"As you please," replied the principal, as he hastened on deck, where a cheer, half suppressed in deference to the day, had a few moments before been heard.
As Paul came down from the rail of the ship, he was greeted with applause; for, without knowing what had occurred after they lost sight of the consort, the students in the ship realized that Paul had taken his vessel safely through the storm. He bowed and blushed at this demonstration, and hastened to meet Mr. Lowington, who was just coming up from his interview with the professor. He had purposely delayed his passage to the ship, in order to afford Mr. Hamblin time to make his charges. It was plain that he had done so now, and Paul was not a little anxious for the result.
"Captain Kendall, I am very glad to see you," said Mr. Lowington, warmly, as he extended his hand to the young commander.
"Thank you, sir; I am just as glad to see you," replied Paul, taking the proffered hand, and concluding that the professor had not materially prejudiced the principal against him.
"I have been very anxious about you, Captain Kendall," added Mr. Lowington. "I have imagined that all sorts of terrible things had happened to you and the Josephine. Is all well on board?"
"Yes, sir; but we are all very tired. We were up all night, and the crew had to work very hard."
"All night?"
"We went to the assistance of that galiot, sir. We saved four persons, and brought the vessel in, as you see her now. She was knocked down in the squall, and lost two men. We found her on her beam-ends."
"Indeed, Captain Kendall, you have had your hands full," replied Mr. Lowington, pleased with the gallant conduct of his young friend.
"The captain of the galiot,—he has a name as long as the main royal-mast backstay, and I can't remember it,—the captain is on board of the Josephine, and wishes to see you very much. I referred the whole matter to you, sir."