CHAPTER XXIII. THE PROCEEDINGS AT SANDY POINT.
It is to be regretted that Major Billcord set a very bad example to the Chesterfield students by using profane language when the Beech Hill principal "let the cat out of the bag." At first he was not inclined to believe the statement, for it seemed incredible to him that any company of boys should have been able to put the cottage on a boat and convey it across the lake.
Captain Gildrock was obliged to explain how the work had been done, before he would accept the solution of the mystery. The principal offered to take him over to the school grounds and show him the cottage if he had any doubts on the subject.
"It was a shabby trick on your part, after all," said Major Billcord, when he had got the explanation through his head. "I don't interfere with your affairs on the other side of the lake, and I don't know of any reason why you should meddle with mine."
"As I understand the matter, major, you warned Mrs. Bristol to remove her cottage within twenty-four hours, or you would tumble it into the lake," replied the captain. "I simply allowed the students to assist the good woman in doing what you required her to do."
"You knew very well that this was a case of discipline on this side of the lake," replied the major, waxing exceedingly wrathy. "My son was attacked in the most brutal manner by that woman's cub, and she upheld the young villain, and would not allow him to be punished as he deserved. Of course, I knew the woman could not remove the cottage, and it would have been here now if you had not meddled with my business, like a very bad neighbor."
"I don't care to discuss the assault, as you call it, with you, but I think the boy and his mother were fully justified in their action," replied the principal, in firm but gentle tones.