"Remember, if you please, what I said, Mr. Kendall. I am willing to do a good thing for the ship; but you know how much I should have to suffer, if it were known that I gave the information. I didn't mean to blow on my shipmates; but you and I have been so intimate in the after cabin, that I spoke before I was aware what I was about," continued Shuffles.
"I shall not willingly betray you."
"Willingly! What do you mean by that?" demanded the conspirator, startled by the words of the officer.
"Suppose Mr. Lowington should ask me where I obtained my information," suggested Paul.
"Didn't you see for yourself in No. 8?"
"He might ask what led me to examine the matter so particularly. But, Shuffles, I will tell him honestly that I do not wish to inform him who gave me the hint; and I am quite sure he will not press the matter, when he finds that the facts are correct."
"Don't mention my name on any account," added Shuffles. "It was mean of me to say anything; but the ship was going to ruin, and I'm rather glad I spoke, though I didn't intend to do so."
"I will make it all right, Shuffles," replied Paul, as he descended the cabin steps.
Mr. Lowington was in the main cabin, and the second lieutenant knocked at the door. He was readily admitted, and invited to take a seat, for the principal was as polite to the young gentlemen as though they had been his equals in age and rank.
"I would like to speak with you alone, if you please, sir," Paul began, glancing at the cabin steward, who was at work in the pantry.