e third master, as he touched his cap to Captain Kendall.

"No interruption! No interruption!" interposed Professor Hamblin, very
ill-naturedly.

The third master touched his cap, as the captain bowed to him in
acknowledgment that he had heard the message, and then retired. The
professor was vexed: perhaps he was a little more ill-natured than
usual, on account of being slightly seasick--an effect produced by the
uneasy roll of the vessel in the calm.

"Now, Mr. Kendall, go on with the dual of [Greek: admev]," added he, as
Ritchie retired.

"I must beg you will excuse me, Professor Hamblin," said Paul, with the
utmost deference, as he rose from the bench on which he was seated.

"Go on with the dual!" replied the professor, sternly.

Paul looked at the snapping gray eye of the learned gentleman, and was
assured that he had a will of his own. As the captain of the Josephine,
he did not wish to set an example of insubordination, which others might
adopt before they were certain that the emergency required it. He had
not seen the gathering clouds, and he had full confidence in the
judgment and skill of Terrill, who was in charge of the deck. The rule
was that the professors should be obeyed in study hours. This had always
been the regulation on board the ship; but, then, the principal, who was
a sailor himself, was always present to prevent any abuse of power.

Paul decided to yield the point for a time, at least, and he recited his
lesson as directed by the professor. Half an hour later, Ritchie
appeared again, with another message from the first lieutenant, to the
effect that the squall was almost upon them. This was about the time
that Flag-officer Gordon had sent for the signal-officer, on board of
the ship.

"You must excuse me now, Professor Hamblin, for I must go on deck," said
Paul, as respectfully as he could speak.

"I can't spare you; I haven't finished the exercise yet," replied Mr.
Hamblin, sourly. "This is a plan to break up the lesson in Greek,
because some of the young gentlemen don't like to study it."

"I beg your pardon, sir; but the officer of the deck sends me word that
the squall is upon us. You can hear the thunder and see the lightning,"
added Paul.

"I am not afraid of thunder and lightning," growled the professor. "My
classes are not to be broken up on any frivolous pretences. Mr.
Lowington assured me I had full powers over all during study hours; and
I tell you to be seated, and go o