I didn't know it was thereI did not know It was There.P.150.
"You must come with me, Tony; I never would have believed it," said the constable.
The widow Weston was called, and a statement of the case made to her. Poor, loving, devoted mother! her heart was wrung with agony. But there was a consolation for her. Tony could not be a thief. He was innocent, she was sure, however strong appearances might point to his guilt.
The constable took him into the wagon; and Farmer Whipple drove off to the Rippleton jail, which was located in the village. Tony had never in his life been so utterly cast down as when he looked into the cell to which he was conducted. But he realized that he was not guilty, and this feeling made the prison less terrible to him.
CHAPTER X
TONY'S CASE
No one of all Tony's numerous friends was more surprised at the accusation made against him than Captain Sedley. Like all who were familiar with the past life of the brave little fellow, he was incredulous. The very fact that Tim Bunker was near at the time of the alleged theft seemed to be sufficient to clear him. The finding of the wallet in his pocket was the most unaccountable piece of testimony that had been adduced against him. It did not seem probable that it would have remained so long in his pocket unknown to him, if any one had been so wicked as to place it there.
As soon as the wagon which bore Tony a prisoner to the Rippleton jail had gone, Mrs. Weston put on her bonnet, and hastened over to Captain Sedley's house. She was sure of finding assistance there. She was so confident of Tony's innocence, that the thought of proving it for the satisfaction of the public seemed superfluous.
"I am sure he never could do such a thing in the world, Captain Sedley," said she, wiping away her tears, and gazing with earnestness into the face of her benevolent patron.
"Tony always was honest," replied Captain Sedley.
"Honest! He would not steal the value of a pin from anybody."
"I think he would not."
"Iknowhe wouldn't!"
"But it seems very strange that the wallet should have been found in his pocket."
"Tim Bunker put it there, you may depend upon it."
"Very likely; but, Mrs. Weston, you know that all these things must be proved. As the affair stands now, I am afraid the testimony against him, notwithstanding his good character, will be quite sufficient to convict him."
"O Captain Sedley, I know he is innocent!" exclaimed the poor widow, her eyes filling with tears again.
"But it must be proved, you see. The finding of the wallet upon him, and the testimony of Tim Bunker that he saw him putting something in his pocket, in the very place where the lost property was alleged to have been left, will leave scarcely a doubt in the minds of judge and jury."
"Tim Bunker did it, I know!"
Captain Sedley shook his head. Though he had the fullest confidence in Tony's innocence, he desired to give his mother a perfect understanding of the difficulties of the case. After all, there was a remote possibility that poor Tony had been led to take the wallet; and if such should finally prove to be the fact, it was better for the widow to be prepared for the worst.
"I do not think Tony is guilty, Mrs. Weston; but you must consider that appearances are very strong against him," said he.
"I know it, sir. Poor Tony! must he spend the night in jail? Is there no way to get him out?" sobbed the widow.
"He shall not want for a friend, Mrs. Weston. Farmer Whipple must have returned by this time, and I will go up and see him. But I do not think we can get him out to-day."
"Thank you, sir; you are very good. If I could only see him, and tell him that I feel sure he is innocent, the cold walls would seem less dreary to him. I know what the poor fellow is thinking about."
Mrs. Weston cried like a child when she thought of her darling boy shut up within the narrow walls of a prison cell.
"He will be thinking of his home," continued she. "He will think of me."
"He has been a good son, Mrs. Weston."
"That he has, sir. Tony steal? No, sir. He thinks too much of his mother and his home to do such a thing. But don't you suppose I could see him?"
"I will see him myself; won't that do as well?"
"I don't know."
"I will tell him just how you feel about it,—that you are confident he is innocent."
"Thank you, sir; he will be so comforted by it."
"And to-morrow he will probably be examined before the magistrate."
"Then he will discharge him, I know!"
"I fear not; if there are reasonable grounds for supposing him guilty, he will be committed to await the action of the grand jury."
"Then it will be weeks and months before they prove his innocence," interposed the widow.
"The grand jury is in session now; all they will do, if they find a bill against him, will be to commit him for trial."
"That makes three times they will try him," said Mrs. Weston, perplexed by the complications of the law. "Must he stay in prison till all these trials are finished?"
"He can be bailed out to-morrow, after his examination."
"I must give bonds for him, must I?"
"I will do that, Mrs. Weston. Probably he can come home before to-morrow noon."
"God bless you, Captain Sedley. You have always been very good to me in my troubles."
"Ben," said Captain Sedley, going to the window, and calling the old sailor who was at work in the garden, "Ben, put the bay horse into the chaise."
"This is a world of trouble, Captain Sedley," said the widow, with a deep sigh.
"But from trouble and affliction come forth our purest aspirations. God is good to us, even when he sends us trials and sorrows."
"I will not complain; I have much to be thankful for."
