The picnic-party had a band of music with them, and they enlivened the occasion with their music. The passengers satisfied their curiosity first, and the principal conducted Mr. Murdock all over the vessel. The examination ended at the pilot-house, which both of them entered. To the inquiries made by Captain Gildrock, the gentleman gave him all the information he required. He had hailed the Goldwing as she was passing the point; and the young man who was steering the boat objected, at first, to taking any passengers.
As the captain suspected, Tom's story was a tissue of lies, and that of Ash Burton and his companions seemed to be the simple truth. The principal explained that the sloop was used without permission of the owner, upon which Mr. Murdock assured him that he would not have employed her if he had known the fact.
"The fellow they called Tom Topover is an unmitigated young scoundrel," he added; "while the one who sailed our parties behaved like a gentleman, and seemed to understand his business very well."
"I think I comprehend the case very well now, but I am very much embarrassed about it," added Captain Gildrock, whose brow was contracted with the thought that he was giving to the subject. "If Tom Topover and his gang, who have robbed my fruit-trees till I built fences so high that they could not get over them, were all of the culprits, I should prosecute them at once, though it would only compel their parents, who are poor people, to pay their fines. Ashley Burton and the rest of the boys who were left on shore at the picnic are better boys; and I cannot think of taking them to the court, now that I have got at the facts."
"It is a difficult matter to manage," added Mr. Murdock.
"I cannot prosecute half the culprits, and let the other half escape; for they are all equally guilty of the offence against the law. But Burton and his companions came to me, very penitent, with the money the boat had earned; while Tom and his companions lied till they were black in the face. As you say, it is a difficult case to manage. I shall have to find some other remedy for my grievances besides a court of justice."
The principal had learned all the facts he wished to know. Tom had lied to him; while Ash and his party had voluntarily told the whole truth, and manifested a genuine penitence. He was sure the latter would give him no further trouble. The business settled, Captain Gildrock devoted himself to the party on board, and made them as happy as he could. He pointed out all the objects of interest on the lake, including Split Rock, which finds a place in the guide-books. When he landed them at the wharf, they were profuse in their expressions of gratitude for the pleasant trip he had given them.
At the wharf, Tom Topover and his companions attempted to escape by getting into the crowd of picnickers as they were going on shore; but Bates had been directed to take charge of them, and he had his eyes on them. Tom found himself taken by the collar, and hurled to the deck. The others retreated to the bow, where they had been ordered to remain. Tom Topover was as mad as a March hare when he rose to his feet. He began to indulge in some foul talk, when Bates collared him again and pitched him into the bow. He showed some signs of resistance.
"Shut up!" said Bates, in a low tone.
Tom looked at him. The old quartermaster was not the kind of person he liked to deal with, and he concluded to obey him. In fact, the bully did most of his fighting with his tongue, and generally found a way to back out when it came to hard blows.