“Here he is,” replied O’Hara, pointing out the second officer.
“Tom, my lad, I am delighted to see you, after wandering all over the ocean in search of you!” exclaimed Judge Rodwood, grasping both the hands of his ward, and giving him a very affectionate greeting. “What do you mean by running away from me?”
“I am very glad to see you, sir; though I do not want to be taken out of the squadron,” replied Tom, who found the judge a very different person from what he had anticipated.
He was not a bit like the stern judge he had fancied; and he could not help liking him at first sight.
“You can stay in the squadron till your head is as white as mine, if you like, my lad,” protested the guardian warmly. “The Marian, which is not a very ugly craft, is your property, or will be in a few months; and I didn’t know but you might like to make a cruise in her. Do as you please, however.”
“That alters the case,” replied Tom, laughing, and bestowing an admiring glance upon the beautiful steam-yacht. “But I think I should like to remain a while longer.”
By this time the principal and the two vice-principals were on board. They greeted the captain with great heartiness; and it was clear enough that he was not under the displeasure of the authorities. O’Hara made his report in full on the spot, detailing all the incidents of the cruise. He sent for the log-books kept by all the officers, and submitted them for examination. The captain had the satisfaction of having his management of the steamer approved.
The meeting between Mr. Frisbone and the principal was a very interesting event; and the ship’s company of the Ville d’Angers understood its meaning so well, that they involuntarily gave three cheers as the two gentlemen joined hands on the deck.
“Your boys have been the salvation of myself and those I care a good deal more for than I do for myself, Mr. Lowington!” exclaimed the prince; and the tears gathered in his eyes as he spoke.
“I am glad that they have been of service to you,” replied the principal, as they retired to the cabin to see the ladies.