"Yes, sir; especially the plan to throw me into the water. When I demanded a boat, I mentioned the gig. It was refused. Why? Because the crew of the first cutter had been instructed to tip me overboard! It is very strange that no one but myself has been able to understand the vicious intentions of the boys."
"The gig is the captain's boat. The regulations require the captain to give the professors the first cutter," explained Mr. Lowington.
"I was not aware of it at the time; but I am satisfied that the crew of the first cutter had been instructed to pitch me into the river."
"If they were, you were very obliging to assist them as you did," added the principal. "But go on. Do you suppose Captain Kendall instructed McDougal to drench you with water?"
"Very likely."
"And then inflicted the severest punishment upon him for doing it? It is absurd! That was the third and last offence. The captain put an end to these tricks by his well-timed energy, and I am sure he had no part or lot in them. Do you think he got some one to write the letter to you?"
"No, sir; I think he did it himself," replied the professor, more calmly, as he came to what he considered his stronghold.
"I am not willing to believe it."
"I am prepared to prove it, sir."
"If Kendall has been guilty of such conduct,—if it can be shown that he wrote the letter, or that he knew of its being written,—I will not only suspend him, but I will reduce him to a common sailor, and confine him in the brig," said the principal, with no little agitation.