"I always liked you two lads, and, wrong or right, I think you've done a grand thing." "What ?" "I never felt so proud of you both in my life." Ralph smiled.
"That's very good of you, Master Rayburn," he said, "and it's a bit comforting; but I've got father to meet by-and-by." "And so have I, my boy," cried the old man warmly, "to take the blame of it all.

For it was my doing from beginning to end.

I incited you lads to go and do this, and I shall tell your father it is only what he and Sir Edward Eden ought to have done months ago." "But we failed--failed," groaned Ralph dismally.
"Failed! You have not done all you meant to do, but you have read those ruffians a severe lesson, and next time--" "Ah! next time," sighed Ralph.
"Come, Ralph! Be a man.

Nothing great is ever done without failure first.

Your father will be angry, and naturally.