"Any boy has the right to be treated like a gentleman when he behaves like one, even if his opinion does not agree with our own; and especially is this true of the captain."
"He was utterly lacking in judgment. The conduct of McDougal was a personal matter, and Mr. Kendall should have consulted me."
"Allowing that the captain was wrong,—though I do not think that he was wrong,—it does not improve the aspect of your conduct."
"You think Mr. Lowington will not sustain me—do you?"
"Certainly not."
"I could hardly expect it, since he has a much higher regard for that boy than for me," sighed Mr. Hamblin.
"It is eight o'clock, and time for the recitations to commence," said Mr. Stoute, consulting his watch. "You must decide at once what you intend to do."
"What shall I do?" asked Mr. Hamblin, who had become fully conscious that he had involved himself in another "unpleasantness," and that the powers that be, unmindful of his claims, would probably decide against him.
"Shall we hear the recitations? Are you willing to go into the steerage, and proceed with your classes?"
"I am."