Perkins laughed, too, as he emerged wet and dripping, but beaming.
"I didn't let her go," he chuckled, a little proud of his agility in his old age, and Launcelot said admiringly, "I didn't think you had it in you, Perkins," and at that Perkins chuckled more than ever.
They went back in a triumphal procession, and then Lancelot took
Sweetheart away with him, and the little girls went up-stairs to dress.
The Captain and the Judge were left alone, and presently the former said:
"Why can't we put Launcelot through college, father? It's a shame he should have to work so hard."
But the Judge shook his head. "He is having something better than college, Philip," he said. "He is learning self-reliance and he will get to college if he keeps on like this and be better for the struggle. I've told Grennell a half-dozen times that I would put up the money, for I like the boy—but there is one very good reason why we can't pay his way."
"What's that?" asked the Captain, with interest.
"He won't take a cent from anybody," said the Judge, "and I like his independence."
"So do I," said the Captain, heartily, "but we will keep an eye on him, father, and help him out when we can."
An hour later as the Captain sat alone under the lilac bush, Judy came down with white ruffles a-flutter and with her brown locks beautifully combed and sat beside him.