Mr. Hamblin was one of those old fogies who could not appreciate manliness in a boy. He demanded abject servility and pusillanimous crouching on the part of an offender. When he frowned, the boy ought to wither with fear rather than with the consciousness of guilt. McDougal had thrown himself into a becoming attitude, in his estimation; had groaned, trembled, and cringed. He was willing to forgive McDougal, and had intimated as much as this to him before he left the deck.
The young commander took his place on the hatch, and made quite a telling speech in regard to what he termed the disgraceful proceeding which had occurred on board. He solemnly warned the boys that he would not tolerate anything irregular and disorderly.
"Mr. Terrill, you will pipe away the second cutters," he continued, turning to the first lieutenant.
The crew of the boat were piped away, the cutter lowered, and they took their places in her. The second lieutenant was detailed to take charge of her, and waited near the captain for his orders.
"Pass the word for McDougal," added the captain, when the second cutter was ready, as he stepped down from the hatch, and stood at the foot of the mainmast.
The culprit came forward, and touched his cap to the captain.
"For your conduct this morning to Mr. Hamblin I shall send you on board of the ship," said Paul, in firm and decided tones.
"I couldn't help it, Captain Kendall," pleaded McDougal; but he exhibited none of the servility which had characterized his demeanor to the professor; he knew the captain too well to resort to such an expedient.
"Perhaps you could not," replied Paul, pointedly. "Perhaps you could not; but you were very careless."
"I didn't mean to do it," added McDougal.