rough Shellport that
afternoon.

Great, therefore, was his disappointment when Riddell told him that no
permits were allowed that afternoon.

"What?" exclaimed the boy. "I've not seen Evans for a year, and he'll
think it so awfully low, after writing to me, if I don't show up at the
station."

"I'm awfully sorry, Wyndham," said Riddell, who had heard so many wild
pretexts for getting leave during the last two days that he even doubted
how far Wyndham's might be true or not; "the doctor says no one is to go
down, and I can't give any permits."

"But I tell you all I want is to see Evans--there's no harm in that."

"Of course not, and you should get the permit at once if any were
allowed."

"You could give me one if you chose."

"But if I gave to one I should have to give to all."

"I don't see that you need tell everybody," said Wyndham, nettled.

"I'm sorry it can't be done, Wyndham; I can't make any exceptions," said
the captain, firmly.

"You could well enough if you chose," said Wyndham, sorely disappointed
and aggrieved. "The fact is, I don't know why, I believe you've got a
spite against me of late."

"You know I haven't, Wyndham," said Riddell, kindly.

Wyndham did know, and at any other time would have felt reproached by
the consciousness of his own injustice. But he was just now so bitterly
disappointed that he smothered every other feeling, and answered
angrily, "Yes, you have, and I don't care if you have; I suppose it's
because I'm friends with Silk. I can tell you Silk's a good deal more
brickish to me than you are!"

Poor Riddell! This, then, was the end of his hopes of winning over his
old friend's brother. The words struck him like a knife. He would
almost sooner break all the rules in the school, so he felt that moment,
than drive this one boy to throw in his lot with fellows like Silk!

"Wyndham!" he said, almost appealingly.

But Wyndham was gone, and the chance was lost.

The rest of that day passed miserably for the captain. An ominous
silence and order seemed to hang over morning school. No further
applicants molested him. No case of disorder was reported during the
morning, and at dinner the boys were so quiet they might have been in
church.

Just after morning school, and before dinner, as he crossed the
playground, Wyndham passed him, talking and laughing with Silk; and
neither of them noticed him.

The captain retired to his study, dejected and miserable, and, a