Mr. Lowington explained what it meant; and the savant, without considering the practicability or the possibility of subjecting him to such an operation, was filled with rage and horror. The principal went on deck, and from the paper taken from Perth called the roll of the conspirators, summoning them to the mainmast.
"If you have no further instructions for me, sir, I will return to the Josephine," said Paul, touching his cap to the principal.
"Mr. Lowington, Kendall is concerned in this affair," interposed the professor, violently.
"I, sir!" exclaimed Paul, confounded by the charge.
"He is, sir; and I can prove it," protested Mr. Hamblin, whose wrath had almost reached the boiling point.
"You can return to the Josephine, Captain Kendall," added Mr. Lowington, in his quiet, decisive tone.
"Mr. Lowington, I protest—"
"Mr. Hamblin," interposed the principal, sharply, "I will thank you to accompany me to the cabin;" and, turning, he walked to the companion-way, followed by the professor.
"I wish to say, Mr. Lowington, that I am not mistaken in regard to Kendall," said the angry instructor, as they entered the main cabin.
"Without a doubt,you are mistaken, sir."