In a few moments the horse and chaise were ready.
"I am going over to see Farmer Whipple, Mrs. Weston, and then I shall ride down to Rippleton. Keep your spirits up, and be assured everything shall be done to comfort your son, and to prove his innocence. I shall engage Squire Benson to defend him."
"Heaven bless you, Captain Sedley," said the poor widow, wiping away her tears, as her benevolent friend got into his chaise.
Farmer Whipple was fortunately at home when he arrived at his house, and Captain Sedley immediately opened his business.
"I don't much think that Tony did it," said the farmer; "but things were agin him, you see."
"How much money was there in the wallet?" asked Captain Sedley.
"More'n I can afford to lose, Cap'n. It was a careless trick of mine."
"What was the amount?"
"There was forty-six dollars in bills, besides some odd change."
"Do you remember what banks the bills were on?"
"Most on 'em. There was a twenty dollar bill on the Rippleton Bank, a ten on the Village Bank, and some small bills, mostly on Boston Banks."
"Where is the wallet now?"
"I got it; Squire Little said I might take it agin."
"Was the money all right?"
"Bless you, no! If it had been, I wouldn't say a word. All the small bills were there, but the big ones were gone."
"Indeed!"
"That's the wo'st on't."
"Have you any description of the lost bills?"
"Well, yes; I reckon I should know the twenty agin, if I saw it."
"How?"
"Well, it happens rather lucky. Arter we came from the jail, I went into Doolittle's store to git some tea. When I went in there, he was fixin' some kind of a plate, with his name on't; a pencil plate, I believe he called it."
"A stencil plate," said Captain Sedley.
"Jest so; he was marking his name on the back of some bank bills with it. I telled him about the robbery, and that the twenty dollar bill he give me the day before was gone with the rest. Then he telled me that that twenty dollar bill was marked with his 'pencil plate,' d'ye see?"
"He might have marked a dozen others with it," added Captain Sedley.
"No, he didn't. You see, he didn't git the plate till jest afore he paid me that bill, and he is sartin that is the only twenty dollar bill he has marked."
"Did you see the mark yourself?"
"I saw sunthin' on it, but I couldn't read it without puttin' my glasses on; so I didn't mind what it was."
Captain Sedley considered this important information. If the twenty dollar bill, thus marked, should ever appear in the village, it might furnish a clew by which to trace out the thief.
On his arrival at Rippleton village, he went to Doolittle's store, and ascertained that he had marked no more bills; that he was sure he had marked no other twenty dollar bill than the one he paid to Farmer Whipple. Requesting him not to mark any more, he went over to the jail.
Tony was in much better spirits than he expected to find him. His only trouble was in relation to his mother, and he cried bitterly when he spoke of her. Captain Sedley comforted him, assuring him his mother and his friends were satisfied that he was innocent, and that he should have the best lawyer in the county to defend him.
"I don't want any lawyer, Captain Sedley," said Tony stoutly; "I am as innocent of this crime as though I had never been born."
"But, Tony, who do you think stole the wallet?"
"I have no idea, unless Tim Bunker did; and he has laid it to me to clear himself."
"Tim is one of the witnesses, and a good lawyer may be able to get the truth out of him."
"I don't believe he could," replied Tony with a faint smile.
"I shall engage Squire Benson to defend you; and to-morrow, before the examination, he will come in to see you. If you have anything to say, you can say it to him."
"I can only say I am innocent."
"He will want to know all the circumstances."
"I will tell him all I know about it."
After some further conversation, Captain Sedley took his leave, and hastened to the office of Squire Benson, who was the most distinguished lawyer in that county.
The legal gentleman readily engaged to defend Tony, and arrangements were made for the examination. The marked bank bill was an important matter for consideration, though there was no present hope of finding it. But there was a prospect that it would eventually come to light.
On his arrival at his house, Captain Sedley found the widow Weston waiting his return. She was much comforted when she heard that Tony was in good spirits. She listened with attention to all her kind friend said, and went home with a lighter heart than when she came. The interest which Captain Sedley manifested in the case inspired her with hope. He was an influential man, and his assistance would enable her to do all that could be done.
On the following morning the examination of Tony took place at the office of Squire Little. Mrs. Weston had an interview with her son when he was brought in by the officer. Both wept, but there was hope in the consciousness that he was innocent. Frank, Charles, and Tim Bunker were there as witnesses, as well as Farmer Whipple and Mr. Hyde.
The examination proceeded, but it was only a repetition of the facts already given. Squire Benson, in his cross examination, pressed Tim Bunker severely; but though there were several trifling inconsistencies in his answers, his testimony was generally accurate. He denied having told Tony that he saw Farmer Whipple pass through the wood-house.
Captain Sedley had prepared Mrs. Weston for the result; and when Tony was bound over to await the action of the grand jury, she heard the decision with tolerable calmness. Her benevolent friend became his bail; he was liberated, and they all went home together.
