"Now, boys, form a line," said the principal. "Keep step; and, when I give the word, I want you to put your feet down in earnest."
The students formed the line; and, when Bent and his two associates held back, they were required to take their places in the line. The boys had been trained a little in a few military movements for marching purposes, and they knew how to place themselves. Dory was directed to lead them to the deck of the Lily; and the students were required to step lightly, until the word was given for a change.
The students filed upon the deck of the schooner, in good order, and without making any noise. When the last one was on the deck, and Dory had marched the head of the column around the standing-room, Captain Gildrock gave the word, "Attention! march!" The file was closed up, so that the students stood touching each other. All as one, they began to put their feet down on the planks in a very heavy step. All hands were intensely amused, for they had been told the situation of things on board, and were laughing as though they enjoyed the affair in which they were engaged. Tom and his fellow-rebels would have no reason to suppose they were not at anchor off Cannon's Point.
The tramp of their feet could be heard half a mile from the wharf, for Mrs. Bristol and Lily soon came to the scene to ascertain what the matter was. The boys kept up the step with all the vigor of those interested in the business. The cabin-doors were closed; but, if the runaways were still alive, they could not help waking, with such a tremendous noise over their heads.
"On deck there! what are you doing?" shouted Tom Topover, at the top of his lungs. "What's all that noise for?"
The principal, who still stood on the wharf, where he could overlook the operations, raised his hand; and all the students became as statues at once. Silence reigned supreme. In a low tone, he told Dory to be ready to give three cheers; and the word was passed along the line.
"Why don't you answer me, Bent Fillwing?" shouted Tom again, when no attention was paid to his first call.
The silence was not broken, and Tom was evidently getting mad. A moment later he pushed open the cabin-doors, and tumbled out into the standing-room.
"Three cheers!" exclaimed Dory, prompted by his uncle.
The cheers were lustily given, and Tom opened his eyes very wide.