"Possibly I did. I was much excited."
"Affirm or deny it, if you please."
"I will grant that I did, though I do not now distinctly remember. It was wrong for me to use such language under any circumstances, but I have not been in the habit of being snubbed by my pupils."
"Is there any other material fact you wish to add, Mr. Hamblin?" asked the principal.
"Nothing more is needed, I think," replied the professor, who really believed that he had overwhelmed Paul, in spite of the conscious disadvantage he labored under in having used intemperate language himself. "It is plain enough that Mr. Kendall and I cannot get along together in the same vessel."
"That is plain enough," added Mr. Lowington. "I had requested Professor Stoute and Mr. Terrill to take seats in this carriage in order to afford any information we might need; but I find the facts in the case are not disputed. On the material points, there is no difference of statement between Mr. Hamblin and Captain Kendall. I shall reserve my decision till we return to the vessels."
"It will be impossible for me to do my duty to the students on board of the Josephine while Mr. Kendall is in command of her," said the professor, who wanted the decision at once, so confident was he that the principal could not sustain the young commander this time.
"I shall arrange it so that you and Captain Kendall will no longer sail in the same vessels."
That was very indefinite, but something was to be done; and this was all the comfort the professor received. Paul was much agitated, and Dr. Winstock talked to him for half an hour before he could fix his attention upon the novelties of the country hurried in panorama before him.