"I don't find any fault with him myself," protested Ben. "I don't like him, but I have always got along very well with him."
"What did you mean by mentioning this matter to me, Ben?" asked Paul.
"Nothing; only I shouldn't be surprised if the fellows were to haze the venerable patriarch a little in a quiet way. They are all down upon him."
"I am sorry for that. I hope all the fellows will do their duty, and not get into any scrapes, replied Paul, very seriously.
"I am sorry, but I can't say that I blame them much."
"I shall blame them if they commit any act of disrespect," said the captain, decidedly. "I hope you will say what you can forward to keep the fellows from doing anything that would hurt Mr. Hamblin's feelings."
"What can I do? The old fossil doesn't treat the students like gentlemen; and if he behaves so, what can you expect of the fellows? He is cross, crabbed, and tyrannical."
"Have they just found it out?"
"No, but they were willing to bear it rather than make any trouble on board. After what he did last Saturday, they are not disposed to be so patient; and I can't blame them much."
"What happened last Saturday was between Mr. Hamblin and me, and the students needn't trouble themselves about that."