"Well," he said, after a little pause, "then I'll pass over the flogging this time. But you must come to shore. I want to go home as soon as I can."
"I am not going home with you," said John, composedly.
"Why not, I should like to know?"
"I should never be happy at your house."
"You're homesick. That will pass off."
John shook his head.
"I can't go back."
"Come, Oakley," said Mr. Huxter, changing his tone; "you think I bear malice for the little accident that happened yesterday. I don't mind confessing that it made me feel ugly when I fell into that tub of hot water. You wouldn't have liked it yourself, would you?"
"No, I don't think I should," said John, smiling in spite of himself, as the image of Mr. Huxter's downfall rose before him.