Tony shook hands with the lady, and she said a great many very pretty things to him, which made the gallant little hero blush like a rose in June, and stammer so that he could hardly make them understand him.

“Shall I help you into the boat, Mrs. Walker?” said Tony.

“You shall, my little gallant; though I shall not be so glad to get into it as I was the other day.”

The boat put off again, and Mr. and Mrs. Walker were filled with admiration of the excellent discipline of the rowers.  They were warmly greeted by the party at the island, and lustily cheered by the crew of the Zephyr, which was again manned for the purpose of giving their liberal friend this complimentary salute.

“Off again, my lads?” asked Mr. Walker, as the Butterflies prepared to go for the Munroe family.

Captain Sedley explained to him the nature of their present errand; and, of course, the warm-hearted gentleman found renewed occasion to applaud the nobleness of Tony and his companions.  He could hardly find terms sufficiently strong to express his sense of admiration, especially when he learned the sacrifice which they had made.

“A fleet of boats!” exclaimed he.  “If it would raise up such boys as these, it ought to be procured at the public expense.  Thank God!  I am rich.”

“I understand you, Mr. Walker,” replied Captain Sedley; “but I beg you will not let your generosity do anything more for the boys.”

“Captain Sedley, I love those boys!  They are good boys, and good boys are a scarcity nowadays.  There is nothing too good for them.”

“You are enthusiastic.”

“But I tell you, sir, there are no such boys as those in the world!” exclaimed Mr. Walker, with a gesture of earnestness.

“O, yes, sir; I presume, under the same discipline, other boys would be the same.”

“Then let them have the same discipline.”

“It would cost a fortune.  It is a very extravagant recreation, this boating.”

“But it makes men of them.  I read the constitution of the clubs, and Tony tells me it is carried out to the fullest extent.”

“No doubt of it.  There are boys among them, who, under other circumstances, would be bad boys.  I am satisfied the club keeps them true to themselves and their duty.”

“That’s just my idea; and these noble-hearted little fellows have bestowed the money I gave them in such a commendable manner, I mean to give them as much more.”

“That was my own feeling about the matter; but I do not think it is a good plan to make good all they sacrifice.  This fleet scheme was a cherished project, and it was noble in them to give it up that they might do a good deed.”

“Noble!  It was heroic—­I was just going to use a stronger word.”

“It is good for them to practise self-denial.  That is all that makes the deed a worthy one.”

“Exactly so.”

“Therefore, my friend, we will not say anything more about the fleet at present.”