Dory was like other boys, and he did not exactly like to be hugged by his mother in the presence of so many people; but even the boys thought it was quite natural and proper. In vain Dory protested that he had not been hurt, and that it was not a very big thing to "shake down" such a fellow as Mr. Michael Angelo Spickles: his mother kept on hugging him, and the crowd kept on cheering him. "But I must go on board, mother; for these fellows are all shut up in the cabin still, and I know something about them," protested the hero, trying to break away from her. "Just as soon as the officers take them away, I will tell you all about it." At last she permitted him to leave her, and he jumped upon the rail; but his appearance, where he could be seen by all, was the signal for another outbreak of applause. "'See, the conquering hero comes!'" exclaimed the principal, who was also standing on the rail. "You are cutting it altogether too fat, uncle Royal," said Dory, laughing; though he did not often address this style of remark to him. "Where is Mr. Jepson?" "He is assisting in opening the hatch," replied the principal. "I should like to inquire if he was not with me, for I have a very distinct impression that he took an active part in all that was done." "Mr. Jepson!" called the principal. "See, the other conquering hero comes!" shouted Dory, as the machinist came into the presence of the captain. "What is the matter, Dory?" asked the instructor. "They are making game of me all around, and I want you to help me out with it." "I am entirely sincere in all I have said," added Captain Gildrock. "You deserve all the praise you have received, and all you are likely to receive in the future, for your bravery and skill; though I wish you had not exposed yourself." "But Mr. Jepson has been with me all the time, and I am not guilty of any more bravery and skill than he is. I could not have done any thing alone; and he did just as much as I did with his head and his hands, and he deserves to be slobbered as much as I do." "Three cheers for the instructor in mechanics!" shouted a student who had heard the conversation. They were given with quite as much vim as those for Dory. "But Dory was the leader of the enterprise, though I did the best I could to support him," added the machinist. "You have done exceedingly well, both of you; but we will drop this subject for the time, and open the cabin-doors," said the principal, as he led the way to the quarter-deck of the schooner.