“That’s just where I wanted her,” said Tommy, unmoved by the event. “Joe Poole!” Joe Poole appeared before the imperious little magnate, and was directed to bring up the boat and land our uncomfortable passenger. Tommy jumped into the boat, and as he took his seat in the stern-sheets, he delivered his parting volley at me, to the effect that, like Othello, my occupation was gone, and that I should be driven out of Middleport as a coward and a traitor. To this mild speech I permitted myself to make no reply. “Hurrah! Hurrah! Hurrah!” shouted the Toppleton battalion on the shore. This shout of triumph attracted the attention of the major, and he hurried up Joe Poole, who soon landed him on the beach. On the whole, I concluded that I had not made much by meddling with the conflict, even so far as to rescue Tommy from his captors. During the events which I have related, I had closely watched the movements of the contending forces. Company B of the Toppleton battalion had been sent round the island to flank the enemy, and obtain a position where stones were available as ammunition. This operation had been successful, and the Wimpletonians had been forced back from their stronghold, for they could not stand up against volleys of stones any better than their rivals. Company A had dashed down the hill at the right time, and the enemy were driven upon their baggage. This success had drawn forth the shout of triumph. Fortunately for us on board of the Grace, Tommy had sailed her shaking in the wind, so that she had gone on the shoal very gently, though hard enough to give us two hours of severe exertion. As we worked, moving ballast from the forward to the after part of the yacht, we watched the movements of the contending forces. As I anticipated, Tommy ordered another charge as soon as he reached the battalion, though the Wimpletonians were actually engaged in loading their baggage into the boats. We saw a flag of truce hoisted by the defeated party, and a parley took place, the result of which was, that they were permitted to retire without further molestation. Long and loud were the cheers of Toppleton when the fleet moved away from the island, and pulled towards the Shooter. The victors then returned to their camp. We got the Grace off at last, and, after passing around the Horse Shoe, I anchored off the pier in the channel. Major Toppleton soon appeared, accompanied by Tommy, and I expected to be discharged at once. CHAPTER XIX. A TYRANNICAL SON. “I suppose my time is out, Miss Toppleton,” said I to Grace, as I saw the big major and the little major approaching the pier. “Your time out?” she replied, looking anxiously at me. “I shall be discharged from my situation, and perhaps be driven out of Middleport.” “O, no! I hope not, Mr. Wolf.” “Tommy is very arbitrary, and after what has happened, he will not permit me to remain on the same side of the lake with him.” “I am sorry you touched him,” said she, musing.