n I will not say anything more about the dikes," laughed Mr. Stoute.
"You can do the matter up more systematically by your intended course."

"I am very glad to get all I can without the trouble of hunting it up,"
replied Paul, as he glanced again at the Young America. "I may have more
time than I want to study up these subjects."

"Why so?"

"I suppose I am to be court-martialed for disobedience as soon as Mr.
Lowington arrives," replied Paul, fixing his eyes upon the deck. "Mr.
Hamblin has not spoken to me since I left the class yesterday
afternoon."

"It is not proper for me to say anything about that to you, Captain
Kendall," added Mr. Stoute.

"I feel that I have tried to do my duty; and, whatever happens to me, I
shall endeavor to be satisfied."

Professor Stoute walked away, apparently to avoid any further
conversation on the disagreeable subject. Paul did not feel quite easy
about the difficulty which had occurred between him and the dignified
professor. He had hoped and expected that the storm would justify his
action in the opinion of the learned gentleman; but Mr. Hamblin
carefully avoided him, and he was confident he intended to prefer
charges against him as soon as the principal arrived.

The Josephine was now entering the port of Flushing. The pilot was
talking with the Dutch skipper very earnestly, and occasionally glancing
at the "Wel tevreeden." The latter seemed to be very uneasy, and to
manifest a great deal of solicitude in regard to his vessel,
notwithstanding she was safe, though the cargo had been damaged, and she
had lost her masts and part of her standing rigging.

"Captain Schimmelpennink to you wish to talk," said the pilot, stepping
up to Paul.

"Who?" exclaimed Paul, almost stunned by the sound of the Dutchman's
name.

The pilot repeated it, but not much more to the edification of the young
commander than before.

"I can't talk Dutch," laughed Paul.

"I for you will speak the English," added the Belgian.

This was hardly more encouraging than the Dutch of the disconsolate
skipper; but Paul consented to the conference.

"The galiot to you belongs for the labor you have to save him,"
continued the pilot.

With some difficulty, with the assistance of Mr. Stoute, who, however,
was not familiar with French nautical terms, Paul learned that Captain
Schimmelpennink was much disturbed about the ultimate disposal of the
"Wel tevreeden." According to maritime law, recognized by all