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diff --git a/15920-h/15920-h.htm b/15920-h/15920-h.htm new file mode 100644 index 0000000..c0cf1a8 --- /dev/null +++ b/15920-h/15920-h.htm @@ -0,0 +1,14091 @@ +<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Strict//EN" + "http://www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-strict.dtd"> + +<html xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"> + <head> + <meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html;charset=iso-8859-1" /> + <title> + The Project Gutenberg eBook of Outward Bound, by Oliver Optic. + </title> + <style type="text/css"> +/*<![CDATA[ XML blockout */ +<!-- + p { margin-top: .75em; + text-align: justify; + margin-bottom: .75em; + } + + p.caption { margin-top:0; font-size:smaller; text-align: center;} + + h1,h2,h3,h4,h5,h6 { + text-align: center; /* all headings centered */ + clear: both; + } + hr { width: 33%; + margin-top: 2em; + margin-bottom: 2em; + margin-left: auto; + margin-right: auto; + clear: both; + } + +hr.quarter {width: 25%;} +hr.endpage {width: 100%;} +.center {text-align: center; } +span.pageno { position: absolute; left: 1%; right: 91%; + font-size: 8pt;} + + + table {margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;} + + body{margin-left: 10%; + margin-right: 10%; + } + + .linenum {position: absolute; top: auto; left: 4%;} /* poetry number */ + .blockquot{margin-left: 5%; margin-right: 10%;} + .pagenum {position: absolute; left: 92%; font-size: smaller; text-align: right;} /* page numbers */ + .sidenote {width: 20%; padding-bottom: .5em; padding-top: .5em; + padding-left: .5em; padding-right: .5em; margin-left: 1em; + float: right; clear: right; margin-top: 1em; + font-size: smaller; background: #eeeeee; border: dashed 1px;} + + .bb {border-bottom: solid 2px;} + .bl {border-left: solid 2px;} + .bt {border-top: solid 2px;} + .br {border-right: solid 2px;} + .bbox {border: solid 2px;} + + .center {text-align: center;} + .smcap {font-variant: small-caps;} + .u {text-decoration: underline;} + + .caption {font-weight: bold;} + .figcenter {margin: auto; text-align: center;} + + .figleft {float: left; clear: left; margin-left: 0; margin-bottom: 1em; + margin-top: 1em; margin-right: 1em; padding: 0; text-align: center;} + + .figright {float: right; clear: right; margin-left: 1em; margin-bottom: 1em; + margin-top: 1em; margin-right: 0; padding: 0; text-align: center;} + + .footnotes {border: dashed 1px;} + .footnote {margin-left: 2em; } + + + .footnote .label {text-align: left;} + .fnanchor {vertical-align: super; font-size: .8em; text-decoration: none;} + + .poem {margin-left:10%; margin-right:10%; text-align: left;} + .poem br {display: none;} + .poem .stanza {margin: 1em 0em 1em 0em;} + .poem span.i0 {display: block; margin-left: 0em;} + .poem span.i2 {display: block; margin-left: 2em;} + .poem span.i4 {display: block; margin-left: 4em;} + + .returnTOC {text-align: right; font-size: smaller;} + + .toc {margin-top: .75em; text-align: justify; + margin-bottom: .75em; } + + // --> + /* XML end ]]>*/ + </style> + </head> + + +<body> + + +<pre> + +The Project Gutenberg EBook of Outward Bound, by Oliver Optic + +This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with +almost no restrictions whatsoever. You may copy it, give it away or +re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included +with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.org + + +Title: Outward Bound + Or, Young America Afloat + +Author: Oliver Optic + +Release Date: May 27, 2005 [EBook #15920] + +Language: English + +Character set encoding: ISO-8859-1 + +*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK OUTWARD BOUND *** + + + + +Produced by Juliet Sutherland, Norma Elliott and the Online +Distributed Proofreading Team. (www.pgdp.net) + + + + + + +</pre> + + + +<div class="figcenter"> + +<a id="Illus1" name="Illus1"></a> +<a href="images/cover.jpg"><img src="images/cover-tb.jpg" + style="border: 0;" + alt="Outward Bound - Frontispiece" title="Outward Bound - Frontispiece" /></a> +<p class="caption">Outward Bound - Frontispiece.</p> +<p class="returnTOC"><a href="#ListIllus">Return to List of Illustrations</a></p> + +<br /> +</div> + + +<h1>YOUNG AMERICA ABROAD</h1> + +<h3>By</h3> + +<h3>OLIVER OPTIC</h3> + + +<h2>OUTWARD BOUND</h2> + +<h3>BOSTON<br /> +LEE & SHEPARD.</h3> + +<hr class="endpage" /> + +<div> +<h1>OUTWARD BOUND;</h1> + +<h4>OR,</h4> + +<h2>YOUNG AMERICA AFLOAT.</h2> + +<br /> +<br /> +<h4>A STORY OF TRAVEL AND ADVENTURE.</h4> + +<h4>BY</h4> + +<h3>WILLIAM T. ADAMS</h3> + +<h4>(<i>OLIVER OPTIC</i>).</h4> +<br /><br /> + +<h3>BOSTON: LEE AND SHEPARD.</h3> + +<h3>1869.</h3> +</div> +<hr class="endpage" /> + +<div class="center"> +Entered according to Act of Congress, in the year 1866, by<br /> +WILLIAM T. ADAMS,<br /> +In the Clerk's Office of the District Court of the District of Massachusetts.<br /> +</div> + +<hr class="endpage" /> + +<div class="center"> +TO<br /><br /> +<b>GEORGE WEBSTER TERRILL</b><br /><br /> +<br /> +<i>This Volume</i><br /><br /> +IS RESPECTFULLY DEDICATED.<br /> +</div> + +<hr class="endpage" /> + +<h2>YOUNG AMERICA ABROAD.</h2> + +<h4>BY OLIVER OPTIC.</h4> + +<p>A Library of Travel and Adventure in Foreign Lands. First +and Second Series; six volumes in each Series. 16mo. +Illustrated.</p> + +<p class="center"><i>First Series</i>.</p> + +<table width="100%" summary="First Series"> +<tbody> +<tr><td align="right"> +I.</td><td><i>OUTWARD BOUND,</i> OR, YOUNG AMERICA AFLOAT.</td></tr> +<tr><td align="right"> +II.</td><td><i>SHAMROCK AND THISTLE</i>; +OR, YOUNG AMERICA IN IRELAND AND SCOTLAND.</td></tr> +<tr><td align="right"> +III.</td><td><i>RED CROSS</i>; OR, YOUNG AMERICA IN ENGLAND AND WALES.</td></tr> +<tr><td align="right"> +IV.</td><td><i>DIKES AND DITCHES</i>; OR, YOUNG AMERICA IN HOLLAND +AND BELGIUM.</td></tr> +<tr><td align="right"> +V.</td><td><i>PALACE AND COTTAGE</i>; OR, YOUNG AMERICA IN FRANCE AND +SWITZERLAND.</td></tr> +<tr><td align="right"> +VI.</td><td><i>DOWN THE RHINE</i>; OR, YOUNG AMERICA IN GERMANY.</td></tr> +</tbody> +</table> + +<p class="center"><i>Second Series</i>.</p> + +<table width="100%" summary="Second Series"> +<tbody> +<tr><td align="right"> +I.</td><td><i>UP THE BALTIC</i>; OR, YOUNG AMERICA IN DENMARK AND SWEDEN.</td></tr> +<tr><td align="right"> +II.</td><td><i>NORTHERN LANDS</i>; OR, YOUNG AMERICA IN PRUSSIA AND RUSSIA.</td></tr> +<tr><td align="right"> +III.</td><td><i>VINE AND OLIVE</i>; OR, YOUNG AMERICA IN SPAIN AND PORTUGAL.</td></tr> +<tr><td align="right"> +IV.</td><td><i>SUNNY SHORES</i>; OR, YOUNG AMERICA IN ITALY AND AUSTRIA.</td></tr> +<tr><td align="right"> +V.</td><td><i>CROSS AND CRESCENT</i>; OR, YOUNG AMERICA IN GREECE AND TURKEY.</td></tr> +<tr><td align="right"> +VI.</td><td><i>ISLES OF THE SEA</i>; OR, YOUNG AMERICA HOMEWARD BOUND.</td></tr> +</tbody> +</table> + + +<hr class="endpage" /> + + + +<h3>PREFACE.</h3> + +<p>Outward Bound is the first volume of "A Library of +Travel and Adventure in Foreign Lands," and contains the +voyage of the Academy Ship "Young America" across the +Atlantic. The origin and progress of this aquatic institution +are incidentally developed, and the plan is respectfully submitted +to the consideration of those who are interested in +the education and moral training of the class of young men +who are the characters in the scenes described in this work. +Besides a full description of the routine and discipline of the +ship, as an educational and reformatory institution, the volume +contains a rather free <i>exposé</i> of the follies and frailties +of youth, but their vices are revealed to suggest the remedy.</p> + +<p>The story includes the experience of the officers and crew +of the Young America, eighty-seven in number, though, of +course, only a few of them can appear as prominent actors. +As the ship has a little world, with all the elements of good +and evil, within her wooden walls, the story of the individual +will necessarily be interwoven with that of the mass; and +the history of "The Chain League," in the present volume, +of which Shuffles is the hero, will, it is hoped, convey an +instructive lesson to young men who are disposed to rebel +against reasonable discipline and authority.</p> + +<p><span class="pageno"><a name="page6" id="page6"></a>{6}</span> +In the succeeding volumes of this series, the adventures, +travels, and "sight-seeing," as well as the individual and +collective experience of the juvenile crew of the Academy +Ship, will be narrated. They will visit the principal ports +of Europe, as well as penetrate to the interior; but they +will always be American boys, wherever they are.</p> + +<p>The author hopes that the volumes of the series will not +only be instructive as a description of foreign lands, and +interesting as a record of juvenile exploits, but that they +will convey correct views of moral and social duties, and +stimulate the young reader to their faithful performance.</p> + + +<p>HARRISON SQUARE, MASS.,<br /> +November 2, 1866.</p> + +<hr class="endpage" /> + +<p><span class="pageno"><a name="page7" id="page7"></a>{7}</span> +<a id="Contents" name="Contents"></a></p> + +<h2>CONTENTS</h2> + +<div class='center'> +<table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" summary="Contents"> +<tr><td align='right'>I.</td> +<td align='left'><a href="#CHAPTER_I">The Idea Suggested</a></td> +<td align='right'>11</td></tr> + +<tr><td align='right'>II.</td> +<td align='left'><a href="#CHAPTER_II">The Young America</a></td> +<td align='right'>27</td></tr> + +<tr><td align='right'>III.</td> +<td align='left'><a href="#CHAPTER_III">The Ensign at the Peak</a></td> +<td align='right'>43</td></tr> + +<tr><td align='right'>IV.</td> +<td align='left'><a href="#CHAPTER_IV">Officers and Seamen.</a></td> +<td align='left'>59</td></tr> + +<tr><td align='right'>V.</td> +<td align='left'><a href="#CHAPTER_V">Our Fellows.</a></td> +<td align='right'>75</td></tr> + +<tr><td align='right'>VI.</td> +<td align='left'><a href="#CHAPTER_VI">The Fourth of July.</a></td> +<td align='right'>91</td></tr> + +<tr><td align='right'>VII.</td> +<td align='left'><a href="#CHAPTER_VII">Heaving the Log.</a></td> +<td align='right'>106</td></tr> + +<tr><td align='right'>VIII.</td> +<td align='left'><a href="#CHAPTER_VIII">Outward Bound.</a></td> +<td align='right'>122</td></tr> + +<tr><td align='right'>IX.</td> +<td align='left'><a href="#CHAPTER_IX">The Watch Bill.</a></td> +<td align='right'>138</td></tr> + +<tr><td align='right'>X.</td> +<td align='left'><a href="#CHAPTER_X">Making a Chain.</a></td> +<td align='right'>154</td></tr> + +<tr><td align='right'>XI.</td> +<td align='left'><a href="#CHAPTER_XI">The Gamblers in No. 8.</a></td> +<td align='right'>170</td></tr> + +<tr><td align='right'>XII.</td> +<td align='left'><a href="#CHAPTER_XII">The Root of all Evil.</a></td> +<td align='right'>186</td></tr> + +<tr><td align='right'>XIII.</td> +<td align='left'><a href="#CHAPTER_XIII">Piping to Mischief.</a></td> +<td align='right'>202</td></tr> + +<tr><td align='right'>XIV.</td> +<td align='left'><a href="#CHAPTER_XIV">All Hands, Reef Topsail!</a></td> +<td align='right'>218</td></tr> + +<tr><td align='right'>XV.</td> +<td align='left'><a href="#CHAPTER_XV">After the Gale.</a></td> +<td align='right'>233</td></tr> + +<tr><td align='right'>XVI.</td> +<td align='left'><a href="#CHAPTER_XVI">The Wreck of the Sylvia.</a></td> +<td align='right'>248</td></tr> + +<tr><td align='right'>XVII.</td> +<td align='left'><a href="#CHAPTER_XVII">Peas and Beans</a></td> +<td align='right'>263</td></tr> + +<tr><td align='right'>XVIII.</td> +<td align='left'><a href="#CHAPTER_XVIII">The Result of the Ballot</a></td> +<td align='right'>280</td></tr> + +<tr><td align='right'>XIX.</td> +<td align='left'><a href="#CHAPTER_XIX">Man Overboard!</a></td> +<td align='right'>299</td></tr> + +<tr><td align='right'>XX.</td> +<td align='left'><a href="#CHAPTER_XX">The End of the Chain League.</a></td> +<td align='right'>318</td></tr> +</table></div> + + + +<p><span class="pageno"><a name="page8" id="page8"></a>{8}</span></p> + +<h3>List of Illustrations</h3> +<p><a id="ListIllus" name="ListIllus"></a></p> + +<div style="margin-left: 15em;"> + +<ol style="list-style-type: decimal;"> + <li><a href="#Illus1">Frontispiece.</a></li> + <li><a href="#Illus2">The Escape from the Ship.</a></li> + <li><a href="#Illus3">The Wreck of the Sylvia.</a></li> +</ol> + +</div> + +<h3>Footnotes</h3> + +<div style="margin-left: 15em;"> + +<a id="ListNotes" name="ListNotes"></a> +<ol> + <li><a href="#footnote1">Footnote 1.</a></li> +</ol> + + +</div> + +<hr class="endpage" /> + + +<h2>OUTWARD BOUND.</h2> + +<p><span class="pageno"><a name="Page_11" id="Page_11">{11}</a></span></p> + +<h4>OR,</h4> + +<h3>YOUNG AMERICA AFLOAT</h3> + + + +<hr class="quarter" /> + +<h2><a name="CHAPTER_I" id="CHAPTER_I"></a>CHAPTER I.</h2> + +<h4>THE IDEA SUGGESTED.</h4> +<p class="returnTOC"><a href="#Contents">Return to Table of +Contents</a></p> + +<p>"There are no such peaches this side of New +Jersey; and you can't get them, for love or +money, at the stores. All we have to do is, to fill +our pockets, and keep our mouths closed—till the +peaches are ripe enough to eat," said Robert Shuffles, +the older and the larger of two boys, who had just +climbed over the high fence that surrounded the fine +garden of Mr. Lowington.</p> + +<p>"What will Baird say if he finds it out?" replied +Isaac Monroe, his companion.</p> + +<p>"Baird," the gentleman thus irreverently alluded +to, was the principal of the Brockway Academy, of +which Shuffles and Monroe were pupils in the boarding +department.</p> + +<p>"What will he say when he finds out that the King +of the Tonga Islands picks his teeth with a pitch +<span class="pageno"><a name="Page_12" id="Page_12">{12}</a></span>fork?" +added Shuffles, contemptuously. "I don't intend +that he shall find it out? and he won't, unless +you tell him."</p> + +<p>"Of course, I shall not tell him."</p> + +<p>"Come along, then? it is nearly dark, and no one +will see us."</p> + +<p>Shuffles led the way down the gravelled walk, till +he came to a brook, on the bank of which stood the +peach tree whose rich fruit had tempted the young +gentlemen to invade the territory of Mr. Lowington +with intent to plunder.</p> + +<p>"There they are," said the chief of the young +marauders, as he paused behind a clump of quince +bushes, and pointed at the coveted fruit. "There's +no discount on them, and they are worth coming +after."</p> + +<p>"Hark!" whispered Monroe. "I heard a noise."</p> + +<p>"What was it?"</p> + +<p>"I don't know. I'm afraid we shall be caught."</p> + +<p>"No danger; no one can see us from the house."</p> + +<p>"But I'm sure there's some one near. I heard +something."</p> + +<p>"Nonsense! It was only a dagger of the mind, +such as Baird talks about," answered Shuffles, as he +crawled towards the peach tree. "Come, Monroe, +be quick, and fill your pockets."</p> + +<p>This peach tree was a choice variety, in whose +cultivation the owner had been making an elaborate +experiment. Mr. Lowington had watched it and +nursed it with the most assiduous care, and now it +bore about a dozen remarkably large and beautiful +peaches. They were not quite ripe enough to be +<span class="pageno"><a name="Page_13" id="Page_13">{13}</a></span> +gathered, but Shuffles was confident that they would +"mellow" in his trunk as well as on the tree. The +experiment of the cultivator had been a success, and +he had already prepared, with much care and labor, a +paper explanatory of the process, which he intended +to read before the Pomological Society, exhibiting +the fruit as the evidence of the practicability of his +method. To Mr. Lowington, therefore, the peaches +had a value far beyond their intrinsic worth.</p> + +<p>Shuffles gathered a couple of the peaches, and urged +his companion to use all possible haste in stripping +the tree of its rich burden.</p> + +<p>"Hallo, there! What are you about?" shouted +some one, who hastened to make his presence known +to the plunderers.</p> + +<p>Monroe began to retreat.</p> + +<p>"Hold on!" interposed Shuffles. "It's no one but +Harry Martyn."</p> + +<p>"He can tell of us just as well as anybody else."</p> + +<p>"If he does, he will catch it."</p> + +<p>"What are you doing?" demanded Harry Martyn,—who +was a nephew of Mr. Lowington, and lived +with him,—as he crossed the rustic bridge that +spanned the brook.</p> + +<p>"Don't you see what I'm doing?" replied Shuffles, +with an impudent coolness which confounded Harry.</p> + +<p>"Stop that, Shuffles!" cried Harry, indignantly. +"My uncle wouldn't take ten dollars apiece for those +peaches."</p> + +<p>"That's more than he'll get for them," added Shuffles, +as he reached up and gathered another peach.</p> + +<p>"Stop that, I tell you!" said Harry, angrily, as he +<span class="pageno"><a name="Page_14" id="Page_14">{14}</a></span> +stepped up, in a menacing attitude, before the reckless +marauder.</p> + +<p>"Shut up, Harry! You know me, and when I get +all these peaches, I've got something to say to you."</p> + +<p>Shuffles was about to gather another of the peaches, +when Harry, his indignation overcoming his prudence, +grasped his arm, and pulled him away from the tree.</p> + +<p>"What do you mean, Harry Martyn?" exclaimed +Shuffles, apparently astonished at the temerity of the +youth. "I can't stop to lick you now; but I'll do it +within twenty-four hours."</p> + +<p>"Well, don't you touch those peaches, then."</p> + +<p>"Yes, I will touch them. I intend to have the +whole of them; and if you say a word to your uncle +or any one else about it, I'll pulverize that head of +yours."</p> + +<p>"No, you won't! You shall not have those peaches, +anyhow," replied the resolute little fellow, who was +no match, physically, for Shuffles.</p> + +<p>"If you open your mouth——"</p> + +<p>"Hallo! Uncle Robert! Help, help! Thieves in +the garden!" shouted Harry, who certainly had no +defect of the lungs.</p> + +<p>"Take that, you little monkey!" said Shuffles, +angrily, as he struck the little fellow a heavy blow +on the side of the head with his fist, which knocked +him down. "I'll fix you the next, time I see you."</p> + +<p>Shuffles consulted his discretion rather than his +valor, now that the alarm had been given, and retreated +towards the place where he had entered +garden.</p> + +<p>"What's the matter, Harry?" asked Mr. Lowington, +<span class="pageno"><a name="Page_15" id="Page_15">{15}</a></span> +as he rushed over the bridge, followed by the gardener +and his assistants, just as Harry was picking himself +up and rubbing his head.</p> + +<p>"They were stealing your peaches, and I tried to +stop them," replied Harry. "They have taken some +of them now."</p> + +<p>Mr. Lowington glanced at the favorite tree, and his +brow lowered with anger and vexation. His paper +before the "Pomological" could be illustrated by +only nine peaches, instead of thirteen.</p> + +<p>"Who stole them, Harry?" demanded the disappointed +fruit-grower.</p> + +<p>The nephew hesitated a moment, and the question +was repeated with more sternness.</p> + +<p>"Robert Shuffles; Isaac Monroe was with him, but +he didn't take any of the peaches."</p> + +<p>"What is the matter with your head, Harry?" +asked his uncle, when he observed him rubbing the +place where the blow had fallen.</p> + +<p>"Shuffles struck me and knocked me down, when I +called out for you."</p> + +<p>"Did he? Where is he now?"</p> + +<p>"He and Monroe ran up the walk to the back of +the garden."</p> + +<p>"That boy shall be taken care of," continued Mr. +Lowington, as he walked up the path towards the +point where the marauders had entered. "The Academy +is fast becoming a nuisance to the neighborhood, +because there is neither order nor discipline among +the students."</p> + +<p>The thieves had escaped, and as it would be useless +to follow them, Mr. Lowington went back to the +<span class="pageno"><a name="Page_16" id="Page_16">{16}</a></span> +house; but he was too much annoyed at the loss of +his splendid peaches, which were to figure so prominently +before the "Pomological," to permit the matter +to drop without further notice.</p> + +<p>"Did he hurt you much, Harry?" asked Mr. Lowington +as they entered the house.</p> + +<p>"Not much, sir, though he gave me a pretty hard +crack," answered Harry.</p> + +<p>"Did you see them when they came into the +garden?"</p> + +<p>"No, sir? I was fixing my water-wheel in the +brook, when I heard them at the tree. I went up, +and tried to prevent Shuffles from taking the peaches. +I caught hold of him, and pulled him away. He said +he couldn't stop to lick me then, but he'd do it within +twenty-four hours. Then he hit me when I called for +help."</p> + +<p>"The young scoundrel! That boy is worse than a +pestilence in any neighborhood. Mr. Baird seems to +have no control over him."</p> + +<p>Suddenly, and without any apparent reason, Mr. +Lowington's compressed lips and contracted brow +relaxed, and his face wore its usual expression of +dignified serenity. Harry could not understand the +cause of this sudden change; but his uncle's anger +had passed away. The fact was, that Mr. Lowington +happened to think, while his indignation prompted +him to resort to the severest punishment for Shuffles, +that he himself had been just such a boy as the plunderer +of his cherished fruit. At the age of fifteen he +had been the pest of the town in which he resided. +His father was a very wealthy man, and resorted +<span class="pageno"><a name="Page_17" id="Page_17">{17}</a></span> +to many expedients to cure the boy of his vicious +propensities.</p> + +<p>Young Lowington had a taste for the sea, and his +father finally procured a midshipman's warrant for +him to enter the navy. The strict discipline of a ship +of war proved to be the "one thing needful" for the +reformation of the wild youth; and he not only +became a steady young man, but a hard student and +an accomplished officer. The navy made a man of +him, as it has of hundreds of the sons of rich men, +demoralized by idleness and the absence of a reasonable +ambition.</p> + +<p>When Mr. Lowington was thirty years old, his +father died, leaving to each of his three children a +quarter of a million; and he had resigned his position +in the navy, in order to take care of his property, +and to lead a more domestic life with his wife and +daughter than the discipline of the service would +permit.