“This vessel don’t go to England; you have boarded the wrong steamer,” replied the man.

Bill hailed the boatman, who was pulling for the shore.

“Anchor watch!” called the man on the platform. “Bring a lantern here!”

“Here is one,” said a young man, wearing an overcoat and a uniform cap, as he handed up a lantern to the first speaker.

“Hand me my bag, please, gen’l’men,” said Bill.

At this moment the man on the platform held the lantern up to Bill’s face.

“I thought I knew that voice,” added Mr. Pelham, for it was he. “Don’t give him the bag, Scott.”

“That’s my bag, and I want it,” muttered Bill.

“I am afraid you have been drinking, Stout,” continued the vice-principal, taking Bill by the collar, and conducting him down the steps to the deck of the American Prince.

“It is Stout, as sure as I live!” exclaimed Scott.