I assisted her on board of the yacht, and Tom Walton was as polite to her as her beauty and her position required. I was sorry to leave her; but I was intent upon the duty of preventing the fight. I pulled over to the other side of the lake. Haughty servants told me the magnate of Centreport was asleep, and must not be disturbed; but one who had seen me there in the night with the colonel, ventured to tell him that I wished to see him. I was promptly admitted to his bedroom, where I stated my business. “I don’t think there is any great danger of a quarrel,” said he, after he had listened attentively to my story. “I think there is, sir. The students from this side have landed on the Horse Shoe.” “Well, our boys have always used that island for their camp.” “But the Toppleton students engaged the Horse Shoe of the owner, and you will agree with me that they have the best right to the ground. If you will direct the boys from this side to leave the island, there will be no further trouble.” “Do you think I shall tell our boys to run away from those on the other side?” demanded he, indignantly. “I am willing to do anything for you, Wolf, after what has happened; but I think you need not concern yourself about this affair.” “I don’t want to have a fight, sir.” “Nor I either.” “Then I hope you will do the right thing, and send your boys off the island.” “I will not do it.” “Well, sir, suppose Waddie should get punched with a bayonet?” I suggested. “I think Waddie can take care of himself. But, understand me, Wolf, if I can do anything for you, I will do it.” “I have nothing to ask but this.” “I will see what can be done,” he replied, rubbing his head, which I judged was still suffering from the effects of the brandy from the bottle that had been lost overboard. “I don’t want any fighting. I will go up to the Horse Shoe by and by, if I feel able.” I pressed the matter as strongly as I could; but the stupid rivalry was too strong in his mind to permit anything which looked like yielding. I left him, hoping that the peril of Waddie, if no higher consideration, might induce him to take some active steps to avert the disgraceful alternative. I pulled with all my might across the lake, and I was not a moment too soon, for I had hardly jumped upon deck before Major Toppleton appeared on the shore, and hailed the yacht for a boat. Taking Grace with me, I pulled to the steps. The great man had his overcoat on his arm, and it was evident that he intended to be a passenger in the yacht to the scene of action. “Let me go too, father,” said Grace. “I must sail in that beautiful yacht this very day.” “We cannot wait,” replied the major, rather petulantly. “I don’t want you to wait. I am all ready,” she added. “If there is going to be a fight up there, you will be in the way.” “I will stay in the yacht. Don’t say no; be a good papa.”