"The Topovers are more likely to steal our boats in the night, to turn the Goldwing adrift, or something of that sort, than to make an open attack upon us," argued the captain.
"My uncle would prosecute them if it were not for making their parents pay their fines," said the first pilot.
When the Sylph reached the creek, the real difficulty of the trip began. The first officer and his party were still on the caisson; but the captain put a dozen more of the ship's company on board of it. They were to use the pikes to crowd the tow away from the shore and the shoal water when it could not be done by means of the double tow lines.
Oscar, who as second pilot had made a careful study of the depth of water in the creek as well as the lakes, was sent on board; and the special charge of the tow-lines was given to him. Slacking one or the other of these proved to be sufficient until the caisson reached the V-point. In spite of the tow-lines the tow dragged on the bottom, and a good deal of vigorous work had to be done with the pike-poles.
The passage through Beech Hill Lake was observed by the instructors, and all the servants from the house and garden, until the steamer went into the creek above. Some hard work had to be done with the pike-poles before the caisson was moored at the stone wharf, but before supper time the Sylph was at her wharf.
Captain Gildrock had been detained in Burlington by the affairs of the bank until the last train; but he arrived early in the evening. Captain Glovering reported to him at once, giving a full account of the encounter with the Chesterfields and Topovers. The principal was sorry to hear this story of contention with the students from the other side and the marauders of his own side. He approved the action of Captain Glovering, even to the staving of the boat, for it was done in defence of the property entrusted to his care, as well as in protecting the persons of the ship's company. If he intended to do anything about it, he kept his own counsel.
Unlike the commanding officer of the Beech Hillers, Commodore Twinker did not report his proceedings to the principal of his school. On the contrary, he tried to conceal them, and the shattered Dasher was rowed to the boat-builder in Westport for repairs. Her crew kept her under the high bank of the lake when they passed the institute buildings.
But it so happened that the principal had been over to Burlington on a steamer, and saw the Dasher when she came into Westport. He inquired into the matter, and the students told a story to suit themselves; but the main feature of the narrative was that they had been grossly insulted by both the principal and the "Tinkers" of the Beech Hill School. The Chesterfields had been told by Captain Gildrock that they were not gentlemen, and were not fit to associate with his pupils. The crew of the Winooski had treated them with contempt, and run into their boat.
Colonel Buckmill was indignant, and on Monday he went over to Beech Hill. He stated his business in a gentlemanly manner, dwelling mainly on the charge of the captain that the Chesterfields were not fit company for the Beech Hill students. Captain Gildrock admitted that he had said so, and still held to that opinion. He was as gentlemanly as his visitor, but his views were very decided. He went over the three encounters with the Chesterfields and their allies, and sent for Dory Dornwood to explain the first meeting of the crews of the barges.