"What if there was a squall coming up. The principal assured me there were hands enough on deck to work the vessel under all ordinary circumstances."
"But you don't understand the matter, Mr. Hamblin," continued the jolly professor.
"Do you mean to insult me too, Mr. Stoute?" demanded the irate fountain-head of Greek literature.
"Certainly not; I beg your pardon, Mr. Hamblin," replied Mr. Stoute, laughing more heartily than before. "I do not profess to comprehend these nautical affairs; but I presume it was necessary to call all hands, or the captain would not have done so."
"It was not necessary. I am willing to take the responsibility of that assertion myself, and I shall report this disrespect and disobedience of the captain to Mr. Lowington. If he chooses to sustain the delinquent in such gross misconduct, I will leave the vessel at the first port we enter."
"Mr. Lowington will certainly do justice to both of you."
"Excuse me, Mr. Stoute; he must do justice to me. I have been a schoolmaster and a professor in college all my lifetime, and I do not wish to have any one speak of settling a case between me and one of my pupils. There is only one side to such a question," replied Mr. Hamblin, whose dignity was terribly damaged by the incident of the afternoon.
"Well, Mr. Hamblin, I wish to be respectful; but I also mean to be candid. I feel compelled to say that I believe you are all wrong."
"All wrong, sir!"
"Yes, sir; all wrong. Look at the question for one moment."