy of the Lexington militia, his
+closest friend, Nat Harrington, being the fifer. The Concord fight,
+the Battle of Bunker Hill, and the arrival of Washington are
+introduced as parts of a carefully preserved historical outline.
+
+
+=LONG BRIDGE BOYS= Illustrated by I. B. Hazelton
+
+It tells the story of an actual attempt made by the Confederates of
+Virginia, just prior to the outbreak of the Civil War, to seize the
+city of Washington by force of arms, and make prisoners of President
+Lincoln and other high government officials.
+
+
+=AHEAD OF THE ARMY= Illustrated by C. Chase Emerson
+
+This is a lively narrative of the experiences of an American boy who
+arrives in Mexico as the war with the United States is beginning.
+
+
+=THE ERRAND BOY OF ANDREW JACKSON: A War Story of 1812= Illustrated by
+Will Crawford
+
+This tale is of the War of 1812, and describes the events of the only
+land campaign of 1812-1814 in which the Americans were entirely
+successful.
+
+
+=JACK MORGAN: A Boy of 1812= Illustrated by Will Crawford
+
+It is the adventures of a boy of the frontier during the great fight
+that Harrison made on land, and Perry on the lakes for the security of
+the border.
+
+
+=THE NOANK'S LOG: A Privateer of the Revolution= Illustrated by Will
+Crawford
+
+The further adventures of the plucky Guert Ten Eyck, as he fought King
+George on land and sea.
+
+
+=THE DESPATCH BOAT OF THE WHISTLE: A Story of Santiago= Illustrated by
+Frank T. Merrill
+
+A breezy story of a newspaper despatch boat, in the war with Spain.
+
+
+=GUERT TEN EYCK= Illustrated by Frank T. Merrill
+
+A hero story of real American girls and boys, in the American
+Revolution.
+
+
+=THE PARTNERS= Illustrated by Albert Scott Cox
+
+A capital story of a bright, go-ahead country girl and two boys who
+helped her keep store.
+
+
+=CHUCK PURDY: A New York Boy= Illustrated
+
+A delightful story of boy life in New York City.
+
+
+=GID GRANGER: A Country Boy= Illustrated
+
+A capital story of American life.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+  For sale by all booksellers or sent postpaid on receipt of price by
+  the publishers,
+
+        LOTHROP, LEE & SHEPARD CO., BOSTON
+
+
+
+
+George Cary Eggleston's Juveniles
+
+
+The Bale Marked Circle X
+
+A Blockade Running Adventure
+
+=Illustrated by C. Chase Emerson. 12mo, red cloth, illustrated cover,
+$1.50.=
+
+Another of Mr. Eggleston's stirring books for youth. In it are told
+the adventures of three boy soldiers in the Confederate Service who
+are sent in a sloop on a secret voyage from Charleston to the Bahamas,
+conveying a strange bale of cotton which holds important documents.
+The boys pass through startling adventures: they run the blockade,
+suffer shipwreck, and finally reach their destination after the
+pluckiest kind of effort.
+
+
+Camp Venture
+
+A Story of the Virginia Mountains
+
+=Illustrated by W. A. McCullough. 12mo, dark red cloth, illustrated
+cover, $1.50.=
+
+The _Louisville Courier Journal_ says: "George Cary Eggleston has
+written a decidedly good tale of pluck and adventure in 'Camp
+Venture.' It will be of interest to young and old who enjoy an
+exciting story, but there is also a great deal of instruction and
+information in the book."
+
+
+The Last of the Flatboats
+
+A Story of the Mississippi
+
+=Illustrated by Charlotte Harding. 12mo, green cloth, illustrated
+cover, $1.50.=
+
+The _Brooklyn Eagle_ says: "Mr. George Cary Eggleston, the veteran
+editor and author, has scored a double success in his new book, 'The
+Last of the Flatboats,' which has just been published. Written
+primarily as a story for young readers, it contains many things that
+are of interest to older people. Altogether, it is a mighty good
+story, and well worth reading."
