Oscar was promptly released without a question.
CHAPTER XVI.
THE ORGANIZATION OF THE SHIP’S COMPANY.
Oscar Chester was taken to the house, and provided with a good breakfast. His appetite was not spoiled, though dry bread had no attractions for him. He ate heartily, and then walked down to the landing on the lake where the steamer lay.
Captain Gildrock had gone down before. He had called the boys together on the forward deck, where, as usual, they had greeted him with a cheer, which assured him so far that every thing was satisfactory to the pupils.
“Hereafter, my lads, I think we had better dispense with the cheers, except on extraordinary occasions. By and by something will occur that will not meet your approbation; and then you will want to make a demonstration of another kind,” said the captain.
“Can’t we make it?” asked Ben Ludlow.
“If what I do, and what the instructors do, is
not right, I should like to have you express your opinions in a proper manner,” replied the principal of the school. “But, if any thing don’t suit you, I don’t wish you to manifest your disapprobation by hissing. Don’t pretend to like what you don’t like. Don’t be hypocrites. But, if you are dissatisfied with any thing about the school, come to me, and express your minds in a proper manner; and we will calmly discuss the matter. If I am wrong, I shall make haste to set myself right; and I hope you will do the same.”