CHAPTER XXIV.
IN WHICH ERNEST ENGAGES IN AN EXCITING STEAMBOAT RACE.
"If you ask for my opinion," said Bob Hale, "I say we had better return to Parkville at once, and not wait to be driven back."
"It is easy enough for you to say that," replied Tom Rush, who had joined us. "You live there, and all you have to do is to go home; but what are the fellows who reside a hundred miles from there to do?"
"They will not be any worse off there than they will be here. The question is only between going back and being driven back," added Bob.
"I suppose that we are to acknowledge that breaking away has been a failure," said Vallington.
"Not at all; I, for one, won't have any more to do with Mr. Parasyte," answered Bob. "What do you say, Ernest?"
"I probably shall not go back to the Institute, whatever happens," I replied. "My breaking away is not from school only, but from all the home I ever knew. I have been thrown out upon the world, to take care of myself."
For a moment my friends seemed to forget that we were in council to determine what should be done for the rebels in their sympathy for me; but I assured them I was not at all concerned about myself, and felt abundantly able to make my way without any help.
"But what an old humbug your uncle is!" said Tom.