"That is very proper, sir," added Mr. Hamblin, heartily.
The learned gentleman let himself down as easily as possible. He had consented to remain rather than subject the principal to the great inconvenience and delay of procuring a new instructor. Captain Kendall was to be independent only in the sailing department, in which he had no disposition to interfere, any more than with the cook. He regarded it as a bitter necessity which compelled him to return to the Josephine; for he could not forego the pecuniary advantage and the opportunity of visiting the classic lands which the voyage presented; but, though he yielded with what grace he could command, he was dissatisfied with Mr. Lowington, and more dissatisfied with Paul.
To go back to the consort unsustained was almost like going to a dungeon for a capital crime, to which nothing but personal interest induced him to submit. If the captain did not enjoy his triumph, it would be a degree of forbearance which he could not comprehend. But he was quite certain that the captain would "put on airs," abuse his absolute liberty, and perhaps snub his teacher before the class. Mr. Hamblin expected this, and made up his mind to be on the lookout for it.
After dinner Mr. Lowington suggested that his services must be much needed on board of the Josephine, and proposed to send him to her at once. Mr. Hamblin consented, and as the consort kept astern of the ship, the latter was hove to, and the professor's barge lowered. Mr. Lowington went with the learned gentleman, and agreeably to his promise, made a full explanation to Paul, while the instructor, without a word to any one, hastened to the steerage, and called his class, just as though nothing had occurred. It was observed that he was unusually sour, crabbed, and precise, and all the students were anxious to know how the question of discipline had been settled.
"Read this order, if you please, Captain Kendall," said the principal, when he had conducted him to the cabin, where they were alone.
"I have no desire to leave my class, unless my duty to the vessel requires it," added Paul, after he had read the order.
"I did not suppose you had; but you will keep that order in your pocket, and remember that your first duty is to your ship and crew."
"I suppose you have learned by this time, sir, the reason why we did not take in sail sooner on Saturday," continued Paul, blushing deeply.
"I have. Professor Hamblin feels very badly about this matter. At the time of it, he believed he was right, for he knows less about a vessel than even the chaplain of the ship. He acknowledges now that he was in error. Our rules did not before apply with sufficient distinctness to your particular case, as captain of the vessel, responsible for her proper navigation. Mr. Hamblin did not overstep the letter of his duty in refusing you permission to go on deck, and I only blame him for his want of judgment. By this order, which corrects the ship's rules, you are made independent in all matters relating to the management of the vessel."
"I think there can be no trouble now, sir," replied Paul, delighted to find that his conduct was approved.