"It doesn't concern you. I didn't speak to you," said the purser, sourly. "I order you to go forward."
Scott touched his cap, and obeyed; but De Forrest dared not say anything more to Billy about the bribe, except to tell him not to mention what he had offered.
"Here, my darling Billy!" exclaimed Scott, as the little fellow went forward. "Here is a hundred rubles to pay your bills on the journey. It is the free gift of Captain Cantwell, who insists upon paying all your expenses, and declares that you must go. You see, my darling, he has so much money he can't possibly get rid of it without your aid, and you must do him the favor you refused me."
Scott repeated the story of the captain's generous gift so that all the students on deck could hear it.
"Three cheers for Captain Cantwell!" roared one of the big fellows; and they were given with a will.
The principal wanted to know what it meant, and Scott told him. He smiled, and approved the act; and Billy Bobstay was actually crying, he was so overcome by the kindness of his friends. Then Scott hugged him, and made him laugh; and with the tears dropping down his cheeks, he went to Cantwell and thanked him for his liberal gift. With but few exceptions, the ship's company were pleased with the result. The growing popularity of the captain troubled De Forrest, Beckwith, and a few others, and they were thinking how they could safely turn the tide against him.
CHAPTER XI.
PALACES AND GARDENS.