+
+        Lothrop, Lee & Shepard Co., Boston
+
+
+
+
+_By Chaplain H. H. CLARK, U.S.N._
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+THE ADMIRAL'S AID
+
+_A Story of Life in the New Navy_
+
+12mo, blue cloth, illustrated by I. B. HAZELTON =$1.25=
+
+In this favorite author's two earlier books we learned somewhat of the
+old navy. In this story it is the new navy, with all of its progress
+and development, which engages our attention. But the hope of the new
+navy is built upon the same qualities that have distinguished officers
+and men from its beginning. These Chaplain Clark portrays, to the
+delight of every reader, in this thrilling story.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+JOE BENTLY, Naval Cadet
+
+12mo, blue cloth, illustrated by F. O. SMALL. =$1.25=
+
+In this story Joe Bently meets with many new and intensely interesting
+adventures.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+BOY LIFE IN THE UNITED STATES NAVY
+
+12mo, blue cloth, illustrated. =$1.25=
+
+The book is a true picture of a healthy, attractive life of the navy
+that is little known to the general public, and full enough of
+adventures to please all classes of readers.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+        Lothrop, Lee & Shepard Co., Boston
+
+
+
+
+_YOUNG DEFENDER SERIES_
+
+By ELBRIDGE S. BROOKS
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+[Illustration: IN DEFENCE OF THE FLAG]
+
+IN DEFENCE OF THE FLAG
+
+=A Boy's Adventures in Spain and Cuba in the War of 1898=
+
+        Illustrated by W. F. STECHER  12mo  Cloth  $1.25
+
+A story of action and adventure such as all healthy boys like, telling
+of a plucky young American who defended his country's flag against
+mobs in Spain and foemen in Cuba, and had many thrilling experiences.
+
+        "Suffice it to say that he will be a lucky boy, with
+        many a thrill before him, who finds this book in his
+        Christmas stocking. Don is a hero after every boy's
+        heart."--_Boston Herald._
+
+
+WITH LAWTON AND ROBERTS
+
+=A Boy's Adventures in the Philippines and the Transvaal=
+
+        Illustrated by C. CHASE EMERSON  12mo  Cloth  $1.25
+
+The stirring adventures of a manly American boy who follows Lawton in
+his last campaigns, and by a singular train of circumstances has
+"moving accidents by flood and field," in two wars, with American
+soldiers, Filipino insurrectos, Malay pirates, English troopers, and
+Boer burghers.
+
+        "Mr. Brooks presents vivid pictures of both wars, so
+        widely separated. His pages are full of the swift
+        moving incidents which boys love. Dull indeed must be
+        the young reader whose interest flags."--_Boston
+        Journal._
+
+
+
+[Illustration: UNDER THE ALLIED FLAGS]
+
+UNDER THE ALLIED FLAGS
+
+=A Boy's Adventures in China During the Boxer Revolt=
+
+        Illustrated by W. F. STECHER   12mo   Cloth   $1.25
+
+The stirring story of an American boy's adventures in Tien Tsin and
+Pekin, in the ranks of the International troops and as one of the
+defenders of the beleaguered legations. Up-to-date, absorbing, and
+full of healthy excitement. Characters who are in the stories "With
+Lawton and Roberts" and "In Defence of the Flag" reappear in this
+story.
+
+        "Men and women, boys and girls, of all the mingled
+        nationalities that made this war in China so
+        picturesque, appear in the story and give it vigor,
+        variety, and unflagging interest."--_Cleveland World._
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+      For sale by all booksellers or sent postpaid on receipt of price
+        by the publishers,
+
+        LOTHROP, LEE & SHEPARD CO., BOSTON
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+Transcriber's Notes:
+
+Punctuation normalised.
+
+Page 139, text missing was presumed. Original read: position, if I ...
+f ... every dec ... fellow in the Institute had ... outraged ...nd ...
+
+Page 172, paragraph break inserted between the lines:
+
+"Ay!" shouted the students, with one voice.
+
+"Those opposed, say no."
+
+Page 231, missing text inserted. Original read "food or s... on the
+island."
+
+Advertisement for "GUERT TEN EYCK", "America" changed to "American".
+(in the American Revolution)
+
+
+
+
+
+
+End of the Project Gutenberg EBook of Breaking Away, by Oliver Optic
+
+*** END OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK BREAKING AWAY ***
+
+***** This file should be named 22433.txt or 22433.zip *****
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