"It was not done on purpose," interposed Mr. Hamblin, wrathfully. "McDougal, on his knees—"
"You will be kind enough not to interrupt Captain Kendall," said Mr. Lowington, mildly, but firmly.
"I decided to send him on board of the ship, and directed the second lieutenant to report the circumstances to you. Before the boat had shoved off, Mr. Hamblin called me aside, and objected to my action. He said the affair was personal with him, and he was surprised that I had interfered with it. I replied that the matter affected the discipline of the crew, and that I should send McDougal on board of the ship. He was angry then, spoke of my lack of judgment, and said the boy should not be sent to the ship. I told him then, as decidedly as I knew how, that I commanded the vessel."
"Yes, sir; that he commanded the vessel!" said Mr. Hamblin, with much excitement.
"Go on, Captain Kendall," added Mr. Lowington.
"He used some strong language then, and I told him I had nothing more to say. As I was walking away, he told me to stop, and called me a puppy. He repeated the expression, and then I sent for Mr. Cleats and Mr. Gage. They came, and I informed Mr. Hamblin that if he applied another offensive epithet to me, I would send him on board the ship in irons."
"Yes, sir! send me to the ship in irons! Could you have conceived of such an indignity?" exclaimed the professor. "Am I a common sailor? Am I a servant? Am I a student? or am I the senior professor of the consort?"
"Did you speak to Captain Kendall of his lack of judgment, Mr. Hamblin?" asked the principal.
"I did, most assuredly; and I am free to say that a child would have exhibited more judgment than he did," replied the professor, warmly.
"Did you say that McDougal should not be sent on board of the ship?"