Bates turned out with the sun, and walked through the hall. He heard nothing, and he went about his customary duties. At seven o'clock, breakfast was carried to the prisoners by the old sailor, who simply put the trays on the tables, and retired without saying a word, refusing to answer any questions. Tom was supplied through an opening in the wall, which was provided with an iron door. Tom wanted to know how long he was to stay in this hole, but Bates did not answer him.
After breakfast, Captain Gildrock visited the homes of Ben Sinker and Rag Spinner. Neither of them had been home that night, and their parents were not a little worried about them. The principal informed them in regard to the events of the day before, and then proposed to admit them to his school. Both fathers and mothers were glad to have them admitted, and signed the papers without any hesitation.
"But I don't know where they are," said Mr. Sinker, who was a journeyman carpenter. "I will find my boy if I can, and bring him over to you."
Captain Gildrock had hardly reached his home, after transacting some business in the town, before both the fathers of the truant ruffians called upon him. A man who had been fishing near the mouth of the river had seen the boys come down in a boat with a man. On the lake the boat had set her sail, and gone to the northward. They thought the boat belonged in Burlington, and that the boys had gone there.
"You can go to your work, and I will find them," replied the principal.
"We have no work," said Mr. Sinker, speaking for himself and Mr. Spinner, who was also a journeyman carpenter.
"I am going to Burlington in the Sylph this forenoon; and, if you choose, you can go in her."
About ten o'clock, Captain Gildrock visited the dormitory. Bates reported that three of the boys had given him no trouble, and that Tom was quiet since morning. The prisoners were taken from their rooms, and marched to the steamer.