As a matter of fact, though, Bob alone was concerned.  He had thought of the trick, procured a bottle of liquid glue from the drug store, and, watching his chance, had poured it on the chair.  Then he had told his chums of it, and they had withdrawn with him to the gallery to watch events, which came quickly enough.

At the supper-table of the young people, little was talked of but Bob’s prank, and opinion was pretty evenly divided as to what would happen.

“Maybe the minister will have him arrested,” suggested one girl.

“Oh, I don’t think so,” was the opinion of another.  “Mr. Blackton is a kind-hearted man, and he likes Bob.”

“But I don’t believe he’ll like him after tonight.”

“Maybe not.  It was a mean thing to do, but I couldn’t help laughing when the minister stood up and the chair went with him, swinging around every time he moved, the legs hitting everybody.”

“Yes, it was odd.  I had to laugh, too.”

The girls and several of their companions indulged in merriment at the recollection.  The minister soon returned to the church parlors, wearing a different pair of trousers, and he seemed to have regained his good humor.

“Who was the boy who wanted me to remain seated all the evening, and perhaps longer?” he asked.

“It was Bob Henderson,” volunteered several.

“Yes, Mr. Blackton,” said Mrs. Henderson.  “I am sorry to have to admit that it was my son who played that prank.  But he is going to be punished for it.  His father has sent him home and has followed after him.”

“I hope he will not punish Bob too severely.  It was a boyish prank, due more to thoughtlessness than to malice.”

“I suppose it was, but Bob plays altogether too many such pranks.  I think this will be the last.”

“Well, tell Bob I forgive him, though my trousers are ruined.”

“Mr. Henderson will arrange with you about that.”

“What—­er—­what chastisement does he contemplate administering to Bob?” asked the minister.  He and Mrs. Henderson were conversing off to one side, in a corner of the room.  “I hope he will not whip him.  Bob is too big a boy to be whipped.”

“Still, parson, you know what the Good Book says:  ’Spare the rod and spoil the child.’”

“Yes, Mrs. Henderson, I know.  Chastisement is all right in many cases, but there are other means.”

“And it is my plan to take them,” went on Bob’s mother.  “I have just made arrangements with Captain Spark to take Bob with him on a long sea voyage.”

“A sea voyage?  That ought to be fine.  Yes, I think that will be better than whipping Bob.  Tell your husband I said so.”

“I shall.  Now, if you will excuse me, I must see that these young people have plenty to eat.  They are a hungry lot.”

“Indeed they are.  Don’t forget to tell Bob I forgive him.  I don’t want him to worry.  Tell him, also, that he must be a little more thoughtful.”