"This thing yesterday has ruined all my prospects."
"That was rather bad. I never was so sorry for anything in my life before," answered Paul, warmly. "You and I were always good friends after we got well acquainted, though I did vote for another at the election a year ago."
"You did what you thought was right, and I don't blame you for that. I always did my duty when I was an officer."
"That you did, Shuffles; and we always agreed first rate. Isn't it a little strange that I have not lived in the steerage since the ship's company were organized?"
"That's because you were always a good boy, and a smart scholar. I think you would not like it."
"If it wasn't for losing my rank, I should like to try it," replied Paul. "I should like to get better acquainted with the fellows."
"You wouldn't like them in the steerage. You would see a great many things there which you never see in the cabin; a great many things which Mr. Lowington and the professors know nothing about."
"Why, what do you mean, Shuffles?" demanded Paul, astonished at this revelation.
"I ought not to say anything about it; but I believe these things will break up the Academy Ship one of these days, for the boys are growing worse instead of better in her, and their folks will find it out sooner or later."
"You surprise me!" exclaimed Paul, sadly, for he held the honor of the ship and her crew as the apple of his eye. "If there is anything wrong there, you ought to make it known."