Oscar Chester, the second mate, wanted to decline the position assigned to him; for he felt that Dory Dornwood, who was considered the most capable student in the school, had been strangely ignored. The principal smilingly declined to permit him to do so. In fact, he had talked this matter over with Dory, who felt that he had received all the honors that belonged to him, and wished to be ignored for the benefit of others.
Captain Gildrock then appointed a cook, who was experienced in his line on board of the steamer, and three stewards. In the forward cabin, there was a cook-stove; and there was a pantry in the cabin, which extended nearly to the foremast.
"I need not say to you, for you have all sailed enough in the Sylph to know it, that all hands must obey their superior officers. Now we will proceed to divide the ship's company into watches. The captain will take the first choice, and the mate the second, and so on until all are stationed."
"Dory Dornwood," said Captain Randolph.
"Thad Glovering," added the mate.
The captain's watch were required to go over to the starboard side, and the mate's to the port side. The principal gave each student a star, with a pin to it, so that it could be stuck on the coat-sleeve. The starboard-watch wore it on the right arm, and the port on the left.
"It is now eight o'clock," said the principal, consulting his watch, and looking at the new captain.
"Quartermaster, strike eight bells," said Randolph, nodding to Dory.
Dory obeyed the order, and struck the required number on a bell, which Mr. Jepson had put up on the bowsprit bitts. He made the sounds by twos, as is the custom on board ship, so that the number may be easily counted.
"The captain has appointed Dory Dornwood and Corny Minkfield quartermasters," said Captain Gildrock. "In the navy, it is the duty of these officers to con the wheel."