The culprit was startled at these words, and began to suspect that Wilton had betrayed him in spite of his fear of falling overboard accidentally. It looked just then as though the principal intended to "toggle" him.
"I acknowledge that I have done wrong," Mr. Lowington continued.
Shuffles repeated the words, happy to find that he was not to take the obligation of "The Chain League."
"And I will hereafter endeavor to do my duty faithfully."
The promise was repeated with the lips, but of course it had no meaning, and did not reach the heart.
"That is all, Shuffles," added the principal.—"Young gentlemen, you are dismissed from muster."
This was certainly a very mild atonement for the grave offence which Shuffles had committed, and the lenity of the principal was generally commented upon by the boys. The starboard watch was piped below to study and recite, while the port watch were to be off and on during the forenoon. The first part now had the deck, while the second was off duty, and the boys belonging to it were permitted to remain on deck or to spend their time in the mess rooms. They were not allowed to linger in the steerage where the recitations were going on, but might pass directly through on their way to their apartments.
At ten o'clock the first part of the port watch was relieved, and the second part went on duty. Shuffles and Wilton were at liberty now, but there appeared to be a coldness between them, and Wilton sought another companion for his leisure hours. Sanborn and Adler belonged to his part of the watch, and he soon joined them.
"There isn't much difference between being off duty and being on," said Adler, as they seated themselves on the main hatch.
"There will be a difference when we have to make and take in sail every half hour. We had a big job taking in the studding sails last night."