be displayed
in a good cause.

"Silence, if you please," said Paul, moved by the applause of the
students.

Silence came instantly, for the captain was a "little god" just then,
and had more influence over the ship's company at that moment than ever
before. It is true they regretted the fate of poor McDougal, but there
was not one of them who did not believe that the captain was right in
his estimate of the culprit's guilt.

"I wish to ask a favor of you," continued Paul, in a rather embarrassed
tone.

A clapping of hands assured him that he could ask no favor that would
not be unanimously granted.

"Whatever happens, I wish you to make no disturbance, and no
demonstrations of approval or dissent. Will you heed my request?"

"We will!" shouted the students with one voice.

"Thank you," replied Paul, who did not believe in a display of force
before it was necessary.

The boys commenced work upon their lessons, and the captain, passing
through the steerage, went on deck to avoid the necessity of meeting Mr.
Hamblin, whose step he heard in the passage-way leading from the cabin.
As Paul disappeared, the obnoxious _savant_ entered the steerage. One of
the students forward hissed, but his companions silenced him instantly;
and it is probable, if the captain had not spoken to them, Mr. Hamblin
would have been greeted with a general demonstration of disapprobation.

The learned gentleman was evidently much embarrassed; but he was very
quiet and subdued in his manner. He was less impatient and snappish than
usual; said nothing about "stupidity" and "blundering," as was his
habit. He seemed to be abstracted, as well he might; but while he
displayed less enthusiasm in his teaching, he was infinitely more
gentlemanly and kind. As he gave no occasion for any trouble, none came.
Though the captain did not appear at any recitation conducted by him,
the professor made no comment upon the circumstance.

Paul was troubled, but he had made up his mind what to do. Either Mr.
Hamblin must leave the Josephine, or he would respectfully ask to be
relieved from the command of her. It was simply impossible to live with
such a porcupine on board. It was a mystery to him that Mr. Lowington
had procured the services of such an unsuitable instructor; but the
fact was, that he had been engaged by the principal's agent on the
strength of his classical attainments, rather than his fitness for the
place. He had been so unpopular as a tuto