"What were you talking about while he was with you?"
"About Holland, and what we had seen on our trip. You were speaking with Dr. Winstock, and he was waiting to see you," replied Perth.
The principal lectured them severely, and in earnest, for their misconduct; but he did not give them the coveted punishment of dooming them to remain on board while the rest of the students visited Paris. He gave them bad marks enough to spoil all their chances, if they had any, of promotion, and the choice of desirable berths when the crew should be reorganized at the beginning of the next quarter, which would be in one month. He added that he should preserve the list of names, and that the conduct of the party in the future would be closely observed.
"We were stupid," whispered Perth to Wilton, as the principal retired. "We have given him a list of all the Knights."
"And he hasn't stopped our liberty," replied Wilton, in disgust.
"No matter; we must keep still, and fight for chances."
When Mr. Lowington returned to the cabin, the professor was as cool as an iceberg; but the decision had been made, and it could not be reversed. The principal reviewed Mr. Hamblin's connection with the squadron from the beginning, and commented on his conduct in the consort and in the ship. It was plain speech on both sides; but the result remained unchanged.
Professor Hamblin is not a myth. He had no sympathy with the students, and, being arbitrary, tyrannical, and unjust, they "hated him with a perfect hatred." It was certainly best that he should go; for in whatever vessel he was, he kept it in a turmoil. Mr. Lowington paid him his salary for a year, and enough in addition to defray the expenses of his return to the United States.
The next morning the signal for sailing was hoisted on board of the Young America, and the pilots came on board. The students were bright and fresh, and having seen the dikes and ditches of Holland, they were rather anxious to escape from its muddy waters and its monotonous plains. In fact, they sighed for another taste of blue water and the fresh sea air.
"All the barge's crew on deck, ahoy!" piped the boatswain, at the order of the first lieutenant.