About nine o'clock the guests began to arrive, and were conveyed to the island by the two club boats—the Sylph having gone down to Rippleton after the band. The Sedleys, the Westons, Mr. Hyde, the parents of all the members of the clubs who could attend, all the boys and girls of the school, and a few gentlemen and ladies from the village who had manifested a warm interest in the welfare of the two associations, composed the party; and before ten they were all conveyed to the scene of the festival.
"Have you got them all, Frank?" asked Captain Sedley, as the coxswain was ordering his crew ashore3.
"All but the Munroes, and the Butterflies are going for them by and by."
"Tom is hoisting5 the signal," added Captain Sedley, pointing to a blue flag on the shore, which the gardener had been directed to hoist4 when anyone wished to go to the Island.
"We will go, Frank," said Tony; and away dashed the boat towards the main shore.
"Ah, my Butterflies," said a voice, as they approached the landing.
"Mr. Walker!" exclaimed Tony. "Ready—up! Now let us give him three cheers. I was afraid he would not come."
The salute6 was given, and acknowledged by Mr. Walker.
"I am glad to see you again, my brave boy," said the gentleman, as he grasped Tony's hand.
"I was afraid you would not deem our invitation worth accepting."
"I would not have missed of coming for the world, my young friend. Here is Mrs. Walker; you know her."
Tony shook hands with the lady, and she said a great many very pretty things to him, which made the gallant7 little hero blush like a rose in June, and stammer8 so that he could hardly make them understand him.
"Shall I help you into the boat, Mrs. Walker?" said Tony.
"You shall, my little gallant; though I shall not be so glad to get into it as I was the other day."
The boat put off again, and Mr. and Mrs. Walker were filled with admiration9 of the excellent discipline of the rowers. They were warmly greeted by the party at the island, and lustily cheered by the crew of the Zephyr, which was again manned for the purpose of giving their liberal friend this complimentary10 salute.
"Off again, my lads?" asked Mr. Walker, as the Butterflies prepared to go for the Munroe family.
Captain Sedley explained to him the nature of their present errand; and, of course, the warm-hearted gentleman found renewed occasion to applaud the nobleness of Tony and his companions. He could hardly find terms sufficiently11 strong to express his sense of admiration, especially when he learned the sacrifice which they had made.
"A fleet of boats!" exclaimed he. "If it would raise up such boys as these, it ought to be procured12 at the public expense. Thank God! I am rich."
"I understand you, Mr. Walker," replied Captain Sedley; "but I beg you will not let your generosity13 do anything more for the boys."
"Captain Sedley, I love those boys! They are good boys, and good boys are a scarcity14 nowadays. There is nothing too good for them."
"You are enthusiastic."
"But I tell you, sir, there are no such boys as those in the world!" exclaimed Mr. Walker, with a gesture of earnestness.
"O, yes, sir; I presume, under the same discipline, other boys would be the same."
"Then let them have the same discipline."
"It would cost a fortune. It is a very extravagant15 recreation, this boating."
"But it makes men of them. I read the constitution of the clubs, and
Tony tells me it is carried out to the fullest extent."
"No doubt of it. There are boys among them, who, under other circumstances, would be bad boys. I am satisfied the club keeps them true to themselves and their duty."
"That's just my idea; and these noble-hearted little fellows have bestowed16 the money I gave them in such a commendable17 manner, I mean to give them as much more."
"That was my own feeling about the matter; but I do not think it is a good plan to make good all they sacrifice. This fleet scheme was a cherished project, and it was noble in them to give it up that they might do a good deed."
"Noble! It was heroic—I was just going to use a stronger word."
"It is good for them to practise self-denial. That is all that makes the deed a worthy18 one."
"Exactly so."
"Therefore, my friend, we will not say anything more about the fleet at present."
"But if they bear it well, if they don't repent19 what they have done, why, I should not value one or two thousand dollars. Besides, it might be the means of bringing a large number of boys within the pale of good influences."