</p> + +<p>He had taken up his residence in Brockway, the +early home of his wife. It was a large town on the +sea shore, only a few miles from the metropolis of +New England, thus combining all the advantages of a +home in the city and in the country. For several +years he had been happy in his peaceful retirement. +But not wealth, nor even integrity and piety, can bar +the door of the lofty mansion against the Destroyer of +the race. His wife died of an hereditary disease, which +gave no indication of its presence till she had passed +her thirtieth year. Two years later, his daughter, +just blooming into maturity, followed her mother +<span class="pageno"><a name="Page_18" id="Page_18">{18}</a></span> +down to the silent tomb, stricken in her freshness +and beauty by the same insidious malady.</p> + +<p>The husband and father was left desolate. His +purest and fondest hopes were blighted; but, while +he was submissive to the will of the Father, who +doeth all things well, he became gloomy and sad. +He was not seen to smile for a year after the death of +his daughter, and it was three years before he had +recovered even the outward semblance of his former +cheerfulness. He was rich, but alone in the world. +He continued to reside in the home which was endeared +to him by the memories of his loved and +lost ones.</p> + +<p>When his wife's sister died in poverty, leaving two +children, he had taken them to his home, and had +become a father to them. Harry Martyn was a good +boy, and Josephine Martyn was a good girl; but they +were not his own children. There was something +wanting—an aching void which they could not fill, +though Mr. Lowington was to them all that could be +asked or expected of a parent.</p> + +<p>Mr. Lowington busied himself in various studies +and experiments; but life had ceased to be what it +was before the death of his wife and daughter. He +wanted more mental occupation; he felt the need of +greater activity, and he was tempted to return to the +navy, even after his absence of ten years from the +service; but this step, for many reasons, was not +practicable. At the time when his garden was invaded +by the vandal students from the Brockway +Academy, he was still thinking what he could do to +save himself from the inglorious life of ease he was +<span class="pageno"><a name="Page_19" id="Page_19">{19}</a></span> +leading, and, at the same time, serve his country and +his race.</p> + +<p>Shuffles had robbed his garden of some of his +choicest fruit; had struck his nephew a severe blow +on the head, and threatened to inflict still greater +chastisement upon him in the future. Mr. Lowington +was justly indignant; and his own peace and the +peace of the neighborhood demanded that the author +of the mischief should be punished, especially as he +was an old transgressor. It was absolutely necessary +that something should be done, and the retired naval +officer was in the right frame of mind to do it. Just +then, when he was wrought up to the highest pitch of +indignation, his anger vanished. Shuffles at sixteen +was the counterpart of himself at fifteen.</p> + +<p>This was certainly no reason why the hand of justice +should be stayed. Mr. Lowington did not intend +to stay it, though the thought of his own juvenile +depravity modified his view, and appeased his wrath. +He put on his hat and left the house. He walked +over to the Academy, and being shown to the office +of the principal, he informed him of the depredations +committed in his garden.</p> + +<p>"Who did it, Mr. Lowington?" demanded the +principal, with proper indignation in his tones and +his looks.</p> + +<p>"Shuffles."</p> + +<p>"I need not have asked. That boy gives me more +trouble than all the others put together," added Mr. +Baird, with an anxious expression. "And yet what +can I do with him?"</p> + +<p>"Expel him," replied Mr. Lowington, laconically. +<span class="pageno"><a name="Page_20" id="Page_20">{20}</a></span></p> + +<p>"I don't like to do that."</p> + +<p>"Why not?"</p> + +<p>"It would be an injury to me."</p> + +<p>"Why so?"</p> + +<p>"It would offend his father, who is a person of +wealth and influence. When Shuffles came to Brockway +ten other boys came with him. He was expelled +from another institution, which so incensed his father +that he induced the parents of ten others to take their +sons out, and send them to me. If I expel Shuffles, I +shall lose about a dozen of my students, and I can't +afford to do that."</p> + +<p>"But must the neighborhood suffer from his depredations?"</p> + +<p>"I will talk with the boy; I will keep him in his +room for a week."</p> + +<p>"I'm afraid the boy needs severer measures. If +this were the first, or even the third time, I would, not +say so much."</p> + +<p>"My dear sir, what can I do?"</p> + +<p>"The boy needs strict discipline. If I were still in +the navy, and had him aboard my ship, I could make +a man of him."</p> + +<p>"I don't think anything can be done."</p> + +<p>"Something must be done, Mr. Baird. My garden +shall not be robbed with impunity."</p> + +<p>"I will do what I can, Mr. Lowington."</p> + +<p>But the owner of the stolen fruit was by this time +satisfied that nothing would be done. The principal +of the Brockway Academy had not force nor influence +enough to control such a boy as Shuffles. Mr. Lowington +took his leave, determined to apply to another +<span class="pageno"><a name="Page_21" id="Page_21">{21}</a></span> +tribunal for the correction of the evil. That night the +peach thieves were arrested, and put in the lock-up. +The next day they were tried, found guilty, and sentenced +to pay a fine and costs, which Mr. Baird +promptly paid. Within a week Mr. Lowington's +stable was burned to the ground. Shuffles was seen +near the building just before the fire broke out; but it +could not be proved that he was the incendiary, though +no one doubted the fact. He was arrested, but discharged +on the examination.</p> + +<p>"You see how it is, Mr. Lowington," said the +principal of the Academy, as the two gentlemen met +after the examination. "It would have been better +for you if you had not prosecuted the boy for stealing +the peaches."</p> + +<p>"I don't think so," replied Mr. Lowington. "I +must do my duty, without regard to consequences; +and you will pardon me if I say you ought to do the +same."</p> + +<p>"If I expel the boy he would burn the house over +my head."</p> + +<p>"Then you think he burned my stable?"</p> + +<p>"I don't know; it cannot be proved that he did."</p> + +<p>"I have no doubt of the fact. I have no ill will +against the boy. I only desire to protect myself and +my neighbors from his depredations."</p> + +<p>"I think you were very unfortunate in the method +you adopted, Mr. Lowington," replied the principal +of the Academy. "It has reacted upon yourself."</p> + +<p>"Shall this boy steal my fruit and burn my buildings +with impunity?" added Mr. Lowington, with +considerable warmth. +<span class="pageno"><a name="Page_22" id="Page_22">{22}</a></span> +</p> + +<p>"Certainly not."</p> + +<p>"I applied to you for redress, Mr. Baird."</p> + +<p>"I told you I would talk with the boy."</p> + +<p>"Such a reprobate as that needs something more +than talk."</p> + +<p>"What would you do with him, sir?" demanded +Mr. Baird, earnestly.</p> + +<p>"I hardly know. I should certainly have expelled +him; but that, while it protects the Academy, does not +benefit the boy."</p> + +<p>"It would only harden the boy."</p> + +<p>"Very likely; and his remaining will harden a +dozen more by his influence. Mr. Baird, I shall be +obliged to take my nephew out of your institution," +added Mr. Lowington, seriously.</p> + +<p>"Take him out?"</p> + +<p>"I must, indeed."</p> + +<p>"Why so?" asked Mr Baird, who was touched in +a very tender place.</p> + +<p>"Because I am not willing to keep him under the +influence of such an example as this Shuffles sets for +his companions. As the matter now stands, the young +rascal has more influence in the Academy than you +have. You cannot manage him, and you dare not +expel him. The boy knows this, and he will not +leave his advantage unused."</p> + +<p>"I hope you won't take Harry out of the school," +said Mr. Baird.</p> + +<p>"I must."</p> + +<p>"Others may do the same."</p> + +<p>"I cannot help it; with my view of the matter, +they can hardly do otherwise." +<span class="pageno"><a name="Page_23" id="Page_23">{23}</a></span> +</p> + +<p>"But you see, sir, what the effect of this step +must be."</p> + +<p>"Mr. Baird, I must be frank with you. You have +declined to expel Shuffles, while you know that his +influence is bad. You asked me what you should do? +and I told you. Now, you prefer to retain Shuffles, +but you must lose others. Permit me to say that you +should do your duty without regard to consequences."</p> + +<p>"I cannot afford to lose my scholars."</p> + +<p>"Your position is a difficult one. I grant, Mr. Baird; +but without discipline you can do nothing for yourself +or the boys."</p> + +<p>Mr. Lowington went home, Harry was taken from +the Academy, and a dozen parents and guardians followed +the example of the advocate for discipline. Mr. +Baird was in despair. The institution was falling to +pieces for the want of discipline. The principal had +not the nerve to enforce order, even with the limited +means within his reach. He went to see Mr. Lowington +and begged him to assist in stemming the tide +which was setting against the Brockway Academy. +The retired naval officer became deeply interested in +the subject of school discipline in general, especially +in its connection with the education of rich men's sons +given to insubordination. He pitied poor Mr. Baird +in his perplexities, for he was a good man and an +excellent teacher.</p> + +<p>In the mean time Shuffles grew worse instead of +better. Finding that he could have his own way, that +the principal was no match for him, his influence for +evil was stronger than Mr. Baird's for good. The +worthy schoolmaster had finally resolved to expel his +<span class="pageno"><a name="Page_24" id="Page_24">{24}</a></span> +troublesome student, when Mr. Lowington one day +surprised him by offering to buy out the Academy at +a price far exceeding its value. He gladly accepted +the offer as the best solution of the problem, and +the naval officer became principal of the Brockway +Academy.</p> + +<p>Mr. Lowington did not expel the refractory pupil at +once. He waited for an overt act; but Shuffles found +the anaconda of authority tightening upon him. He +attempted to vindicate himself before his fellow-students +by setting fire to a haystack on the marsh, +belonging to the new principal. A searching investigation +followed, and Shuffles was convicted. Mr. +Lowington wrote to the boy's father, announcing his +expulsion. Mr. Shuffles went to Brockway full of +wrath, and threatened the new head of the institution +with the loss of a large number of his scholars if he +disgraced his son by expelling him. If the boy had +done wrong,—and he supposed he had,—let him be +talked to; let him be confined to his room for a day or +two; but he must not be expelled; it was a disgrace +to the boy.</p> + +<p>The principal was as firm as a rock, and Mr. Shuffles +was calm when he found that threats were unavailing. +Mr. Lowington pointed out to his visitor the +perils which lay in the path of his son. Mr. Shuffles +began to be reasonable, and dined with the principal. +A long and earnest consideration of the whole matter +took place over the dessert. The fiat of expulsion was +revoked, and young Shuffles was turned over to the +ex-naval officer, with full power to discipline him as +he thought best. Mr. Lowington had converted the +<span class="pageno"><a name="Page_25" id="Page_25">{25}</a></span> +father, and he hoped he should be able to convert +the son.</p> + +<p>After dinner, Mr. Shuffles went down the bay with +his host in the yacht. On the way they passed the +school ship Massachusetts, to which boys are sentenced +by the courts for crime and vagrancy, and on board of +which they are disciplined and educated. Mr. Lowington +explained the institution to his guest.</p> + +<p>"An excellent idea," said Mr. Shuffles.</p> + +<p>"It is just the place for your son," replied Mr. +Lowington.</p> + +<p>"But it is for criminals."</p> + +<p>"Very true."</p> + +<p>"Robert is not a criminal."</p> + +<p>"If he is not now, he soon will be, if he continues +in his present course. If I had him on shipboard, I +could make a man of him."</p> + +<p>"Then I wish you had him on shipboard."</p> + +<p>"Perhaps I may yet," replied the principal, with a +smile. "I did not purchase the Academy with the +intention of becoming a pedagogue, in the ordinary +sense of the word. I have no intention of remaining +in it."</p> + +<p>"I hope you will."</p> + +<p>"I have been thinking of fitting up a vessel like the +school ship, that rich men's sons may have the benefit +of such an institution without the necessity of committing +a crime. I could do more for the boys in +a month on board ship than I could in a year at +Brockway."</p> + +<p>This was the first mention which Mr. Lowington +made of his plan, though he had been considering +<span class="pageno"><a name="Page_26" id="Page_26">{26}</a></span> +it for several weeks. Mr. Shuffles hoped that this +idea of a nautical academy would be reduced to practice; +for he now felt that it was just what his son +needed. The project was discussed during the rest of +the trip.</p> + +<p>The history of the scheme, from its inception, need +not be followed in detail. Many persons were consulted +in regard to it; there were plenty to approve, +and plenty to disapprove; but in October the keel of +a four hundred ton ship was laid down. The object +of this marine institution was thoroughly explained, +and before the ship was ready for launching there +were applications for every berth on board of her.</p> + +<p>The idea was exceedingly popular among the boys, +all of whom were anxious to be students on board, +especially as it was already hinted that the ship would +visit Europe. To parents it held out for their sons all +the benefits of a sea voyage, with few of its disadvantages. +It would furnish healthy exercise and a +vigorous constitution to its pupils.</p> + +<p>In March of the following year the ship was at +anchor in Brockway harbor, ready to receive her +juvenile crew. +<span class="pageno"><a name="Page_27" id="Page_27">{27}</a></span></p> + + + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> +<h2><a name="CHAPTER_II" id="CHAPTER_II"></a>CHAPTER II.</h2> + +<h4>THE YOUNG AMERICA.</h4> +<p class="returnTOC"><a href="#Contents">Return to Table of +Contents</a></p> + + +<p>With Mr. Lowington, the Academy Ship, which +was the name he usually applied to the idea +he had matured, and thus far carried into effect, was +not a speculation; he did not intend to see how much +money could be made by the scheme. It was an experiment +in the education of rich men's sons, for only +rich men could pay for scholarships in such an expensive +institution.</p> + +<p>The Brockway Academy was to be continued, under +the management of a board of trustees. An accomplished +teacher had been selected by Mr. Lowington, +and the school, under its present administration, was +in a highly prosperous condition. Only ten of its +pupils had been transferred to the Academy Ship, for +it required no little nerve on the part of parents to +send their sons to school on the broad ocean, to battle +with the elements, to endure the storms of the Atlantic, +and to undergo the hardships which tender mothers +supposed to be inseparably connected with a life on +shipboard.</p> + +<p>For six months Mr. Lowington had studied upon +his plan, and it was hardly matured when the new +ship came to anchor in Brockway harbor. During +<span class="pageno"><a name="Page_28" id="Page_28">{28}</a></span> +this period he had visited the principal cities of the +Northern States, those of the southern section being +closed against his operations by the war of the rebellion +then raging at the height of its fury. He had +interested his friends in his bold enterprise, and boys +with, whom the experiment was to be inaugurated were +gathered from all parts of the country.</p> + +<p>The securing of the requisite number of pupils was +the first success, and what he had regarded as the +most difficult part of the enterprise. More than half +of them had been obtained before it was deemed +prudent to lay the keel of the ship. The details of +the plan had been carefully considered during the +winter, and when the ship was moored at Brockway, +the organization of the school, its rules and regulations +had all been written out. The boys began to +arrive about the first of March, and by the first of April +all of them, eighty-seven in number, were on board.</p> + +<p>Mr. Lowington was naturally very anxious for the +success of his experiment, and for months he had +labored with unceasing diligence in perfecting his +plan, and carrying it into operation. In this occupation +he had found the activity he needed; and he +may not be blamed for believing, all the time, that he +was laboring for his country and his race.</p> + +<p>If it has been inferred from what has been said of +Mr. Lowington, of his domestic afflictions, and of his +views on the subject of discipline, that he was an austere, +cold, and unsympathizing man, a wrong impression +has been conveyed. The boys of the Brockway +Academy, when they came to know him, loved him as +much as they respected him. He was not the man +<span class="pageno"><a name="Page_29" id="Page_29">{29}</a></span> +needlessly to abridge the harmless enjoyment of youth, +or to repress its innocent hilarity. He watched the +sports of the students with interest and pleasure, and +encouraged them by all the means in his power. He +was fond of humor, enjoyed a harmless joke, and had +a keen appreciation of juvenile wit. He was a good +companion for the boys, and when they understood +him, he was always welcome to the play-ground.</p> + +<p>The new ship had been duly christened Young +America at the launching, by Miss Josey Martyn—a +name which was rapturously applauded by the boys. +She was one hundred and eighteen feet in length, and +of about four hundred tons burden. She had been +built as strong as wood, iron, and copper could make +her. For a ship, she was small, which permitted her +to be light sparred, so that her juvenile crew could +handle her with the more ease. She had a flush deck; +that is, it was unbroken from stem to stern. There +was no cabin, poop, camboose, or other house on +deck, and the eye had a clean range over the whole +length of her. There was a skylight between the fore +and the main mast, and another between the main and +mizzen masts, to afford light and air to the apartments +below. There were three openings in the deck by +which entrance could be obtained to the interior of the +ship: the fore hatch, the main hatch, and the companion-way, +the two former being used by the crew, +and the latter by the officers.</p> + +<p>The between-decks, which is the space included +between the upper and the lower deck, was fitted up +for the accommodation of the officers and crew. +Descending by the companion-way—which in the +<span class="pageno"><a name="Page_30" id="Page_30">{30}</a></span> +Young America extended athwartships—on the right, +at the foot of the stairs, was the officers' cabin, occupying +the part of the ship nearest to the stern. This +apartment was twenty-eight feet long, by fifteen in +breadth at the widest part, with four state rooms on +each side. The mizzen mast passed up through the +middle of it. This cabin was richly but plainly fitted +up, and was furnished well enough for a drawing-room +on shore. It was for the use of the juvenile +officers of the ship, fifteen in number, who were to +hold their positions as rewards of merit. The captain +had a room to himself, while each of the other apartments +was to accommodate two officers.</p> + +<p>On the left of the companion-way, descending the +stairs, was the "old folks' cabin," as it was called by +the students. It was in the locality corresponding to +that occupied by the ward room of a man-of-war. +Though the after cabin is the place of honor on board +a ship, Mr. Lowington had selected the ward room for +himself and the teachers, in preference to the after +cabin, because it was next to the steerage, which was +occupied by the larger portion of the pupils, and +because the form of the ship did not contract the dimensions +of the state rooms. This cabin was twenty-two +feet long and fifteen feet wide, with no waste room, +as in the after cabin, caused by the rounding in of the +ship's counter. On the sides were five state rooms, +besides a pantry for the steward, and a dispensary for +the surgeon.</p> + +<p>The forward room on the starboard side was occupied +by Mr. Lowington alone; the next on the same +side by the chaplain and doctor; and each of the +<span class="pageno"><a name="Page_31" id="Page_31">{31}</a></span> +three on the port side by two of the teachers. This +cabin was elegantly finished and furnished, and the +professors were delighted with its cheerful and pleasant +aspect.</p> + +<p>From the main cabin, as that of the "faculty" was +called, were two doors, opening into the steerage, +fifty-two feet in length by fifteen feet in width of clear +space between the berths, which diminished to nine +feet abreast of the foremast. This apartment was +eight feet high, and was lighted in part by a large +skylight midway between the fore and main mast, and +partly by bull's eyes in the side of the ship. There +were seventy-two berths, placed in twelve rooms, +opening from passage-ways, which extended athwartships +from the main steerage, and were lighted by the +bull's eyes. There were no doors to these dormitories, +each of which contained six berths, in two tiers of +three each. It was intended that the six boys occupying +one of these rooms should form a mess. Between +the gangways, or passages, were mess tables, which +could be swung up against the partition when not +in use.