The note was handed to him, and he pointed out several letters which were different from any in the exercises by which the similarity had been shown.
"Of course he would disguise the handwriting," interposed Mr. Hamblin.
"The writing alone would not prove anything," added Mr. Lowington.
"So far as the kind of paper is concerned," continued Paul, picking up the half quire which the professor had taken from his state-room, "I bought it in Antwerp for a particular purpose." He did not think it necessary to state that it was for his letters to Miss Grace Arbuckle.
"Are you quite sure you bought it in Antwerp?" demanded the professor.
"I shall prove that I did," replied Paul, indignantly. "I wish to say I had a hint that the officers and crew were very much dissatisfied with Mr. Hamblin, and—"
"With me!" exclaimed the savant, as though it were quite impossible for the students to be dissatisfied with him.
"Allow Captain Kendall to make his statement, if you please," said the principal.
"But, Mr. Lowington, his statement is incorrect. I have been on the best of terms with the majority of my pupils. Only a few of the worst of them have manifested any ill-will towards me."
"Go on, Captain Kendall," said the principal.