Tom became a skilful machinist in time, though he never entirely recovered from the faults of his disposition. He was kept busy at the school during his three years; and he gave but little trouble, on the whole, though he sometimes had an outbreak which worked off the bad blood for the time. The people of Genverres were astonished at the fact, when they realized it, that the Topovers had been reformed, and were doing their duty in the institution. It was a merciful thing to them as well as to the boys, for they had suffered a great deal from their pranks and depredations.
Mrs. Sankland had occasion to look back to the fire in her house as a godsend; for it had called the attention of the people to her wants, and she was supplied with all the work she could do.
About the time Tom Topover graduated, and took a place to run a stationary engine, his father died; and he did his full share in supporting the family. The school had made a new man of him, as a school of no other kind could have done.
A little later in the season, the keel of the steam-yacht was laid down in the sheds built for the accommodation of the Lily. The wood-workers among the students labored on her all winter, and had enough to do; while those in the metalshops finished the engine.
In the following spring, as soon as the weather was suitable for going out on the lake, classes in boat-sailing were organized, under the instruction of Matt Randolph and Dory Dornwood, who continued in service as captains of the Lily and the Goldwing; and all hands made a practical use of the phrase they had so often heard, "Ready, about!" as they learned the art of "sailing the boat."
THE BOAT-BUILDER SERIES.
To be completed in Six Volumes. Illustrated.
Per Vol., $1.25.
1. ALL ADRIFT;