"But, Charles, do you remember what you said a fortnight ago?"
"No, sir."
"When you were talking here on the evening before the Fourth of July?"
"I said a great many things, I suppose, and some of them not quite so bright as they might have been," replied Charles, wondering what weakness of his was now to be exposed.
"Your remark was to the effect that boys who were obliged to mind their parents were the losers for their obedience."
"But I did not mean so, sir."
"You meant some of it, Charles. You wanted to go on the raft, and you felt at that moment as though it was a disagreeable duty to obey your parents. But I think it was only a momentary feeling."
"I am sure it was, sir."
"Let this beautiful boat, then, convince you that obedience to your parents is your duty, and ought to be your pleasure."
"How came it here, father?" asked Frank. "I am completely mystified."