"The principal stood on the wharf, where he could
overlook the operations."—Page 326.
CHAPTER XXX.
THE REFORMED TOPOVERS AT BEECH HILL.
When Tom Topover heard the cheers, he had made his way into the standing-room. He had evidently expected to find his turbulent subordinate, Bent Fillwing, there; and he had opened his mouth to give him a severe rating. But when he saw the students of the school gathered around in solid phalanx, he started back, and looked as though he had seen the world suddenly come to an end.
He had slept like a log; and he had not the remotest suspicion that the Lily was not at anchor off Cannon's Point, where he had left her the night before. A remarkable change had taken place in the situation, and he could not account for it. He saw that the Lily was at the wharf; and there was the boat-house; and on the edge of the wharf stood the principal, looking as smiling as though no case of discipline ever troubled him.
Nim Splugger and Jack Dumper had been awakened by the tramp of the boys on deck, and were at the heels of the chief when he went up the companion-way to the standing-room. They were quite as much astonished as Tom. In fact, all three of them were utterly confounded by the situation. If they had been dreaming, in their heavy slumber, of the theatre and circus,—visits to which had been confidently promised to them,—they awoke to a terrible certainty that the fun was all over.
The principal said nothing for a couple of minutes, in order to allow Tom and his companions to take it all in, and gather up their ideas. Then he stepped down from the wharf, and took a stand on the rail of the schooner.
"Good-morning, Captain Topover; for I understand that you are the commander of this schooner," the principal began, with mock solemnity. "We learned that you had arrived this morning, in your fine craft; and we have turned out to give you a fitting reception. When great men come to Beech Hill, we do our best to receive them with suitable honors.