From Charles all the particulars of the “frolic” were obtained.  After his unsuccessful attempt to escape in the Sylph, Tim had compelled 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 recovered, they were at a loss to determine the nature of the sports to which they had been invited.

The Rovers still maintained themselves on the island.  The rupture between Tim and Barney had evidently been healed; for both parties seemed to mingle as though nothing had occurred to mar their harmonious action.