"Indeed! I don't know that I quite comprehend you. I notice that all the students carefully avoid me this afternoon. If I approach any two or more of them engaged In conversation, they stop talking, or separate, and look very mysterious. I had come to the conclusion that I was to be the subject of some practical joke."
"O, no. It is no joke, I assure you. It is a conspiracy, find I am to be the first victim. Beckwith, the first master, was even impudent enough to invite me to take a part in the amputation of my own nose! Did you ever hear anything so absurd?"
"Perhaps I should be better able to judge if I were informed in regard to the nature of the conspiracy," suggested Cantwell, as he readjusted his eye-glasses.
"I shall be happy to inform you. They intend to apply to the principal to have the tenure of office in the ship changed," replied Scott, in a very impressive manner, as though he were revealing a startling fact.
"The tenure of office!" repeated Cantwell, with a puzzled look.
"Yes. Beckwith was kind enough to explain to me what it meant. I dare say you know, without any explanation, Mr. Cantwell."
"Of course I know the meaning of the phrase, but I don't understand its application to the affairs of the squadron."
"Then you will excuse me for telling you." And Scott explained in full the nature of the proposed changes. "This is a plan, you will perceive, to cut me off."
"Indeed!"
"I have been a good boy, and learned my lessons this month; and, under the present regulation, I should be the captain of the ship next month. I think that is clear enough."