"That is my own view; and by and by we will talk more of the matter."
Captain Sedley then introduced Mr. Walker to the company, and the benevolent20 gentleman took a great deal of pains to inform himself in relation to the influence of the boat clubs upon the boys. He asked a great many questions of their parents, and of Mr. Hyde, the teacher. They all agreed that the young men were the better for the associations; that the discipline was very useful, and the physical exercise very healthy; but some of them were afraid their sons would acquire such a taste for the water as to create a desire to follow the seas. But few of them considered boating, under the discipline of the clubs, a dangerous recreation; so that the only real objection was the tendency to produce longings21 for
"A life on the ocean wave,
A home on the rolling deep."
Mr. Walker tried to make the sceptical ones believe that Wood Lake was so entirely22 different from the "rolling deep" as scarcely to suggest the idea of a ship, or of the ocean. But the disadvantages were trivial compared with the benefits which all acknowledged to have derived23 from the associations, even independently of the libraries, the lectures, and the debating societies at the halls.
Tony and his companions soon returned with the Munroe family, who were cordially received by the guests. Captain Sedley expressed his sympathy for the poor man, regretting that he had not known his situation before.
"I would have bought your place myself rather than have had you sacrifice your property to the cupidity24 of such a man," said he.
"You are very good, sir," replied Mr. Munroe; "but I had not the courage to state my circumstances to anybody. 'Squire25 Chase is a very hard man; even when I paid him the money, which the kindness of the boys enabled me to do, he was so angry that he could scarcely contain himself. He swore at me, and vowed26 he would have vengeance27."
"He must be a very disagreeable neighbor."
"He is, indeed."
"On with the dance!" shouted Frank, in the most exuberant28 spirits; and the rich and the poor man dropped the subject.
The boys and girls had formed a line round the May-pole, and the band commenced playing a very lively air. As the inspiring notes struck their ears, they began to jump and caper29 about, taking all sorts of fantastic steps, which it would have puzzled a French dancing master to define and classify. Most of the boys and girls knew nothing of dancing, as an art; but I venture to say they enjoyed themselves quite as much as though they had been perfectly30 proficient31 in all the fashionable waltzes, polkas, and redowas. Their hearts danced with gladness, and their steps were altogether impromptu32.
Then came the ceremony of crowning the Queen of May, in the person of Mary Weston, which was performed in the most gallant style by Frank Sedley. Another dance succeeded, and then came the feast. A great many good things were eaten, a great many fine things said, and a great many patriotic33 and complimentary toasts were drank. The band played "Hail Columbia," "Yankee Doodle," and many other spirited tunes34, and Mr. Walker was very much astonished, as well as amused, to hear some of the boys make speeches, flowery and fine, which had evidently been prepared for the occasion, when they were "called up" by the toasts.
After the feast was over, the party divided itself into little knots for social recreation. Frank and Mary Weston took a walk on the beach, and the rest of the boys and girls climbed over the rocks, amused themselves in the swing which Uncle Ben had put up, or wandered in the grove35. Boys and girls always enjoy themselves at such seasons, and my young readers need not be told that they all had a "first-rate time."
I do not mean all; for two members of the Zephyr Club had wandered away from the rest of the party to the north side of the island. They were concealed36 from view by a large rock; but if any one had observed them, he could not have failed to see that they were exceptions to the general rule—that they were not happy. The two boys were Charles Hardy37 and Tim Bunker. Frank had been pained to notice that an unnatural38 intimacy39 had been growing up between them for several days; and he had already begun to fear that it was in the heart of Tim to lead his weak-minded associate astray.
"Now, let's see how much there is in it," said Tim.
"I am afraid to open it," replied Charles, as he glanced nervously40 over the rocks.
"Git out!"
"I am doing wrong, Tim; I feel it here." And Charles placed his hand upon his heart.
"Humph!" sneered41 Tim. "Give it to me, and I will open it."