CHAPTER XI
THE BOAT-HOUSE
The boat-house for the Zephyr had been begun on Wednesday, the day following her arrival. All the carpenters that could work upon it were engaged by Captain Sedley, so that by Saturday it was nearly finished.
Its location was at one end of the beach, near the flat rock, and not far from the moorings of the sailboat. It was sixty feet long, and extended out over the waters of the lake. It was built on piles, driven into the sand on the bottom. The club hall was at the land end of the building, and was about twenty feet square. From this apartment the boys passed into the boat-house proper, which was so arranged that they could all take their places in the boat, and push out into the lake without confusion or inconvenience.
But as my young friends undoubtedly feel a great desire to obtain an accurate idea of the situation and arrangements of the boat-house, I have drawn a plan of it, which is here subjoined.
Floor plan of the boat-house
If my young readers carefully examine the plan, and refer to the explanations, they can understand the position of the rooms, and the situation of everything connected with the boat-house.
Around the platform a railing was constructed with a gate at the bow, and one on each side of the boat, so that the members of the club could get into it only at these three places.
Frank and Charles protested against this railing at first, and maintained that there was not the least danger of their falling into the water; but Captain Sedley, knowing how prone boys are to scuffle and be careless, insisted upon having it.
The boys watched the progress the carpenters made in erecting the boat-house with the deepest interest, and Uncle Ben got almost out of patience answering the innumerable questions they put to him in regard to what everything was for. Morning, noon, and night they visited the building, and longed for Saturday afternoon, when they were to make another excursion in the Zephyr.
Poor Tony's misfortunes had excited all their sympathy, and divided their attention with the club. Some of them ventured to doubt the innocence of their companion, though a large majority felt quite sure he would be cleared at the trial.
Early on Saturday afternoon, Frank and Charles met at the boat-house.
"Will Tony come, do you think?" asked the latter.
"I told him this morning to be sure and come. I hope he will."
"Do you think your father will let him continue to belong to the club?" asked Charles.
"Certainly he will! Why not?"
"Only think of it—taken up for stealing!"
"Do you believe he is guilty?"
"They wouldn't put him in jail if he wasn't, it isn't likely."
"But he hasn't been tried yet."
"No; but then to think that the wallet was found in his pocket."
"I don't believe he is guilty any more than I believe I am," replied Frank warmly.
"Nor I; but——"
"But what, Charley?"
"Things look so against him."
"I am afraid Tim Bunker knows more about it than he chooses to tell."
"Don't you remember Tony didn't want us to meddle with it, and said we had better tell Farmer Whipple it was there rather than touch it ourselves?" added Charles, looking earnestly into the face of his companion.
"IknowTony wouldn't steal it."
"He might."
"I am surprised to hear you say so, Charley," said Frank, hurt by the doubts of his friend.
"He might have thought that Farmer Whipple would never find him out."
"That wouldn't have made any difference with Tony."
"He might have thought, too, how much good the money would do his mother."
"Tony never could have thought that stolen money would do his mother any good."
"Perhaps he did not think anything about the wickedness of the act."
"Is it possible, Charley, that you have so poor an opinion of Tony as that? I shouldn't think you would wish to associate with him now."
"I don't know," said Charles, apparently absorbed by his own thoughts. "Do you think we ought to have him in the club till after this thing is settled?"
"Why, Charley! You can't think how it hurts my feelings to hear you talk so."
"What do you suppose your father will say about it?"
"I know what he will say; he believes Tony is entirely innocent."
"Oh, if he does,weought not to say a word," replied Charles promptly. "Only, you know, he said so much about the club being a means of improvement as well as amusement."
Frank could not understand the thoughts of his friend; but his father, who had been instructing the workmen in regard to the boat-house, joined them soon after, and the question was referred to him, with a statement of Charles's views.
Captain Sedley looked into Charles's eye searchingly.
"You think Tony ought to be excluded from the club, do you?" asked he.
"No, sir;Idon't think so; but I didn't know butyoumight think so," replied Charles, confused by the earnestness of Captain Sedley's glance.
"Charles, I am afraid you have not made your mind up in regard to the question. You are willing to believe anything that will please those whom you wish to conciliate."
"I want to believe the truth."
"You are not so particular about the truth as you are about suiting your friends."
Captain Sedley had had a great deal of experience in reading the characters of men; and he readily perceived that Charles desired to be foremost in condemning evil, for the purpose of getting the good will of others. It was a dangerous state of mind, for with the Bunkers he would probably have been just as forward in a bad cause. His motive was not a worthy one. It was the same as that which sometimes induces men and women to go to church, to give money to the poor, or to assume a virtue they do not possess,—for the reputation it would give them. It was the same motive which had urged him to give his money to the widow Weston.
