"Captain Kendall!" exclaimed the principal, annoyed beyond measure at this recital of grievance. "There must have been some strong provocation."
"Could anything justify such a threat, or such a course?"
"We will not speak of this subject here," added the principal, when he saw that the eyes of every student on board were fixed upon them.
"Something should be done immediately," replied Mr. Hamblin, decidedly.
"I have not time to hear the case now. We take the train for Ghent in less than an hour. I will see you in the railway carriage."
Mr. Lowington moved towards the gangway, where the barge was waiting for him; but Paul, his cheeks all aglow, stepped up to him, and touched his cap.
"Mr. Lowington," said he, "I wish to make a complaint against Mr. Hamblin. He interferes with the discipline of the vessel, is very insulting to me; and I must ask that he be removed from the Josephine, or that I may be permitted to resign."
"I am very sorry you are having any trouble here; but I cannot stay now to hear about it. I will see you on the train."
"Excuse me, one moment, Mr. Lowington," added the savant of the Josephine, as the principal was going over the side. "I wish to inquire if we make any stay in Brussels?"
"We shall probably remain there one day."