If Vallington had been less noble and manly, we might have had a bad quarrel; as it was, our differences were promptly healed.
"Now, what's to be done, commodore?" the general proceeded. "I have got you into the scrape; but I hope you will be able to get out of it."
"I think I shall," I replied, confidently.
"They say we are to be chased by the Champion this afternoon; but just now we don't seem to be in condition to be chased even by a scow."
"We are not very hard aground; we only drifted on the shoal bottom; and if I mistake not, we can work her off. So far as the Champion is concerned, I am satisfied she will be after us as soon as she has landed her passengers at Parkville; but that will not be for a couple of hours yet."
"Then you really expect her."
"I certainly do; and when we float again, I don't care how soon she comes. I came into this place, which you call a hole, general, simply to get ready for the Champion; for she draws too much water to pass through this channel."
"Well, that's a double proof that I have wronged you, and I am all the more sorry for my unkindness."
"Don't mention that again, Vallington," I replied, touched by his magnanimity.
"Fellows," said Vallington, turning to the boys, "I resign my commission as general-in-chief of this expedition."