will run away, and go
to sea in a merchant ship," added Clyde, shaking his head.

"You hear, sir, what he says," replied Mrs. Blacklock, with a long and
deep sigh.

"That would be the very best thing in the world for a boy troubled
with his complaint," answered Mr. Lowington.

"I have no complaint; I'm not sick," growled Clyde.

"I'm afraid you are, my boy, though you don't know it. The most
dangerous maladies often make great progress even before their
existence is suspected."

"Nothing ails me," added Clyde.

"This seems to be a very nice ship, and you say the students are all
gentlemen," continued the lady, glancing around her at the ship and
the crew. "If Clyde must go to sea--"

"I must, mother," interposed the young gentleman, very decidedly.

"If he must go to sea, he had better go with you, sir."

"If you will walk into the cabin, madam, I will show you our
regulations," said the principal, leading the way down the steps.

Clyde followed, apparently unwilling that a word should be said which
he could not hear.

"I want to speak with your mother alone," interposed Mr. Lowington.

"I'm going too," persisted Clyde, after Mrs. Blacklock had descended
the stairs.

"I prefer to see your mother alone," added the principal, firmly.

"You are going to talk about me, and I want to hear what is said,"
replied the youth, rudely.

"Peaks, remain here," said the principal to the big boatswain, who had
followed them to the companionway.

Mr. Lowington descended the steps, and Peaks slipped in behind him,
fully understanding his duty without any explanations. Clyde attempted
to follow, but the entrance was effectually blockaded by the stalwart
forward officer.

"Get out of my way; I want to go down there," said Clyde, in no gentle
tones.

"It can't be done, my hearty," replied Peaks.

"I'm going down, any way."

"I think not, my little gentleman."

"Yes, I am! Get out of my way."

"Ease off, my hearty. Don't get up a squall."

"I want to see my mother," growled Clyde.

"You were not invited to the cabin, and your mother was," answered
Peaks, very mildly.

"I don't care if I wasn't; I'm going down."

"So you said before;" and the boatswain tried to pacify the youngster,
and to induce him to be reasonable; but Clyde had always had his own
way, and was ready to fight for it now, even though he had nothing to
gain by it.

Captain Cumberland was still walking with Miss Celia, explaining to
her t