“I don’t want any fellow about me that won’t obey orders,” protested the little major. “You advised the captain to keep us locked up in that cabin, when we might have cleaned out the Wimps, and paid them off for what they did.” “Your father sent me down here, Tommy, to do anything I could to assist you,” I added. “I don’t care if he did!” replied Tommy, irritated rather than conciliated by this remark. “He wished me to stay with you; it was not by my own desire that I came.” “Did he send you here to be a spy upon our actions? If he did, so much the more reason why we should get rid of you. We don’t want any spies and go-betweens here.” “I am not a spy, Tommy.” “Go on board the steamer, and tell my father I won’t have you here.” “Very well,” I replied, as I walked away from the imperious little magnate. “Wolf is a good fellow,” I heard the dignified Skotchley say to Tommy, as I departed. “I wouldn’t send him off.” “You wouldn’t, and you needn’t. I will, and shall,” replied Tommy, curtly. By this time the officers and soldiers of Company A had gathered at the shore, and I found I had quite a number of friends who were willing to intercede for me; but if all the officers of the battalion had gone down upon their knees to him in my behalf, he would not have yielded. I was banished from the island; and, though I was very willing to go, much preferring to spend my vacation in some contemplated improvements upon our garden, I did not wish to be sent away in disgrace. I saw that Skotchley did not like the manner in which his interposition had been treated, and just as the boat was about to start, I was not a little surprised to see him come on board. “Faxon is as mad as a March hare,” said he, walking up to me. “What is the matter?” “He says it is mean to send you off in this way.” “I am willing to go; I don’t care about staying here, for there will be a fight soon,” I added. “But Major Toppleton sent me here, and I thought I ought to stay.” “I would stay, if I were you,” said Skotchley. “No; I won’t make any trouble. But the steamer is starting; you will be carried off if you don’t go on shore.” “That is just what I want,” replied the dignified student, with a smile. “Like yourself, I don’t wish to make any trouble; but I will not be snubbed by Major Tommy Toppleton. I prefer to spend my vacation in some other place.” “All ashore,” said Captain Underwood, nodding to my companion. “I am going with you, captain.” “Very well;” and the bell was rung to start her. “Hallo, there! Stop her, Captain Underwood!” called the imperious major. The captain obeyed, of course. “Where are you going, Skotchley?” demanded Tommy. “I am going to Middleport,” replied Skotchley, in his quiet manner. “I don’t see it!” added the major, his face reddening with anger at this breach of discipline. “You are first lieutenant of Company B.” “I prefer not to remain.” “But I prefer that you should remain,” stormed Tommy.