"I think, under the circumstances, that my vote ought to be counted on the other side, even if it reverses the result," said Paul, earnestly.
"Why do you wish to vote for Pelham?" demanded Shuffles, rather because he had nothing else to say than because he was interested in the anticipated reply.
"I don't think it was quite fair for you to obtain my vote as you did."
"No matter for that. Do you think Pelham would make a better captain than I should?"
"A better what?"
"Do you think he will command the ship any better than I shall."
"Command the ship!" repeated Paul, bewildered by this extraordinary question. "I wasn't aware that either of you were to command the ship."
Shuffles, in his turn, was confounded when he found that the second lieutenant was a member of the "Chain" without any knowledge of its objects. Though he had used all the precautions required by the League, a hint had unwittingly been given to Paul, whose simple integrity rendered him the most dangerous person on board to the interests of such an institution as the Chain.
"Mr. Kendall, may I ask what you now suppose you were voting for?" asked Shuffles, with easy assurance.
"For the orator of the day, of course," replied Paul, who was too free from wiles or arts to make any use of the advantage gained.