"Captain Kendall," said Mr. Hamblin, sternly, as he walked up to the young commander, heedless of the rattling thunder and the flashing lightning.
Paul bowed politely, and looked at the professor, intimating that he was ready to hear him. It was noticeable that Mr. Hamblin always called the commander "Mr. Kendall" when he was in the steerage attending to his studies, and "Captain Kendall" on deck, or in the cabin. The professor intended to indicate, by this choice of terms, that he was captain during school hours.
"Captain Kendall, I desire a boat immediately," added Mr. Hamblin.
"A boat!" exclaimed Paul, astonished at the request at such a time.
"I said a boat, Captain Kendall. I purpose to refer the matter of your disobedience to Mr. Lowington without any unnecessary delay."
"But, Mr. Hamblin, there is a squall coming up."
"I am aware of that; but I demand the boat."
"It would be dangerous, sir. The boat would certainly be swamped."
"I will take the responsibility of that."
"I should be very happy to furnish the boat, sir; but I cannot expose a crew to such a storm as will soon break upon us," replied Paul.