"I have come on board, sir, to make a complaint against the captain of the Josephine. This is the unpleasant business which brings me here," added the learned gentleman, decidedly.
"Indeed!"
But even this, disagreeable as it was, came as a relief to the overcharged heart of Paul's best friend, who had received a terrible shock from the confused state-ment of the professor. Yet it was very strange that any one should have a complaint to make against Paul Kendall, who had always been noble and manly, gentle and conciliating.
"Yesterday, just before the storm came on, Mr. Kendall was reciting with the Greek class," continued Mr. Hamblin. "Word came to him that his presence was required on deck. He asked my permission to go on deck. As I could not see the necessity of his leaving the class before the lesson was finished, I refused to give him permission."
"Did he leave then?"
"Not then; but half an hour later another message came to him, and he left, contrary to my orders, and contrary to my protest," added the professor, waxing indignant as he recounted his wrongs.
"What was the message that came the second time?" asked Mr. Lowington, mildly.
"I do not remember precisely what it was—I am not versed in sea terms; but I do remember that Mr. Kendall left the class contrary to my express order. Not contented with this, he called all hands, and broke up the school, when there was no need of it. Such conduct is utterly subversive of school discipline, and—"
"Excuse me, Mr. Hamblin, but as to-day is Sunday, I must defer hearing any more of your complaint until to-morrow," continued Mr. Lowington, rising from his chair.
"I desire to have this question settled before I resume my position in the Josephine," said the professor, cut by the apparent coolness of the principal.