CHAPTER XII.
FIRST OF MAY.
May day came--warm, bright, and beautiful.

At six o'clock in the morning the Zephyr and the Butterfly were manned, and the boys went over to the island to trim the May-pole with evergreen and flowers.

The Sylph was degraded for the time into a "freighting vessel," and under command of Uncle Ben conveyed to the island chairs and settees for the use of the guests, tables for the feast, music stands for the band, and other articles required for the occasion.
About nine o'clock the guests began to arrive, and were conveyed to the island by the two club boats--the Sylph having gone down to Rippleton after the band.

The Sedleys, the Westons, Mr.Hyde, the parents of all the members of the clubs who could attend, all the boys and girls of the school, and a few gentlemen and ladies from the village who had manifested a warm interest in the welfare of the two associations, composed the party; and before ten they were all conveyed to the scene of the festival.
"Have you got them all, Frank ?" asked Captain Sedley, as the coxswain was ordering his crew ashore.
"All but the Munroes, and the Butterflies are going for them by and by." "Tom is hoisting the signal," added Captain Sedley, pointing to a blue flag on the shore, which the gardener had been directed to hoist when anyone wished to go to the Island.
"We will go, Frank," said Tony; and away dashed the boat towards the main shore.
"Ah, my Butterflies," said a voice, as they approached the landing.
"Mr.Walker!" exclaimed Tony.

"Ready--up! Now let us give him three cheers.