was time to return to the wharf. Oscar declared that he would not go on board again, and tried to induce his crony to join him in his flight into the country.
Orwell was second officer, and was delighted with his experience in the Beech-Hill Industrial School so far. It was better than a play to him, and nothing could have induced him to run away from the agreeable life which had just opened upon him. He had reasoned with his friend very earnestly, and even had the pluck to tell him flatly that Dory was altogether in the right, and he was altogether in the wrong.
Oscar admitted that he was pleased with the school, but he could not endure the humiliation of playing “second fiddle” to Dory after what had happened. They parted, and Orwell went on board with the other pupils; and he was utterly astonished when he saw his crony come on board at the wharf.
“If you wish to steer, I will give you the wheel, Oscar Chester,” said Dory, when the second pilot had been in the room a few minutes. “It is not a new thing to me; and I am not anxious to steer, though I like to do it well enough.”
“Thank you, Dory Dornwood: you are very kind. You can whip me every time; and, of course, you can bully me if you have a mind to do so,” replied Oscar, beginning very stiffly.
“I have no wish to bully you or any other fellow. I don’t want to quarrel with any person; and, as we are to be in the pilot-house together, I hope we shall be able to agree,” added Dory in the most conciliatory tones.
“We shall agree after this,” said Oscar, letting himself down a few pegs. “You can whip me, and that is enough. I can’t quarrel with you without getting the worst of it. I must submit, and I may as well make the best of it.”
“I don’t believe in fighting, and I don’t care a straw who is the best man. I don’t mean to bully even the weakest fellow in the school. I know I speak quick sometimes, but I don’t mean any thing by it. I am told that I spoke rather sharply to you in the boat last night. I am sorry for it, and I beg your pardon,” said Dory.
“You don’t owe me any apology after you have whipped me; and you are generous to let me down as easily as you can,” added Oscar.
“It was since we came on board, after the affair,