"We shall find out how the inside of the brig looks, in my opinion," continued Wilton. "I was a fool to play here, right in the steerage. Shuffles told me that Lowington smelt a mice, and would make a row about this thing."
"Shuffles told you so!" exclaimed Adler. "How did he know?"
"I don't know? I believe the parson told him last night, when he was in the brig."
"Why didn't you say so then?" demanded Sanborn. "You have got us into a pretty scrape! That is the reason why Shuffles wouldn't play himself."
"Yes, he said it was; but I didn't believe Lowington knew anything about it; I don't see how he could. He walked in here as straight as though he had been sent for, and knew just where to go," said Wilton.
"Of course he did: you say Shuffles told you Lowington knew all about it; and I suppose he has been on the watch to find some fellows at it so as to make an example of them."
"That's the whole of it. We might as well throw the props overboard now."
Mr. Lowington returned to the cabin, where he had left Paul Kendall. He was sadly disturbed by the discovery he had made, for he had no suspicion before that any of his pupils had made so much progress in vice. He knew what a terrible evil gambling was among men; that it was the forerunner of dissipation and crime; and he felt the responsibility which rested upon him as a guardian and instructor of youth.
"Mr. Kendall, your information was correct; and I commend the zeal you have displayed in bringing this fearful evil to light. How happened you to discover it?"
"I had a hint from a source which I would rather not mention," replied the second lieutenant, with some embarrassment.