"But there is something more for the Grand Protectress to do," said Grace.
"A dozen more who are to take the first degree; but I do not know whether they will be willing to be initiated."
"Why not?"
"Raymond, who is generally a good fellow, has been very ugly. Perhaps he feels better now he has quenched his thirst."
"May I speak to him?"
"Certainly, if you wish to do so."
Paul conducted the Grand Protectress to the waist, where the head steward was giving the Raymond party another half pint of water apiece. They were very thirsty, and, as boys understand the word, they had doubtless suffered a great deal for the want of water. As they had returned to their duty, and yielded the point, Mr. Lowington had directed that they should be frequently supplied, until they were satisfied. The general opinion was, that they had already been severely punished, not only by the thirst they had endured, augmented as it was by their diet of salt beef and hard bread, but in the mortification they had experienced at the failure of their scheme. The latter punishment was quite as severe as the former.
"Miss Arbuckle wishes to speak to you, Raymond," said Paul, addressing the discomfited leader of the mild party.
"What for?" demanded he.
"She will explain for herself."