Mr. Stoute had his doubts whether it would be prudent for him to do so; but he was satisfied that Captain Kendall could control the crew, even if they attempted a demonstration against the unpopular instructor.
"If I had made so great a blunder as you have, Mr. Hamblin," added Professor Stoute, "I should go to the captain, and apologize to him."
"Apologize to him!" exclaimed the savant.
"Yes, sir."
"To that boy, who insulted me, who threatened to arrest me, and send me in irons to the ship, who had the impudence to tell me that he was the captain of this vessel! No, sir!"
"Very well, sir; suit yourself; I am going to the steerage to attend to my classes."
Without waiting for his associate's final decision as to what he intended to do, Mr. Stoute left the state-room. By this time Paul had recovered from the faintness which had oppressed him, and had ordered the first lieutenant to "pipe to recitations."
"Are we to go on with the studies as usual, Captain Kendall?" asked Mr. Stoute, who could not help taking the hand of the young commander and warmly pressing it, though without any allusion in words to Professor Hamblin.
"Certainly, sir; the students will not be allowed to neglect any regular duty," replied Paul.
"After the cheers which were given on deck, there is danger of a disturbance."