"She's the schooner we chartered for the summer, though she's nothing but a lumber-vessel fixed up for our use. She sails very well, and is large enough for a party of ten. We found her at Rouse's Point. Now, come on board of her. We have just opened a keg of beer in view of your expected visit," said Spickles, in the most persuasive tones he could command. "I don't drink beer," answered the student of the school. "You don't drink beer!" exclaimed the visitor, stepping back in his apparent astonishment. "How long has that been?" "I haven't tasted beer, or any thing of the kind, since I came to this school, about two years ago," replied the captain of the Lily. "Then, it was only because you couldn't get any beer." "Perhaps that is one reason, though I haven't tried to get any. I had it all about me while I was at home in New York, but I had decided not to take any under any circumstances." "Then, it is time for you to begin again. Come along, Matt." "No beer for me, and I cannot go with you," added Matt resolutely. "I made up my mind a year ago not to drink any thing that fuddles, and to keep out of bad company." "Bad company!" exclaimed Spickles, looking earnestly into the face of his former associate in the city. "That is what I said; and I advise you to do the same thing, Spickles. It is best to keep on the safe side of the evils of this world." "You are a regular built parson!" This conversation was continued for some time longer, but the captain of the Lily remained as firm as the rocks in the quarry above Beechwater. The visitor was not only disgusted with his want of success in enticing his former companion to the schooner in the river, but he was offended at what he considered the stiffness of Matt. When the latter spoke of keeping out of bad company, he put the coat on, whether he saw that it fitted him or not. "You are an out-and-out spooney now, Matt Randolph; and I did not think that of you," said Spickles, as the crew of the Lily began to gather on the wharf, where the conversation had taken place. "Just as you please, Spickles," replied Matt, with a smile; and he seemed to feel that the interview had come to a desirable point, and that his former associate would drop him from the roll of his friends. "But I want to look about this place a little before I leave it forever," added the visitor. "I suppose I can do so?" "Certainly, upon application to the principal, Captain Gildrock. He will show you all over the establishment," replied Matt. "There he comes, and I will introduce you." "All right. Chuckworth! Mackwith!" answered Spickles, calling to his two companions in the boat.