"There, there, you must not talk now, you must try and go to sleep;" and, silently kissing him, both Mr and Mrs Ross left the room.
The next morning Leslie felt no ill effects from his long immersion in the water,—youth, a good constitution, and a sound sleep soon restored him to his wonted state of health. He learnt at the breakfast table, that just as he let go his hold of Crusoe and sank, a boat hove in sight, which had put off from the shore to their rescue, the accident having been witnessed. Crusoe immediately dived, and brought him again to the surface, when they were both hauled into the boat and safely conveyed to shore.
"And now, Leslie," said Mr Ross, after detailing the above events, "I have some news to tell you. I am going to send you to school."
"To school, papa!" said Leslie, in surprise.
"Yes, I have thought of doing so for some time past, and the events of yesterday have quite decided me. Not all mine, or your mamma's counsels and warnings can cure you of a very foolish yet dangerous practice. I am going to try if school discipline will."
"And when am I to go, papa," said Leslie, ready to cry.
"As soon as I can find a school suitable."
"But, papa, I don't want to go."
"Perhaps not, but I cannot afford to pay for all the consequences of your love for 'a lark;' neither can I or your mamma bear to see our son brought lifeless to the door every day."
"Oh, papa, I'm so sorry."