"Mr. Stoute, you allow yourself to be hoodwinked, deceived, overwhelmed, by these artful boys. You should maintain more dignity in your intercourse with them."
"There is a true and a false dignity, Mr. Hamblin. I shall endeavor to avoid the one, and cling to the other," replied Mr. Stoute, warmly, but good-naturedly.
"You are aware that I asked for the gig before I started for the ship?" continued Mr. Hamblin, impressively.
"I am; and I was also aware that the first cutter had been appropriated to the use of the instructors."
"I demanded the gig. It was refused. What did that mean?"
"It meant just what the captain said—that the principal required him to furnish the first cutter for our use."
"That is not what it meant," persisted Mr. Hamblin. "The crew of the first cutter had been instructed to tip me into the river. When I called for the gig, it deranged the plan. I am only sorry that I did not refuse to take the cutter, and insist upon having the gig; but I do not wish to make trouble."
"But why did you ask for the gig?"
"Because I saw Morgan, who, I knew, belonged in the cutter, laughing when the rope fell on my head. He would as lief drown me as not."
"I think you misjudge the boys."