"Try it again," demanded Sanborn.
Paul Kendall was filled with horror as he listened to this conversation. When he had heard enough to satisfy him that the speakers were actually gambling, he hastened to inform Mr. Lowington of the fact. Paul was an officer of the ship, and this was so plainly his duty that he could not avoid it, disagreeable as it was to give testimony against his shipmates. It seemed to him that the ship could not float much longer if such iniquity were carried on within her walls of wood; she must be purged of such enormities, or some fearful retribution would overtake her. There was no malice or revenge in the bosom of the second lieutenant; he was acting solely and unselfishly for the good of the institution and the students.
He went on deck again. Shuffles was still there, and they met in the waist.
"You told me the truth," said Paul.
"You did not think I was joking about so serious a matter—did you?" replied Shuffles.
"No; but I hoped you might be mistaken."
"How could I be mistaken, when I have seen, at one time and another, a dozen fellows engaged in gambling? Of course such things as these will ruin the boys, and bring the ship into disrepute."
"You are right. My father, for one, wouldn't let me stay on board a single day, if he knew any of the boys were gamblers."
"It can be easily stopped, now you know about it," added Shuffles.
"Perhaps it can. I will inform Mr. Lowington at once."