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, _we_ ought 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; _I_ don't think so; but I didn't know but _you_ might 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