“He is in the after cabin,” replied the first pilot; and he would have been very glad to hear what passed between the principal and the farmer.
But he had been taught to mind his own business; and he walked up to the dormitory with Oscar, who had not yet visited the room appropriated to his use. Mr. Millweed went on board of the Sylph, and found the captain at the desk in his room.
“I will wait till you are ready to see me, Captain Gildrock,” said he.
“I am ready to see you now, and anxious to hear what you have to say,” replied the principal, as he led the way out of the state-room into the main cabin. “Both of the boys came on board before nine, and have done well. Pemberton is first cook, and Bolingbroke is third fireman.”
“I suppose they don’t like these places,” added Farmer Millweed.
“Both of them seem to be very well satisfied. Pemberton is an excellent cook,” answered the captain. “He thinks his position is not particularly genteel, but he will get over that in a short time. Did Mrs. Millweed consent to their joining the school?”
“She did not: she objected with all her might. But I saw that the boys were inclined to go to the school. We had a regular row, but I stuck to
my text; and finally I told the boys I could not support them another day in idleness.
“My wife cried; but I told her it was no use, for we should all be turned out of the house, and all that I had would be sold to pay my debts. I told the boys to hurry down here before the boat started; and they minded me, in spite of the screams of my wife. It made me feel bad, but I couldn’t help it.”
“I am sorry you had any trouble, but I think you have done right,” added Captain Gildrock.