</p> + +<p>The steerage was neatly and tastefully fitted up, and +furnished, though not so elegantly as the cabins. It +was to be the school room, as well as the parlor and +dining room of the boys, and it would compare favorably +with such apartments in well-ordered academies +on shore. There was plenty of shelves, pouches, and +lockers, under the lower berths, and beneath the bull's +eyes at the head of the main gangways, for clothing +and books, and each boy had a place for every article +which regulations allowed him to possess. +<span class="pageno"><a name="Page_32" id="Page_32">{32}</a></span></p> + +<p>Forward of the foremast there were two large +state rooms; that on the starboard side having four +berths, for the boatswain, carpenter, sailmaker, and +head steward; and the one on the port side with six, +for the two cooks and the four under stewards, all of +whom were men skilful and experienced in their several +departments. Forward of these was the kitchen, +from which opened the lamp room, a triangular closet +in the bow of the ship. Mr. Lowington had taken +the idea of locating the cooking apartment in the +extreme forward part of the vessel from the Victoria +and Albert, the steam yacht of the Queen of England.</p> + +<p>The hold beneath the berth deck contained the water +tanks, bread room, chain lockers, and a multitude of +store rooms for provisions, clothing, and supplies of +every description needed on board during a long +voyage.</p> + +<p>The Young America was to be officered and manned +by the students. They were to work the ship, to make +and take in sail, to reef, steer, and wash down decks, +as well as study and recite their lessons. They were +to go aloft, stand watch, man the capstan, pull the +boats; in short, to do everything required of seamen +on board a ship. Mr. Lowington was to lure them +into the belief, while they were hauling tacks and +sheets, halyards and braces, that they were not at +work, but at play. The labor required of them was +an essential element in the plan, by which the boys +were to obtain, the necessary physical exercise, and the +discipline they so much needed.</p> + +<p>By the first of April the last of the students had +reported to the principal on board, and the professors, +<span class="pageno"><a name="Page_33" id="Page_33">{33}</a></span> +as the boys insisted upon calling them, had taken possession +of their state rooms. Though some of the +pupils had been on board nearly a month, the organization +of the ship had not been commenced; but +classes had been formed in some of the studies, by +the teachers, and the pupils recited every day. The +boatswain had instructed the boys in rowing, and some +temporary regulations had been adopted for the eating +and sleeping departments. But not a boy had been +allowed to go aloft, and nothing more than ordinary +school discipline had been attempted.</p> + +<p>The boys, as boys always are, were impatient at this +delay. They wanted to be bounding over the ocean—to +be on their way to some foreign port. They were +anxious to work, to climb the rigging, and stand at +the wheel. As yet they knew very little of the purposes +of the principal, and had but a faint perception +of the life they were to lead in the Academy Ship. +It was understood that the officers were to be selected +for their merit, and that the ship, some time or other, +was to cross the ocean; but beyond this, all was darkness +and uncertainty.</p> + +<p>"To-morrow will be the first day of April," said +George Wilton, as he walked the deck of the Young +America with Richard Carnes, a dignified young gentleman +of seventeen. "Mr. Lowington said we should +go to work on that day."</p> + +<p>"If he said so, then of course we shall go to work," +replied Carnes.</p> + +<p>"I'm tired of waiting," added Wilton. "I think +this is a stupid kind of life. We are not even tied to +a bell rope here." +<span class="pageno"><a name="Page_34" id="Page_34">{34}</a></span></p> + +<p>"You will get discipline enough as soon as the crew +are organized."</p> + +<p>"I suppose we shall. Do you think we shall go to +sea to-morrow?"</p> + +<p>"Go to sea to-morrow!" exclaimed Carnes.</p> + +<p>"Shuffles said so."</p> + +<p>"How can we go to sea to-morrow? The crew +don't know the mainmast from a handspike. They +couldn't do anything with the ship now; they don't +know the ropes."</p> + +<p>"You do, Carnes."</p> + +<p>"Well, I know something about a ship," replied the +dignified young gentleman, who had made one voyage +up the Mediterranean with his uncle.</p> + +<p>"I was pretty sure we should get out into blue +water by to-morrow."</p> + +<p>"Nonsense!"</p> + +<p>"Shuffles said so."</p> + +<p>"He is mistaken."</p> + +<p>"What are we going to do?"</p> + +<p>"I don't know? I'm content to wait till orders +come."</p> + +<p>"I don't want to wait any longer," added Wilton.</p> + +<p>"What are you talking about, fellows?" asked +Shuffles, joining them, as they walked forward.</p> + +<p>"Didn't you say we were going to sea to-morrow, +Shuffles?" asked Wilton.</p> + +<p>"Of course we are."</p> + +<p>"Who says so?" demanded Carnes.</p> + +<p>"All the fellows say so."</p> + +<p>"It can't be true."</p> + +<p>"Why not? We are not going to stay here forever." +<span class="pageno"><a name="Page_35" id="Page_35">{35}</a></span></p> + +<p>"In my opinion, we shall stay here some weeks, if +not some months," added Carnes.</p> + +<p>"What for?"</p> + +<p>"To pursue our studies, in the first place, and to +learn our duty as seamen, in the second."</p> + +<p>"I don't believe I shall stay here a great while +longer," said Shuffles, with evident disgust. "There's +no fun lying here."</p> + +<p>"You can't help yourself," added Wilton.</p> + +<p>"Perhaps I can't, but I can try," said Shuffles, as +he glanced towards the shore.</p> + +<p>"All hands ahoy!" shouted Peaks, the boatswain, +as his shrill whistle rang through the ship.</p> + +<p>The boys had been taught the meaning of this call, +and they gathered in the waist, eager to know what +was to be required of them.</p> + +<p>Mr. Lowington stood on the raised hatch over the +main scuttle, where all the students could see him. It +was evident that he had some announcement to make, +especially as the following day had been assigned +for organizing the ship's company. The boys were +silent, and their faces betrayed the curiosity which +they felt.</p> + +<p>"Young gentleman," the principal began, "this +ship will go into commission to-morrow."</p> + +<p>"Don't know what you mean, sir," said Paul Kendall +as Mr. Lowington paused to observe the effect of +his announcement.</p> + +<p>"I did not suppose that many of you would understand +the expression. In the navy, a ship is said to +go into commission when the captain takes his place +on board, and the crew are organized for duty. When +<span class="pageno"><a name="Page_36" id="Page_36">{36}</a></span> +this takes place, the ensign is hoisted. To-morrow, +at twelve o'clock, we shall display the colors at the +peak. With us, going into commission will only mean +the organization of our school. From that time, we +shall observe the discipline of a man-of-war, so far as +the ship and crew are concerned."</p> + +<p>"Shall we go to sea then?" asked Wilton.</p> + +<p>"I think not," replied Mr. Lowington, laughing. +"We shall not leave the harbor till every officer and +seaman knows his duty. You shall have enough to +do to-morrow, young gentlemen."</p> + +<p>"When shall we be able to go to sea?"</p> + +<p>"I don't know. There are many ropes in the +ship, and you have a great deal to learn before I +shall be willing to trust you with the anchor at the +cat-head."</p> + +<p>"What is the cat-head, sir?" asked Kendall</p> + +<p>"Do you wish to go to sea without knowing what +the cat-head is?" replied the principal. "You shall +know in due time. To-morrow we shall select the +officers, fifteen in number, who are to occupy the after +cabin."</p> + +<p>This announcement created a decided sensation +among the eighty-seven boys gathered in the waist, +for the subject had been full of interest to them. The +after cabin had thus far been a sealed book; the door +was locked, and they had not even seen the inside of +the apartment. They were curious to visit this cabin, +and to know who were to occupy it.</p> + +<p>"After the organization of the school, it is my intention +to give these offices to those who obtain the highest +number of merit marks, which will be given for good +<span class="pageno"><a name="Page_37" id="Page_37">{37}</a></span> +conduct, good lessons, and progress in seamanship. +The best boy, who is at the same time the best scholar +and the best seaman, shall be captain. We have no +marks now by which to make the selection, and I +intend to have you elect him the first time, reserving +to myself the right to veto your choice if it is obviously +an improper one."</p> + +<p>As Mr. Lowington uttered this last remark, he +glanced, perhaps unconsciously, at Shuffles, who +stood directly in front of him.</p> + +<p>"Young gentlemen, the ballot will take place to-morrow +morning, at nine o'clock. I have given you +this notice, that you may be able to consider the matter +and, if you choose, to make nominations for the +several offices," continued the principal.</p> + +<p>"What are the offices, sir?"</p> + +<p>"The first and most important one, of course, is the +captain. The others are four lieutenants, four masters, +two pursers, and four midshipmen."</p> + +<p>"What are they to do?" asked Kendall.</p> + +<p>"I will not explain their duties now; it would +require too much time. I mentioned them in the +order of their importance. Now, young gentlemen, +you should select your candidates for these offices by +merit, not by favor. I am aware that a few of you +have been to sea, but probably none of you are competent +to handle a ship; and your choice should be +based mainly on good character and good conduct. +I hope I shall be able to approve the choice you may +make. You are dismissed now."</p> + +<p>"Three cheers for the principal!" shouted one of +the boys.<span class="pageno"><a name="Page_38" id="Page_38">{38}</a></span></p> + +<p>"Silence, young gentleman! Let me say now, that +no expressions of approbation or disapprobation are to +be allowed."</p> + +<p>The boys separated into groups, and immediately +gave their attention to the important subject suggested +to them by Mr. Lowington. It must be acknowledged +that violent symptoms of "log-rolling" began to be +exhibited. There were fifty, if not eighty-seven young +men who wished to be captain, and sit at the head of +the table in the after cabin. Some of them went +down into the steerage, and in five minutes there was +a confused jabbering in every part of the ship.</p> + +<p>"For whom shall you vote, Wilton?" asked Shuffles +in a group of half a dozen which had gathered +around one of the mess tables.</p> + +<p>"I don't know? whom do you go for?" replied +Wilton.</p> + +<p>"I rather think I shall go for Bob Shuffles. In my +opinion, he is the best fellow on board," replied the +owner of that name.</p> + +<p>"That's modest," laughed Wilton.</p> + +<p>"Do you know of any fellow that would make a +better captain than I should?"</p> + +<p>"You don't know the first thing about a ship."</p> + +<p>"What odds does that make? I can learn as fast +as anybody else."</p> + +<p>"Do you expect every fellow to vote for himself?" +asked Howe, another of the group.</p> + +<p>"Of course I don't; I expect them to vote for me," +answered Shuffles, with great good-nature.</p> + +<p>"You are rather cheeky, Shuffles."</p> + +<p>"What's the use of mincing the matter? Here we +<span class="pageno"><a name="Page_39" id="Page_39">{39}</a></span> +are, half a dozen of the best fellows in the ship. We +can't all be captain; but one of us can be just as well +as not."</p> + +<p>"That's so," added Howe, approvingly. "But who +shall that one be?"</p> + +<p>"I am the one, without a doubt," said Shuffles.</p> + +<p>"I don't see it," interposed Monroe, shaking his +head; and he was the young gentleman who had +assisted the aspirant for the captaincy to rob Mr. +Lowington's favorite peach tree.</p> + +<p>"What have you got to say about it, Ike Monroe? +Do you expect us to go for you?"</p> + +<p>"I didn't say so."</p> + +<p>"That's what you meant."</p> + +<p>"I've just as much right to the place as you have, +Bob Shuffles."</p> + +<p>"Do you think you could make the fellows stand +round as I can? But hold on; fellows, don't let us +fight about it. We are just the best six fellows +on board, and if we have a mind to do so, we +can have this thing all our own way," continued +Shuffles.</p> + +<p>"I don't see how," said Philip Sanborn.</p> + +<p>"Don't you know how the politicians manage these +things?"</p> + +<p>"I don't."</p> + +<p>"I'll tell you, then."</p> + +<p>"But the principal said we must go according to +merit, and elect the fellows who were the best fitted +for the offices," interposed Howe.</p> + +<p>"Exactly so; that's just what we are going to do. +I'm going to be captain; can you tell me of any +<span class="pageno"><a name="Page_40" id="Page_40">{40}</a></span> +better fellow for the place?" demanded Shuffles, who, +putting aside the jesting manner in which he had +commenced the discussion, now assumed an earnest +and impudent tone.</p> + +<p>"Didn't you hear what Lowington said when he +wound up his speech?" asked Wilton.</p> + +<p>"What?"</p> + +<p>"About vetoing our choice if it was not a proper +one."</p> + +<p>"What of it?" asked Shuffles, innocently.</p> + +<p>"Don't you think he would veto you?"</p> + +<p>"Me! Not he! Lowington knows that I'm smart; +I was too smart for him once, and he knows it. He +won't veto me. We have been the best of friends +lately."</p> + +<p>"I don't believe he'll have a chance to veto you," +said Wilton.</p> + +<p>"What do you mean?"</p> + +<p>"I don't believe you will be elected."</p> + +<p>"I know I shall, if we manage it right. Let us +look at it," continued Shuffles, as he took a pencil +from his pocket. "Got a piece of paper?"</p> + +<p>Monroe gave him a piece of paper, and the wire-puller +began to make his calculations.</p> + +<p>"Eighty-seven votes," said he, writing the number +on the paper. "Necessary to a choice, forty-four. +Here are six votes to start with."</p> + +<p>"For whom?" asked Monroe.</p> + +<p>"For me, for captain, first, and for each of the +others for whatever place he wants; say for Wilton +for first lieutenant; Howe for second, Sanborn for +<span class="pageno"><a name="Page_41" id="Page_41">{41}</a></span> +third, Monroe for fourth, and Adler for first master. +What do you say to that, fellows?"</p> + +<p>As with the political "slate," there was some difference +of opinion in regard to the minor officers, even +after Shuffles' claim to the captaincy had been conceded +But this disposition of the spoils was finally +agreed to.</p> + +<p>"Now we want thirty-eight more votes," Shuffles +proceeded.</p> + +<p>"Just so; and you might as well attempt to jump +over the main royal yard as to get them," added Adler, +who, having been assigned to the office lowest in rank, +was least satisfied with the "slate."</p> + +<p>"Hold on; we haven't done yet. There are nine +more offices. Now we will pick out some good fellow +that will work for us, for each of these places; +then we will promise him six votes if he will go our +ticket, and do what he can for us."</p> + +<p>"That will give us only fifteen votes," said Adler.</p> + +<p>"I think that will be doing very well to start with. +Then you five fellows can electioneer for me, and I'll +do the same for you."</p> + +<p>"I think we have made one mistake," added Sanborn. +"Most of the fellows will go for Carnes for +captain. He is an old salt, and has more influence +than any other student in the ship. We ought to offer +him some place."</p> + +<p>"Make him purser, if you like," said Shuffles, contemptuously.</p> + +<p>"That won't go down. Make him first lieutenant."</p> + +<p>"And shove me out?" demanded Wilton, indignantly. +"I don't see it!" +<span class="pageno"><a name="Page_42" id="Page_42">{42}</a></span></p> + +<p>"Nor I," added Shuffles. "I won't vote for Carnes, +any how. He's a snob and a flunky."</p> + +<p>It was useless to resist the fiat of the chief wire-puller; +the ticket remained as it had been originally +prepared; and the young gentlemen proceeded to +distribute the rest of the offices.</p> + + + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> +<h2><a name="CHAPTER_III" id="CHAPTER_III"></a>CHAPTER III.</h2> + +<p><span class="pageno"><a name="Page_43" id="Page_43">{43}</a></span></p> + + +<h4>THE ENSIGN AT THE PEAK.</h4> +<p class="returnTOC"><a href="#Contents">Return to Table of +Contents</a></p> + + +<p>The students on board of the Young America +were between the ages of fourteen and seventeen. +By the regulations, no boy under fourteen or +over seventeen could be admitted, and they averaged +about fifteen. They had, therefore, reached the years +of discretion. Among them were a great many who +were disposed to be wild boys, and not a few who +had found it difficult to remain in similar institutions +on shore. They were not criminal or depraved, but +simply wild; with a tendency to break through reasonable +restraint; with a taste for mad pranks, and a contempt +for authority.</p> + +<p>Of this class, who were a trial and a torment to the +teachers of the ordinary high schools and academies, +the larger proportion would have scorned to steal, or +commit any wanton outrage upon the persons or property +of others. There were many high-minded, noble-hearted +young men, who could not tamely submit to +authority, and were prone to insubordination, and +who only needed the right kind of discipline to make +them earnest and faithful men and useful citizens. +There were few, if any, dunces or blockheads among +them, for a life on shipboard had no attractions for +<span class="pageno"><a name="Page_44" id="Page_44">{44}</a></span> +such boys. They were, almost without an exception, +wide-awake, bold, daring fellows, who had a taste for +stirring events; fellows who wanted to climb the +Rocky Mountains, visit the North Pole, and explore +the Mammoth Cave. They were full of fun and mischief +and it would have been easy at any time to get +up a party among them to march the principal's cow +into the parlor of the Academy; to climb to the belfry +on a winter's night, and fill the inverted bell with +water, where it would freeze solid before morning; or +to convey the occupants of the hen-coop to the recitation +room.</p> + +<p>It was Mr. Lowington's task to repress the mischief +in these boys, to keep them occupied with work and +play, and to develop their moral and mental capacities. +He had doubtless taken a heavy load upon himself +but he felt that he was to labor for his race and +his country. At least one half of his students were +too wild to attend the ordinary public or private +schools, or to profit by them if admitted. With such +material, his work could not be a sinecure. But he +had a taste for it, and he gave his whole heart and +soul to the performance of his duties.</p> + +<p>When the students were gathered on board the +Young America, they were mostly strangers to him, +though he had communicated personally or by letter +with the parents of all of them. He had read and +listened to the stories of their pranks and peccadilloes, +but when they came together, he hardly knew one +from another, and was not prejudiced against any +individual by the terrible accounts of him related by +parents, guardians, or teachers. He purposed to give +<span class="pageno"><a name="Page_45" id="Page_45">{45}</a></span> +them the opportunity to select their own officers at +first, in order to win a more cheerful obedience from +them, and because the students knew each other better +than he knew them.</p> + +<p>After the announcement of the principal that the +voting would commence on the following morning, +nothing else was talked of on board. The qualifications +of various members of the school were discussed +by groups of excited voters; and we must do them +the justice to say that most of them considered the +matter unselfishly and with a single eye to the public +good. Perhaps it is a little remarkable that not a +single student, outside of the little group of wire-pullers +that gathered in the steerage, thought of Shuffles +for the position of captain; and the "log-rollers" +were likely to have up-hill work in electing themselves +to the six principal offices. But they went to work, +and labored very diligently till bed-time in carrying +their point.</p> + +<p>While none thought of Shuffles in connection with +the highest position, many mentioned the dignified +young gentleman, who had made one voyage up the +Mediterranean—Richard Carnes. He had been on +board a fortnight, and had won and retained the respect +of all his companions.</p> + +<p>Before the little band of wire-pullers in the steerage +had made up the "slate" to suit their minds, the +crowd on deck had agreed upon Richard Carnes for +captain, and were busy in discussing the qualifications +of others for the subordinate offices, when the +log-rollers separated, and went to work upon their +mission.<span class="pageno"><a name="Page_46" id="Page_46">{46}</a></span></p> + +<p>"How are you going to vote for captain, Kendall?" +said Wilton, stopping up to the young gentleman who +had proposed so many questions to the principal, and +who had been so honest in confessing his ignorance +of nautical matters.</p> + +<p>"For Carnes, of course."</p> + +<p>"Humph! I wouldn't vote for him," sneered the +wire-puller.</p> + +<p>"Why not?"</p> + +<p>"He's too stiff; he'll put on airs, and be a tyrant +over us."</p> + +<p>"No, he won't."</p> + +<p>"You see if he don't. I say, Kendall, are you up +for any office?" continued Wilton, with a certain appearance +of slyness which the straightforward young +gentleman did not exactly like.</p> + +<p>"Am I?"</p> + +<p>"Yes, you. Wouldn't you like a room in the after +cabin?"</p> + +<p>"Perhaps I would," answered Kendall, thoughtfully; +and the place was certainly very inviting to +him.</p> + +<p>"They say the after cabin is a perfect little palace."</p> + +<p>"I dare say it is."</p> + +<p>"You can just as well go in there, if you like."</p> + +<p>"I don't see how that can be. I don't think I'm fit +to be an officer. I am from Cincinnati, and I never +saw a ship till I came east three weeks ago."