u found it."

"Yes, sir; I did."

"When people are looking for faults and errors in others, they usually
find them," added the principal, significantly. "But I did not invite
you to the cabin to consider that matter."

"It seems to me this matter is properly the subject for discussion at
the present time," replied the professor, who thought the principal's
ways were past finding out.

"No; there is a subject of more importance than that, which must be
attended to first. I find it necessary to say that I am ready to accept
your resignation of the situation you fill."

"My resignation, sir!" exclaimed Mr. Hamblin, taken all aback by this
unexpected announcement.

"Your resignation, sir."

"This is very remarkable conduct on your part, sir."

"On board of the Josephine, in the presence of the officers and crew,
you protested against the action of Captain Kendall. When I have called
a large number of the students to the mainmast for discipline, you
protest against my action. I have to say, sir, that discipline, under
these circumstances, is impossible."

"Am I to understand that you discharge me, Mr. Lowington?" demanded the
professor.

"I intimated that I was ready to accept your resignation."

"Well, sir, I am not ready to offer my resignation."

"Then you compel me to take the next step. I object to your remaining on
board another day."

"I was engaged for a year."

"With the proviso that we were mutually satisfied. A fortnight ago you
tendered your resignation, without regard to the engagement. If I had
understood your relations with the students as well then as I do now, I
should have accepted it."

Mr. Hamblin began to "subside." He had pretty thoroughly convinced
himself that the institution could not be carried on without him; and,
since the principal had once objected to accepting his resignation, he
had felt that his position was secure. While he was considering the
matter, Mr. Lowington went on deck, and investigated the plot to
keelhaul the professor. The conspirators had talked over the matter
during his absence, and had come to the conclusion that the truth would
serve them best. They were shrewd enough to see that there was a rupture
between the principal and the _savant_.

Perth, as spokesman for the party, confessed that they knew Mr. Hamblin
was listening to them; that they intended he should hear the plot, which
they had not designed to execute; that it was only a trick to annoy him.