Part 25 (1/2)
”Frank,” said he in a gentle, insinuating tone.
”Way enough!” cried the c.o.xswain promptly. ”Stern all!”
”Forgive me, Frank,” said the rebellious oarsman.
”You are rather late, Charley; but better late than never. We are almost into the boat-house.”
”I won't give you any more trouble, I solemnly promise it, if you won't say anything about it this time.”
”According to the const.i.tution your conduct must be reported.”
”Let him slide this time,” interposed Fred Harper.
”I freely forgive the offence, so far as I am concerned.”
”Your father won't say anything.”
”He must know it,” insisted Frank firmly.
”What is the matter, boys?” called Captain Sedley from the sh.o.r.e.
”Now we are in for it!” added Fred.
Charles Hardy hung his head with shame. Gladly would he have recalled his hasty words of anger, but it was too late. They had been spoken, and he must abide the consequences.
”Give way!” said Frank sadly, for he would fain have avoided the explanation which his father demanded.
The oarsmen pulled, and the boat was run into the house.
”Keep your places,” said Frank, as he leaped out of the boat, and hastened to meet his father.
Captain Sedley was much astonished when he heard the story of Charles's sulkiness, and insisted that he should come ash.o.r.e; but Frank pleaded for him, and the Director finally consented, as it was the first offence under the new const.i.tution, to pardon it.
Frank, delighted with his success, returned to the boat. Giving the necessary orders, the Zephyr shot out from her berth; and he steered, as before, towards Rippleton. Charles was deeply mortified when he reflected upon his quarrelsome behavior, and mentally resolved never to be guilty of such conduct again. But he was anxious to know what disposition Captain Sedley had made of his case, and whether he should be held to answer for his disobedience when they went ash.o.r.e. He did not like to say anything about it, though, at first; but after more reflection, his better nature overcame his pride.
”Frank,” said he with a smile.
”Well, Charley.”
”I am sorry for what I did.”
”I knew you were; and for that reason I begged my father to excuse it, and have nothing more said about it.”
”You are too generous, Frank; I don't deserve it of you.”
”It was an offence against the club more than against me,” replied Frank. ”I am glad you think better of it.”
”I never will do it again.”