Perhaps he was not fully conscious of his motive in thus being the foremost to condemn poor Tony; but Captain Sedley read his character rightly, and understood the workings of his mind.
"I am sure I feel kindly towards Tony; as kindly as any other fellow in the club," said Charles.
"I do not doubt it, but we must watch all our thoughts and actions."
Captain Sedley returned to the boat-house to give further directions concerning the building. Before two o'clock all the boys, with the exception of Tony Weston, were gathered on the beach.
"I hope he will come," said Frank, much concerned at the absence of his friend.
"I hope so," added Charles.
"Here is Uncle Ben. Hurrah!" shouted several of the boys.
"I arn't goin' with you this afternoon," said the veteran, as he laid an armful of oars, boat-hooks, and other furniture belonging to the Zephyr, which had been carried to the house for safe keeping, upon the beach.
"Not going with us, Uncle Ben?" asked Frank.
"Your father is going," replied the old sailor, as he drew the boat in shore, and put the oars and other articles in their places on board.
"Here he comes," added Frank.
"Where is Tony?" asked Captain Sedley, as he discovered the absence of the widow's son.
"He has not come."
"I am sorry for that. We will go up and see where he is. Ben, take the boat over to the flat rock."
"Ay, ay, sir."
The boys scampered over to the place of embarkation, followed by Captain Sedley.
"Frank, you may take Tony's place," said his father when they had reached the rock, "and I will steer."
Frank leaped into the bow of the boat, and took the boat-hook. Steadying her, he called the numbers, and the club all took their places in excellent order, and sat waiting for further commands.
"Very well, boys; your discipline is most excellent," said Captain Sedley. "Push off, Frank. Ready with the oars."
"Up oars!" said Uncle Ben, who stood on the rock.
The manœuvre was executed with admirable precision.
"Shove off!" which was done by the bow and stroke oarsmen.
"Let fall!" said Ben.
The oars fell altogether on the water, and the boys shipped them.
"Give way together!" added Ben; and away went the Zephyr with the first stroke of the oars.
Captain Sedley steered up the lake in the direction of the widow Weston's cottage. The Zephyr darted like an arrow through the water, her sharp bow cutting the tiny waves like a knife, making a most musical ripple as it dashed a clear jet of white foam as high as the gunwale.
It was scarcely three minutes before Captain Sedley gave the command "Way enough!" The boat darted into a cove by the widow's house, and Frank and his father landed.
Tony, it seemed, wished to join the club; but his mother, fearful lest some of the boys should taunt him with the occurrences of the past few days, desired him to remain at home. Captain Sedley's request, however, was quite sufficient, and Tony followed Frank down to the boat.
"Three cheers for Tony Weston!" exclaimed Charles Hardy, as they came in sight.
The cheers were given, but Captain Sedley could not but question the motives of him who had proposed them.
"Now, Frank, you are coxswain again," said Captain Sedley. "You will do better than I can; for I am not posted on man-of-war-boat tactics, and Ben has trained you to naval discipline."
Tony took his place at the bow oar, and Frank in the stern-sheets. The former was received with sympathy and kindness by the club, and the poor boy felt how pleasant it was to have the good will of his companions in the midst of his trials.
"Up oars!" said Frank, when all was ready for a start. "Let fall! Give way!"
"Down the lake, Frank, towards the village," added Captain Sedley.
Again the beautiful Zephyr bounded over the waters; but after pulling a few minutes, Captain Sedley directed Frank to cease rowing.
"Boys, we are going to have a uniform for the club," said he.
"A uniform!" repeated several of the boys.
"Hurrah!" shouted Charles Hardy.
"I have already spoken to Mr. Burlap, the tailor; and now we are going down to have him take your measures."
"What will the uniform be, father?" asked Frank.
"White sailors' trousers, a blue jacket, and a white shirt trimmed with blue. The hat will be a tarpaulin, with 'Zephyr' in gilt letters on the front."
The boys all clapped their hands, as the only means in their power to express their gratification.
"Now pull for Rippleton."
"Stand by! Give way!"
The Zephyr parted the waters before her graceful bow, and sped like a rocket on her way. The beautiful boat excited a great deal of attention at the village; and when the boys returned from the tailor's, hundreds had collected on the bank to see them row.
Captain Sedley gratified the curiosity of the people by requiring Frank to exercise the club for some time near the spot where they stood. After a row across the lake, they returned, and the Zephyr was moored in her new house, much to the delight of her enthusiastic crew.
CHAPTER XII
THE FIRST MEETING IN ZEPHYR HALL
In another fortnight the boat-house was entirely completed, furnished, and ready for the occupancy of the club. School had closed for the season, and the summer vacation had begun; but most of the boys, in anticipation of the pleasure which the boat club promised them, preferred to stay at home rather than go to the seashore or the mountains, or visit their friends at a distance.