</p> + +<p>"None of the fellows know anything about a ship. +All of us will have to learn."</p> + +<p>"Carnes knows all about one."</p> + +<p>"No, he don't. He made one voyage, and knows +<span class="pageno"><a name="Page_47" id="Page_47">{47}</a></span> +just enough to talk salt. He's a good fellow enough, +but he isn't fit for captain. If you want to be an +officer, Kendall, and have a berth in the after cabin, +you can, just as well as not."</p> + +<p>"Well, I would like such a place; I can't deny it; +but I don't think the fellows will go for me."</p> + +<p>"They will, if you say so."</p> + +<p>"If I say so! I'm not going to ask them to vote +for me," replied Kendall, warmly; for he was no politician +and had a vein of modesty in his composition.</p> + +<p>"You needn't say a word to any one. If you will +go for our ticket, it will be all right. Half a dozen of +us have talked this matter over, and we have concluded +that you would be the best fellow for second master."</p> + +<p>"Have you?" asked Kendall, who could not help +being gratified to learn that even half a dozen of his +companions had thought him worthy to be an officer +of so high a rank as second master. "I'm very much +obliged to you."</p> + +<p>"All you have to do, is to go for our ticket."</p> + +<p>"What do you mean by your ticket?" demanded +Kendall, who was rather confused by the technical +terms of the wire-puller.</p> + +<p>Wilton explained that his little party had selected a +candidate for each of the offices; and if all the fellows +agreed to it, there would be fifteen votes for their ticket, +to begin with.</p> + +<p>"Well, what is your ticket?" demanded Kendall, +impatiently. "If they are all good fellows, I will go +for them. Of course you mean to vote for Carnes for +captain."</p> + +<p>"Not exactly," replied Wilton, with evident dis +<span class="pageno"><a name="Page_48" id="Page_48">{48}</a></span>gust. +"We shall put up a better fellow than he is for +captain."</p> + +<p>"Why, all the boys are going for him," added Kendall, +astonished to find there were any who did not +believe in Carnes.</p> + +<p>"No, they are not."</p> + +<p>"I thought they were."</p> + +<p>"He will not be elected, and you need not throw +your vote away upon him, because, if you don't want +a place in the after cabin, there are plenty of fellows +who do," added the wire-puller, with apparent indifference.</p> + +<p>"But I do want it."</p> + +<p>"Then all you have to do, is to go for our ticket."</p> + +<p>"I think Carnes will make the best captain."</p> + +<p>"Very well; if you think so, you have a right to +your own opinion. I haven't any mortgage on it."</p> + +<p>"Whom are you going to run for captain?"</p> + +<p>"It's no use to talk any more about it, if you are +going for Carnes," replied Wilton, as he turned to +move away.</p> + +<p>The wire-puller was playing a part. Paul Kendall +was a noble little fellow, and was already a great +favorite on board, not only with the boys, but with +the principal and the professors. Wilton knew that +he had a great deal of influence, and it was important +to secure him for their ticket. If he could tell others +that Kendall was going for their men, it would induce +many to join their party. The "favorite," though he +was an honest, noble-hearted fellow, was still human, +and a berth in the after cabin was a strong temptation +to him.<span class="pageno"><a name="Page_49" id="Page_49">{49}</a></span></p> + +<p>"I'm not going to say I'll vote for a fellow till I +know who he is," added Kendall. "If he's the right +person, perhaps I'll go for him, though I wanted to +see Carnes captain."</p> + +<p>"Carnes can't be elected, I tell you. We are going +against him."</p> + +<p>"Whom are you going for, then?"</p> + +<p>"For Bob Shuffles," replied Wilton, desperately, +for he did not wish to mention his candidate till he +had won the assent of his companion.</p> + +<p>"Shuffles!" exclaimed Kendall, with something +like horror mingled with his astonishment; "I shall +not go for him, anyhow."</p> + +<p>"Why not?"</p> + +<p>"I don't think he is the right person for the place."</p> + +<p>"I do; he's a first-rate fellow—none of your milk +and water chaps, that swallow camels and strain at +gnats."</p> + +<p>Kendall had some decided objections to Shuffles, +and he positively refused to vote for him, even to obtain +the coveted position in the after cabin. Wilton +argued the matter with much skill and cunning; but +his logic and his eloquence were both wasted.</p> + +<p>"Well, if you won't go for Shuffles, you must be +content with your place in the steerage," added Wilton.</p> + +<p>"I won't go for him, any how," said Kendall, +firmly.</p> + +<p>"You are making a mistake."</p> + +<p>"I don't think so. I'm bound to vote for the best +fellow, and I'm sure Shuffles isn't the right one."</p> + +<p>"See here, Kendall; don't say a word to the others +<span class="pageno"><a name="Page_50" id="Page_50">{50}</a></span> +that I spoke to you of this little matter. I thought you +would go with us, or I shouldn't have said anything +to you."</p> + +<p>"Not say anything? Why not?"</p> + +<p>"Because it will be better to keep still."</p> + +<p>"I shall not do anything of the kind. You have +got up a plan to defeat Carnes, by giving the offices to +fellows who will vote against him. You wish me to +keep still, while you carry out your plan. I can see +through a cord of wood, when there's a hole big +enough."</p> + +<p>"I mentioned this thing to you in confidence."</p> + +<p>"You didn't say a word about confidence; and I +didn't promise to keep still. I won't keep still. I +think it is a mean trick to buy up the votes of the +fellows, and I'll blow the whole thing higher than a +kite."</p> + +<p>"You'll catch it if you do," said Wilton, in a +threatening tone.</p> + +<p>"Catch what?" demanded Kendall, with a very +pretty exhibition of dignity.</p> + +<p>"Bob Shuffles will give it to you."</p> + +<p>"Give what to me?"</p> + +<p>"Give you the biggest licking you ever had in your +life," answered Wilton, angrily, "You are so stupid, +you can't understand anything."</p> + +<p>"I think I can understand the licking, when if +comes. That's a game that two can play at."</p> + +<p>"What do you mean, you little bantam? Do you +think you can whip Bob Shuffles?"</p> + +<p>"I had no idea of whipping him; and I have no +idea of his whipping me, either." +<span class="pageno"><a name="Page_51" id="Page_51">{51}</a></span></p> + +<p>Kendall was spunky. Wilton could make nothing +of him by threats or persuasion; and he turned away +from him to seek a more promising field of labor. +Kendall took off his cap, scratched his head as he +reflected upon the event which had just transpired, +and made up his mind that it was an insult to an independent +elector to attempt to buy his vote with the +paltry consideration of an office. He was sorry that +he had been even tempted by the proposition of the +wire-pullers, and thankful that his sense of honor and +decency had prompted him to decline it when asked to +vote for an improper person. True to his promise, +he made all haste to expose the conspiracy, as he +regarded it, against Carnes.</p> + +<p>When the students turned in that night, the wire-pullers +had found a sufficient number of candidates +for all the offices on the terms set forth in the compact, +each of whom had promised to use his influence for +the entire ticket. Shuffles had made a very pretty +calculation, to the effect that each of the fifteen candidates +could influence at least two votes besides his own +for the ticket, which would inevitably elect it. But +during all this time Paul Kendall had been laboring +like a Trojan for Carnes, and had induced his friends +to do the same.</p> + +<p>At nine-o'clock in the morning, the polls were +opened for the election of officers. A box was placed +on the fife-rail, at the mainmast, in which the ballots +were deposited, under the inspection of Professor +Mapps.</p> + +<p>"Have all the students voted?" called the professor, +<span class="pageno"><a name="Page_52" id="Page_52">{52}</a></span> +when the voting was suspended. "If so, I declare +the poll closed."</p> + +<p>It was a moment of intense excitement on the spar +deck of the Young America when Mr. Lowington +stood up on the hatch to announce the vote. There +was a pleasant smile upon his face, which indicated +that it would not be his painful duty to veto the choice +of the independent electors.</p> + +<p>"Young gentlemen, your balloting appears to have +been conducted with entire fairness," said he, "and I +will proceed to declare the result. Whole number of +votes, eighty-seven; necessary to a choice, forty-four. +Paul Kendall has five; Charles Gordon has seven; +Robert Shuffles has twenty-two; Richard Carnes +has fifty-three, and is elected captain of the Young +America for the succeeding three months."</p> + +<p>The party who had worked and voted for Carnes +applauded the result most lustily, and gave three +cheers for the new captain, which, on this exciting +occasion, were not objected to by the principal. Shuffles's +jaw dropped down, and his lip quivered with +angry emotion.</p> + +<p>"That little whipper-snapper of a Kendall did that," +said Wilton, in a low tone, to the disappointed candidate. +"I was afraid of this when I saw him blowing +about the deck."</p> + +<p>"I'll settle it with him when I get a good chance," +growled Shuffles, as he went to the rail and looked +over into the water, in order to conceal his disappointment +and chagrin.</p> + +<p>"Young gentlemen will bring in their votes for first +<span class="pageno"><a name="Page_53" id="Page_53">{53}</a></span> +lieutenant," said Professor Mapps, as he placed the +box on the fife-rail again.</p> + +<p>The boys marched around the mainmast, and deposited +their ballots for the second officer, as they had +done before. The friends of Shuffles rallied again, +hoping that something might yet come of the compact +they had made with him, and gave him their votes for +first lieutenant, though, in his chagrin, he declared that +he would not accept the position. Fortunately for him, +he was not called upon to do so; for Charles Gordon +was elected by a very large majority. As the election +proceeded, it became evident that there was no office +for Shuffles. Paul Kendall was elected fourth lieutenant +and the announcement of the vote was greeted +by even more hearty applause than had been bestowed +upon the captain.</p> + +<p>At the conclusion of the balloting, Shuffles found +that not a single one of the wire-pullers, or of the +candidates nominated by them, had been elected. +The attempt to bribe the independent voters, by giving +them office, had been a signal failure; and it is to +be hoped that Young America, when fully developed, +will stick to his principles.</p> + +<p>"Captain Richard Carnes," said Mr. Lowington, as +he stepped upon the hatch, after the voting had been +concluded.</p> + +<p>The young gentleman thus addressed came forward, +blushing beneath the honors which had been bestowed +upon him. The principal took his hand.</p> + +<p>"Captain Carnes, I congratulate you upon your +election to the highest office in the gift of your com +<span class="pageno"><a name="Page_54" id="Page_54">{54}</a></span>panions; +and I congratulate your fellow-students also +upon having so good a young man to handle the ship. +You have been modest, and they have been wise. I +congratulate you both. Young gentlemen, I am +satisfied that your captain will be just, courteous, and +gentlemanly, in his relations with you; and I hope +you will yield a willing and cheerful obedience to his +orders, and to those of all your superiors. Let me +say that this business is not a farce; it is not mere +boys' play; for as soon as the officers and crew are +fully trained and instructed, all ship duty will be +carried on without assistance from me or others. +When necessary, I shall advise the captain what to +do, but I shall not do it myself; neither shall I needlessly +interfere with the discipline of the ship.</p> + +<p>"This is the last time an election of officers will be +permitted, for it is liable to many objections, not the +least of which are the bribery and corruption by which +some have attempted to obtain office."</p> + +<p>Mr. Lowington looked at Shuffles, as though he +knew all about the method to which he had resorted +to secure an election; but we are quite sure that Paul +Kendall had never lisped a word of it to him, or to +any of the instructors.</p> + +<p>"On the first day of July, young gentlemen, all +the offices will be vacant; and they will be awarded +strictly in accordance with the marks you may obtain. +There will be no veto upon the result of the merit +roll. These places, therefore, are open to all. We +have no aristocracy on board. Every student in the +ship is a candidate for the captaincy. Now, if the +officers elect will follow me to the after cabin, I will +<span class="pageno"><a name="Page_55" id="Page_55">{55}</a></span> +install them into their new positions; after which I +will proceed to organize the crew."</p> + +<p>The door of the after cabin, which had hitherto +been a mystery to all the boys, was unlocked by the +head steward, and Mr. Lowington, followed by the +officers, entered. The students on deck were ordered +forward, and were not even permitted to look down +the companion-way, for the principal intended to keep +the after cabin exclusively for the officers; and no one +not entitled to admission was to be allowed to cross +its threshold. He believed that this mystery, and this +rigid adherence to the division line between officers +and crew, would promote the discipline of the ship, +and enhance the value of the offices—the prizes for +good conduct, and general fidelity to duty.</p> + +<p>"Captain Carnes, this is your state room," continued +Mr. Lowington, opening the door of the room +farthest forward on the starboard side. "As the commander +of the ship you are entitled to an apartment +by yourself."</p> + +<p>"Thank you, sir," replied the captain, as he stepped +into the room.</p> + +<p>"You will find on the hooks your uniform as +captain. There are three suits, from which you will +select one that fits you."</p> + +<p>Captain Carnes entered and closed the door. If he +did not feel like a king, he ought to have felt so.</p> + +<p>Mr. Lowington then gave the next room to the first +and second lieutenants, who were to occupy it together; +and they were also directed to clothe themselves in the +uniforms deposited there for their use. The third state +room was given to the third and fourth lieutenants, and +<span class="pageno"><a name="Page_56" id="Page_56">{56}</a></span> +the fourth to the first and second midshipmen. The +forward room of the port side was assigned to the first +and second masters; the next to the third and fourth; +the third to the two pursers, and the last to the third +and fourth midshipmen.</p> + +<p>In a short time the officers came out of their rooms +clothed in their uniforms, which consisted of a blue +frock coat, with brass buttons, and blue pants. The +cap was of the same material, with a gold band +around it. Thus far the uniforms were all alike; +but there were distinguishing insignia to indicate the +rank of each. All the officers had shoulder-straps, by +which their positions were designated. The captain +had two anchors; the first lieutenant had one anchor, +with four stars, one above, one below, and one on +each side; the second lieutenant had the anchor with +three stars—none above; the third lieutenant, one +star on each side of the anchor; and the fourth lieutenant +one star below the anchor. The captain also +wore five narrow gold bands on each of his coat +sleeves; the first lieutenant four, and so on, the +fourth wearing but one band.</p> + +<p>The shoulder-straps of the masters contained no +anchor; only the stars, one for each grade, the first +master having four stars; the fourth only one. The +rank of the pursers was indicated by the outline of a +parallelogram for the second, and two of the same +figure, one within the other, for the first. The straps +of the midshipmen contained gilt numbers, from one +to four, designating their grade.</p> + +<p>The officers presented a very elegant and dashing +appearance in their new uniform; and if some of them +<span class="pageno"><a name="Page_57" id="Page_57">{57}</a></span> +did not feel a little vain, it was because they were less +human than boys usually are.</p> + +<p>"What are we to do, sir?" asked Kendall of the +principal, after the uniforms had been duly criticised.</p> + +<p>"Nothing, at present."</p> + +<p>"Nothing! Why, I feel like a counterfeit gold +dollar, in this rig, when I know no more about a +ship than I do about the inside of the moon."</p> + +<p>"You will learn in due time. You will go on deck +now, young gentlemen; and remember that, as officers, +you are not to be familiar with the crew while you are +on duty."</p> + +<p>"Can't we speak to them?" asked Kendall, who +was not disposed to be so exclusive as naval discipline +required him to be.</p> + +<p>"Not while you are on duty, except when it is +necessary to do so. We will now assign the berths +in the steerage to the crew."</p> + +<p>As the boys came on board, they had taken the +berths as they pleased. Shuffles had selected a room, +and invited his "cronies" to occupy the bunks it contained +with him. The berths were now to be distributed +by lot. Professor Mapps had provided seventy-two +slips of paper, on each of which he had written +a number. The boys were mustered into line, and +drew out these numbers from the package. As each +student drew his slip, the purser wrote down his name +in a book, with the number he had drawn.</p> + +<p>In the steerage, each berth had its own number, +which was also applied to a locker, and a seat at one +of the mess tables. When the drawing was completed +each student had his berth, his clothes locker, +<span class="pageno"><a name="Page_58" id="Page_58">{58}</a></span> +and his seat at meals. Many of them were extremely +dissatisfied when they found that they had been separated +from their "cronies;" but the principal was firm, +and would not allow a single change to be made.</p> + +<p>By this time it was twelve o'clock, and Boatswain +Peaks piped all hands to muster. The ensign was +hoisted, and saluted with three cheers, in which all +hands, young and old, joined. When this ceremony +was finished, the crew were piped to dinner, and the +officers went to their cabin, where the steward had set +the table for them for the first time. They dined like +lords, though upon the same fare as their companions +in the steerage.</p> + + + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> +<h2><a name="CHAPTER_IV" id="CHAPTER_IV"></a>CHAPTER IV.</h2> + +<p><span class="pageno"><a name="Page_59" id="Page_59">{59}</a></span></p> + +<h4>OFFICERS AND SEAMEN.</h4> +<p class="returnTOC"><a href="#Contents">Return to Table of +Contents</a></p> + + +<p>After dinner the organization of the crew was +continued. All hands were "piped to muster," +and by this time most of those who had been disaffected +at the drawing of berths had recovered their +natural equanimity, and all were intensely interested +in the arrangement of the details. None of the boys +knew what was coming, and their curiosity kept them +in a continuous state of excitement.</p> + +<p>"All who have drawn even numbers will take the +starboard side of the ship," said Mr. Lowington from +his perch on the hatch. "All who have drawn odd +numbers will take the port side."</p> + +<p>"This is the starboard side, my lads," added Mr. +Fluxion, the instructor in mathematics—who, like the +principal, had been a naval officer,—as he pointed to +the right, looking forward.</p> + +<p>Some had already forgotten their numbers, and there +was considerable confusion before the order could be +obeyed.</p> + +<p>"Young gentlemen, the books will be opened to-day; +and a student who forgets his number again will +lose a mark," said Mr. Lowington. "Are they all in +their places, Mr. Fluxion?" +<span class="pageno"><a name="Page_60" id="Page_60">{60}</a></span></p> + +<p>"They are, sir," replied the instructor, who had +just counted them.</p> + +<p>"Young gentlemen, you are thus divided into two +equal parts—the starboard and the port watches. +Now form a straight line, toe the crack, and call your +numbers in order, beginning with the starboard watch."</p> + +<p>The boys eagerly followed this direction, though +some assistance was required from the instructors in +repressing their superfluous enthusiasm.</p> + +<p>"Very well," continued Mr. Lowington, when the +students were formed in two lines. "Every boy in +the starboard watch whose number is divisible by four, +step forward one pace. Number three in the port +watch, do the same. Mr. Mapps, oblige me by seeing +that every alternate boy in the line steps forward."</p> + +<p>"The line is formed, sir," replied the instructor, +when he had carried out the direction of the principal.</p> + +<p>"Each watch is now divided into two parts—the +first and second parts, as they will be called. Now, +young gentlemen, the clothing will be distributed, and +each student will put on his uniform at once."</p> + +<p>The four lines were then marched down into the +steerage, each under the charge of an instructor, to a +particular locality, where the head steward and his +assistants had deposited the clothing for each watch +and quarter watch. The uniform consisted of blue +seaman's pants and a heavy flannel shirt or frock, such +as is worn in the United States navy. To each student +the following articles were served out:—</p> + +<p style="margin-left: 2.5em;"> +1 pea-jacket.<br /> +1 blue cloth jacket.<br /> +1 pair blue cloth pants.<br /> +<span class="pageno"><a name="Page_61" id="Page_61">{61}</a></span> +1 pair blue satinet pants.<br /> +1 blue cap.<br /> +1 straw hat, of coarse, sewed straw.<br /> +1 Panama hat, bound.<br /> +2 knit woollen shirts.<br /> +2 pair knit woollen drawers.<br /> +2 white frocks.<br /> +2 pair white duck pants.<br /> +4 pair socks.<br /> +2 pair shoes.<br /> +2 black silk neck-handkerchiefs.