rt."

"But it does not appear that Captain Kendall had anything to do with
it," added the principal, mildly.

"These boys are deceitful."

"Some of them are," replied Mr. Lowington, taking his pen and writing a
few lines. "Duncan, I am not satisfied with your conduct."

"I am not satisfied with it myself, sir," answered Duncan. "Perhaps I
ought to have known where that letter came from when Mr. Hamblin asked
me to translate it; but I supposed some of the fellows on board had done
it."

"Didn't you recognize the writing of your friend?"

"No, sir; it is very much like that of half a dozen fellows on board."

"It is very much like Mr. Kendall's," said Mr. Hamblin.

"Linggold, Captain Kendall, and myself, all learned to write in the same
school."

"Then Mr. Kendall knows this Linggold?"

"No, sir; he didn't go to the school till Captain Kendall left."

"I suppose not," added the incredulous professor. "I am still of the
opinion that Mr. Kendall wrote that letter."

"I am entirely satisfied that he did not write it. Duncan, you will
remain on board of the ship. Mr. Terrill, you will return to the
Josephine, pipe to muster, and read this order. Captain Kendall will
return with you."

"What is the order?" demanded Mr. Hamblin.

"'All charges against Captain Kendall being disproved, he is hereby
reinstated, and ordered to resume the command of the Josephine,'"
replied the principal, reading the order.

"Mr. Lowington, I protest--"

"I have heard you patiently, Mr. Hamblin, and have given my decision,"
interposed the principal, directing the students present to retire.

Paul bowed to Mr. Lowington, and left the cabin. The investigation had
ended as he had supposed from the beginning that it would end.

"Mr. Lowington, I protest against this decision," repeated Mr. Hamblin,
angrily. "I feel obliged to say that there has been a great lack of
judgment in managing this unpleasant business."

"And I feel obliged to remind you, Mr. Hamblin, that I am the principal
of this academy squadron. My decision is final," replied Mr. Lowington,
with dignity, as he rose from his chair and left the cabin.

"Snubbed by the boys, snubbed by the principal!" exclaimed the learned
gentleman. "Dr. Winstock, did you ever witness a more ridiculous farce
in your life?"

"Never, sir," replied the surgeon. "It seems to me that you insist upon
condemning Captain Kendall, guilty or innocent."

"I have no doubt whatever of his guil