“I only desired to explain, sir,” added the captain, with the utmost deference and respect.
“Then do it in English.”
“When the vessel turned so that the wind did not press upon the sails, the heavy waves caused her to roll and pitch violently,” continued the captain.
“And Scott turned the vessel just as he saw me come on deck.”
“I gave him the order to turn her.”
“He could have waited a moment till I had reached a secure position. He has been guilty of disrespect to the senior professor of the vessel.—Scott, you will go down into the cabin, and settle this case with me,” continued Mr. Primback, who was certainly more irritable than usual.
Wainwright was confounded by this order. It was plain that the professor had forgotten the regulation of the principal, which ought to have governed him in the present emergency. In the absence of the vice-principal, he had no control whatever over the captain in regard to the management of the vessel. He was taking the course pursued by another professor in the squadron, who had been sent home for interfering with the discipline of the ship.
“Mr. Scott is the officer of the deck, sir,” said the captain, greatly embarrassed by the situation.
“I don’t care if he is: he will obey my order, or I will suspend him from duty,” replied Mr. Primback stoutly.
“You will excuse me, sir, if I call your attention to the regulation bearing upon this case,” continued the captain.