"His mistake was in not going on deck when the messenger sent to him by the officer of the deck reported that a squall was coming up."
"But I refused the permission," said the professor, warmly.
"Then he should have gone without your permission," added Mr. Lowington, decidedly.
"Am I to understand, sir, that you counsel disobedience among the boys on the Josephine?"
"No, sir; I counsel obedience to the laws of God and man, and to the orders of one's superior. Mr. Hamblin, is it possible that you could not understand the circumstances of that occasion?" continued the principal. "A squall was coming up, and you desired to detain the captain of your vessel in the steerage!"
"But half the crew were on deck. I am told that Mr. Terrill is a competent seaman. He knew enough to take down the sails, if necessary."
"Such a course would have been without a precedent, and in violation of one of the rules of the ship."
"Did you not tell me that all the students, including the captain,—you mentioned him especially,—were subject to the orders of the professors in school hours?"
"I certainly did; but if I had supposed that there was an instructor in either vessel so utterly wanting in discretion, I should have qualified the statement. Captain Kendall is in command of the Josephine. He is responsible for the safety of the vessel and for the lives of those on board."
"He might have sent up word to take down the sails," growled Mr. Hamblin, disgusted beyond measure at the decision of the principal.