Mr. Burlap, the tailor, had exerted himself to the utmost; and the new dress of the boat club was soon ready for use. The tarpaulins had been purchased and lettered, and the uniforms had been hung up in the little closets in the club-room of the boat-house. One was appropriated to each member, whose number was painted upon the door.
Uncle Ben had given the boys several extra lessons in rowing in the meantime, and the discipline of the club and the rowing were pronounced perfect. The first meeting in the new hall was appointed to take place on Monday morning, and punctually to the hour the members were all assembled.
The hall had been tastefully furnished and decorated, under the direction of Captain Sedley. On the floor was a very pretty carpet with bright colors; on the walls hung several large maps and engravings in frames, illustrative of various boat-scenes; and over the door leading to the boat-house proper was painted in blue letters,—
ZEPHYR BOAT CLUB.
On the window-curtains the name of the club was also painted. In the middle of the room was placed a long table, around which were arranged thirteen chairs for the members. The library cases were filled with books, which had been selected with great care by Mr. and Mrs. Sedley. On the table were placed various pamphlets and periodicals; and when the club assembled, Uncle Ben was there, seated in the coxswain's armchair, poring over the pages of theSailor's Magazine.
The boys all came in and took their chairs, each of which was numbered; and Uncle Ben cheerfully resigned his place to the coxswain.
"Order!" said Frank, rapping on the table.
Captain Sedley had instructed Frank in some of the forms of conducting a public meeting; and the matter had been made the topic of conversation among the others, so that they had a tolerable idea of parliamentary usage. They were all enthusiastic and eager to learn; and some of them had attended a special town meeting a few days before, for the purpose, as they expressed it, of "seeing how the thing was done." And when Captain Sedley came in to breakfast on the morning of that eventful day, he found Frank intently perusing the pages of Cushing's "Manual."
When, therefore, the coxswain called the meeting to order, all noise and conversation immediately ceased; and the members of the club seemed determined to conduct themselves with more propriety than the "legal voters" of Rippleton had at the town meeting they had attended.
Frank, in the words of the newspaper reporters, "made a neat and appropriate speech," on the occasion of taking possession of the new hall. After this important matter had been disposed of, the coxswain remarked that the first business of the club would be to select a name for the hall.
"Mr. Chairman," said Charles Hardy, rising with the utmost gravity and decorum.
Uncle Ben laughed outright; but immediately apologized for his unseemly mirth, and fearful lest he should disturb the dignified body again, he withdrew from the hall, and busied himself in polishing up the brass work of the boat.
"Charles Hardy," said the young chairman, bowing to the member who had obtained the floor.
"I move that this hall, hereafter, henceforward, and for all time to come, be called Sedley Hall," said Charles, who, in the absence of any work on parliamentary tactics in his father's library, had carefully studied the "Business Man's Assistant," from which he had stored his memory with a variety of legal and technical phrases. He had the jingle of them in his head, and did not mind much about the substance.
Captain Sedley entered the hall just as he made his motion.
"Second the motion," said Fred Harper.
"It is moved and seconded that this room be called Sedley Hall," continued the coxswain, rising from the chair. "The question is open for discussion."
"Mr. Chairman," said Captain Sedley, scarcely able to control his inclination to indulge in a hearty laugh at the dignity and formality of the proceedings, "though not, strictly speaking, a member of the club, perhaps you will indulge me in a few remarks on the question before the house. I am very grateful to you for the honor to my name and family which is contemplated by the excellent member on the other side of the table; but for reasons of my own, I must beg the gentleman to withdraw his motion."
"He cannot withdraw without the consent of the house—of the club, I mean," said Frank, blushing at his blunder.
"It is customary when no objection is made," replied Captain Sedley gravely, "to permit a motion to be withdrawn."
"Mr. Chairman," said Charles, rising, "for the obvious reasons mentioned by the honorable and distinguished gentleman, I withdraw my motion."
At the risk of disturbing the dignity of the meeting, Captain Sedley remarked that he had stated no reasons.
"I move that the room be called Zephyr Hall," said Tony Weston.
"Second the motion," said Charles.
Frank stated the question, and observed that it was open for any remarks. But the members, not feeling disposed to indulge in any flights of eloquence before Captain Sedley, maintained an obstinate silence for full five minutes. The chairman, impressed with the idea that some speeches must be made, anyhow, did not interrupt the dignified quiet by putting the question.
At last the silence was broken by a hearty laugh on the part of Captain Sedley.
"Why don't you put the question, Frank?" asked he.
"The debate has not taken place yet."
"There are some questions which it is not necessary to debate."
"Question!" said Fred Harper, who had been to town meeting.
"Those in favor of calling the room Zephyr Hall, please manifest it by raising the right hand."
"All up!" cried Fred Harper.
"It is a unanimous vote," added the chairman.
"Let the clerk record the vote," whispered Captain Sedley to his son.
