From every side cries and shouts of astonishment and pleasure resounded, and all pressed towards the centre. And through them all the old barge swept grandly on its way, while its bargemen and the steersman kept a rigid silence and hastily jerked down their caps to hide the giggles which would come in spite of all their efforts. On they swept, and soon a throng of boats was following in their wake, while others ahead lay on their oars and waited. Suddenly, as they approached one of these, Phil leant forward and, shading his eyes with his hand, stared at the occupants. "Keep on, you fellows," he muttered. "There's a boat ahead of us with my pater and mater aboard, and I believe the mayor too. There'll be trouble now, I expect." And this was exactly the case. It was a lovely day, and, persuaded by Joe Sweetman, Mr and Mrs Western had engaged a boat, and, happening to meet the mayor before embarking, had invited him to join the party. Even as the barge appeared in sight, Mr Western was apologising for his son's disgraceful behaviour, and telling the mayor what a disappointment Phil was to him. "Why, as I live," exclaimed Joe Sweetman suddenly, "that's the old state barge! What is happening, Barrington?" "State barge! Yes, so it is. What can it be doing out here?" the mayor, a fat-faced personage, replied. "I have not given my permission. We must see to this, Mr Western." A moment later the barge slipped past, and in spite of Phil's efforts to conceal his identity he was recognised. "It's that rascal Western!" exclaimed the mayor, getting red with anger. "Stop, sir! What do you mean? Are you stealing that barge?" At the mayor's angry order Tommy and his companion ceased rowing, and, seeing that all was discovered, Phil swept his hat from his head and politely wished all "good afternoon." Mr Barrington almost exploded with rage. "Take that barge back at once, you young rascal," he shouted. "I'll have you up for stealing. How dare you? Take it back at once!" But meanwhile a crowd had gathered, and quickly understanding the joke, they laughed long and loudly and cheered the three boys. As for Joe Sweetman, he was convulsed, and this added not a little to the mayor's ill-temper. Mr Western had not spoken a word. All the while he gazed sternly at Phil, as though he could not trust himself to speak, and he had landed at the steps and was on his way home before he opened his lips. "The mayor is right," he said bitterly. "Philip is a disgrace, and I will not allow him to stay at home a single day longer than I can help. I know an excellent institution where boys of his character can be urged into obedience. He shall go there, and nothing shall persuade me to remove him till he has changed utterly and completely." "What! You would send Phil to a school for backward and incorrigible boys?" exclaimed Joe Sweetman.