“And I am glad you do,” replied Lord Hastings. “Fond as I am of the boy, I should not have allowed him to go. I should even have shot him had it been necessary. Discipline must be maintained at all hazards. I will countenance no disobedience!”
Jack drew back in surprise. This was a new side of Lord Hastings. Heretofore he had always been the best-natured fellow imaginable. But he was plainly very angry now.
Jack saluted and turned to move away. Lord Hastings halted him.
“Tell Mr. Chadwick to report to me in half an hour,” he commanded.
“Great Scott!” exclaimed Jack, as he made his way to his cabin. “He can get awfully mad. I can hardly believe it!”
Frank arose from his bed as Jack entered the cabin, and approached his friend with outstretched hand.
“I guess I made an awful fool of myself,” he exclaimed; “and I called you a coward. I want to apologize. You know I didn’t mean it, don’t you?”
“Of course,” replied Jack, grasping his friend’s hand. “You were angry; that was all. Say no more about it By the way. Lord Hastings wants to see you in half an hour.”
“Why?” exclaimed Frank, in no little alarm. “Was he mad?”
“Was he mad! I should say he was! I don’t know what he wants, though.”