"We have no clerk yet."
"Doing business without a clerk!" laughed his father.
"The next business will be to choose a clerk," continued Frank, laughing. "Please to bring in your ballots for a clerk."
There were paper and pens at the other end of the table; and Fred Harper, who seemed to have a very good idea of "the manner in which the public business is transacted," commenced writing votes. In a few moments they were all supplied.
"I move that a committee of three be appointed by the chair to collect, sort, and count the votes, and report to the meeting," said Fred.
"Second the motion," added Tom Greene.
The motion was put and carried.
"The chair appoints Frederic Harper, Thomas Greene, and Mark Leman."
The votes were collected and reported.
"Whole number of votes, thirteen," repeated Frank; "necessary for a choice, seven; Frederic Harper has one; Anthony Weston has twelve, and is elected."
Captain Sedley clapped his hands at this evidence of good will on the part of the members, and the club all joined heartily in the demonstration. Three days before, the grand jury had found a bill against Tony; but his friends still continued to regard and treat him as an innocent person.
"I thank you for your kindness," said Tony, rising; "I am sure, I—" but the poor fellow choked up, and could say no more.
His heart was full, and the great tears rolled down his cheeks.
"Never mind it, Tony; here is the record-book," said Fred Harper, taking it from the library case.
Tony wiped away his tears, and seated himself at the foot of the table, where a small desk had been placed for the use of the clerk.
"Mr. Chairman," said Charles Hardy.
Frank nodded to him to indicate that he had the floor.
"I move that a committee of three be appointed to draft and report a constitution for the club."
"Second the motion," added Sam Harper.
The motion prevailed. Charles Hardy, Tony Weston, and Fred Harper were nominated "at large," and chosen to serve on this committee. Leaving the hall, they retired to the boat-room for deliberation; but the constitution had already been prepared by Frank and Charles, with the assistance of Captain Sedley. To make the business look more important and dignified, Charles insisted on remaining out a few moments, during which time they talked over the matter with Uncle Ben.
When they returned, the constitution was duly reported, and adopted article by article.
Perhaps my young readers would not readily appreciate the moral of my story without reading this important document; therefore I add, in full, the
CONSTITUTION.Article I.This association shall be called the Zephyr Boat Club.Article II.The objects of the association shall be the instruction and amusement of the members, and the acquiring of good morals, good manners, and good habits in general.Article III.The officers of the club shall consist of a coxswain, as president, and a clerk.Article IV.It shall be the duty of the coxswain to command the boat, to preside at the meetings of the club, and to exercise a general supervision over its affairs. He shall hold his office for two weeks.Article V.The clerk shall keep a record of the meetings, and of all business pertaining to the club, and shall hold his office for four weeks.Article VI.No member of this club shall use profane language at any time. No member shall neglect his school, or his duties at home. No member shall use vulgar or indecent language. No member shall provoke a quarrel with another person, but shall do all he can to prevent fighting and unkindly feelings one towards another. No member shall use tobacco, or ardent spirits as a beverage, in any form. All members shall obey the coxswain while in the boat. Any member offending against either of the requirements of this article shall be liable to suspension, and if incorrigible, to expulsion from the club.Article VII.In order the more perfectly to carry out the beneficent and reformatory purposes of the founder of the club, to whose bounty we are indebted for the opportunities of instruction and amusement the association affords us, we appoint him our Director. All violations of Article VI., and all violations of the spirit of our organization set forth in Article II., whether in word or in deed, shall be reported to our Director, and the delinquent shall be subject to such penalty as he shall determine.Article VIII.The hall and library shall be open every Wednesday and Saturday afternoon, at such other times as the Director or coxswain may order, and every evening except Sunday till nine o'clock.Article IX.This constitution may be altered or amended by a vote of two-thirds of the members.
CONSTITUTION.
Article I.
This association shall be called the Zephyr Boat Club.
Article II.
The objects of the association shall be the instruction and amusement of the members, and the acquiring of good morals, good manners, and good habits in general.
Article III.
The officers of the club shall consist of a coxswain, as president, and a clerk.
Article IV.
It shall be the duty of the coxswain to command the boat, to preside at the meetings of the club, and to exercise a general supervision over its affairs. He shall hold his office for two weeks.
Article V.
The clerk shall keep a record of the meetings, and of all business pertaining to the club, and shall hold his office for four weeks.
Article VI.
No member of this club shall use profane language at any time. No member shall neglect his school, or his duties at home. No member shall use vulgar or indecent language. No member shall provoke a quarrel with another person, but shall do all he can to prevent fighting and unkindly feelings one towards another. No member shall use tobacco, or ardent spirits as a beverage, in any form. All members shall obey the coxswain while in the boat. Any member offending against either of the requirements of this article shall be liable to suspension, and if incorrigible, to expulsion from the club.
Article VII.
