"I am not aware that Captain Kendall used any means to annoy you."
"I think you do not know that boy as well as I do. A rope was thrown down upon my head: the offence was suffered to pass unnoticed by Mr. Kendall. I was wilfully or carelessly thrown into the river; the captain did not consult me, but made his inquiries in private, and of course the culprits escaped."
"You were thrown into the river by your own carelessness, Mr. Hamblin. I saw the whole of it."
"So Mr. Kendall told me, in the most offensive tones. I do not complain of these things; I only mention them for the sequel. A boy drenched me with water; he begged my pardon on his knees, and I forgave him; but this offence the captain punishes in the most severe manner. Why? Apparently because I—the only sufferer—had forgiven the offender."
"It was necessary for the captain to put a stop to such pranks."
"But he did not use good judgment. McDougal explained the matter, and was exceedingly sorry."
"But he drenched you on purpose."
"Impossible, sir!"
The principal called one of the stewards, and sent for McDougal, who presently appeared. He had already confessed that the drenching was not an accident, and he repeated his statement, to the utter astonishment of the discomfited pedagogue. During the excursion on shore, some of the Josephines had told him that the trouble between Paul and the professor had been on his account; and he had made the confession in order to justify the captain, at whatever cost to himself. The spirited conduct of the young commander had filled the boys with admiration, and they were determined that he should not suffer, whoever else did.
"You did it on purpose—did you?" repeated the savant. "May I ask why you did it?"