, rather in a beseeching than an intimidating tone.

"That will depend on circumstances."

"What circumstances?"

"You may as well understand me first as last. You keep talking about my
being afraid of my mother, and all that sort of stuff. I'm not afraid of
her, and I don't like to be told that I am."

"I won't say it again, then."

"Fellows that live in glass houses mustn't throw stones."

"Do you really think I was frightened, Paul?"

"I really think you was. Didn't you back out?"

"Not till the sail broke down."

"I offered to fix that."

"It's no use to risk a fellow's life for nothing."

"That's the point exactly. Don't you say a word about my mother, and you
may talk as big as you please about this scrape."

"I'm not going to talk big about it. I shall give you all the credit you
deserve."

"Of course you will. The fellow that holds the bag can let the cat out
when he chooses. I don't like to have my mother spoken of as you speak
of your mother. She's my mother, and she has always been a good mother
to me, and I would do anything in the world for her. There's only one
thing about this scrape that I'm sorry for; and that is, that I didn't
mind her. It makes me feel bad."

"She won't say much to you; she will be so glad to have you safely home,
that she won't feel like jawing you," answered Thomas, in what he
intended for words of consolation, but which were really heartless and
offensive to the penitent.

"My mother don't jaw; it will make her feel bad that I didn't mind her;
and that is ten times worse than a scolding or a whipping.--That man
keeps shaking his hat to us. Who do you think it is?"

"It looks like Captain Littleton."

"What can he want of me?" said Paul, anxiously.

"If it is Captain Littleton, it is more like he wants me."

In a few moments more the boat darted into the cove, and the boys
recognized Captain Littleton in the gentleman who had been beckoning to
them.

"Come ashore, Paul, as quick as you can!" shouted he, as he jumped into
his chaise, and drove nearer to the point where the boat was to land.

"Do you want me, sir?" asked Paul.

"Yes; you are wanted at home."

Our hero was filled with terror and anxiety by this reply. He was sure
that something had happened, or a gentleman like Captain Littleton
would not have taken the trouble to come after him. As the boat struck
the bank, he brailed up the sail, and jumped ashore with the painter in
his hand.

"Come,