In order the more perfectly to carry out the beneficent and reformatory purposes of the founder of the club, to whose bounty we are indebted for the opportunities of instruction and amusement the association affords us, we appoint him our Director. All violations of Article VI., and all violations of the spirit of our organization set forth in Article II., whether in word or in deed, shall be reported to our Director, and the delinquent shall be subject to such penalty as he shall determine.
Article VIII.
The hall and library shall be open every Wednesday and Saturday afternoon, at such other times as the Director or coxswain may order, and every evening except Sunday till nine o'clock.
Article IX.
This constitution may be altered or amended by a vote of two-thirds of the members.
This constitution was transferred to the record book, and duly signed. Some other business was transacted, and the meeting adjourned.
"Put on your uniforms," said Frank, as he rose from his chair, "and we will make our first appearance."
"At twelve o'clock there will be a collation ready for you on Centre Island, to which you are all invited," said Captain Sedley.
"Hurrah!" shouted Charles Hardy, as he rushed into the boat-room.
CHAPTER XIII
THE THUNDERBOLT
The appearance of the Zephyr Club in uniform was unique and pleasing, and each of the members was "every inch a sailor." Uncle Ben was delighted with the change; "they looked so much more shipshape than in their shore togs."
"Come, Uncle Ben, we are all ready," said Frank.
"I arn't goin' with you this time."
"You must go without him to-day, Frank," added Captain Sedley. "Uncle Ben must take the things over to the island for the collation."
"Are we to go alone?"
"Certainly."
"Hurrah!" cried Charles, who always used this word to express his gratification.
"But, boys, you must preserve good discipline. According to the constitution you must all obey the coxswain. And, Frank, be very careful; don't get aground on the rocks at the north shore, and if you go down the river, don't go too near the dam."
"I will not, father," replied Frank, who was fully impressed by the responsibility of his position as commander of the Zephyr. "Take your places in the boat. Tony, number them."
The doors which gave egress from the boat-house to the lake were thrown open by Uncle Ben.
"Now, back her steady," continued Frank, standing up in the stern-sheets. "Don't let her rub, Tony. Steady; one hard push; now she goes;" and the Zephyr shot out into the lake.
"The flags, Frank," said Charles.
"Ay, ay; Tony, hoist yours;" and at the same time Frank raised the American flag at the stern.
"Ready; now for the oars. Up oars!"
"Let fall!"
"Give way together!"
Frank felt like a prince as the Zephyr darted away.
"Where are you going, Frank?" asked Charles.
"I don't know; anywhere that the club wish to go."
"Up to Squaw Rock," suggested one.
"Down to Rippleton," said another.
"Over to the sawmill," added a third.
"Way enough!" cried Frank. "Lay on your oars, and we will decide it."
"What do you say to circumnavigating the lake?" said Fred Harper.
"So I say," cried several.
"Those in favor of going round the lake say 'Ay.'"
"Ay," shouted a large majority.
"Round it is," said Frank. "Give way!"
Taking a course in the direction of Rippleton village, Frank kept the boat as near the shore as her safety would permit. The boys rowed with remarkable precision, but with a very slow and measured stroke, so as to reserve their strength for the long pull before them.
"I wonder where the Bunkers are," said Charles.
"They haven't been seen on their raft for several days."
"I suppose they got sick of it when they saw the Zephyr," suggested Fred Harper.
"Very likely; their old raft didn't look much like our craft when we went round them the other day," added Mark Leman.
Charles laughed at the contrast.
"What do you say to landing at Rippleton?" suggested he, as they approached the outlet of the lake.
"What for?" asked Frank.
"They haven't seen our new uniform down here," replied Charles.
"I think we had better not," said the coxswain.
"Why not, Frank? Let us march through the streets, and get up a sensation."
"I would rather not. Some accident might happen to the boat while we are gone."
"Oh, nonsense!"
"Suppose the Bunkers should happen to see it?" suggested Frank.
"They wouldn't dare to touch it," replied Charles.
"I am afraid they would."
"If I were coxswain, I would let you land," said Charles sulkily.
"That isn't fair," said Tony.
"Humph!" sneered Charles.
"Don't get cross, Charley," interposed Frank.
"Who's cross?" said Charles, throwing down his oar.
"Mutiny!" laughed Fred Harper.
"Well, I ain't a-going to be snubbed round in that way."
"Charley, I haven't said a word that you need take offence at," said Frank in a conciliatory tone.
"That he hasn't," interposed several.
"Yes, you have; and you needn't think you are going to tyrannize over me in that way," persisted Hardy.
"Pull steady," said Frank calmly, as he put the helm hard up.
The boat came round in a graceful circle; and to the surprise of all, the coxswain headed her directly for the boat-house.
"I thought you were going round the lake," said Sam Harper.
"Not now," replied Frank quietly.
