“Captain Gildrock will bring him to his senses,” added the engineer, laughing; for he believed the captain could do any thing that was within the scope of mortal man.
“I am ready to have him begin where I leave off; but there won’t be much left of the young rascal when I get through with him if I have to deal with him,” replied the carpenter.
“We are likely to have a sweet time with these young fellows if many of them are like that one,” added Mr. Jepson. “He wants to get even with Dory, does he? I reckon Dory will be willing to give him a chance, though I never knew of the skipper’s getting into a fight on his own account.”
Dory had already become a great favorite at Beech Hill. He was a smart boy, but he was not perfect by any means. He had a great deal to learn, but he was willing to learn it. The instructors in the scholastic department had not yet arrived, but the mechanical directors were already his fast friends. Even the servants, of whom there was a small army on the estate, always smiled when he went among them; for he was invariably kind and obliging to them, and willing to assist them by all the means in his power. Besides, he was regarded as the heir of the magnate of Beech Hill; and it was prudent to “keep on the right side of him.”
Of course the nine other boys who had arrived
that day all talked about the exciting events which had transpired since they left Burlington in the forenoon. Still, no one belonging to the steamer heard them say any thing. They made no comments on the conduct of Oscar: possibly they were afraid they might be reported to him. But they had learned to feel a great admiration for Dory; first, because he was not afraid of the rebel, and, second, because he could handle a sailboat and manage a steamer.
It was about dark when the Sylph arrived at the landing in Burlington. Captain Gildrock was on the wharf, waiting her coming. As soon as he went on board, Mr. Brookbine reported the case of discipline to him, and informed him that the prisoner was confined in the ice-house.
“All right: let him stay there,” replied the captain, when he had listened to the account of the doings of the new scholar. “Then Dory has had a hard time of it. I was afraid he might have some difficulty.”
“No fear for Dory,” replied the carpenter, laughing. “He can take care of himself. He fought his own battle in the Goldwing, and won the day every time.”
“I knew that Chester was the worst fellow in the party, but I did not expect him to break out so soon. I am glad to hear that the others have behaved well,” said Captain Gildrock, as he walked forward where the boys were assembled. “How are you getting on, boys?”