"It is absurd! There is hardly a fellow in the ship that does not hate him, except you."
"I don't hate him, or any other fellow. But go ahead; there will be fun and a lively time," said Scott, as they separated to take their places in the boats.
The students and others embarked, and, as the instructors were now with them, nothing more was said about the proposed changes. The squadron of sixteen boats pulled out from the island, and, forming in order, rowed to the several vessels which were anchored a couple of miles distant. As soon as the boys were on board, the exciting topic was renewed. After supper Scott was notified of a meeting of the committee in the after cabin: but the regulations of the ship did not permit him to go there, being only a seaman. Scott, of course, did not appear, though, attempting to enter the cabin, he was ordered by the principal to go forward. He obeyed, and was satisfied that the rest of the committee intended to ignore him, or they would not appoint a meeting where he could not attend.
In the cabin, at eight bells, the majority of the committee met. Norwood was not in favor of acting without Scott; but De Forrest and Beckwith advised them to do so. It was not proper for officers to meet in the steerage; and they had accommodated the majority. It was decided to wait upon the principal forthwith, and Scott was duly notified of the intention. The joker, when the messenger gave him the second notice, was engaged at an impromptu indignation meeting, in which he was informing his audience that a meeting of the committee had been called in the cabin, where he could not attend. He considered it an indignity to him, and to the cause of which he was the representative and the champion. After consulting Cantwell, he decided not to wait upon the principal with the rest of the committee. After certain explanations which Scott made, and certain schemes of future action which he suggested, the fourth master was entirely satisfied with the proposition.
The majority of the committee waited upon the principal in the main cabin, and fully stated the proposed changes in the "tenure of office," in the ship and in the two consorts.
"You represent a meeting of all the officers and seamen of the squadron—do you?" asked Mr. Lowington.
"Yes, sir; all the officers and all the seamen of each vessel were present," replied Judson, the chairman of the committee.
"Was the vote by which you were appointed unanimous?"
"No, sir; it was not."
"What was the vote?"