"It is meaner than dirt to make us stay on board on the Fourth of July." "But I don't see how we are going to help ourselves," added Monroe, looking at Wilton for a solution of this difficult problem.
"I do." "How ?" "Keep still; don't say a word here," continued Wilton.

"Scatter, now, and I will be on the top-gallant forecastle in a few minutes." Wilton strolled about the deck a short time, and then went to the place of meeting, where he was soon joined by the rest of the discontented pupils.
"How many fellows can we muster ?" asked he, when his associates in mischief had again gathered around him.
"I know at least a dozen, who are up to anything," replied Monroe; "but some of them are in the other watch.

What are you going to do ?" "I'll tell you: There are the professors' barge and the third cutter at the swinging boom.

We will drop into them when the instructors go down to supper, and make for the shore.

All the rest of the boats are at the davits; and before they can get them into the water, we shall be out of their reach.