"These affairs are nothing but the frolics of young gentlemen, and it would be outrageous to take them into the courts," added the colonel, more moderately. "Your students have nearly ruined one of our boats, and I could make a just claim for damages."
"I hope you will make it," said the captain, laughing.
"I do not desire to settle such frolics in that way."
"I think nothing more need be said, Colonel Buckmill. Your boys have a perfect right to navigate these waters. My boys have thus far proved that they are able to take care of themselves; but I dislike these collisions. I only ask you to do what I will do myself; my boys shall not meddle with yours; and the least you can do is to require yours not to meddle with mine. I should be glad to establish friendly relations between the students of the two schools—"
"None of my young men are tinkers," interposed the colonel with a sneer.
"But they have formed an alliance with the Topovers, the scallawags of Genverres. No matter about that. I see that friendly relations between the schools are impossible, and we can only agree to disagree. I shall be sorry to seek my remedy in the courts. Therefore I hope you will control your boys."
"I expected some allowance would be made for the irregularities of young gentlemen, all of whom come from the best families in the States," said Colonel Buckmill, rising to take his leave. "I was mistaken, and I will do the best I can to prevent any further collision."
"That is all I can possibly ask; and if you do that, I shall hope that friendly relations—not socially, but on the lake as boatmen—may yet be established between our students, though some of mine may have the oil of the turning-lathe upon their skirts."
Colonel Buckmill departed no better satisfied than when he came. As a matter of fact, he had little expectation of being able to control his young gentlemen while they were on their excursions upon the lake. He was not a disciplinarian, and he had little skill in managing boys. The interview between the two principals hardly promised anything hopeful or peaceful in the future.
During the week the Sylph towed up to Beech Hill several rafts of lumber, and a week after the arrival of the caisson Mr. Brookbine was ready to begin the framing of the boat-house.