“I do not care to know your opinion of the case, Dr. Crumples,” added Mr. Primback tartly.
“You know it already, professor,” chuckled the doctor.
“I am the senior professor of the ship, with full powers to direct every thing”—
“In the scholastic department,” interposed the doctor.
“Do you suppose I am placed here to follow the lead of a boy?” demanded Mr. Primback, pointing at the captain of the Tritonia in the most contemptuous manner.
In releasing his hold upon the life-line he was in great danger of being upset again, and Marline grasped his arm, this time so vigorously that the professor groaned with pain. Possibly the old salt was disgusted with the “philosopher,” and expressed his feeling in this way.
“Do you mean to break my arm, Mr. Marline?”
“I beg your honor’s pardon, but I was afraid you were going to be shied into the scuppers again,” pleaded the boatswain.
“I shall call for volunteers, my lads,” Capt. Wainwright continued, resuming his speech to the ship’s company where he had left off.
“You will not call for volunteers, Wainwright!” interposed Mr. Primback warmly. “I forbid you to call for volunteers! I forbid any student to volunteer! It is my order that you proceed on the voyage to Madeira, according to the direction of the principal.”