"I'm willing to ask Lowington for the day, if the fellows want me to do so; but it won't do any more good than it would to bark at the mainmast," continued Wilton. "I have an idea in my head, if the fellows will stand by me," he added, in a lower tone, as he looked over the rail at the swinging boom, to which the boats in constant use were made fast.
"What is it?" asked Monroe, eagerly.
"Keep shady, for a while. How many fellows can we muster?"
"I don't know."
"Well, don't stir the matter yet. Here comes Lowington and we will talk to him first. Come, fellows, let's make a dive at him."
Wilton, attended by his companions, walked up to the principal, as he was going forward. Touching his cap respectfully, as the discipline of the ship required, he opened the case.
"Mr. Lowington, some of the students would like to go on shore to-morrow, to celebrate the Fourth. Can't we have liberty?"
"You know the rule; you should apply to the first lieutenant for leave of absence," replied Mr. Lowington.
"We have, sir, and been refused."
"Then there is nothing more to be said. The first lieutenant speaks with authority."