Part 23 (2/2)

In order the more perfectly to carry out the beneficent and reformatory purposes of the founder of the club, to whose bounty we are indebted for the opportunities of instruction and amus.e.m.e.nt the a.s.sociation affords us, we appoint him our Director. All violations of Article VI., and all violations of the spirit of our organization set forth in Article II., whether in word or in deed, shall be reported to our Director, and the delinquent shall be subject to such penalty as he shall determine.

ARTICLE VIII.

The hall and library shall be open every Wednesday and Sat.u.r.day afternoon, at such other times as the Director or c.o.xswain may order, and every evening except Sunday till nine o'clock.

ARTICLE IX.

This const.i.tution may be altered or amended by a vote of two-thirds of the members.

This const.i.tution was transferred to the record book, and duly signed.

Some other business was transacted, and the meeting adjourned.

”Put on your uniforms,” said Frank, as he rose from his chair, ”and we will make our first appearance.”

”At twelve o'clock there will be a collation ready for you on Centre Island, to which you are all invited,” said Captain Sedley.

”Hurrah!” shouted Charles Hardy, as he rushed into the boat-room.

CHAPTER XIII

THE THUNDERBOLT

The appearance of the Zephyr Club in uniform was unique and pleasing, and each of the members was ”every inch a sailor.” Uncle Ben was delighted with the change; ”they looked so much more s.h.i.+pshape than in their sh.o.r.e togs.”

”Come, Uncle Ben, we are all ready,” said Frank.

”I arn't goin' with you this time.”

”You must go without him to-day, Frank,” added Captain Sedley. ”Uncle Ben must take the things over to the island for the collation.”

”Are we to go alone?”

”Certainly.”

”Hurrah!” cried Charles, who always used this word to express his gratification.

”But, boys, you must preserve good discipline. According to the const.i.tution you must all obey the c.o.xswain. And, Frank, be very careful; don't get aground on the rocks at the north sh.o.r.e, and if you go down the river, don't go too near the dam.”

”I will not, father,” replied Frank, who was fully impressed by the responsibility of his position as commander of the Zephyr. ”Take your places in the boat. Tony, number them.”

The doors which gave egress from the boat-house to the lake were thrown open by Uncle Ben.

”Now, back her steady,” continued Frank, standing up in the stern-sheets. ”Don't let her rub, Tony. Steady; one hard push; now she goes;” and the Zephyr shot out into the lake.

”The flags, Frank,” said Charles.

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