William Darling was not loth to tell the gentlemen anything they wanted to know of his children, for, with a father's pride, he naturally thought none were like his.
"Would you like to hear them read?" he asked.
"Yes, very much."
The children were quite willing to show off their attainments. They were not frightened. Surely rock children ought to be noted for their fearlessness; and if they are not afraid of howling tempests, such as cause their lighthouse-home to rock, they should not be timid before a couple of gentlemen, even though one should be a Marquis.
They acquitted themselves so well that they received great praise.
"They have evidently been well taught, Mr. Darling; and yet there are no schools on the island, to which you could send them. Who has been their teacher?
"I am the teacher of my own children," said the lighthouse-man, a little proudly.
"We teach them at home, I and my wife."
"You must be very good teachers, and I am glad that your scholars do you so much credit. Really, that boy of yours is a fine fellow."
Thus encouraged, it is no wonder that Darling told them what had happened in the night.