The boys at the boat-house were not kept long in suspense in relation to their day’s sport.  Captain Sedley formed them into a procession, when all had arrived, and, after appointing Fred Harper chief marshal, directed them to march down to Rippleton, cross the river, and halt upon the other side till he came.

When they reached the place they found Uncle Ben there, and soon after were joined by Captain Sedley and Mr. Walker.

“Follow us,” said the former, as he led the way down to a little inlet of the lake, whose waters were nearly enclosed by the land.

“Hurrah!” shouted Fred Harper, suddenly, when he obtained a view of the inlet, and the cry was taken up by the whole party.

“The fleet!  The fleet!” was passed from mouth to mouth; and unable to control their excitement, they broke their ranks and ran with all their might down to the water’s side.

Resting gracefully, like so many swans, on the bright waters of the inlet, lay five beautiful club boats.  They were of different sizes, and fore and aft floated their flags to the gentle breeze.

I will not attempt to describe the wild delight of the boys when they beheld the splendid boats.  The bright vision of a fleet, which they had so cheerfully abandoned to be enabled to do a good and generous deed, was realized.  Here was the fleet, far surpassing in grandeur their most magnificent ideal.

Five boats!  And the Zephyr and the Butterfly would make seven!

“You have done this!” exclaimed Frank, as Mr. Walker approached.

“Your father and I together did it.  Now, boys, if you will form a ring we will explain.”

“Three cheers for Mr. Walker first,” suggested Tony.

They were given, and three more for Captain Sedley.

“My lads, I heard all about your giving up the fleet to help Mr. Munroe out of trouble.  It was noble—­heroic, and I have since taken pains to inform myself as to the manner in which you conducted yourself after the brave sacrifice.  As far as I can learn, not a regret has been expressed at the mode in which your money was applied.  Here is your reward,” and he pointed to the boats.  “They are the gift of Captain Sedley and myself.  I am sorry that these Rovers have taken your other boats; but it enables us to observe the difference between good boys and bad boys.  Nay, Master Hardy, you need not blush; for, though you have erred, you have behaved heroically; you risked your life to escape from them; you are forgiven.”

This speech was received with shouts of applause, and Charles Hardy stepped forward with tears in his eyes to thank the kind gentleman for his generosity towards him.

“Now, boys,” said Captain Sedley, “we are going to recover the lost boats.”

“Hurrah!” shouted all the boys.

“Two of these boats, you perceive, carry twelve oars each.  The crew of the Zephyr will man the Bluebird.”

The Zephyrs obeyed the order.