<br /> +</p> + +<p>These articles were given to the boys, and they were +required to put on the every-day uniform; after which +they were directed to arrange the rest of the clothing +in the lockers belonging to them. The contractor who +had furnished the goods was present with four tailors, +to attend to the fitting of the clothes, which were all +numbered according to the size. In a short time the +students began to come out of their rooms, clothed in +their new rig. They looked intensely "salt," and there +was no end to the jokes and smart things that were +said on this interesting occasion. Even Shuffles hardly +knew himself in his new dress.</p> + +<p>The frock had a broad rolling collar, in each corner +of which was worked an anchor in white. The black +silk neck-handkerchief was worn under the collar, and +not many of the boys had acquired the art of tying the +regular sailor's knot. Boatswain Peaks not only stood +up as a model for them, but he adjusted the "neck +gear" for many of them. Bitts, the carpenter, and +<span class="pageno"><a name="Page_62" id="Page_62">{62}</a></span> +Leech, the sailmaker, who were also old sailors, cheerfully +rendered a valet's assistance to such as needed +help.</p> + +<p>Agreeably to the directions of Mr. Lowington, the +shore suits of the students were done up in bundles, +each marked with the owner's name, and the head +steward took them to Mr. Lowington's house for +storage.</p> + +<p>Rigged out in their "sea togs," the students began +to feel salt, as well as to look salt. Some of them tried +to imitate the rolling gait of the boatswain when they +walked, and some of them began to exhibit an alarming +tendency to indulge in sea slang.</p> + +<p>"There, my hearty, you look like a sailor now," +said Peaks, when he had rolled over the collar and +tied the square knot in the handkerchief of Wilton.</p> + +<p>"Shiver my timbers, but I feel like one," laughed +the embryo seaman.</p> + +<p>"What's that, young gentleman?" demanded Mr. +Lowington, who happened to be within hearing; +"what did you say?"</p> + +<p>"I said I felt like a sailor, sir."</p> + +<p>"What was the expression you used?"</p> + +<p>"I only said shiver my timbers, sir."</p> + +<p>"You stole that expression from a yellow-covered +novel. Did you ever hear Mr. Peaks, who has been a +sailor all his lifetime, use such language?"</p> + +<p>"I'll be bound he never did," added Peaks.</p> + +<p>"No, sir. I don't know that I ever did."</p> + +<p>"Some sailors do use such expressions; but it is +gross affectation for these young gentlemen, who never +saw a blue wave, to indulge in them. If you please, +<span class="pageno"><a name="Page_63" id="Page_63">{63}</a></span> +Wilton, you will not use such language. It is simply +ridiculous. Mr. Peaks, you will pipe all hands to +muster again."</p> + +<p>The shrill whistle of the boatswain sounded through +the ship, and the boys tumbled up the ladders, eager +to learn what was to be done next. As they formed +in lines, they presented a novel and picturesque appearance +in their jaunty uniform. Most of them had +already learned to wear their caps canted over on one +side, and not a few of them, perhaps as much from +necessity as because it was a sailor's habit, hitched up +their trousers, and thrust their hands deep down into +the side pockets.</p> + +<p>The students were again formed in watches and +quarter watches, each of which classes and sub-classes +was indicated on the uniforms. All the starboard +watch wore a small silver star on the right arm, above +the elbow, and the port watch the same emblem on +the left arm. The first part of each watch had a +figure 1, under the star, and the second part a figure +2 in the same position.</p> + +<p>The rest of the day was spent in the organization +for ship's duty, which was far from completed when +the sun went down. The next day every boy was +kept so busy that he had no time to grumble. The +instructors attended to the lessons in the steerage with +one watch, while the other was on deck acquiring seamanship. +In the course of the month, as the boys +learned their duties, and the capabilities of each were +ascertained, they were assigned to their stations in the +various evolutions required in working the vessel.</p> + +<p>Boatswain Peaks had taught the boys, a few at a +<span class="pageno"><a name="Page_64" id="Page_64">{64}</a></span> +time, how to set a sail, reef and furl it. They had +been gradually accustomed to going aloft, until the +giddy height of the main royal did not appall them, +and they could lay out on the yards without thinking +of the empty space beneath them. By the first of +June, all the petty officers had been appointed, and +every student had his station billet. When the order +was given to unmoor ship, to make sail, or to furl the +sails, every one knew where to go and what to do. +The station billets were cards on which the various +evolutions of the ship had been printed in a column +on the left, while the particular duty of the owner of +the card was written against it. The card was kept +by the student, and he was expected to learn its contents +so that he could take his place without stopping +to consult it, when an order was given. Here is a +specimen of the cards:—</p> + +<table style="margin: 0 auto;" summary="Specimen of the watch card"> +<tbody> +<tr> + <td align="center">PORT WATCH, NO 21,<br />Second Part.</td> + <td align="center">WILLIAM FOSTER,<br /> + <i>Captain of the Forecastle.</i></td></tr> +<tr> + <td>REEFING.</td> + <td>Head Bowlines.</td></tr> +<tr> + <td>TACKING OR WEARING.</td> + <td>Forecastle. Let go head bowlines.<br /> + Let go and shorten in foretack<br /> + and belay it.</td></tr> +<tr> + <td>GETTING UNDER WAY.</td> + <td>Head Bowlines. Downhauls and + head-sheets.</td></tr> +<tr> + <td>ANCHORING.</td> + <td>Head Bowlines, Sheets and Tacks.<br /> + Downhauls.</td></tr> +<tr> + <td>LOOSING SAILS.</td> + <td>Foretopmast Staysail.</td></tr> +<tr> + <td>FURLING.</td> + <td>Head Bowlines and Downhauls, + Staysail.</td></tr> +<tr> + <td>MOORING AND UNMOORING.</td> + <td>Forecastle.</td></tr> +<tr> + <td>BOAT.</td> + <td>Professor's Barge, stroke-oar.</td></tr> +<tr> + <td>MESS.</td> + <td>No. 11.</td></tr> +</tbody> +</table> + +<p><span class="pageno"><a name="Page_65" id="Page_65">{65}</a></span></p> + +<p>The crew had been in training a month before an +attempt was made to set more than one sail at once; +but by this time the officers knew the orders, having +practised every day since the organization. The +petty officers had been appointed, and had, to some +extent, become familiar with their duties.</p> + +<p>The boys still continued to wonder when the Young +America would go on a cruise, for they were very +anxious to see the blue water, and to roll on the great +waves of the Atlantic; but they were so constantly +occupied with ship's duty and their studies, that the +time did not hang heavily on their hands. Two +months of constant practice had made tolerable seamen +of them, and the discipline of the ship went on +regularly. The young officers, as Mr. Lowington had +promised, began to conduct the evolutions and give +the orders.</p> + +<p>On the 1st day of June, after breakfast, the students +were thrown into a fever of excitement by an unusual +order, and they ventured to hope that the ship was to +leave her moorings.</p> + +<p>"Mr. Gordon, you will pipe all hands to muster," +said Captain Carnes to the first lieutenant.</p> + +<p>"Pass the word for the boatswain," added Gordon +to one of the midshipmen, who stood near him.</p> + +<p>This call was answered, not by Peaks, who no +longer performed the duties of boatswain, but by one +of the students, who had been appointed to this position.</p> + +<p>"Pipe all hands to muster, boatswain," said the +first lieutenant, as the petty officer touched his cap to +him.<span class="pageno"><a name="Page_66" id="Page_66">{66}</a></span></p> + +<p>"All hands on deck, ahoy!" shouted the boatswain, +as he piped the call.</p> + +<p>This was an unusual order for that time of day, the +forenoon being appropriated to study for each watch +in turn; and those who were below hastened on deck +to ascertain what was to be done.</p> + +<p>"All hands, stations for loosing sail!" piped the +boatswain, when ordered to do so by Gordon.</p> + +<p>The first lieutenant was in charge of the ship, under +the direction of the captain. The second lieutenant +stood on the forecastle, where he was attended by the +boatswain. The third lieutenant was in the waist, +and the fourth on the quarter deck, near the mizzenmast. +These were the stations of the officers whenever +all hands were called. Mr. Lowington and the +instructors stood near the companion-way, watching +with interest this first attempt to make sail all over +the ship.</p> + +<p>"Lay aloft, sail-loosers!" shouted Gordon; and his +order was repeated by the officers at their several +stations.</p> + +<p>The little tars who belonged on the topsail and top-gallant +yards sprang up the rigging like so many cats, +excited beyond measure by the scene of activity around +them.</p> + +<p>"Lower yardmen in the chains!" continued Gordon +and his order was passed, along by the officers. +"Aloft, lower yardmen!"</p> + +<p>In a moment the crew were in their places; the +studding-sail booms were triced up with the usual +system, so that the sails could be reached.</p> + +<p>"Lay out!" continued the first lieutenant; and the +<span class="pageno"><a name="Page_67" id="Page_67">{67}</a></span> +boys walked out on the foot-ropes to their stations on +the yards. "Loose!"</p> + +<p>The ropes by which the sails were secured to the +yards were removed at this order, and the topmen held +the sails in their places.</p> + +<p>"All ready on the forecastle, sir," reported Foster, +who was captain of that part of the ship.</p> + +<p>"All ready in the foretop."</p> + +<p>"All ready in the maintop."</p> + +<p>"All ready in the mizzentop," reported the several +captains of the tops, in their proper order.</p> + +<p>These reports were passed to the first lieutenant in +charge of the deck, by his subordinates.</p> + +<p>"Let fall!" shouted Gordon, highly excited; and +the sails dropped from the yard. "Overhaul your +rigging aloft! Man sheets and halyards! Sheets +home, and hoist away!"</p> + +<p>These orders were passed from mouth to mouth +among the officers, and return reports made, according +to the strict discipline of the navy. They were +promptly executed by the crew, though of course not +without some blunders; and the Young America was +covered with her cloud of canvas. Mr. Lowington +commended the officers and crew for the promptness +and skill they had displayed in their first concerted +attempt at making sail. He then directed Captain +Carnes to furl. Both evolutions were then repeated, +until a proficiency satisfactory for one day was attained.</p> + +<p>"Not going to sea, after all," said Shuffles, when +the crew were dismissed from muster.</p> + +<p>"No," replied Wilton. "I'm tired of lying here, +and if we don't go to sea soon, I shall take myself off." +<span class="pageno"><a name="Page_68" id="Page_68">{68}</a></span></p> + +<p>"I'm with you."</p> + +<p>"I thought we were going to have some fun on +board, but we don't do anything but study and shake +out topsails."</p> + +<p>"Do you know how you stand on marks, Wilton?" +asked Shuffles.</p> + +<p>"No; not very high, though."</p> + +<p>"Don't you think you shall get into the cabin +next term?"</p> + +<p>"I know I shall not. I haven't tried for anything."</p> + +<p>"On the first of next month, you know, new officers +will be appointed, and I suppose the crew will be +messed over again."</p> + +<p>"I don't care, I'm getting tired of this thing, I +had a better time at the Academy before we came on +board."</p> + +<p>"There isn't much chance for any sport. Hardly a +fellow has been allowed to go on shore since we +joined the ship."</p> + +<p>"Well get up a mutiny, if things don't improve."</p> + +<p>"I was thinking of that very thing myself," said +Shuffles, in a low tone.</p> + +<p>"A mutiny!" exclaimed Wilton, who had used the +word in jest.</p> + +<p>"Just for fum, you know," laughed Shuffles.</p> + +<p>"You don't mean any such thing?"</p> + +<p>"Not yet, of course."</p> + +<p>"Do you at any time?"</p> + +<p>"We want something more exciting than this kind +of a life. Here we are, kept down and treated like +common sailors. We have to touch our caps and +make our manners to Dick Carnes and the rest of the +<span class="pageno"><a name="Page_69" id="Page_69">{69}</a></span> +flunkies in the after cabin. My father pays as much +for me as Dick Carnes' father does for him, and I don't +think it is fair that he should live in the cabin and I in +the steerage."</p> + +<p>"If you get marks enough, you can have a berth in +the cabin," replied Wilton.</p> + +<p>"Marks! Confound the marks! I'm not a baby. +Do you think a fellow seventeen years old is going to +be put up or put down by marks?" said Shuffles.</p> + +<p>"I thought you had been working for a place in +the cabin."</p> + +<p>"So I have, but I don't expect to get it. I never +studied so hard in my life, and I believe I haven't had +a bad mark since I came on board, Lowington +thinks I have reformed," laughed Shuffles. "And +so I have."</p> + +<p>"What do you want to get up a mutiny for, then?"</p> + +<p>"I shall not, if I get a decent position; if I don't, +I'm going in for some fun."</p> + +<p>"But do you really think of getting up a mutiny?" +asked Wilton, curiously.</p> + +<p>"I was thinking the other day what a fine thing it +would be if our fellows had the ship all to themselves."</p> + +<p>"What could we do with her?"</p> + +<p>"Go on a cruise in her."</p> + +<p>"We couldn't handle her; there is hardly a fellow +on board that knows anything about navigation."</p> + +<p>"Of course, I don't mean to do anything yet a while; +not this year, perhaps. One of these days, if we stay +on board, we shall know all about a ship. Fifteen or +twenty of the fellows are studying navigation. We +are going to Europe some time or other. When +<span class="pageno"><a name="Page_70" id="Page_70">{70}</a></span> +we do, we can take the ship, and go it on our own +hook."</p> + +<p>"I don't believe you mean anything of the kind, +Bob Shuffles."</p> + +<p>"I've been thinking about it, anyhow. We can +lock Lowington and the rest of the old folks into their +cabin while they are at dinner; and there are enough +of us to handle Peaks and Bitts."</p> + +<p>"I think you are crazy, Shuffles."</p> + +<p>"We should have a high old time if we could get +possession of the ship. We wont say a word about +it yet."</p> + +<p>"I think you had better not."</p> + +<p>"We might go round Cape Horn into the Pacific, +and have a splendid time among the beautiful islands +of the South Sea."</p> + +<p>"Of course all the fellows wouldn't join you."</p> + +<p>"We could put those ashore somewhere who did +not agree with us."</p> + +<p>"You know the penalty of mutiny on the high +seas."</p> + +<p>"Bah!" said Shuffles, contemptuously. "It would +be nothing but it lark. No one would think of +hanging us, or even sending us to prison for it. My +father is rich enough to get me out of any scrape."</p> + +<p>"So is mine; but I don't think it would be quite +safe to go into a mutiny."</p> + +<p>"Not yet, my dear fellow. You can think it over."</p> + +<p>"But I'm tired of this kind of a life. I liked it +first rate in the beginning. Do you think Lowington +really intends to go to sea with the ship?"</p> + +<p>"I know he does." +<span class="pageno"><a name="Page_71" id="Page_71">{71}</a></span></p> + +<p>"If he don't go pretty soon, I shall run away, and +go to sea in earnest."</p> + +<p>"Don't say a word about the mutiny at present, +Wilton. By and by, if things go right, or if they +don't go right, we may want to take some stock in +such an enterprise."</p> + +<p>"I don't see it yet, but of course I shall keep still."</p> + +<p>It is doubtful whether even so daring a young man +as Shuffles, who had the temerity to do almost anything, +seriously contemplated getting up a mutiny. +Very likely his untamed and vicious imagination had +revelled in such an enterprise; had pictured the delights +of the rover's life at sea; but a boy of ordinary common +sense could hardly think of engaging in such a +mad scheme.</p> + +<p>The last week of June, with which month ended the +first school term on board of the Young America, +was devoted to examinations and reviews in all the +studies for which extra marks were given. On the +last day the instructors made up the merit lists, and +on the morning of the 1st of July all hands were +mustered, and the result declared. Most of the officers, +all of whom had studied with unremitting diligence +in order to retain their positions, were reinstated +in their offices. The third lieutenant, however, fell +out, having failed in his reviews, and to the astonishment +of all, Robert Shuffles was found to be entitled +to the place. The first and second lieutenants exchanged +ranks, and Paul Kendall fell to the position +of second master. Three of the tenants of the after +cabin were compelled to move into the steerage, and +<span class="pageno"><a name="Page_72" id="Page_72">{72}</a></span> +three of the crew were transferred to the officers' +quarters.</p> + +<p>Many were disappointed, and perhaps some were +disheartened, for the competition had been a severe +struggle; and as much depended upon natural ability +as upon energy and perseverance. But the Young +America was a world by herself. She had all the +elements of society within her wooden walls, and +success and failure there followed the same rules as +in the great world of which she was an epitome.</p> + +<p>After the officers had been duly installed in their +positions, the petty offices were given to those having +the highest number of marks among the crew. It +was certainly democratic for the late third lieutenant +to become captain of the foretop, and for a second +master to become coxswain of the professors' barge; +but these young gentlemen, though disappointed, submitted +with a good grace to their misfortune.</p> + +<p>The student having the highest number of marks +among the crew was allowed to have the first choice +of berths in the steerage; the one having the next +highest number had the second choice, and so on, +until all the numbers had been appropriated. At the +conclusion of the reorganization, Mr. Lowington made +a speech, "comforting the mourners," and reminding +all the students that, on the 1st of October, there +would be another distribution of the places of honor. +He hoped those who had failed to attain what they +aspired to reach would not be discouraged, for, after +all, they had been gaining knowledge, and thus the +real end of the school had been reached. +<span class="pageno"><a name="Page_73" id="Page_73">{73}</a></span></p> + +<p>"How about the mutiny?" said Wilton to the new +third lieutenant, when both were off duty in the +evening.</p> + +<p>"It won't pay just now," replied Shuffles, with +great good humor.</p> + +<p>"I suppose not," sneered Wilton, who had not +even won a petty office. "What would Lowington +say if he knew the third lieutenant talked of getting +up a mutiny on board?"</p> + +<p>"What would he say?" repeated Shuffles, who was +as much surprised at the high rank he had gained as +his companion had been.</p> + +<p>"Yes; what would he say if I should tell him +of it?"</p> + +<p>"He would say you were a mean pup for telling +tales out of school; at least, he ought to say so, and I +think he would. Lowington is a pretty good fellow, +after all."</p> + +<p>"No doubt he is, now you are third lieutenant."</p> + +<p>"You needn't snuff at it, Wilton. If you want a +place, why don't you sail in, and get one. Just look +out for your marks; that's all you have to do."</p> + +<p>"Marks! I thought a fellow seventeen years old +was not to be put up or put down by marks," said +Wilton, bitterly.</p> + +<p>"That depends somewhat upon whether you get in +or out," laughed Shuffles.</p> + +<p>"I suppose you and Paul Kendall will be fast +friends now," added the discontented student.</p> + +<p>"Kendall behaves very well, and has treated me first +rate since I went into the cabin." +<span class="pageno"><a name="Page_74" id="Page_74">{74}</a></span></p> + +<p>"I suppose if I want to run away, you will stop me +now."</p> + +<p>"If you are going to do that, you musn't tell me of +it, now I'm an officer," replied Shuffles, as he turned +on his heel, and walked aft.</p> + +<p>Wilton was disgusted, and felt that he had lost his +best friend, now that Shuffles had worked his way +into the cabin.</p> + + + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> +<h2><a name="CHAPTER_V" id="CHAPTER_V"></a>CHAPTER V.</h2> + +<p><span class="pageno"><a name="Page_75" id="Page_75">{75}</a></span></p> + +<h4>OUR FELLOWS.</h4> +<p class="returnTOC"><a href="#Contents">Return to Table of +Contents</a></p> + + +<p>"I would like leave of absence for to-morrow, Mr. +Pelham," said Wilton, as he touched his cap to +the first lieutenant of the Young America, on the day +before the Fourth of July.</p> + +<p>"I am sorry to inform you, Wilton, that no leave +of absence will be granted to-morrow," replied Pelham +in accordance with the instructions given him +by the captain, who, in turn, had received his orders +from the principal.</p> + +<p>"No leave!" exclaimed Wilton, his jaw dropping +down.</p> + +<p>"Such are the orders."</p> + +<p>"I have always been in the habit of celebrating the +Fourth of July," replied Wilton. "Are we to stay +on board the ship, and mope all day?"</p> + +<p>"I presume the day will be celebrated on board in +a proper manner," added the first lieutenant.</p> + +<p>"On board! What can a fellow do here? We +might as well go to bed, and sleep off the day."</p> + +<p>"No words are necessary, Wilton," replied Pelham +as he turned and walked away.</p> + +<p>"That's a good one!" added Wilton, to the group +of boys who had come with him to the mainmast, to +<span class="pageno"><a name="Page_76" id="Page_76">{76}</a></span> +request the same favor, if the spokesman was permitted +to go on shore and celebrate the day.</p> + +<p>"Not to celebrate!" exclaimed Monroe, with something +like horror in his tones and looks.</p> + +<p>"Work on the Fourth of July!" chimed in Adler.</p> + +<p>"I won't stand it, for one!" said Wilton.</p> + +<p>"Nor I, for another," added Monroe.</p> + +<p>So said half a dozen others.</p> + +<p>"Well, what are you going to do about it?" demanded +Adler. "Here we are, and we can't get +ashore."