with me, I am
surprised at your taking any step without consulting me."

"It is a case which affects the discipline of the vessel; and, as such,
it was proper that I should dispose of it."

"It was a personal matter, I say," repeated the professor, growing more
wrathy when he found his mighty will opposed.

"I have such information, sir, as leads me to believe that the act of
this morning was intentional."

"That's a want of judgment on your part, and I protest against your
action. I object to your sending McDougal to the ship, and I demand that
your order be rescinded."

"I shall send him to the ship, sir!" replied Paul, decidedly, his cheek
coloring.

"Shall you! Do you mean to insult me?"

"No, sir; I repeat that I do not mean to insult you."

"I say that boy ought not to be sent to the ship. Why, such a lack of
judgment--"

"Mr. Hamblin, I command this vessel!" exclaimed Paul, with native
dignity.

"Do you, indeed?"

"I am responsible for all I do to Mr. Lowington. You will oblige me by
not interfering with the discipline of the crew."

"How dare you use such language to me?" snapped the professor, dancing
about the deck with rage.

"Mr. Terrill, direct Mr. Martyn to pull to the ship, and execute my
order as I gave it."

"This is infamous!" stormed Mr. Hamblin. "Am I to be snubbed by a boy,
by one of my own pupils?"

"I have nothing more to say, Mr. Hamblin," continued Paul, bowing and
moving away.

"Stop, you puppy!" roared Mr. Hamblin, following him, and speaking loud
enough for all the officers to hear his offensive remark.

"Come, come, Mr. Hamblin, you are disgracing yourself," interposed Mr.
Stoute.

"The puppy!" gasped Mr. Hamblin. "He insulted me!"

"Don't lower yourself in the eyes of your pupils by such undignified
conduct."

"Am I to be insulted by a boy?" replied Mr. Hamblin, breaking away from
his associate.

"Mr. Terrill, send Mr. Cleats and Mr. Gage aft," said Captain Kendall,
hardly able to speak, so violent were his emotions.

"Mr. Kendall--"

"Captain Kendall, if you please," interposed Paul, as the professor,
boiling over with rage, rushed up to him.

"_Mister_ Kendall, I will--"

"One word, Mr. Hamblin, before you proceed any farther," continued Paul,
struggling to be calm.

"Here, sir," reported the adult carpenter and boatswain.

"Stand by; I may want you," replied Captain Kendall. "Mr. Hamblin," he
proceeded, turning to the furious professor, "if you ven