“I beg your honor’s pardon, but you are all wrong in this matter,” replied Marline bluntly, for he saw that nothing but plain speech would answer his purpose.
At the same time he took from his pocket a copy of the regulations which had been printed on board of the Young America, and slowly unfolded the document.
“How can I be all wrong, when, in the absence of the vice-principal, I am in his place, and my authority is supreme?” asked the professor in great astonishment.
“Your honor is no sailor.”
“I thank the stars that I am not.”
“The regulations say that you cannot interfere with the management of the vessel, or with the officers and seamen in the discharge of their duty. If the vice-principal is not on board, the professors can’t meddle with the navigation of the ship. That’s the law; and all we have to do is to obey it.”
Mr. Primback took the regulations, adjusted his glasses, and proceeded to read the articles relating to his own duties. The boatswain was right; but the professor was unwilling to admit the fact.
“Am I placed at the mercy of these boys?” demanded Mr. Primback, as he removed his glasses, and looked at the boatswain.
“So far as handling the vessel is concerned, I don’t see that you have any thing to do with them.”
“They are my scholars, but they may insult me if they choose.”