Are you willing to go into the steerage,
and proceed with your classes?"

"I am."

Mr. Stoute had his doubts whether it would be prudent for him to do so;
but he was satisfied that Captain Kendall could control the crew, even
if they attempted a demonstration against the unpopular instructor.

"If I had made so great a blunder as you have, Mr. Hamblin," added
Professor Stoute, "I should go to the captain, and apologize to him."

"Apologize to him!" exclaimed the _savant_.

"Yes, sir."

"To that boy, who insulted me, who threatened to arrest me, and send me
in irons to the ship, who had the impudence to tell me that _he_ was the
captain of this vessel! No, sir!"

"Very well, sir; suit yourself; I am going to the steerage to attend to
my classes."

Without waiting for his associate's final decision as to what he
intended to do, Mr. Stoute left the state-room. By this time Paul had
recovered from the faintness which had oppressed him, and had ordered
the first lieutenant to "pipe to recitations."

"Are we to go on with the studies as usual, Captain Kendall?" asked Mr.
Stoute, who could not help taking the hand of the young commander and
warmly pressing it, though without any allusion in words to Professor
Hamblin.

"Certainly, sir; the students will not be allowed to neglect any regular
duty," replied Paul.

"After the cheers which were given on deck, there is danger of a
disturbance."

"No, sir; I think not. If any officer or seaman makes a disturbance, he
shall be put under arrest instantly."

"But suppose they all do it in concert."

"They will not, sir;" but Paul spoke in hope rather than in faith, and
dreaded the demonstration suggested by the professor.

Mr. Stoute went into the steerage. The students were all there,
including the crew of the cutter which had conveyed McDougal to the
ship. They were more quiet and orderly than usual; but the calm often
precedes the storm. Captain Kendall passed into the steerage, and his
appearance was the signal for a general clapping of the hands, in which
all the officers joined. That he had won the day in his dispute with the
obnoxious professor; that he had threatened to arrest Mr. Hamblin, and
send him in irons to the ship; that he had actually called the willing
carpenter and boatswain to execute the anticipated order,--were more
than enough to make the captain a hero with the ship's company. Boys
worship pluck, and are not always particular that it should