e mutineers had taken possession of every one of
the boats, and were sailing up the lake towards Green Island. They
dared not return to the Institute, fearing that their plan might be
discovered.

Richard was informed that arrangements had been made before he joined
them; that they intended to take all the boats, so that the instructors
could not reach them, and encamp on the island.

When the rolls were called, the absence of about fifty of the boys was
discovered by the teachers. The truth came out, and the sharp eye of
Colonel Brockridge seemed to glow with unwonted lustre.

CHAPTER XX.

RICHARD VISITS GREEN ISLAND, AND THE REGULATORS CONSIDER THEIR PLANS.

The evening exercises proceeded as usual, no allusion whatever being
made to the absence of the mutineers, after the facts had been
revealed. But no one supposed that the energetic principal would drop
the matter where it then stood.

Richard had been "putting that and that together" since the events
which had transpired in the grove, till he was pretty well satisfied
that the mutineers now upon Green Island were the Regulators. The
evidences which led him to this conclusion had been carefully collected
from the time he had been whipped by them in the woods near the camp.
Though Nevers had appeared to be very friendly since the race, his
conduct had not been above suspicion.

During the evening the boys had a great deal to say about the mutiny,
and some of them even regretted that they had not joined, especially as
the colonel did not seem to care much about the affair. About eight
o'clock in the evening, Richard was sent for by the principal.

"Grant," said Colonel Brockridge, as Richard entered the office, "I
have heard all about your conduct, and I wish to express to you my
approbation. You have, indeed, turned over a new leaf, as you told the
boys, and I congratulate you upon your success in keeping your good
resolution. I have just written a letter to your father, which you may
read."

The principal handed him the letter, and with a glow of pride and
satisfaction, Richard read the high commendation which was bestowed
upon him. There was no allusion to the affair of the day, and the
praise covered his general conduct since he had been at Tunbrook.

"I learn that you have been true to yourself, and true to the rules of
the Institute, under peculiar trials. I sympathize with you. But you
have won the respect and regard of all the good boys. Y