The chaplain and the doctor were there, and Mr. Lowington wished to take their advice upon the serious matter before him; and before he permitted the second lieutenant to retire, he stated the case to them.
"Gambling!" groaned the chaplain.
"I detected them in the act myself," added Mr. Lowington. "You may retire, Mr. Kendall."
"Why, this is awful!"
"Boys will do almost anything that men will," said Dr. Winstock, the surgeon.
"Drinking and gambling!" ejaculated the chaplain. "What are we coming to?"
"I fear there are other vices of which we know nothing yet," added the doctor.
"Why, I'm afraid the Academy Ship will prove to be a failure, after all," sighed Mr. Agneau.
"Not at all," argued Dr. Winstock. "We are in position here to treat these evils properly. There are no fond mothers and indulgent fathers to spoil the boys, when the discipline becomes sharp."
"What can we do?" demanded the chaplain. "Moral and religious influences seem to have no effect."