was on the quarter-deck or the half-deck."

"Oblige me by answering my question."

"Perhaps I did," replied Mr. Hamblin, looking upon the floor of the
carriage; for this, he was conscious, was his weak point.

"I must ask you either to affirm or deny that portion of Captain
Kendall's complaint."

"If I did, it was because I had been snubbed and insulted by a pupil."

"You do not answer me, sir."

"I did; and I am willing to acknowledge it was highly improper; but I
was--"

"It is not necessary to explain it," interposed Mr, Lowington. "I desire
now only to obtain the facts. You applied this epithet twice to Captain
Kendall--did you?"

"Possibly I did. I was much excited."

"Affirm or deny it, if you please."

"I will grant that I did, though I do not now distinctly remember. It
was wrong for me to use such language under any circumstances, but I
have not been in the habit of being snubbed by my pupils."

"Is there any other material fact you wish to add, Mr. Hamblin?" asked
the principal.

"Nothing more is needed, I think," replied the professor, who really
believed that he had overwhelmed Paul, in spite of the conscious
disadvantage he labored under in having used intemperate language
himself. "It is plain enough that Mr. Kendall and I cannot get along
together in the same vessel."

"That is plain enough," added Mr. Lowington. "I had requested Professor
Stoute and Mr. Terrill to take seats in this carriage in order to afford
any information we might need; but I find the facts in the case are not
disputed. On the material points, there is no difference of statement
between Mr. Hamblin and Captain Kendall. I shall reserve my decision
till we return to the vessels."

"It will be impossible for me to do my duty to the students on board of
the Josephine while Mr. Kendall is in command of her," said the
professor, who wanted the decision at once, so confident was he that the
principal could not sustain the young commander this time.

"I shall arrange it so that you and Captain Kendall will no longer sail
in the same vessels."

That was very indefinite, but something was to be done; and this was all
the comfort the professor received. Paul was much agitated, and Dr.
Winstock talked to him for half an hour before he could fix his
attention upon the novelties of the country hurried in panorama before
him.

CHAPTER XII.

"IN BELGIUM'S CAPITAL."

"Gand!" shouted the guard, as he walked along the