"Who protested now, Master Charles Hardy?" asked Little Paul, as he
good-naturedly punched the forward youth in the ribs.

"Circumstances alter cases," replied Charles, sagely, as he bent on his
oar.

"Fact! but they altered them when the deed was done, not now, when you
have found out that it was all right."




CHAPTER VII.

COMMODORE FRANK SEDLEY.


For a few days all Rippleton rang with the praises of Tony and his
companions. All the particulars of the affair at the bridge had been
given in the Rippleton Mercury, and the editor was profuse in his
commendations of the skill and courage of the Butterfly Boat Club; and
he did not withhold from the Zephyr the credit which was justly due.
Tony was a hero, and his fame extended for many miles around.

Mr. Walker and his lady, who had been rescued from the river, visited
Captain Sedley and the Weston family the next day. I need not tell my
young readers how earnest he was in the expression of his admiration and
gratitude. He was a wealthy merchant, and resided in a neighboring town.
Being as warm-hearted and generous as he was just and discriminating, it