ed him
to stay in his tent; and, worn out with fatigue and suffering, he had
slept till nearly nine o'clock. He had passed the day in a state
bordering upon misery. At night a dispute had occurred, ending in a
fight, in which his lieutenant, Barney, had led on the Zephyr party. The
result was a separation, and Charles, deprived of Tim's aid, could no
longer sustain himself. Barney usurped his command, and treated him in
a most shameful manner.

Oh, how bitterly did he repent his folly and wickedness! When they were
about to embark, he attempted to go over to Tim's party. Barney resented
the attempt, and another fight ensued. Then he was kicked into the boat,
for his chief could not spare so able an oarsman.

His mental anguish was so great that he could no longer endure it; and,
in desperation, he had made his escape, as we have narrated. His case
was a hopeful one, and his father cheerfully remitted to Mr. Walker the
amount contained in the lost purse, with the mortifying confession of
his son's guilt.

CHAPTER XVIII.

WRECK OF THE BUTTERFLY.

The next day Mr. Walker arrived at Rippleton himself. The noble-hearted
gentleman seemed to be in unusually good spirits, and the boys noticed
that he and Captain Sedley often exchanged significant glances. They
were all satisfied that something was about to happen, but they could
not imagine what.

Frank and Tony had been requested to invite their friends to assemble at
Zephyr Hall at nine o'clock, on Wednesday morning; so that when Mr.
Walker entered the hall with Captain Sedley, the whole school, to the
number of over seventy, were gathered there.

Charles Hardy was there with the rest; but he seemed to be a different
boy. He had lost that forwardness which had often rendered him a
disagreeable companion. He had been forgiven; Mr. Walker had spoken to
him very kindly, and all his friends treated him as though nothing had
happened; but for all this, he could not feel right. His sufferings were
not yet ended; repentance will not banish at once the remembrance of
former sin and error. There was a deep feeling of commiseration
manifested towards him by his associates. He was to them the returned
prodigal, and they would fain have killed the fatted calf in honor of
his happy restoration.

The Zephyrs and the Butterflies wore their uniforms, and Mr. Walker was
so excited that all the boys were sure a good time was before them;
though, as the boats had not yet been