Eight out of twenty-six were nearly one third of the whole school. He wished he could have a chance to talk the subject over with the other rebels in his crew before they were called to order in the schoolroom, for Captain Gildrock was a thorough disciplinarian. He would yield a great deal to respectful remonstrance, but not a hair to rebellion. If the eight rebels took a decided stand, the principal would regard it as a case of disobedience, and treat it accordingly.
But there was no time to argue the matter, and hardly a word had been said about it among the crews of the barges. The rebels had preferred to confine their discussion to their own number, instead of getting the views and feelings of the other members of the school.
Every pupil had a single desk in the schoolroom, which contained his books and other property. Each one took his place, and the roll was called by Miss Fatima Millweed, who was the clerk of the institution. All answered to their names. Most of those who wore the uniform did not seem to know that there was a rebellion in progress, and they looked with some astonishment at their companions in plain clothes.
The principal had not yet come in, and as he had announced other business for the opening of the session, the instructors waited for him. But the captain was a methodical and punctual man, and the roll-call was hardly finished before he made his appearance upon the platform. He had a roll of papers in his hand, and seemed to be thinking of the business of the moment. He proceeded to unroll his papers, without bestowing any attention upon the new uniform, for he had noticed and commented upon it before school time.
"Now, boys, I have something to say about the plans for the new boat-house and hall for recreation," the principal began, as he took his place at the desk on the platform. "The idea does not include merely the building, but a wharf for the Sylph, docks for the barges, and the location and general arrangement of the building and grounds. For the best plan of the building the prize will be fifty dollars. The same amount will be given for the best location and method of constructing the wharf and arranging the grounds of the new structure."
"Architecture and civil engineering," suggested Bolingbroke Millweed, deeply interested in the business of the occasion.
"Precisely so, only we shall not meddle much with ornamental architecture," replied Captain Gildrock, looking over the pupils to observe the impression the announcement of the prize made upon them.
Then he suddenly suspended his remarks, and stepped out to the side of the desk. For a moment he looked the boys over, as though his thoughts had taken a new turn. He left his papers on the desk, as though he had abandoned the subject of the building.
"I think I directed that the new uniform should be put on this morning," said the principal, after a considerable pause. "I see that most of you wear it, and I suppose the others could not find suits that would fit them. Mr. Sheers was to be here to assist in fitting you. Wasn't he here, Shoreham?"
"Yes, sir; he was here, and he selected a uniform that he said would fit me," replied Lew.