“I do not see that we can,” answered Skotchley. “What can we do? You know what Tommy is. If we should attempt to reason with him, he would flare up.” “I don’t mean to reason with him; that would be stupid.” “Of course we can’t do anything with Waddie.” “All we have to do is to inform Major Toppleton of the state of affairs on the island,” I replied, as I put the helm down, and told Tom Walton to haul in the sheets till the yacht was close on the wind. “We shall get to Middleport with this breeze before the dummy starts.” It was only four o’clock in the morning, and though we had to beat up to our destination, I was confident the Grace would do it in a couple of hours. I had not had quite rest enough to make me feel good, and giving the helm to Tom, I lay down again. I was soon asleep, and the two hours of rest which I obtained set me right. “Middleport ahoy!” shouted Tom, as we approached our destination. “What time is it, Tom?” “Six o’clock. This yacht makes quick time of it.” “Where is Joe Poole?” “He has just turned out, and is getting breakfast.” “That’s sensible,” I replied, going on deck. “Clear away the anchor, and stand by the jib-halyards.” In a few moments more, the Grace was at anchor in the deep water off the major’s house. The great man was still asleep; but it would be necessary to wake him. The belligerents on the island would soon be punching each other with their bayonets if something was not done. But I could not help feeling that the presence of Major Toppleton at the scene of action would hardly better the situation. He was as violent, arbitrary, and exacting as his son. It was possible that he might do something to give the victory to the partisans of his own side; but it was hardly to be expected that he would prevent the fight. “Skotchley, will you go ashore and call upon the major? You have only to tell him that the Wimps have landed on the Horse Shoe,” said I to the dignified student. “I don’t object; but why don’t you go?” he replied. “I wish to go somewhere else.” “Where?” he asked, curiously. “I will tell you some other time, perhaps.” “Just as you like, Wolf.” I pulled up the tender, and both of us got into it. I rowed to the steps in front of the major’s house, and landed Skotchley. I had made up my mind what to do, and I had but little time to carry out my purpose. I felt in duty bound to prevent the fight on the island, if I could, even independently of the mighty will and pleasure of Major Toppleton. It was wicked to permit those boys, armed with deadly weapons, and irritated by a long-standing rivalry, to plunge into a strife which might become more serious than either party intended. “Mr. Wolf!” called the sweet voice of Grace Toppleton, just as I was about to push off the boat.