"Where is he, Walter? He was standing by you," said Claudia.
"I had my arm around him to prevent mischief, and I released him only an instant since; but he seems to have slipped away," answered Walter, in surprise.
"He has gone after Alfred! and there will be mischief done; and no one could blame Ishmael if there was!" exclaimed Claudia.
"It was young Worth, then, that Burghe assailed?" inquired Mr. Middleton.
"Yes, uncle! and if Mr. Burghe is permitted to come to the house after his conduct this evening, I really shall feel compelled to write to my father, and request him to remove me, for I cannot, indeed, indeed, I cannot expose myself to the shock of hearing such language as he has dared to use in my presence this evening!" said Claudia excitedly.
"Compose yourself, my dear girl; he will not trouble us after this evening; he does not return to school after the vacation; he goes to West Point," said her uncle.
"And where I hope the discipline will be strict enough to keep him in order!" exclaimed Claudia.
"But now someone must go after Ishmael. Ring for Jovial, Walter."
"Father, old Jovial will be too slow. Had I not better go myself?" asked Walter, seizing his hat.
Mr. Middleton assented, and the young man went out on his quest.