“But they don’t choose to do any thing of the kind. It was no more Scott’s fault that you were rolled into the scuppers, than it was mine; and I’m sure I had nothing to do with it,” added Marline.
“I don’t believe it: the fellow laughed in my face when I spoke to him. If he comes into the cabin, as I directed him to do, and makes a suitable apology for his conduct, I will pass over his offence as lightly as possible.”
“Scott obeyed orders, and he couldn’t help himself.”
“He did not want to help himself,” persisted Mr. Primback. “I will resign my position before I will submit to such treatment.”
Just then the Tritonia tacked, and the vessel gave a tremendous lurch, as if to illustrate the argument of the boatswain. The professor was hurled from his seat, and Marline helped him up.
“You don’t think that I did that, do you, Mr. Primback?” asked the old salt.
“Of course you did not. Have you any control over these boys, Mr. Marline?” inquired the professor in a tone of contempt.
“None at all in the absence of the vice-principal,” answered the boatswain.
“Then they may take us anywhere, and do what they please with us, if I understand the situation.”
“I suppose so, sir.”