Captain Gildrock had business in Burlington; and it was more convenient for him to go by the Sylph than by rail, as then he could return when he pleased. Besides, the cool air of the lake was very enjoyable in the hot weather. It required at least three persons to manage her, which took the greater part of the home force; and the principal did not care to leave the prisoners in the dormitory when so many of them were absent.
He expected to have a great deal of trouble with them; and he thought that the sooner he brought them into a state of subjection, the better it would be for the new pupils, and the better for the school. When the family went with him, the cook, and one or two of the domestics, who enjoyed these excursions, were taken, and housekeeping was carried on aboard the yacht.
Tom Topover had passed a very uncomfortable night in the brig, with nothing but a sheet-iron floor to sleep upon. When he was brought out of his dungeon by Bates, who was the turnkey on such occasions, he looked a good deal the worse for the wear. The other three had been more sensible, and had slept very well. The uniform of the steamer had been carried into their rooms, and three of them had put it on; but Tom refused to do so. They had all been supplied with a good breakfast; and, taken separately, all but Tom were disposed to submit. They walked quietly to the yacht when Bates told them what they were to do. Tom did not make any forcible resistance, but he was still stubborn and sullen.
The principal was on the forecastle when they arrived. He looked at them, and saw that three of them had put on the uniform, which indicated that they were in a better frame of mind. He spoke to these three, and told them they were to be part of the ship's company, and would do duty as deck-hands. If they were willing and tractable, they would be treated as well as any students of the school. They said nothing, and the principal did not ask them to make any promises. He preferred to judge them by what they did, rather than by what they said.
"I see that you have not yet put on the new uniform, Thomas Topover," said the principal, approaching the chief of the ruffians.
"I ain't going to put on any uniform!" growled Tom in reply. "I don't belong to the school, and I ain't going to join it."
"If you want to knock your head against solid walls of stone and iron, you will have the privilege of doing so until you are tired of it; for you will not hurt the walls, and you will hurt your head—Bates," called the captain.
The old salt presented himself; and the principal directed him to tie the hands of Tom behind him, and confine him to a stanchion.
"I ain't going to be tied up any more!" protested Tom.
But Bates proceeded to obey the order just as though he had said nothing. The prisoner had lost a great deal of the pluck he exhibited the night before, and his opposition was very feeble. His three companions looked on while he was secured: they did not say he was a fool to kick when it did no good, but they thought so.