"I feel that I have tried to do my duty; and, whatever happens to me, I shall endeavor to be satisfied."
Professor Stoute walked away, apparently to avoid any further conversation on the disagreeable subject. Paul did not feel quite easy about the difficulty which had occurred between him and the dignified professor. He had hoped and expected that the storm would justify his action in the opinion of the learned gentleman; but Mr. Hamblin carefully avoided him, and he was confident he intended to prefer charges against him as soon as the principal arrived.
The Josephine was now entering the port of Flushing. The pilot was talking with the Dutch skipper very earnestly, and occasionally glancing at the "Wel tevreeden." The latter seemed to be very uneasy, and to manifest a great deal of solicitude in regard to his vessel, notwithstanding she was safe, though the cargo had been damaged, and she had lost her masts and part of her standing rigging.
"Captain Schimmelpennink to you wish to talk," said the pilot, stepping up to Paul.
"Who?" exclaimed Paul, almost stunned by the sound of the Dutchman's name.
The pilot repeated it, but not much more to the edification of the young commander than before.
"I can't talk Dutch," laughed Paul.
"I for you will speak the English," added the Belgian.
This was hardly more encouraging than the Dutch of the disconsolate skipper; but Paul consented to the conference.
"The galiot to you belongs for the labor you have to save him," continued the pilot.