"No, sir; I think not. If any officer or seaman makes a disturbance, he shall be put under arrest instantly."
"But suppose they all do it in concert."
"They will not, sir;" but Paul spoke in hope rather than in faith, and dreaded the demonstration suggested by the professor.
Mr. Stoute went into the steerage. The students were all there, including the crew of the cutter which had conveyed McDougal to the ship. They were more quiet and orderly than usual; but the calm often precedes the storm. Captain Kendall passed into the steerage, and his appearance was the signal for a general clapping of the hands, in which all the officers joined. That he had won the day in his dispute with the obnoxious professor; that he had threatened to arrest Mr. Hamblin, and send him in irons to the ship; that he had actually called the willing carpenter and boatswain to execute the anticipated order,—were more than enough to make the captain a hero with the ship's company. Boys worship pluck, and are not always particular that it should be displayed in a good cause.
"Silence, if you please," said Paul, moved by the applause of the students.
Silence came instantly, for the captain was a "little god" just then, and had more influence over the ship's company at that moment than ever before. It is true they regretted the fate of poor McDougal, but there was not one of them who did not believe that the captain was right in his estimate of the culprit's guilt.
"I wish to ask a favor of you," continued Paul, in a rather embarrassed tone.
A clapping of hands assured him that he could ask no favor that would not be unanimously granted.
"Whatever happens, I wish you to make no disturbance, and no demonstrations of approval or dissent. Will you heed my request?"
"We will!" shouted the students with one voice.