"That would be rather hard," said the chaplain.
"I know it, but it would be the best thing in the world for the boy. I don't mean to say that I would never permit him to have money; but he should have no stated allowance; and when he had a dollar, I should want to know how it was to be expended."
"This question of money allowances has been under serious consideration with me."
"You can't handle the boys in Europe with money in their pockets. A regiment of soldiers could not keep them straight."
"I think you are right, doctor. I am tempted to take their money from them."
"Do it, by all means!" exclaimed Dr. Winstock.
The chaplain regarded the measure as rather high-handed. He thought it would belittle the boys, and deprive them of some portion of their self-respect. The instructors came into the cabin at seven bells, and their opinions were taken. Four of the six were in favor of taking all money from the boys. Mr. Lowington had already reached this view of the case, and it was resolved to take the important step at once, as the best means of effectually putting a stop to the practice of gambling.
Mr. Fluxion had been unable to attend this conference for more than a few moments, for he was the instructor in mathematics, which included navigation, and he was compelled to superintend the observations, which were made with separate instruments by himself and by the two masters of the forenoon watch. The position of the ship was found, and marked on the chart, and the "dead reckoning" compared with the result obtained by calculation.
At one bell in the afternoon watch, all hands were piped to muster, and the gamblers readily understood that this call was for their especial benefit.
"Wilton," said Mr. Lowington, from his usual position.