"The storm was against my side of the question. If it had not been for that, you would never have seen your money again," muttered Spickles, who appeared to think that an apology for his failure was due.
"Then, I ought to be grateful for the storm," added the principal. "I suppose the young gentleman who called with you yesterday assisted you in this delicate operation."
"I don't answer questions," growled the burglar.
"Perhaps Mr. Brookbine will be more communicative," said the captain, turning to the instructor in carpentry.
"I don't know much about the others, only from what Dory said to me. He told me about his dealings with these fellows; and as usual, he has acted like a hero," replied the instructor.
At this remark, there was a burst of applause, and all the students manifested the most intense interest in the proceedings. The principal looked at them, and perhaps he thought it would be cruel not to gratify their excited curiosity to know the particulars of the capture of the burglar.
"Mr. Spickles will be more comfortable if you remove the cords that bind him; and I will invite him to take a seat on the platform by my side," continued Captain Gildrock, as he placed a chair for the culprit. "I trust he will not make it necessary for me to put my hands upon him."
Mr. Brookbine released the prisoner, and put him in the chair assigned to him. If he thought of escaping, the stalwart forms of the principal and the master-carpenter were sufficiently formidable to intimidate him. Mr. Brookbine was then invited to explain what had happened during his absence, and to do it so that all the students could hear him. The boys were delighted at this unexpected privilege, and they listened with the deepest interest to the narrative of Dory's doings since he left the school early in the morning. When the result of his battle in the boat with the chief was reached, the students applauded lustily, and the principal did not check them. With only a little less dignity he would have done the same himself.
"Then, Dory has gone to look after the schooner, has he?" asked Captain Gildrock, when the narrative was finished.
"Yes, sir: he and Mr. Jepson left me, to attend to this matter."