manners of the boys, as they stood confronting him in an easy and
self-possessed manner, showed most plainly the absurdity of his
position. Even the mysterious flag became intelligible, when he
looked at the faces of those over whom it floated.

"I suppose it's all right," he muttered, in a vexed tone, and
descended into the boat without another word.

"Sorry to have troubled you, captain," said Corbet, looking blandly
after the officer; "but it wan't my fault. I didn't have charge of
that thar injine."

The officer turned his back without a word, and the men pulled off
to the steamer.

The captain looked after the boat in silence for some time.

"I'm sorry," said he, at length, as he heaved a gentle sigh,--"I'm
sorry that you put in your oars--I do SO like to sass a revonoo
officer."






III.

Solomon surpasses himself.--A Period of Joy is generally followed
by a Time of Sorrow.--Gloomy Forebodings.--The Legend of Petticoat