The skipper let the boat fall off till she was headed for Juniper Island, about two miles distant. In less than ten minutes he had anchored her under its lee, with all sail safely stowed. As the skipper predicted, there was another squall, which continued to rage for full fifteen minutes. The waves mounted to a great height, and the spray dashed over the island. But the Goldwing was safely sheltered, and the students enjoyed the wild commotion of the water. Later in the day, the wind went around to the north-west; and the sloop, under a reefed mainsail only, made her way to Beech Hill.
These instructions were continued all summer in the two sail-boats; and long before the end of the season, even Archie Pinkler was allowed to go out as skipper of the Goldwing. All the members of the classes became competent boatmen; and then they were as much at home on the lake, whatever the weather, as Dory himself.
Tom Topover sailed the Lily, and knew all about his business. He had become a very respectable sort of fellow, as had also all his former companions in mischief and crime.
As usual at the close of the summer term, there was a grand occasion to wind up the work of the school-year. Mr. Plint, Mr. Bridges, and Mr. Rithie, who had kindly served as examiners in former years, rendered the same service at this time. Two of them had taken students into their employ; and in the speeches they made in the great hall of the boat-house, they explained what progress these students had made as architect and engineer.
Others from at home and abroad spoke of the moral as well as the industrial benefit of the institution. Without mentioning any names, an orator described the miracle which had been wrought in the life and character of such students as Tom Topover and Nim Splugger. The shops were visited; and in the afternoon, there was a grand excursion in the steamers and sail-boats, as the wind happened to be fresh.
The inevitable ball followed in the evening; and all the young ladies from the town, and not a few from Burlington, danced till the small hours of the morning. It was not a matter of toilets, and people declared that Dory Dornwood and Lily Bristol were the best-looking couple on the floor, though Oscar Chester and Marian Dornwood were hardly less attractive.
The Beech Hill Industrial School continued its good work for years longer. The principal selects such students as need the instruction and discipline, and are not likely to obtain their training at other institutions. He is a public benefactor; and the old students, who annually attend the closing exercises of the school, are grateful for what the institution has done for them.
Transcriber's Note
The original spelling and punctuation has been retained.
Variations in hyphenation and compound words have been preserved.