The men, who had been put to much trouble in hunting up their wayward
sons, did not greet them very cordially. They looked stern and
offended, but said little. Joseph was obliged to deliver up his money
to his father, and they immediately made preparations for returning
home by the afternoon train.

"Well," said Oscar, when Alfred had concluded his story, "I did n't
believe all that boy said, at the time, but I thought I would n't say
so."

"Nor I, neither," said Alfred. "I guess he did n't expect his father's
ship would arrive so suddenly, when he tried to stuff us up so."

"Did your father know you went off with them in the forenoon?" inquired
Oscar.

"Yes, but he did n't care much about it. He told me I must go to
school this afternoon, and not stay away again without leave."

The rules of the school required a written note of excuse from the
parents, in case of absence. Neither of the boys was furnished with
such an excuse, and after a little consultation, they concluded that
their chances of escaping punishment would be greatest, if they should
frankly confess how they had been duped and led astray by the young
rogues whose acquaintance they had so suddenly and imprudently formed.
They supposed that the peculiar circumstances of the case, coupled with
a voluntary confession, might excite some degree of sympathy, rather
than displeasure, towards them. To make the matter doubly sure, it was
arranged that Alfred should speak to the master about the matter before
school commenced.