"We ought not to open it," replied Charles, putting his hand into his pocket, and again glancing over the top of the rocks. "Besides, Tim, you promised to be a good boy when we let you into the club."
"I mean to have a good time. We might have had if you fellows hadn't given away all that money."
"I didn't do it."
"I know you didn't, but the rest on 'em did; so it's all the same. They are a set of canting pups, and for my part I'm tired on 'em. Frank Sedley don't lord it over me much longer, you better believe! And you are a fool if you let him snub you as he does every day."
"I don't mean to," answered Charles. "I believe the fellows all hate me, or they would have made me coxswain before this time."
"Of course they would. They hate you, Charley: I heard Frank Sedley say as much as that the other day."
"He did?"
"Of course he did."
"I wouldn't have thought that of him," said Charles, his eye kindling42 with anger.
"Let's have the purse, Charley."
Charles hesitated; but the struggle was soon over in his bosom43, and he took from his pocket a silken purse and handed it to Tim.
"We are doing wrong, Tim," said he, as a twinge of conscience brought to his mind a realizing sense of his position. "Give me back the purse, and I will try to find the owner."
"No, you don't!" replied Tim, as he opened one end of the purse and took therefrom a roll of bank bills, which he proceeded to count.
"Do give it back to me! I am sure the owner has missed it by this time."
"No matter if he has; he won't get it again in a hurry," answered the
Bunker, coolly. "Sixty dollars in bills! Good!"
"Give it to me, or I will go to Captain Sedley and tell him you have it."
"Will you?"
"I will."
"If you do, I'll smash your head," said Tim, looking fiercely at him. "Don't be a fool! With this money we can have a first-rate time, and nobody will be any the wiser for it."
"I am afraid we shall be found out."
Probably Charles was more afraid of that than of the wicked act which he had permitted himself to think of doing. He had found the purse on the beach a little while before. When he had told Tim of it, the reckless fellow, still the same person as before, notwithstanding his promises and his altered demeanor44, had led him over to this retired45 spot in order to get possession of the purse.
"Nonsense! Nobody will suspect you," replied Tim, as he poured out the silver and gold in the other end of the purse.
"I never did such a thing in my life."
"No matter; there must be a beginning to everything."
"What would my mother say?"
"She will say you are a clever fellow if you don't get found out. Eleven dollars and a quarter in specie! That makes seventy-one twenty-five—don't it?"
"Yes."
"All right! We will just dig a little hole here, and put the purse into it," continued Tim, as he scooped46 out a hole in the sand, and dropped the ill-gotten treasure into it.
Filling up the hole, he placed a large flat stone upon the spot, which further secured the purse, and concealed the fact that the sand had been disturbed.
"I am sure we shall get found out," said Charles, trembling with apprehension47.
"Nonsense! Keep a stiff upper lip; don't stop to think, and all will go well. But, my hearty48, if you peach on me, I give you my word, I will take your life before you are one month older—do you hear?" And Tim's fierce looks gave force to his words. "Now, we will go back to the rest on 'em before they miss us. Mind you don't say anything, nor look anything."
Charles followed Tim back to the other side of the island, and both of them joined the sports of the day. The afternoon passed away, and nothing was said of the purse. The owner had not missed it, and Tim congratulated himself on the circumstance. Charles tried to be joyous49, and though he did not feel so, he acted it so well that no one suspected him of harboring so vile50 a sin within his bosom.
"All aboard!" said Frank, and the band commenced playing "Home, Sweet
Home."
In due time the party were all transported to the shore, and everybody went home highly delighted with the day's amusements. The Zephyr was housed, and the crew dismissed, but not a word was said about the purse.