The boys pulled in silence for several minutes, and Charles Hardy leaned over the gunwale and moodily watched the ripples on the side of the boat. He was conscious that he was introducing dissension into the club; but it seemed to him that Frank was ill-natured in not gratifying him when he proposed to land at Rippleton.
The Zephyr was rapidly approaching the boat-house, and Frank was sweeping her round so as to run her into the slip. The consequences of his behavior occurred to him. The provisions of article six of the constitution, and the penalty, came to his mind with appalling force. His conduct would be immediately reported to the Director, and probably he would be suspended, or expelled from the club. He could not bear to think of such a thing.
The boat in a minute more would shoot into the boat-house, and it would be too late to apologize. He could not endure the idea of "giving up," and owning that he was in the wrong, but to be suspended or expelled was a more bitter reflection.
"Frank," said he in a gentle, insinuating tone.
"Way enough!" cried the coxswain promptly. "Stern all!"
"Forgive me, Frank," said the rebellious oarsman.
"You are rather late, Charley; but better late than never. We are almost into the boat-house."
"I won't give you any more trouble, I solemnly promise it, if you won't say anything about it this time."
"According to the constitution your conduct must be reported."
"Let him slide this time," interposed Fred Harper.
"I freely forgive the offence, so far as I am concerned."
"Your father won't say anything."
"He must know it," insisted Frank firmly.
"What is the matter, boys?" called Captain Sedley from the shore.
"Now we are in for it!" added Fred.
Charles Hardy hung his head with shame. Gladly would he have recalled his hasty words of anger, but it was too late. They had been spoken, and he must abide the consequences.
"Give way!" said Frank sadly, for he would fain have avoided the explanation which his father demanded.
The oarsmen pulled, and the boat was run into the house.
"Keep your places," said Frank, as he leaped out of the boat, and hastened to meet his father.
Captain Sedley was much astonished when he heard the story of Charles's sulkiness, and insisted that he should come ashore; but Frank pleaded for him, and the Director finally consented, as it was the first offence under the new constitution, to pardon it.
Frank, delighted with his success, returned to the boat. Giving the necessary orders, the Zephyr shot out from her berth; and he steered, as before, towards Rippleton. Charles was deeply mortified when he reflected upon his quarrelsome behavior, and mentally resolved never to be guilty of such conduct again. But he was anxious to know what disposition Captain Sedley had made of his case, and whether he should be held to answer for his disobedience when they went ashore. He did not like to say anything about it, though, at first; but after more reflection, his better nature overcame his pride.
"Frank," said he with a smile.
"Well, Charley."
"I am sorry for what I did."
"I knew you were; and for that reason I begged my father to excuse it, and have nothing more said about it."
"You are too generous, Frank; I don't deserve it of you."
"It was an offence against the club more than against me," replied Frank. "I am glad you think better of it."
"I never will do it again."
"I hope not, Charley. You know the constitution provides for a new coxswain every two weeks; when you are chosen, I shall obey your orders."
"I don't deserve to be coxswain."
"Well, never mind it. It is all right now."
Good feeling was again restored, and the boys once more began to enjoy themselves. The Zephyr worked admirably, and Frank deported himself with so much dignity and firmness that the boys rendered the most unqualified obedience to all his orders. But he was not tyrannical nor overbearing. When there was a difference of opinion, he was always ready to yield his own inclination to the wishes of the majority.
The boat passed round the lower end of the lake, and was approaching its upper extremity.
"What's that?" exclaimed Frank, rising from his seat, as he discovered a boat lying near the shore full of boys.
"Way enough!" said he.
"It is the Bunkers!" exclaimed Tony. "I see Tim in the stern."
"It is Joe Braman's boat," added Fred Harper. "Here they come."
"Twig the flags!" cried Charles Hardy.
"In imitation of the Zephyr," said Frank, laughing heartily.
The boat approached near enough for them to examine her. It was, as Fred had declared, Joe Braman's boat; but she had been very much altered. Apparently she had been sawed in two and lengthened out. She had been painted bright yellow, with a red streak round her; and on the bows, after the manner of the Zephyr, was inscribed, in black letters, the name "Thunderbolt," which was in accordance with Tim Bunker's taste. She was pulled by eight oars, and the redoubtable leader of the gang sat in the stern-sheets as coxswain. Forward floated a blue cotton rag, with the letter "T" daubed upon it in white paint, and surrounded by half a dozen ill-shaped stars. At the stern was a ragged piece of bunting, which had once been the flag of the Republic, but which had been curtailed of nine of its stripes and a part of its stars.
The Bunkers evidently had not practised rowing much; for their stroke was irregular, and they splashed the water about like so many porpoises. Occasionally one of them got hit in the back by his neighbor's oar, which produced a great deal of swearing and wrangling among them. They made but slow progress through the water, and the Zephyrs could scarcely refrain from laughing at the singular spectacle.