“Yes, sir,” said Bill, “the school I went to is a place where boys are apt to get their wits sharpened. They have little else to depend on.”
The colonel still seemed to doubt whether Bill was speaking the truth, and, perhaps fortunately for them, was fully impressed with the idea that he had charge of a couple of midshipmen. Possibly Bill was a lord’s son; and though he railed against English lords, yet, when brought into contact with them, he was inclined to pay them the deepest respect.
Owing to the colonel’s idea, Bill and Jack were treated with far more attention than they otherwise would have received.
The room into which they were put, though small, had a table and chairs in it, and a bed in one corner.
“You will remain here for the present,” said the colonel, as he saw them into the room; “probably before long the general may wish to examine you again, and I would advise you to take care that you tell him only the truth, and confess your object in coming to the country.”
Bill made no answer; and the colonel, after again surveying the room, took his departure, locking the door behind him.