</p> + +<p>"Perhaps we can," said Wilton, as he led the way +to a retired part of the deck, where they could talk +without being overheard. "Did any one ever hear +of such a thing as keeping the fellows on board on the +Fourth of July? Why, every little Greek in the city +yonder has his liberty on that day; and we are to be +cooped up here like a parcel of sick chickens! I suppose +we shall have to recite history and French, and +shake out topsails, as usual."</p> + +<p>"It's outrageous. I don't believe the fellows will +stand it," added Adler, who did not know how bad +the case was, until it had been rehearsed by Wilton, +who, in the absence of Shuffles, had become the leader +of a certain clique on board, given to taking opposite +views.</p> + +<p>"But I don't see what we can do," said Monroe.</p> + +<p>"We will do something. I won't stand it. If I +stay on board the ship to-morrow, it will be as a prisoner," +answered Wilton.</p> + +<p>"It's a hard case; but what can we do about it?" +asked Sanborn.<span class="pageno"><a name="Page_77" id="Page_77">{77}</a></span></p> + +<p>"Suppose we go to Lowington, and state the case +to him," suggested Adler.</p> + +<p>"What's the use of that? Of course the first lieutenant +spoke by the card. He had his orders to say +what he did, and I'm sure they came from Lowington."</p> + +<p>"There can be no doubt of that; but it would be +better to have it from him."</p> + +<p>"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.</p> + +<p>"What is it?" asked Monroe, eagerly.</p> + +<p>"Keep shady, for a while. How many fellows can +we muster?"</p> + +<p>"I don't know."</p> + +<p>"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."</p> + +<p>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.</p> + +<p>"Mr. Lowington, some of the students would like +to go on shore to-morrow, to celebrate the Fourth. +Can't we have liberty?"</p> + +<p>"You know the rule; you should apply to the first +lieutenant for leave of absence," replied Mr. Lowington. +<span class="pageno"><a name="Page_78" id="Page_78">{78}</a></span></p> + +<p>"We have, sir, and been refused."</p> + +<p>"Then there is nothing more to be said. The first +lieutenant speaks with authority."</p> + +<p>"I beg your pardon, sir, but are we to stay on board +all day to-morrow?"</p> + +<p>"That is certainly the arrangement, Wilton."</p> + +<p>"Some of us would like to celebrate the day, sir, +and we think it is rather hard to be obliged to do duty +on the Fourth of July."</p> + +<p>"I intend to have the day celebrated in a proper +manner. I have made preparations for a gala day on +board."</p> + +<p>"If you please, sir, we would rather go on shore."</p> + +<p>"I am very sorry, for your sake, that I shall be unable +to reverse the answer of the first lieutenant. If +I permit one or a dozen to go ashore, I cannot refuse +any, and all must go. I think the boys will be satisfied +with the arrangements I have made for the day."</p> + +<p>"I never was kept in school on the Fourth of July +before, sir," growled Wilton.</p> + +<p>"Then this will be a new event in your experience," +answered Mr. Lowington, coldly, as he turned from +the petitioners, and went forward.</p> + +<p>There were a great many wild boys on board of the +Young America, and it was morally impossible for the +whole crew to attend the celebration in the city, without +more or less of them getting into a scrape. They +had been kept on board for two months, and not +allowed to go on shore, except under the supervision +of one of the instructors; and to let any considerable +number of them loose on such a day as the Fourth of +July, would only be courting trouble, for they would +<span class="pageno"><a name="Page_79" id="Page_79">{79}</a></span> +be all the more disorderly after the long period of +restraint.</p> + +<p>Mr. Lowington did not willingly deprive the boys +of any innocent gratification. He had faithfully considered +the matter of celebrating the day, and taken +the advice of the instructors on the subject. It had +been proposed to procure a band of music, and visit +the city in a body, under the usual discipline; but +there were many difficulties attending such a plan. +The boys were all the sons of rich men, and most of +them were abundantly supplied with pocket money. +As it would be impossible to prevent the escape of +some of them from the procession, in the crowded +streets, it was feared that their money would prove to +be "the root of all evil." The project had finally +been abandoned; and, as a substitute, a programme +for a celebration on board had been arranged, for there +the students would be entirely under the control of the +instructors, who would check all excesses. It was anticipated +that a few discontented spirits would grumble, +but no rebellion was expected.</p> + +<p>Wilton and his companions were dissatisfied, and +disposed to be rash. They felt that they had been +harshly and cruelly denied a reasonable privilege. +The subject of celebrating the Fourth had been under +consideration for a long time among the boys, and it +had been generally believed that all hands would be +permitted to go on shore, with perfect liberty, on that +day; and many of them had already arranged their +plans for the occasion.</p> + +<p>"Well, what do you think now?" said Wilton, as +Mr. Lowington walked forward. +<span class="pageno"><a name="Page_80" id="Page_80">{80}</a></span></p> + +<p>"I think it's too bad," replied Adler. "It is meaner +than dirt to make us stay on board on the Fourth of +July."</p> + +<p>"But I don't see how we are going to help ourselves," +added Monroe, looking at Wilton for a solution +of this difficult problem.</p> + +<p>"I do."</p> + +<p>"How?"</p> + +<p>"Keep still; don't say a word here," continued +Wilton. "Scatter, now, and I will be on the top-gallant +forecastle in a few minutes."</p> + +<p>Wilton strolled about the deck a short time, and +then went to the place of meeting, where he was soon +joined by the rest of the discontented pupils.</p> + +<p>"How many fellows can we muster?" asked he, +when his associates in mischief had again gathered +around him.</p> + +<p>"I know at least a dozen, who are up to anything," +replied Monroe; "but some of them are in the other +watch. What are you going to do?"</p> + +<p>"I'll tell you: There are the professors' barge and +the third cutter at the swinging boom. We will drop +into them when the instructors go down to supper, +and make for the shore. All the rest of the boats are +at the davits; and before they can get them into the +water, we shall be out of their reach. What do you +think of that for a plan!"</p> + +<p>"I think it is a first-rate one. But hadn't we better +wait till the instructors turn in?" suggested Adler.</p> + +<p>"No; the boats will all be hoisted up to the davits +at sunset. We must do it while the professors are at +supper, or not at all. We want eight oars for the +<span class="pageno"><a name="Page_81" id="Page_81">{81}</a></span> +barge, and six for the third cutter; that makes fourteen +fellows. Can we raise as many as that?"</p> + +<p>"Yes, I think we can; we will try, at any rate."</p> + +<p>"But you must look out, or some fellow will blow +the whole thing," added Wilton. "Mind whom you +speak to."</p> + +<p>The trustworthiness of the various students was +canvassed, and it was decided what ones should be +invited to join the enterprise. The discontented boys +separated, and went to work with great caution to +obtain the needed recruits. Unfortunately, in such a +crowd of young men, there are always enough to +engage in any mischievous plot, and it is quite likely +that twice as many as were wanted could have been +obtained to man the boats in the runaway expedition.</p> + +<p>Wilton missed Shuffles very much in arranging the +details of the present enterprise. While at the Brockway +Academy, they had plotted mischief so often that +each seemed to be necessary to the other. But Shuffles +had reformed; he was now third lieutenant of the +ship, and it was not safe to suggest a conspiracy to +him, for he would attempt to gain favor with the principal +by exposing or defeating it.</p> + +<p>Yet Shuffles was so bold in thought, and so daring +in execution, that Wilton could hardly abandon the +hope of obtaining his assistance; besides, the third +lieutenant would be officer of the deck when the +professors went to supper, and might wink at their +departure in the boats, if he did not actually help +them off.</p> + +<p>"Would you say anything to Shuffles?" asked +<span class="pageno"><a name="Page_82" id="Page_82">{82}</a></span> +Wilton, still in doubt, of Monroe, as they happened +to meet again in the waist.</p> + +<p>"To Shuffles!" exclaimed Monroe, in an energetic +whisper.</p> + +<p>"I mean so."</p> + +<p>"Certainly not. I should as soon think of speaking +to Lowington himself."</p> + +<p>"But Shuffles may join us. He is always in for a +good time."</p> + +<p>"Why, you ninny, he is third lieutenant of the +ship."</p> + +<p>"No matter if he is. I think Shuffles would like +to join us."</p> + +<p>"Nonsense! He has been in office only three days, +and it would break him. He would be degraded to +the steerage," replied Monroe, who could not help +thinking that Wilton was beside himself in proposing +such a thing, and that the enterprise was doomed to +failure in such incompetent hands.</p> + +<p>"If he won't join us, perhaps he will help us off. +He is officer of the deck, you know, in the second dog +watch."</p> + +<p>"I know he is; but don't you open your mouth to +him. If you do, I'll back out at once."</p> + +<p>"Back out?"</p> + +<p>"Yes, back out. I believe you are crazy. Why +don't you go to Captain Carnes, and done with it?" +said Monroe, with energy.</p> + +<p>"I haven't any hold on Carnes, and I have on +Shuffles."</p> + +<p>"What do you mean?" asked the prudent conspirator, +curiously.<span class="pageno"><a name="Page_83" id="Page_83">{83}</a></span></p> + +<p>"If Shuffles won't join us, he won't blow on us, +you may depend upon that. He wouldn't dare to do +it. I could break him before sundown, if I chose," +said Wilton, with conscious power.</p> + +<p>"That alters the case."</p> + +<p>"Of course, I shouldn't think of saying anything +to him, if I did not know what I was talking about. +I have him where the hair is short, and he knows it, as +well as I do."</p> + +<p>"What is it, Wilton?"</p> + +<p>"No matter what it is. When a thing is told me +in confidence, I keep it to myself; but if he turns +traitor to his cronies, he must look out for breakers. +He knows what it is."</p> + +<p>"Well, if you can get him, he will be a first-rate +fellow to have."</p> + +<p>"I think I can get him. Here he comes; you keep +out of the way, and I will see how deep the water is."</p> + +<p>Monroe went forward to find a student to whom he +had been deputed to speak in the interest of the enterprise +leaving Wilton to grapple with the old lion of +mischief, whose teeth, however, seemed to have been +worn out in the cause.</p> + +<p>"What's up, Wilton?" demanded the third lieutenant +who was now off duty, and therefore allowed +to speak to the crew, though it was a privilege of +which the officers seldom availed themselves.</p> + +<p>"Who said anything was up?" asked Wilton.</p> + +<p>"You look as though you meant something. What +were you and Ike Monroe talking about just now?" +continued Shuffles. "About me, I'll be bound, for you +kept looking at me, as though you meant something." +<span class="pageno"><a name="Page_84" id="Page_84">{84}</a></span></p> + +<p>"What makes you think so? Have you heard +anything?" asked Wilton, fearful that the plot had +leaked out.</p> + +<p>"Not a word? I only judged by your looks."</p> + +<p>"I suppose if anything was up, you wouldn't have +anything to do with it now."</p> + +<p>"Most decidedly, I should not. I like my present +position too well to fall out of it. I'm going to be +captain next term, if I can fetch it any way in the +world."</p> + +<p>"You mean to be a flunky, just like the rest of +them. You are not the same fellow you used to be."</p> + +<p>"Yes, I am."</p> + +<p>"You are getting too big for your boots."</p> + +<p>"You wrong me, Wilton. I'm just as good a +fellow as I ever was. I think I'm the best fellow in +the ship, and for that reason I want to be captain. +I'm ahead of Carnes so far on marks this month."</p> + +<p>"Well, if you want to be the head flunky, I hope +you'll get it. We are not going ashore to-morrow, +they say," added Wilton, changing the topic to get +nearer to the business of the hour.</p> + +<p>"So Pelham told me."</p> + +<p>"Are you willing to stay on board and study, and +do ship's duty, on the Fourth of July?"</p> + +<p>"We are going to celebrate."</p> + +<p>"How?"</p> + +<p>"I'm sure I don't know."</p> + +<p>"We shall celebrate to-morrow just as we do every +day—as close prisoners on board the ship. I, for one, +don't like it, and I won't stand it."</p> + +<p>"Won't you?" laughed Shuffles. +<span class="pageno"><a name="Page_85" id="Page_85">{85}</a></span></p> + +<p>"When I say I won't, I mean so."</p> + +<p>"O, you do—do you?"</p> + +<p>"You better believe I do," added Wilton, shaking +his head resolutely.</p> + +<p>"What are you going to do?"</p> + +<p>"I'm going ashore, by hook or by crook."</p> + +<p>"Better not get into any scrape."</p> + +<p>"You say that as one of the flunkies."</p> + +<p>"Well, you had better not say anything to me, for +I shall have to do my duty as an officer. Don't say +anything to me, and then I shall not know anything +about it."</p> + +<p>"Humph!" sneered Wilton, not pleased with this +non-committal policy.</p> + +<p>"I don't want to do anything mean with any of our +fellows; so don't say a word to me. I shall do my +duty as an officer, as I promised to do when I was +made third lieutenant."</p> + +<p>"Do you mean to say you will stop me, Shuffles, if +you see me going?" demanded Wilton.</p> + +<p>"I do mean so; I promised faithfully to do my duty +as an officer, and I shall do it."</p> + +<p>"See here, Bob Shuffles; you needn't talk to me in +that manner. I knew the ship's cable from a pint +of milk, and you can't come the flunky over me."</p> + +<p>"I'm going to do just as you would do if you were +in my place. I won't hear a word about any of your +plans."</p> + +<p>"But will you interfere with them?"</p> + +<p>"If it is my duty to do so, I shall. I intend to obey +orders; and if I have the deck, I shall keep things +straight, whatever happens." +<span class="pageno"><a name="Page_86" id="Page_86">{86}</a></span></p> + +<p>"Lowington don't know you as well as I do."</p> + +<p>"No matter if he don't; he shall have no fault to +find with me this term, if I can help it."</p> + +<p>"It's no use for me to mince the matter with you, +Bob Shuffles. We understand each other too well for +that. Something's up."</p> + +<p>Shuffles turned on his heel, and was about to walk +away.</p> + +<p>"Hold on a minute, Shuffles," continued Wilton. +"I won't tell you what's up, but I'll tell you this; if +you interfere with what I do, or with what the fellows +with me do, I'll tell Lowington about the mutiny—I +will, as sure as your name is Bob Shuffles. Do you +understand me?"</p> + +<p>"Well, I do; and it seems to me that sounds very +much like a threat."</p> + +<p>"Call it what you like. If you turn traitor to our +fellows, you must stand the racket of it. You are not +a saint just yet, and those that live in glass houses +musn't throw stones."</p> + +<p>"I believe I haven't played false to any of our fellows. +If I don't choose to get into any scrape with +them, I have a right to keep out. That's all I've got +to say."</p> + +<p>"But what are you going to do, Shuffles? Our +fellows will want to know."</p> + +<p>"I'm going to do my duty," replied the third lieutenant +as he walked away, regardless of the efforts +of his companion to detain him.</p> + +<p>Shuffles was experiencing the truth of the old +maxim, that honesty is the best policy. It is to be +regretted that his present devotion to duty had no +<span class="pageno"><a name="Page_87" id="Page_87">{87}</a></span> +higher incentive than mere policy; but it may be +hoped of those who do their duty from low motives, +that they may gather inspiration even from their politic +fidelity to obey its behests from higher motives. The +third lieutenant of the Young America intended to +keep the promise he had made in accepting his office, +simply because it would pay best.</p> + +<p>Wilton and his confederates had no difficulty in +making up the required number of discontents and +malcontents before six o'clock, which was the time +fixed for carrying out the enterprise they had planned. +Some of the recruits joined because they anticipated a +good time in the city in celebrating the Fourth, and +others from a mere love of mischief and excitement. +The details of the scheme had been carefully elaborated +by Monroe and Wilton, after the ranks of the +conspirators were full. Having learned a valuable +lesson from the daily discipline of the ship, the mischief +was certainly well planned. Each boy was +assigned to a particular position in the boats, and +knew on what thwart he was to sit, and which oar he +was to pull.</p> + +<p>Wilton and Monroe, as the master spirits of the enterprise +were to run out first on the swinging boom, +and slide down the painters, each into the boat he was +to command. The others were to follow in the same +way, descending from the boom, for it was not considered +prudent to run the boats up to the gangway, +where some enthusiastic officer might easily interfere +with the plan, which was to depend for its success +upon the celerity of its execution.</p> + +<p>When four bells struck, the professors went down to +<span class="pageno"><a name="Page_88" id="Page_88">{88}</a></span> +their evening meal, as usual, and the boatswain piped +the port watch to supper, the starboard watch having +taken theirs at three bells, or half past five. Wilton +gave a low whistle, when Shuffles, officer of the deck, +was abaft the mizzenmast, with his back to the runaways +who had gathered in the waist, and were waiting +for the signal.</p> + +<p>"Be lively, fellows," said the leader of the enterprise, +as he sprang over the rail, and ran out on the boom, +followed by Monroe.</p> + +<p>The others, in the order in which they had been +instructed, did the same. About half of them were +on the boom, when the movement was reported to the +officer of the deck by the midshipman on duty in the +waist. Shuffles rushed forward, now understanding, +for the first time, the intentions of Wilton; and true to +the inspiration of fidelity, he set about defeating the +object of "our fellows."</p> + +<p>The studding-sail boom, to which the boats were +fastened, was supported by a topping-lift from above, +and kept in position, at right angles with the side of +the ship, by guys extending forward and aft.</p> + +<p>"Stand by that fore guy!" shouted Shuffles, as he +sprang upon the rail. "Cast off!"</p> + +<p>"Lively, fellows!" said Wilton, when he saw that +the third lieutenant intended to swing in the boom to +the ship's side.</p> + +<p>"Stand by the after guy of the studding-sail boom!" +continued Shuffles, with becoming energy.</p> + +<p>Both his orders were promptly obeyed; but seeing +that his movement would be too late, he rushed to the +topping-lift, and cast it off, causing the swinging boom +<span class="pageno"><a name="Page_89" id="Page_89">{89}</a></span> +to drop into the water, just as the last boy was +about to slide down into the professors' boat. Of +course the luckless fellow went into the water; but +he was promptly picked up by his companions in +mischief.</p> + +<p>"If I'm caught, Bob Shuffles, you look out for +breakers!" cried Wilton, as the third lieutenant +appeared at the gangway again.</p> + +<p>The tide was coming in, and the boats swung so far +abaft the boom that it had fallen clear of them when +it dropped into the water. Wilton and Monroe were +prompt to avail themselves of their present success, +and the boys sat in the boats, with their oars up, ready +to pull as soon as the order was given.</p> + +<p>"Let fall!" said Wilton; and the eight oars of the +professors' barge dropped into the water, and the +rowers placed them in readiness for the first stroke.</p> + +<p>Monroe, in the third cutter, followed the example +of his principal, and was hardly a second behind him.</p> + +<p>"Give way!" added Wilton.</p> + +<p>"Give way!" repeated Monroe; and the two boats +gathered way and darted off towards the nearest point +of the shore.</p> + +<p>Thus far the enterprise of "our fellows" was entirely +successful, and Shuffles stood on the gangway, +chagrined at the defeat which had attended his efforts +to prevent the escape of the runaways.</p> + +<p>"Stand by to clear away the first cutter!" shouted +he, suddenly and with energy, as he made his way to +the davits, where the boat indicated was suspended.</p> + +<p>"Cast off the gripes, and man the falls!" he continued +when the watch were collected at the scene of +<span class="pageno"><a name="Page_90" id="Page_90">{90}</a></span> +action. "Mr. Kendall, you will inform the captain +what has happened."</p> + +<p>Within three minutes, the first cutter was in the +water, for the crew had been frequently exercised in +the evolution of lowering boats, and performed it with +remarkable facility for boys. Before the first cutter +touched the water, the captain, the principal, and all +the professors, came on deck.</p> + +<p>Mr. Lowington was entirely cool, though everybody +else appeared to be intensely excited. The crew of +the first cutter were piped away, and at the principal's +suggestion, the third lieutenant was sent off in the +boat to prevent the landing of the rebellious pupils.</p> + +<p>"Up oars! Let fall! Give way!" said Shuffles, +in the boat, delivering his orders in rapid succession; +and the first cutter darted off in chase of the runaways.</p> + + + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> +<h2><a name="CHAPTER_VI" id="CHAPTER_VI"></a>CHAPTER VI.</h2> + +<p><span class="pageno"><a name="Page_91" id="Page_91">{91}</a></span></p> + +<h4>THE FOURTH OF JULY.