“Tom, my lad, I am delighted to see you, after wandering all over the ocean in search of you!” exclaimed Judge Rodwood, grasping both the hands of his ward, and giving him a very affectionate greeting. “What do you mean by running away from me?” “I am very glad to see you, sir; though I do not want to be taken out of the squadron,” replied Tom, who found the judge a very different person from what he had anticipated. He was not a bit like the stern judge he had fancied; and he could not help liking him at first sight. “You can stay in the squadron till your head is as white as mine, if you like, my lad,” protested the guardian warmly. “The Marian, which is not a very ugly craft, is your property, or will be in a few months; and I didn’t know but you might like to make a cruise in her. Do as you please, however.” “That alters the case,” replied Tom, laughing, and bestowing an admiring glance upon the beautiful steam-yacht. “But I think I should like to remain a while longer.” By this time the principal and the two vice-principals were on board. They greeted the captain with great heartiness; and it was clear enough that he was not under the displeasure of the authorities. O’Hara made his report in full on the spot, detailing all the incidents of the cruise. He sent for the log-books kept by all the officers, and submitted them for examination. The captain had the satisfaction of having his management of the steamer approved. The meeting between Mr. Frisbone and the principal was a very interesting event; and the ship’s company of the Ville d’Angers understood its meaning so well, that they involuntarily gave three cheers as the two gentlemen joined hands on the deck. “Your boys have been the salvation of myself and those I care a good deal more for than I do for myself, Mr. Lowington!” exclaimed the prince; and the tears gathered in his eyes as he spoke. “I am glad that they have been of service to you,” replied the principal, as they retired to the cabin to see the ladies. “That Tom Speers, who is worth three millions of dollars now, would weigh down the whole of the money in gold,” continued the Prince; and he proceeded to tell the story of Tom’s noble conduct in saving the life of Miss Rodwood. “I hope the money that comes to him will not spoil him. He had been brought up in poverty; and the change may turn his head,” added the principal. “Not a bit of it!” exclaimed Mr. Frisbone. “Tom’s head is not one of the sort to be turned by money, or any thing else. He will do more good with that fortune than his uncle ever did; and I thank God it has fallen into good hands.” “Let us hope so.” “And believe so; for I know the young man through and through.” “This is a fine steamer you have, Mr. Frisbone,” added the principal, looking about the cabin.