"I don't see that we can agree on anything till we know whom he chooses. He may pick out the very one we decide to vote for."
"I go in for a caucus of all hands."
"So do I; that is the fairest way," replied Sheridan, as the steamer stopped at the side of the ship, and the students, without waiting for planks and steps, leaped to her deck.
After supper all hands were called, and Captain Cantwell was requested to appoint the student for the journey to the interior. The ship's crew were all silent, curious and anxious to know who the favored one was to be. The captain mounted the rostrum with the principal, and took off his cap.
"I appoint Thomas Scott," said he.
The announcement was greeted with the most emphatic applause on the part of the seamen, in which a few of the officers joined.
"Of course Scott knew he was to be appointed before," sneered De Forrest.
"He did not know it," replied Sheridan; "and if he did, I don't know that it alters anything."
"Scott made him captain, and this is his reward."
"You made Cantwell captain," retorted Sheridan. "Scott worked for him, and I am glad to see that he remembers his friends."