"Silence, young gentlemen! I know how you feel," interposed Mr. Lowington. "Although it would seem to me impossible that Captain Kendall should have written this letter, Mr. Hamblin distinctly charges him with the act, and I am sorry to add that there is some evidence to prove the charge."
Mr. Lowington was more grieved than any other person on board, and it is more than probable that, in his great anxiety to avoid partiality, he ran into the opposite extreme, and exposed himself to the peril of doing injustice to his young friend.
"Captain Kendall, you will consider yourself under arrest, and report on board of the ship," added the principal, turning to Paul.
The young commander bowed submissively, and the boys wondered how he was able to take the matter so coolly.
"It's a shame!" exclaimed Terrill, in a low tone, to Pelham.
"Mr. Terrill," continued Mr. Lowington, "the command of the Josephine devolves upon you until further orders, and you will go to sea as soon as Mr. Fluxion returns."
The first lieutenant started when his name was called, and suspected that he was to be taken to task for the remark he had just made. It was fortunate for him, perhaps, that the principal did not hear his energetic words, or the command might have been given to the second lieutenant, for Terrill's impulsive nature would have led him into some intemperate speech, so deeply did he feel for the captain.
"I hope my command will be of very short duration, sir," said he, as the principal stepped down from the hatch.
"I hope so, Mr. Terrill," answered Mr. Lowington. "Captain Kendall, you will repair to the ship in the barge."
"I will be ready in a moment, sir," replied Paul, as he went below to obtain a few needed articles.