l hands to be called. Of
course the students were glad enough to get away from their lessons; and
all of them stampeded from the steerage, in spite of my protest, and
without even a word of apology."

"Did they?" added Mr. Lowington, with difficulty avoiding the disrespect
of laughing in the face of the learned gentleman.

"They did; and it must be as clear to you as it is to me, that such
conduct is utterly subversive of anything like good discipline."

"May I ask what punishment you propose as suitable for such an offence
as that of Captain Kendall?"

"I am perfectly willing to leave that matter to you, sir; but I should
think that simple suspension from his office would be sufficient,
considering the position of Mr. Kendall."

"Mr. Hamblin, it is your misfortune, not your fault, that you were
brought up on shore instead of at sea," added the principal. "You have
made a very great mistake, sir."

"I, sir!" exclaimed the learned gentleman, springing up from his seat as
though such an event as that indicated by Mr. Lowington had never
occurred in his life.

"Captain Kendall also made a mistake," continued the principal.

"He did indeed, sir. It is always a very great mistake to disobey one's
teacher."

"I do not mean that."

"May I ask what you do mean, sir?"

"His mistake was in not going on deck when the messenger sent to him by
the officer of the deck reported that a squall was coming up."

"But I refused the permission," said the professor, warmly.

"Then he should have gone without your permission," added Mr. Lowington,
decidedly.

"Am I to understand, sir, that you counsel disobedience among the boys
on the Josephine?"

"No, sir; I counsel obedience to the laws of God and man, and to the
orders of one's superior. Mr. Hamblin, is it possible that you could not
understand the circumstances of that occasion?" continued the principal.
"A squall was coming up, and you desired to detain the captain of your
vessel in the steerage!"

"But half the crew were on deck. I am told that Mr. Terrill is a
competent seaman. He knew enough to take down the sails, if necessary."

"Such a course would have been without a precedent, and in violation of
one of the rules of the ship."

"Did you not tell me that all the students, including the captain,--you
mentioned him especially,--were subject to the orders of the professors
in school hours?"

"I certainly did; but if I had supposed that there was an instructo