The ship continued to go along easily on her course till morning. It was a clear night, and though the wind was fresh, the sea was not rough, and the Young America behaved very handsomely. The programme for the watches was carried out to the letter, but on the first night out, the boys were too much excited by the novelty of the situation to be able to sleep much.
At eight bells in the morning, after the port watch had breakfasted, all the students off duty attended prayers. Then the starboard watch had their morning meal, after which all hands were piped to muster.
Mr. Lowington mounted the hatch, and it was understood that the case of discipline which had come up the day before was to be settled now.
"Shuffles!" called the principal.
The culprit came forward.
"Are you still of the same mind as when I saw you last evening?" continued Mr. Lowington.
"I am, sir," replied Shuffles, with a becoming exhibition of meekness.
"You will step upon the hatch, then."
Shuffles took position by the side of the principal.
"You will repeat after me," added Mr. Lowington.