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1
zephyr
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| n.和风，微风 | |
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evergreen
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| n.常青树；adj.四季常青的 | |
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ashore
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| adv.在(向)岸上，上岸 | |
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4
hoist
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| n.升高，起重机，推动；v.升起，升高，举起 | |
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hoisting
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| 起重，提升 | |
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6
salute
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| vi.行礼，致意，问候，放礼炮；vt.向…致意，迎接，赞扬；n.招呼，敬礼，礼炮 | |
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gallant
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| adj.英勇的，豪侠的；(向女人)献殷勤的 | |
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stammer
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| n.结巴，口吃；v.结结巴巴地说 | |
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9
admiration
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| n.钦佩，赞美，羡慕 | |
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10
complimentary
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| adj.赠送的，免费的，赞美的，恭维的 | |
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11
sufficiently
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| adv.足够地，充分地 | |
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procured
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| v.（努力）取得， （设法）获得( procure的过去式和过去分词 )；拉皮条 | |
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13
generosity
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| n.大度，慷慨，慷慨的行为 | |
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14
scarcity
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| n.缺乏，不足，萧条 | |
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15
extravagant
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| adj.奢侈的；过分的；(言行等)放肆的 | |
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16
bestowed
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| 赠给，授予( bestow的过去式和过去分词 ) | |
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17
commendable
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| adj.值得称赞的 | |
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18
worthy
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| adj.(of)值得的，配得上的；有价值的 | |
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19
repent
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| v.悔悟，悔改，忏悔，后悔 | |
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20
benevolent
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| adj.仁慈的，乐善好施的 | |
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longings
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| 渴望，盼望( longing的名词复数 ) | |
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entirely
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| ad.全部地，完整地；完全地，彻底地 | |
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23
derived
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| vi.起源；由来；衍生；导出v.得到( derive的过去式和过去分词 )；（从…中）得到获得；源于；（从…中）提取 | |
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cupidity
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| n.贪心，贪财 | |
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squire
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| n.护卫, 侍从, 乡绅 | |
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26
vowed
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| 起誓，发誓（vow的过去式与过去分词形式） | |
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vengeance
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| n.报复，报仇，复仇 | |
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28
exuberant
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| adj.充满活力的；（植物）繁茂的 | |
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29
caper
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| v.雀跃，欢蹦；n.雀跃，跳跃；续随子，刺山柑花蕾；嬉戏 | |
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30
perfectly
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| adv.完美地，无可非议地，彻底地 | |
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31
proficient
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| adj.熟练的，精通的；n.能手，专家 | |
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impromptu
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| adj.即席的，即兴的；adv.即兴的(地)，无准备的(地) | |
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patriotic
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| adj.爱国的，有爱国心的 | |
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34
tunes
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| n.曲调，曲子( tune的名词复数 )v.调音( tune的第三人称单数 )；调整；（给收音机、电视等）调谐；使协调 | |
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35
grove
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| n.林子，小树林，园林 | |
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concealed
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| a.隐藏的，隐蔽的 | |
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hardy
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| adj.勇敢的，果断的，吃苦的；耐寒的 | |
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unnatural
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| adj.不自然的；反常的 | |
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intimacy
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| n.熟悉，亲密，密切关系，亲昵的言行 | |
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40
nervously
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| adv.神情激动地，不安地 | |
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41
sneered
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| 讥笑，冷笑( sneer的过去式和过去分词 ) | |
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42
kindling
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| n. 点火, 可燃物 动词kindle的现在分词形式 | |
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43
bosom
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| n.胸，胸部；胸怀；内心；adj.亲密的 | |
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44
demeanor
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| n.行为；风度 | |
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45
retired
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| adj.隐退的，退休的，退役的 | |
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46
scooped
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| v.抢先报道( scoop的过去式和过去分词 )；（敏捷地）抱起；抢先获得；用铲[勺]等挖（洞等） | |
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47
apprehension
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| n.理解，领悟；逮捕，拘捕；忧虑 | |
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48
hearty
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| adj.热情友好的；衷心的；尽情的，纵情的 | |
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joyous
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| adj.充满快乐的；令人高兴的 | |
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vile
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| adj.卑鄙的，可耻的，邪恶的；坏透的 | |
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