</h4> +<p class="returnTOC"><a href="#Contents">Return to Table of +Contents</a></p> + + +<p>The first cutter was manned by her regular crew, +who had been trained with the utmost care to +pull together, while Wilton, in the professors' barge, +which was of the same size, had some very indifferent +oarsmen. The runaways had made up their force of +such material as they could obtain, and though all +were somewhat accustomed to rowing, they had not +been drilled to work together; they were not the +unit of power in pulling a boat. Shuffles, therefore, +had a manifest advantage, and he was determined to +bring back the fugitives.</p> + +<p>The second cutter, in charge of Paul Kendall, was +cleared away, and, with Mr. Lowington and Mr. +Fluxion on board, left the ship to take part in the pursuit. +The chase promised to be an exciting one, for +Wilton and Monroe were straining every nerve to +reach the shore before they were overtaken. They +were making for the nearest land, and having just the +number of hands required to pull the boat, each of +them was obliged to use an oar himself. They had +no coxswains, and Wilton, at the bow oar of the professors' +barge, could not see what was ahead, though +he kept the pursuing boats in full view. +<span class="pageno"><a name="Page_92" id="Page_92">{92}</a></span></p> + +<p>The nearest land, not more than half a mile from +the ship, was a point covered with salt marsh, above +which was a cove, whose opening was about ten rods +in width. Wilton was making for the point below the +cove, but his calculations were made without judgment +or discretion. If he reached the land, his party would +be obliged to walk a mile in order to get round the +cove, on a narrow strip of marsh, where they might +be intercepted. But the fatal defect in his plan of +operations was a failure to consider the depth of +water between the ship and the point. The flow +of the tide from the cove, while it kept a clear channel +through the entrance, had formed a bar off the +tongue of land on the seaward side of it, which was +bare at half tide, and was now just covered. Wilton +was pulling for this bar, with all the strength of his +crew.</p> + +<p>Shuffles was prompt to observe the mistake of his +late crony, and just as prompt to profit by it. The +first cutter was gaining rapidly on the chase; but +Shuffles, as she reached the border of the main channel, +ordered his coxswain to keep the boat's head +towards the entrance of the cove.</p> + +<p>"We shall never catch them on this tack," said the +coxswain of the cutter, who knew nothing about +the bar.</p> + +<p>"I think we shall," replied the third lieutenant, +confidently.</p> + +<p>"We are not going towards the point."</p> + +<p>"That's very true, and the professors' barge will not +go much farther in that direction. Pull steady, my +lads; don't hurry yourselves. There is plenty of time." +<span class="pageno"><a name="Page_93" id="Page_93">{93}</a></span></p> + +<p>The coxswain thought his superior officer was +taking the matter very coolly, and knowing of the +intimacy which had formerly subsisted between Shuffles +and Wilton, he was ready to conclude that the +third lieutenant was willing to permit the escape of +"our fellows." While he was putting this construction +on the conduct of his superior, the professors' +barge "took the ground," and stuck fast.</p> + +<p>"They're aground, Mr. Shuffles," said the coxswain.</p> + +<p>"There's just where I expected them to be," answered +Shuffles, quietly.</p> + +<p>"Shall I run towards them?"</p> + +<p>"No; keep her as she is. There isn't more than a +foot of water anywhere between them and the point."</p> + +<p>The third cutter, being a smaller boat than the professors' +barge, did not touch the bar as soon as her +consort; but Monroe saw that his craft could not land +her party on the point at that stage of the tide, and he +ordered his crew first to lay on their oars, and then to +back water. Wilton's boat was aground at the bow, +and when he had sent part of his crew aft, she was +easily pushed off the bar. By this delay he had lost +the chance of landing at the point, and his only alternative +was to pull up to the cove; but in doing so, it +would be impossible to avoid the first cutter, which +had now secured a position off the mouth of the little +bay.</p> + +<p>"Stand by to lay on your oars," said the coxswain +of the first cutter, as directed by the lieutenant in command. +"Oars!"</p> + +<p>The crew ceased rowing, and laying on their oars, +waited the next movement of the runaways. In the +<span class="pageno"><a name="Page_94" id="Page_94">{94}</a></span> +mean time the second cutter was well away from the +ship, and Mr. Lowington, promptly comprehending +the intentions of the third lieutenant, directed the +officer in command to pull towards the boats on +the bar, keeping well to seaward, in order to prevent +them from escaping in that direction.</p> + +<p>Wilton realized that he was cornered, and hoping +that Shuffles would not be over-zealous in the discharge +of his duty, directed his course towards the +opening of the cove. A few strokes brought him +within hailing distance of the first cutter.</p> + +<p>"No use, Wilton," said Shuffles, laughing. "You +may as well pull for the ship. It's all up with you."</p> + +<p>But the leader of the runaways, instead of heeding +this good advice, attempted to push by astern of the +first cutter.</p> + +<p>"Stern, all! Give way!" shouted Shuffles, sharply. +"Coxswain, stand by with your stern line!"</p> + +<p>It was generally understood that the third lieutenant +of the Young America was a fighting character, and +that he could whip any officer or seaman in the ship, +though his prowess had not been practically demonstrated. +Shuffles took the stern line himself, instead +of intrusting the duty to the coxswain. He intended +to grapple the bow of the professors' barge, and +make fast to it with the rope; but the cutter did +not gather way enough in season to do this. As she +backed, she fouled the oars of the barge, and Shuffles +secured a firm hold of her stern.</p> + +<div class="figcenter"> + +<a id="Illus2" name="Illus2"></a> +<a href="images/escape.jpg"><img src="images/escape-tb.jpg" + style="border: 0;" + alt="The Escape from the Ship." title="The Escape from the Ship."/></a> +<p class="caption">The Escape from the Ship.</p> +<p class="returnTOC"><a href="#ListIllus">Return to List of Illustrations</a></p> +</div> + + +<p>"What are you doing, Bob Shuffles?" demanded +Wilton, angry, when he saw that his late crony was +fully in earnest. +<span class="pageno"><a name="Page_95" id="Page_95">{95}</a></span></p> + +<p>The third lieutenant made no reply; but passing his +rope through a ring in the stern of the barge, he made +it fast, and then pushed the cutter off from her. When +the line had run out about a fathom, he secured the +end he held in his hand to the after thwart of his own +boat. Thus the first cutter and the barge were lashed +together, stern to stern.</p> + +<p>"Cast off that rope!" shouted Wilton to the stroke +oarsman in the barge.</p> + +<p>"Don't you touch it, my lad," interposed Shuffles, +when the boy attempted to obey the order of his +leader. "If you attempt it, you will purchase a sore +head."</p> + +<p>The third lieutenant had picked up a boat-hook, and +stood ready to rap any of the barge's crew who might +attempt to cast off the line by which the boats were +fastened together. No one was disposed to cross the +purposes of so formidable a person as Shuffles, and +the stroke oarsman did not obey the order of Wilton. +It would not be safe to do so.</p> + +<p>"Now, Wilton, what do you say?" demanded Shuffles, +a smile of triumph playing upon his face, which +was very aggravating to the leader of the runaways. +"Will you go back to the ship, or not?"</p> + +<p>"No, of course I won't," replied the discomfited +chief of the malcontents.</p> + +<p>"You had better, my dear fellow. There comes +Mr. Lowington."</p> + +<p>"I didn't think this of you, Bob Shuffles," said +Wilton, reproachfully.</p> + +<p>"I told you I should do my duty; and I shall, to +<span class="pageno"><a name="Page_96" id="Page_96">{96}</a></span> +the end. If you will return, all right; if not, I shall +take you back."</p> + +<p>"No, you won't."</p> + +<p>"I think I will," added the third lieutenant, quietly. +"Stand by to give way!" he continued, to the coxswain.</p> + +<p>"Two can play at that game," said Wilton, as he +gave the same order to his crew.</p> + +<p>"Give way!" shouted the coxswain of the first +cutter, with energy.</p> + +<p>"Give way!" repeated Wilton, in the barge.</p> + +<p>The rope straightened, Shuffles stood up in the +stern-sheets of the cutter, to prevent the line from +being cast off, and the contest began, to ascertain +which should drag the other. It was rather ludicrous, +in spite of the serious question of discipline +involved in the affair, and the boys in the cutter +were intensely amused, as well as excited. Both +crews struggled with all their might, and each leader +urged his followers to renewed exertions.</p> + +<p>The discipline of the first cutter was on the point of +carrying the contest in favor of law and order, when +Monroe, seeing that his friend was nearly worsted, +backed the third cutter up to the bow of the barge, +and took her painter on board, which he made fast at +the stern. Resuming his oar, he ordered his crew to +give way together. Then law and order appealed to +be at a discount, for the eight oarsmen in the first +cutter were not a match, even in the cause of discipline, +against the fourteen in the barge and third +cutter.</p> + +<p>Shuffles did not give it up, notwithstanding the +<span class="pageno"><a name="Page_97" id="Page_97">{97}</a></span> +great odds against him. Letting out the stern line +far enough to allow space for a new manoeuvre, he directed +the starboard oarsmen to lay on their oars, while +those on the port side pulled the boat round. Then +all gave way together, and the barge was dragged +round sideways, until her oars fouled with those of +Monroe's boat. At this stage of the exciting proceedings +the second cutter came up with the principal.</p> + +<p>Mr. Fluxion sat in the stern-sheets, shaking his +sides with laughter at the singular contest which was +going on; but Mr. Lowington, though evidently +amused, maintained his gravity, and was as dignified +as usual. The appearance of the principal ended the +struggle. A glance from him was quite sufficient +to take all the stiffening out of the runaways, and +even Wilton, though he talked valiantly behind Mr. +Lowington's back, and neglected even to give him the +simple title of "mister," had not the courage to resist +the strong arm of his authority. As the second cutter +backed up to the barge, the principal stepped on +board of her, and took a seat in the stern-sheets.</p> + +<p>"Young gentlemen, you will return to the ship," +said Mr. Lowington, sternly, as he took the tiller-ropes +in his hands. "Give way!"</p> + +<p>The malcontents had no thought of further resistance. +The presence of the principal was sufficient +to overcome all insubordination; they did not dare to +disobey him. Mechanically they bent to their oars, +and without a word pulled back to the ship.</p> + +<p>Mr. Fluxion, by direction of Mr. Lowington, had +taken his place in Monroe's boat, and followed the +barge, the two cutters bringing up the rear. This was +<span class="pageno"><a name="Page_98" id="Page_98">{98}</a></span> +the first instance of flagrant insubordination which had +occurred since the organization of the ship's company, +and the students were not a little anxious to learn how +it would be treated. It was singular that Shuffles, +who on shore had always been the ringleader in enterprises +of mischief, had been the means of defeating +the scheme of the runaways.</p> + +<p>The boats were hoisted up at the davits, and the +boatswain was ordered to pipe all hands on deck. +The principal looked calm, but stern, as he took the +position on the hatch which he usually occupied when +he addressed the students.</p> + +<p>"Wilton and Monroe," said he.</p> + +<p>The culprits came forward, hanging their heads +with shame.</p> + +<p>"I learn that you are the ringleaders in this movement. +Is it so?"</p> + +<p>"I suppose we are," replied Wilton.</p> + +<p>"Who proposed the plan?"</p> + +<p>"Wilton first spoke to me about it," answered +Monroe.</p> + +<p>"And you induced the others to join you?"</p> + +<p>"Yes, sir."</p> + +<p>"As the ringleaders, Wilton and Monroe will lose +twenty marks each, and remain in their mess rooms +to-morrow. The other twelve lose ten marks each," +continued Mr. Lowington. "Young gentlemen, those +who have engaged in this scheme are not to be +trusted. I have nothing further to say."</p> + +<p>The crew were dismissed, and all the students were +disposed to laugh at the mildness of the punishment, +compared with the enormity of the offence. +<span class="pageno"><a name="Page_99" id="Page_99">{99}</a></span></p> + +<p>"Mr. Shuffles," said the principal, as he stepped +down from the hatch, "I am very much obliged to +you for the zeal and energy which you have exhibited +in the discharge of your duty. Not only was your +disposition to do your duty highly commendable, but +your plans displayed skill and forethought."</p> + +<p>"Thank you, sir," replied the third lieutenant; "I +am very glad to have pleased you."</p> + +<p>Mr. Lowington bowed, and descended to the cabin +to finish his supper, which had been interrupted by +the event described. What the professors said about +the affair was not known to the boys; but Shuffles +was warmly praised for the moderate but skilful measures +he had used in the capture of the rebels.</p> + +<p>At sundown, a shore boat came alongside with an +abundant supply of fireworks, which had been ordered +by Mr. Lowington. They were hoisted on board, and +deposited in a safe place. At the usual hour, the boys +turned in to dream of the good time which these squibs +and crackers suggested to them—all but Monroe and +Wilton, who had something else to think about. The +latter was disappointed and surly, while the former +congratulated himself upon getting out of the scrape +so easily. Wilton was very angry with Shuffles, who +might have permitted him to land, if he had been so +disposed; and he determined to take what he considered +an ample vengeance upon the traitor. As soon +as he had an opportunity to speak to Mr. Lowington, +he intended to tell him all about the plan for a mutiny, +and he was fully satisfied that Shuffles would be sent +in disgrace from his pleasant position in the after +cabin, to take up his abode in the steerage again. +<span class="pageno"><a name="Page_100" id="Page_100">{100}</a></span></p> + +<p>On the morning of the ever-glorious Fourth, all +hands were mustered on the deck of the Young America +at four o'clock. Crackers were served out, and +for two hours there was a tremendous racket from +stern to stern, among the younger boys. At six +o'clock, the port watch were piped to breakfast, and +all the crackers having been burned, the decks were +swept, and everything put in perfect order, by the +starboard watch. A band of music, engaged for the +day, came off, and the enlivening strains of the national +airs sounded through the ship.</p> + +<p>At seven o'clock, when all hands had breakfasted, +an hour earlier than usual, the crew were piped to +muster, wondering, as they always did, what was +going to be done.</p> + +<p>"All hands, up anchor ahoy!" shouted the boatswain +prompted by the first lieutenant; but this order +was so common in the every-day practice of the crew, +that no one supposed it had any unusual significance; +and some of the boys even began to grumble at being +compelled to go through the routine of ship's work on +the Fourth of July.</p> + +<p>"Bring to on the cable, and unbitt!" continued the +officer in command. "Ship the capstan bars, and +swifter them! Heave in the cable to a short stay!"</p> + +<p>These orders were duly executed, under the direction +of the various officers at their stations.</p> + +<p>"Avast heaving!" called the first master. "Anchor +apeak, sir," he reported to the first lieutenant.</p> + +<p>"Pawl the capstan, stopper the cable, and unship +the bars!" added the executive officers, all of which +was done, and duly reported. +<span class="pageno"><a name="Page_101" id="Page_101">{101}</a></span></p> + +<p>"Stations for loosing topsails!" which were shaken +out by the ordinary routine, sheeted home, and hoisted +up.</p> + +<p>"Forecastlemen, loose the head sails! After-guard, +clear away the spanker! Man the capstan bars, ship +and swifter them! Heave around!"</p> + +<p>This last was a manoeuvre which the crew had +never before been called upon to perform; and the +order sent a thrill of delight to all hearts. The cable +had often been heaved to a short stay, that is, so that +it run nearly up and down; but that was as far as +they had ever before been permitted to proceed. Now, +with the anchor apeak, they were ordered to the capstan +again, and they realized that the Young America +was actually going to sea. The command kindled an +enthusiasm which glowed on every face. The ship +was going out of the harbor, and the evil doers in the +mess rooms below were to be pitied.</p> + +<p>"Anchor aweigh, sir," reported the excited boatswain +who, however, had to be prompted in this instance +by Peaks, for it had never been in that position +before since it first hooked the mud in Brockway +harbor.</p> + +<p>"Anchor aweigh, sir," repeated the second lieutenant.</p> + +<p>"Man the jib and flying-jib halyards!" said the +first lieutenant.</p> + +<p>"Anchor's at the bow, sir," said the boatswain, +which report went through the same channels as +before, till it reached the executive officer.</p> + +<p>"Hoist away on the jib and flying-jib halyards! +Avast heaving! Pawl the capstan! Stopper the +<span class="pageno"><a name="Page_102" id="Page_102">{102}</a></span> +cable! Cat and fish the anchor!" shouted the first +lieutenant. "Port the helm!"</p> + +<p>The Young America was clear of the ground. The +fore topsail, which had been trimmed to the fresh +breeze, was full, and the ship began to gather headway. +Two seamen had been placed at the wheel, +under the charge of the quartermaster. The boys had +often "made believe" do these things, but now they +were real. The vessel was actually moving through +the water, and they could hardly contain themselves, +so exhilarating was the scene.</p> + +<p>"Steady!" said the first lieutenant, when the ship +had come up to her intended course.</p> + +<p>"Steady, sir," repeated the quartermaster in charge +of the helm.</p> + +<p>"Stand by to set the spanker," added the first +lieutenant. "Man the outhaul! Cast off the brails, +and loose the vangs!"</p> + +<p>The after-guard, which is the portion of the ship's +company stationed on the quarter-deck, or abaft the +mizzenmast, obeyed this order, and stood ready to set +the spanker, which is the aftermost sail.</p> + +<p>"Walk away with the outhaul!" and the after-guard +ran off with the rope, which drew the sail out +into its place on the gaff. "Stand by the spanker +sheet—let it out!"</p> + +<p>"You must attend to your main and mizzen topsails +Mr. Pelham," said the principal, in a low tone.</p> + +<p>"Man the fore and main braces!" said the executive +officer; and the young seamen sprang to their +stations. "Let go and haul!" +<span class="pageno"><a name="Page_103" id="Page_103">{103}</a></span></p> + +<p>The main and the mizzen topsails were thus trimmed, +so that they took the wind.</p> + +<p>"That was very well done, Captain Carnes, though +your crew need more practice. They are very much +excited," said Mr. Lowington.</p> + +<p>"I don't wonder, sir; I think none of them +knew we were going out of the harbor," replied the +captain.</p> + +<p>"I am glad they enjoy it," added the principal, +"though I should not have left the anchorage, except +as a substitute for the Fourth of July celebration."</p> + +<p>"They will like this much better than going to the +city."</p> + +<p>"I have no doubt on that point; and last evening, +when those students wished to run away, I was tempted +to punish their disobedience by letting them go. +The wind is pretty fresh, Captain Carnes, but I think +you may set the top-gallant sails."</p> + +<p>The captain gave the order to the first lieutenant.</p> + +<p>"Aloft, sail-loosers of the top-gallant sails!" shouted +Mr. Pelham; and the eager young salts dashed up +the rigging. "Lay out! Loose! Let fall! Man +your sheets and halyards! Sheets home, and hoist +away!"</p> + +<p>The addition of the top-gallant sails was sensibly +felt by the Young America; and, "taking a bone in +her teeth," she careened over, and dashed away merrily +on her course.</p> + +<p>The band played Hail, Columbia, and as the ship +passed the fort, the crew mounted the rigging and gave +three cheers. The excitement on board was immense, +and never was Independence Day more thoroughly +<span class="pageno"><a name="Page_104" id="Page_104">{104}</a></span> +and enthusiastically enjoyed. The officers and crew +were at the height of felicity, as the gallant little ship +bowled over the waves, threading her way through the +channels between the numerous islands of the bay.</p> + +<p>"Can't we put on any more sail, Mr. Lowington?" +asked Captain Carnes, as he met the principal on the +quarter-deck.</p> + +<p>"Not at present. We are making very good progress +now."</p> + +<p>"The boys want to see all sail on her."</p> + +<p>"The wind is blowing half a gale now," added Mr. +Lowington, with a smile. "I think we shall be able +to give them quite enough of it when we get out into +blue water. I'm afraid you will lose half your crew +before noon!"</p> + +<p>"Lose them?"</p> + +<p>"By seasickness, I mean."</p> + +<p>"Do you think they will be sick, sir?"</p> + +<p>"I have no doubt of it. Many of them never saw +the ocean before, and never looked upon a ship till +they came on board of the Young America. I don't +think it would be prudent to put on all sail, until +we know what force we are to have to handle the +ship."</p> + +<p>"They don't look like being seasick at present."</p> + +<p>"Wait till we get out into the heavy sea," laughed +the principal, as he went forward.