"It is at all times the duty of the seaman to save life and property on the high seas. No one knows how soon we may need the kind offices of brother sailors of any nation; and what we expect to receive from others we should at all times be prepared to render to them. You have done nobly. I congratulate you upon your success; and I thank you for the zeal with which you have discharged your several duties. Nothing so much as the dependence of one seaman upon another, in the hour of shipwreck and disaster, unites the seamen of all nations in one fraternity. Young gentlemen, you have done something for your ship, and something for your country; for every true American feels proud and happy when he learns that an American vessel has saved even a single shipwrecked mariner. I am sure your friends will be proud of you when they read your record for the last twenty-four hours.
"According to maritime law, young gentlemen, you are entitled to salvage upon the vessel you have saved. Under ordinary circumstances, you would be justified in claiming from one half to three fourths of the value of this vessel. The galiot, I am informed, was not insured. The value of the vessel and cargo is perhaps four or five thousand dollars. I have no doubt the court would give you what would amount to two or three thousand dollars, at least; for without assistance the vessel would probably have been a total loss.
"Captain Schimmelpennink, I am told, is the sole owner of the 'Wel tevreeden.' He and his family lived on board of her. It was their only home, and she was their only worldly possession. At an expense of a few hundred dollars, he can restore her to her original condition. If sold in her present state, she would not bring half her actual value. Deducting the salvage from this amount, the unfortunate captain would lose at least three fourths of his property, the accumulation of his lifetime."
"We'll no rob the poor mon," interposed McLeish, the Scotch boy, who was now on his good behavior.
"It will be no robbery, McLeish. You would take but your just dues," replied the principal, with a smile.
"We'll no tak it," added McLeish.
"No, sir!" "No, sir!" "No, sir!" responded the students in every direction.
"Not a dollar of it, sir!" said Paul, warmly.
"Thank you, young gentlemen," continued Mr. Lowington, whose face indicated the pleasure he felt. "You have voluntarily suggested what I was about to propose to you. To-day is Sunday, and your conduct is worthy of the day. I should not have mentioned the matter until to-morrow, if I had not desired to relieve the unfortunate captain from his anxiety and suspense. Your conduct will gladden his heart. We will take a vote on this question, that there may be no mistake in regard to your intentions. Those in favor of abandoning the claim for salvage will signify it by raising the right hand."
Every hand was raised, and most of the boys added an emphatic "Ay!" to the hand vote.