The principal often asked the opinion of the officers concerning similar matters under discussion, perhaps in order to teach them self-respect, rather than with the expectation of obtaining valuable suggestions from them.
"I think there should be stricter discipline in the mess rooms, sir," replied Paul, blushing to have his opinion asked. "The fellows——"
"The students, you mean," interposed the principal.
"Excuse me, sir," added Paul, blushing deeper than before at this gentle rebuke.
The boys had a language of their own, which was not tolerated by the faculty when it ran into coarseness and slang.
"What were you about to say, Mr. Kendall?" continued the principal, smiling at the confusion of the young officer.
"The students can now do anything they like in the mess rooms. They have plenty of money, and if they want to gamble, they can. They were playing last night when the first part of the starboard watch were on duty."
"You are right, Mr. Kendall," said Mr. Lowington "The students must be looked after in their rooms. Has there ever been any gambling among the officers in the after cabin?"
"I never saw any, or heard of any. I don't think there has been."
"I hope not; but we must grapple with this question in earnest," added the principal, as he led the way out of the state room into the main cabin.