CHAPTER XV.
THE "ROVERS." After Charles Hardy had joined the "Rovers" band, which was composed of the original Bunkers, with others whom Tim had collected together, his conscience proved less troublesome.

The first wrong step taken, the second follows with less compunction, and so on, till the moral sense is completely blunted.
At the meeting he was informed by Tim that he had been admitted to the society on account of his knowledge of boats.

They could not get along without such a fellow; and he was accordingly appointed "master of marine," and second in command to Tim himself.

These honors and compliments reconciled him to the society of the Rovers, and he began to exhibit his energy of purpose in directing the details of the next week's operations.
Saturday was appointed as the day for stocking the island with provisions and other necessaries, ready for the reception of the entire party on Sunday night.

Tim and Charles were to attend to this duty in person.
"Meet me at eight o'clock in the morning over by Joe Braman's landing, Charley, and--" "But school keeps; I can't go till afternoon." "And then the Zephyrs will see what we are about." "I can't help it." "Yes you can; can't you 'hook Jack' ?" "I dare not." "Humph! You are an idiot! Tell the fellows to-morrow that you are going over to your uncle's, and they will tell the master." Charles consented, after some argument.
"I will get Joe's boat, and we can pull off to the island and get the money." "Where will you buy the things ?" "We must go down to Rippleton.