"Indeed!"
"Yes, sir; one of the students, who berths in the steerage, happened accidentally to let it out."
Paul said "accidentally," because he believed that Shuffles had been betrayed into the revelation by their former intimacy.
"And he does not wish to be regarded as an informer," added the principal.
"No, sir; after he had excited my curiosity, he told me where I could find the gamblers at play."
"I understand his position, precisely," said Mr. Lowington; "and I will not ask his name. The information proves to be painfully correct, and there appears to have been no malice in giving it."
"No, sir; I don't think there was: indeed, I know there was not," added Paul, when he considered that Wilton and the other gamblers were Shuffles' intimate companions.
"This is a very serious matter, Mr. Kendall," repeated the principal, thoughtfully.
"I think it is, sir; that is the reason why I came to you, instead of going to the captain."
"Perhaps it is better that you did so, on the whole," replied Mr. Lowington. "It has enabled me to see the evil for myself. Have you any views in regard to what should be done, Mr. Kendall?"