"JOE, I hate to go. I only go to keep my father from finding out. You
can't hate me any more than I hate myself. D."
That evening Joe kept his room; he could not bear to hear his friends
saying continually, "Poor Joe!" "Oh, if Joe could go!"
*CHAPTER III.*
*OFF FOR WHALEBACK.*
In the early morning Joe heard the shouts of the merry crowd as they
went down through the Academy grounds to the river where the steamer was
waiting to take the party out to the island. The boys were laden with
blankets, fishing-rods, guns, or other warlike implements; while tents
and cooking utensils were taken along in a waggon.
David Winter remained behind with Joe until the whistle sounded, feeling
sure that the culprit would confess at the last moment, and that Joe
would go after all.
Finding that the hope had been a vain one, he gave Joe a parting hug
that would have done credit to the most affectionate bear in the world,
and without a word darted out of the room.
As soon as Joe was alone he opened a little note that he had been
holding tight in his hand--one that Mr. Bernard had put there himself
when he came to the door to say good-bye.
It was a short note, but it gave Joe a great deal of pleasure,
"DEAR BOY,--I am sure you know that I am more than sorry to leave you
behind.
"It seems to me the only way to reach the offender, and I hope he will
yet confess. Be sure I shall send for you at once if he should do so.
Meanwhile don't go home. The summons may come at any time. Yours with
affection, J. W. BERNARD."
The boat was gay with flags that streamed from every available point,
and the band was playing the liveliest airs as the boys stepped on
board.
"Are we all here?" asked Mr. Bernard, as he stood on the top of the
saloon and glanced over the crowd of lads.
"All but little Joe!" said one or two boys a little spitefully.
"Carver isn't here yet, sir!" said another.
"Sure enough; where is Carver?" asked the teacher.
"Blow the whistle again!" shouted Mr. Bernard.
"Drayton is missing too!" exclaimed Mr. Andrews.
"O father, here's a note one of the chambermaids gave me for you. I
forgot all about it," cried Max Bernard, the teacher's little son, who
was to make one of the party.