The order to man the braces interrupted the conversation; but the news went through the ship even before she had begun to gather headway. The matter was thoroughly discussed, and it was perfectly understood that Mr. Hamblin had preferred the charge upon which Paul had been broken or suspended. The commander of the Josephine was almost as popular in the ship as he was in the consort; and the indignation against the professor of Greek was hardly less violent in the one than in the other.
"Captain Kendall, you will occupy the spare state-room in the after cabin, next to Flag-officer Gordon's," said Mr. Lowington to Paul, as they met after the ship was underway.
"Thank you, sir," replied the young commander, who had seated himself near the companion-way.
"As soon as supper is disposed of, I propose to examine into the charge. You shall have a fair trial."
"I have no doubt of that."
Mr. Lowington walked away, and Paul, who was much embarrassed by the continued expressions of sympathy extended to him by the officers of the ship, retired to his state-room to consider his line of defence.
Mr. Hamblin, satisfied before, was delighted now. Justice seemed to be extending her tardy hand in his favor. The rebel against his mighty will had been suspended, and was actually under arrest. Of course the principal had acknowledged the validity of the evidence he had presented. The motive for such an annoying practical joke was patent to all in the squadron, while the quality of the paper and the resemblance of the writing were enough to convict the offender.
The professor was enjoying his triumph, not vindictively, he persuaded himself, but in the sense that his own personal action and motives were on the eve of being justified. As the ship moved majestically down the river, he walked up and down, athwart ships, in a better mood to enjoy the scene which presented itself than ever before since he joined the squadron. He walked from rail to rail because Paul was seated on the quarter-deck, and he did not care to meet him. When the young commander went below, he walked fore and aft.
The deck was crowded with students waiting for the supper bell to ring; and many an ugly and dissatisfied look was bestowed upon him; but the learned gentleman, in his triumph, was too well pleased with himself to notice them. Mr. Hamblin involuntarily extended his walk, from time to time, until it was continued to the forecastle, where the crew were collected in large numbers. Hardly had he passed the foremast on his first round, than he was saluted by a universal groan, so deep and hearty that he stopped short and looked at the crowd. They were silent then.
"Young gentlemen," said the savant, sternly, "if that was intended as an expression of—"