</p> + +<p>At eight bells the ship was abreast of the last island, +and she began to pitch and roll a little, though the +motion was hardly perceptible, until she was well off +from the land. Professor Paradyme was the first victim +of seasickness, and the boys all laughed when +<span class="pageno"><a name="Page_105" id="Page_105">{105}</a></span> +they saw the woe-begone expression on the face of +the learned man; but some of those who laughed the +loudest were the first to be taken by the ridiculous +malady.</p> + +<p>The Young America pitched and rolled heavily as +she receded from the land, and nothing more was said +by the students about putting on more sail. The +spray broke over the bow, and washed the decks; but +most of the boys enjoyed the scene as they had never +enjoyed anything before.</p> + +<p>"What are you doing here, sir?" demanded Mr. +Lowington, as he went forward, and discovered Wilton +skulking under the lee of the foremast. "You +were told to stay in your mess room, sir!"</p> + +<p>"I couldn't, sir," whined the culprit.</p> + +<p>"You could, and you will."</p> + +<p>"I was seasick, sir."</p> + +<p>"I can't help it; you must stay in your mess room," +added the principal, sternly.</p> + +<p>"If you please, sir, I will obey orders if you will +let me stay on deck," said Wilton, humbly.</p> + +<p>"No; return to your room?" and Wilton was compelled +to obey.</p> + +<p>It was a very severe punishment to him and Monroe +to be obliged to stay in the steerage during the +first trip of the Young America.</p> + + + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> +<h2><a name="CHAPTER_VII" id="CHAPTER_VII"></a>CHAPTER VII.</h2> + +<p><span class="pageno"><a name="Page_106" id="Page_106">{106}</a></span></p> + +<h4>HEAVING THE LOG.</h4> +<p class="returnTOC"><a href="#Contents">Return to Table of +Contents</a></p> + + +<p>The Young America, under topsails and top-gallant +sails, was making about ten knots an +hour. After passing the last island in the bay, she +was headed to the south-east, which brought the wind +over the starboard quarter. The ship was of the +clipper class, though not as sharp as many of this +model. It was found that her sailing ability was +excellent, and Mr. Lowington and Mr. Fluxion expressed +much satisfaction at her performance, both in +respect of speed and weatherly qualities.</p> + +<p>When the ship left her moorings, the principal had +not decided where to go, or how long to remain at sea, +intending to be governed by the circumstances of the +hour. It had never been his purpose to keep her at +one anchorage, but to go from port to port, remaining +a few days or a few weeks at each, as the discipline of +the ship and the progress of the boys in their studies +suggested. There were many elements of seamanship +which could not be effectively practised while the +ship lay at anchor, such as heaving the log, sounding +and steering, though the boys had been carefully +instructed in the theory of these operations.</p> + +<p>The instructor in mathematics, the boatswain, the +<span class="pageno"><a name="Page_107" id="Page_107">{107}</a></span> +carpenter, and the sailmaker, all of whom were good +seamen, were in great demand as soon as the ship was +under way; but when she had sea-room enough, the +helm was handed over to the boys, under the charge +of a juvenile quartermaster. Peaks stood by, and +gave the necessary directions, till the students were +able to do the work themselves.</p> + +<p>"Now, my lads, we will heave the log," said the +boatswain, when the ship was well out from the land.</p> + +<p>"We know how to do that," replied Smith, one of +the quartermasters.</p> + +<p>"I dare say you do, young gentlemen; but in my +opinion, you can't do it. You know how to write a +psalm, but I don't believe you could write one," +added Peaks. "You have to learn how to do these +things by the feeling, so that they will do themselves, +so to speak. After-guard, stand by to haul in the log-line. +Here, quartermaster, you will hold the glass, +and the officer of the deck will throw the chip."</p> + +<p>"We know all about it, Mr. Peaks," repeated +Smith.</p> + +<p>"I know you do; but you can't tell within five knots +how fast the ship is going," laughed the boatswain. +"Let's do it right a few times, and then you can be +trusted."</p> + +<p>The quartermaster took the glass, and Gordon, then +officer of the watch, the chip, which he cast into the +water over the stern of the ship.</p> + +<p>"Turn!" said he, when the stray line had run +out.</p> + +<p>Now, Smith, at this particular moment, was watching +a vessel over the quarter, and he did not instantly +<span class="pageno"><a name="Page_108" id="Page_108">{108}</a></span> +turn the glass, as he should have done; but Peaks +said nothing.</p> + +<p>"Up!" cried the quartermaster, when the sand had +all run through the glass.</p> + +<p>Gordon stopped the reel from which the line was +running out, and noted the mark.</p> + +<p>"Seven knots," said he.</p> + +<p>"Not right," replied the boatswain, sharply. "This +ship is going nine or ten knots an hour, and any man +who has snuffed salt water for six months could guess +nearer than you make it. Now try it once again, and +if you don't hit nearer than that next time, you may +as well throw the reel overboard, and hire a Yankee +to guess the rate of sailing."</p> + +<p>"I thought we knew all about it," added Smith.</p> + +<p>"I think you do, young gentlemen; but you were +star-gazing when you ought to have been all attention. +The line ran out two or three knots before you turned +the glass."</p> + +<p>Gordon took the chip again. It was a thin piece +of board, in the form of a quarter circle. The round +side was loaded with just lead enough to make it float +upright in the water. The log-line was fastened to +the chip, just us a boy loops a kite, two strings being +attached at each end of the circular side, while the +one at the angle is tied to a peg, which is inserted in a +hole, just hard enough to keep it in place, while there +is no extra strain on the board, but which can be drawn +out with a smart pull. When the log-line has run out +as far as desired, there would be some difficulty in +hauling in the chip while it was upright in the water; +but a sudden jerk draws the peg at the angle, and +<span class="pageno"><a name="Page_109" id="Page_109">{109}</a></span> +permits the board to lie flat, in which position the +water offers the least resistance to its passage.</p> + +<p>The half-minute glass used on board the Young +America, held by the quartermaster, was like an hour +glass, and contained just sand enough to pass through +the hole in the neck in thirty seconds. The log-line +was one hundred and fifty fathoms in length, and was +wound on a reel, which turned very easily, so that the +resistance of the chip to the water would unwind it. +The log-line is divided into certain spaces called knots, +the length of each of which is the same fractional part +of a mile that a half minute is of an hour. If there +be sixty-one hundred and twenty feet in a nautical +mile, or the sixtieth part of a degree of a great circle, +which is not far from accurate, and the ship be +going ten knots an hour, she will run sixty-one +thousand two hundred feet in an hour. If the chip +were thrown overboard at eight o'clock, and the line +were long enough, the ship would have run out sixty-one +thousand two hundred feet, or ten miles, at nine +o'clock, or in one hour. In one minute she would run +one sixtieth of sixty-one thousand two hundred feet, +which is ten hundred and twenty feet; in half a +minute, five hundred and ten feet.</p> + +<p>The half-minute glass is the measure of time generally +used in heaving the log. While the sand is +dropping through, the line runs out five hundred and +ten feet, the ship going ten knots an hour being the +basis of the calculation. One knot, therefore, will be +fifty-one feet. If the line pays out five hundred and +ten feet in thirty seconds, by the glass, the ship is +going ten knots an hour. If it pays out four hundred +<span class="pageno"><a name="Page_110" id="Page_110">{110}</a></span> +and eight feet in half a minute, or eight hundred and +sixteen feet in a minute, she will pay out a mile in as +many minutes as eight hundred and sixteen feet is +contained in sixty-one hundred and twenty feet, which +is seven and a half minutes. Then the ship goes a +mile in seven and a half minutes, or eight miles an +hour.</p> + +<p>A knot on the log-line is therefore invariably fifty-one +feet; and the number of knots of the line run out +in half a minute indicates also the ship's speed per +hour, for fifty-one feet is the same part of a nautical +mile that half a minute is of an hour. The calculations +are given without allowances, merely to show +the principle; and both the glass and the line are +modified in practice.</p> + +<p>On board the Young America, ten fathoms were +allowed for "stray line;" this length of line being +permitted to run out before the measuring commenced, +in order to get the chip clear of thee eddies in the wake +of the ship. The ten fathoms were indicated by a +white rag, drawn through the line; and when the +officer paying out comes to this mark, he orders the +quartermaster to turn the glass, and the operation +actually begins. At every fifty-one feet (or forty-seven +and six tenths, making the allowances) there is +a mark—a bit of leather, or two or more knots. +The instant the sands have all run through the glass, +the quartermaster says, "Up," and the officer notes the +mark to which the line has run out. Half and quarter +knots are indicated on the line.</p> + +<p>"Now, quartermaster, mind your eye. When the +officer of the deck says, 'Turn,' you repeat the word +<span class="pageno"><a name="Page_111" id="Page_111">{111}</a></span> +after him, to show that you are alive," continued +Peaks.</p> + +<p>"Ready!" said Gordon.</p> + +<p>"Ready!" replied Smith.</p> + +<p>The lieutenant threw the chip into the water, and +when the stray line had run off, he gave the word to +turn the glass.</p> + +<p>"Turn!" repeated Smith.</p> + +<p>Gordon eased off the log-line, so that nothing should +prevent it from running easily.</p> + +<p>"Up!" shouted Smith; and Gordon stopped the +line.</p> + +<p>"Very well," added Peaks. "What's the mark?"</p> + +<p>"Ten and a quarter," replied the officer.</p> + +<p>"That sounds more like it. I knew this ship was +going more than seven knots. You see, young +gentlemen, you can't catch flies and tend the log-line +at the same time. Now, you may try it over +again."</p> + +<p>The experiment was repeated, with the same result. +Other officers and seamen were called to the +quarter-deck, and the training in heaving the log +continued, until a reasonable degree of proficiency +was attained.</p> + +<p>"Land ho!" cried the lookout on the top-gallant +forecastle, at about eleven o'clock in the forenoon.</p> + +<p>"Where away?" called the officer of the deck.</p> + +<p>"Dead ahead, sir."</p> + +<p>"What is that land, Mr. Lowington?" asked Paul +Kendall.</p> + +<p>"Don't you know?"</p> + +<p>"I'm sure I don't." +<span class="pageno"><a name="Page_112" id="Page_112">{112}</a></span></p> + +<p>"Then you should study your map more. Look at +the compass, and tell me how she heads."</p> + +<p>"South-east, sir," replied Paul, after looking into +the binnacle.</p> + +<p>"Now, what land lies south-east of Brockway Harbor?" +asked the principal.</p> + +<p>"Cape Cod, I think."</p> + +<p>"You are right; then that must be Cape Cod."</p> + +<p>"Is it, really?"</p> + +<p>"Certainly it is," laughed Mr. Lowington. "Have +you no faith in your map?"</p> + +<p>"I didn't think we could be anywhere near Cape +Cod. I thought it was farther off," added Paul, who +seemed to be amazed to think they had actually crossed +Massachusetts Bay.</p> + +<p>"The land you see is Race Point, which is about +forty miles from the entrance to the bay, at the head +of which Brockway is located. We have been making +about ten knots an hour, and our calculations seem to +be very accurate. By one o'clock we shall come to +anchor in Provincetown Harbor."</p> + +<p>This prediction was fully verified, and the Young +America was moored off the town. Those who had +been seasick recovered as soon as the motion of the +ship ceased; and when everything aloft and on deck +had been made snug, the crew were piped to dinner.</p> + +<p>In the afternoon, part of the students were permitted +to go on shore; the band played, and several +boat-races took place, very much to the delight of +the people on shore, as well as those on board. At +six o'clock the ship was opened for the reception +of visitors, who came off in large numbers to inspect +<span class="pageno"><a name="Page_113" id="Page_113">{113}</a></span> +the vessel. After dark there was a brilliant display +of fireworks, and the Young America blazed with +blue-lights and Roman candles, set off by boys on +the cross-trees, and at the yard-arms. At ten the festivities +closed, and all was still in the steerage and on +deck.</p> + +<p>The next morning, the ship got under way, and +stood out of the harbor, bound for Brockway again. +She had a light breeze, and a smooth time, and the +boys had the satisfaction of seeing every rag of canvas +spread, including studding-sails alow and aloft; +but it was not till after dark that the ship came to +anchor at her former moorings.</p> + +<p>Wilton and Monroe were released from confinement +in the morning, and permitted to go on deck. Whatever +their shipmates might have said, they felt that they +had been severely punished, especially as they had +failed in their runaway expedition. Wilton did not +feel any more kindly towards Shuffles when he was +released than when he had been ordered to his room. +He felt that his late crony had been a traitor, and he +was unable to take any higher view of the circumstances.</p> + +<p>"Wilton," said Mr. Lowington, when he met the +runaway on deck, the day after the Fourth, "I told +you that you had made a mistake. Do you believe +it yet?"</p> + +<p>"I suppose I do, sir."</p> + +<p>"You suppose you do! Don't you know?"</p> + +<p>"Yes, sir, I think I did make a mistake," replied +Wilton, who found it very hard to acknowledge the +fact.<span class="pageno"><a name="Page_114" id="Page_114">{114}</a></span></p> + +<p>"I do not refer to your punishment, when I allude +to the consequences of your misdeed, for that was very +light. You have fallen very low in the estimation of +your superiors."</p> + +<p>"Do you mean Mr. Shuffles, sir?"</p> + +<p>"I did not mean the officers exclusively, though I +believe they have a proper respect for the discipline of +the ship."</p> + +<p>"I don't think Shuffles need to say anything."</p> + +<p>"He hasn't said anything."</p> + +<p>"He is worse than I am."</p> + +<p>"Shuffles has done very well, and merits the approbation +of the principal and the instructors."</p> + +<p>"They don't know him as well as I do," growled +Wilton.</p> + +<p>"They probably know him better. Your remarks +do not exhibit a proper spirit towards an officer. He +defeated your plan to escape, but he did no more than +his duty. He would have been blamed, perhaps punished, +if he had done any less."</p> + +<p>"I don't find any fault with him for doing his duty, +but I don't like to be snubbed by one who is worse +than I am. If you knew what I know, sir, you would +turn him out of the after cabin."</p> + +<p>"Then it is fortunate for him that I don't know +what you know," replied Mr. Lowington, sternly. +"If you wish to injure him in my estimation, you +will not succeed."</p> + +<p>"He is going to get up a mutiny one of these days. +He told me all about it," continued Wilton, desperately, +when he found that the principal was in no +mood to listen to his backbiting. +<span class="pageno"><a name="Page_115" id="Page_115">{115}</a></span></p> + +<p>"That will do, Wilton? I don't wish to hear anything +more about that matter. Your testimony against +Shuffles, under present circumstances, is not worth the +breath you use in uttering it."</p> + +<p>"I thought it was my duty to tell you, if any one +was trying to get up a mutiny."</p> + +<p>"You did not think so; you are telling me this +story to revenge yourself against the third lieutenant +for his fidelity. Whether there is, or is not, any truth +in what you say, I shall take no notice of it."</p> + +<p>"It is all true, sir. He did speak to me about getting +up a mutiny, locking up the professors, taking the +ship, and going round Cape Horn; and he will not +deny it."</p> + +<p>"He will have no opportunity to deny it to me, for +I shall not mention the subject to him. Go to your +duty, and remember that you have injured yourself +more than Shuffles by this course."</p> + +<p>Wilton hung his head, and went forward, cheated +of his revenge, and disconcerted by the rebuke he had +received.</p> + +<p>Mr. Lowington was quite willing to believe that +Shuffles had talked about a mutiny, while he was in +the steerage, but there was at least no present danger +of an extravagant scheme being put into operation. +He understood Shuffles perfectly; he knew that +his high office and his ambition were his only incentives +to fidelity in the discharge of his duty; but he had +fairly won his position, and he was willing to let him +stand or fall by his own merits. He was not a young +man of high moral principle, as Paul Kendall, and +Gordon, and Carnes were; but the discipline of the +<span class="pageno"><a name="Page_116" id="Page_116">{116}</a></span> +ship was certainly doing wonders for him, though it +might ultimately fail of its ends.</p> + +<p>The ship came to anchor, the band was sent on +shore, and the Fourth of July holidays were ended. +On the following morning the studies were resumed, +and everything on board went on as usual. A few +days later, the ship went on a cruise to the eastward, +spending a week in each of the principal ports on the +coast. The students soon became so accustomed to +the motion of the ship, that none of them were seasick +and the recitations were regularly heard, whether +the Young America was in port or at sea.</p> + +<p>When the cold weather came, stoves were put up in +the cabins and in the steerage, and the routine of the +ship was not disturbed; but Mr. Lowington dreaded +the ice and snow, and the severe weather of mid-winter, +and in November, the Young America started +on a cruise to the southward, and in the latter part of +December she was in Chesapeake Bay. In March +she returned to Brockway. By this time the crew +were all thorough seamen, and had made excellent +progress in their studies. Mr. Lowington was entirely +satisfied with the success of his experiment, and was +resolved to persevere in it.</p> + +<p>The boys were in splendid discipline, and there had +not been a case of serious illness on board during the +year. Besides the six hours of study and recitation +required of the pupils per day, they were all trained +in gymnastics by Dr. Winstock, the surgeon, who had +a system of his own, and was an enthusiast on the +subject. This exercise, with the ordinary ship's duty, +kept them in excellent physical condition; and while +<span class="pageno"><a name="Page_117" id="Page_117">{117}</a></span> +their brown faces and rosy cheeks indicated a healthy +state of the body, their forms were finely developed, +and their muscles scientifically trained.</p> + +<p>Greek and Latin, German and French, with the +ordinary English branches pursued in high schools +and academies, were taught on board, and the instructors +were satisfied that the boys accomplished twice as +much as was ordinarily done in similar institutions on +shore, and without injury to the students. Everything +was done by rule, and nothing was left to the whims +and caprices of teachers and scholars. Just so much +study was done every day, and no more. There was +no sitting up nights; there were no balls and parties, +theatres and concerts, to interfere with the work; no +late suppers of escalloped oysters and lobster salads to +be eaten. Boys who had bad habits were watched, +and injurious tendencies corrected.</p> + +<p>But the students enjoyed their life on shipboard. +As the vessel went from port to port, new scenes were +opened to them. Those who could be trusted were +allowed to go on shore in their off-time; and as all +their privileges depended upon their good conduct, +they were very careful to do their duty, both as students +and as seamen, cheerfully and faithfully.</p> + +<p>The Young America dropped her anchor in Brockway +Harbor on the 5th of March, on her return from +her southern cruise. The first term of the second +year was to commence on the 1st of April, and it was +understood that the ship would sail for Europe on the +last day of March. The vessel needed some repairs, +and all the students were allowed a furlough of twenty +days to visit their homes. +<span class="pageno"><a name="Page_118" id="Page_118">{118}</a></span></p> + +<p>Several of the larger boys, including Carnes, had +obtained places in the navy, and were not to return. +Two or three were to enter college in the summer, +and a few were to go into mercantile houses; but +these vacancies would be more than filled by the applicants +who had been waiting months for an opportunity +to join the ship.</p> + +<p>After the departure of the students, the Young +America was docked, and the necessary repairs made +upon her. She was thoroughly cleansed and painted, +and came out as good as new. Before the return of +the boys, her provisions, water, and stores, were taken +on board, and all the preparations made for a foreign +voyage. On the 25th of the month she was anchored +again at her old moorings, and in the course +of the next two days all the instructors and pupils +were in their places. There were eleven new boys.</p> + +<p>"Young gentlemen," said Mr. Lowington, as he +mounted his usual rostrum, "I am happy to see you +again, and to welcome you on board. Our experience +during the coming season will be much more interesting +and exciting than that of the last year. We shall +proceed immediately to Europe, and all who are worthy +of the privilege will have an opportunity to visit the +principal cities of Europe—London, Paris, Naples, +St. Petersburg. We shall go up the Baltic and up the +Mediterranean, in this or a subsequent cruise, and I +can safely promise you, not only an interesting, but a +profitable trip. In a circular I have informed your +parents and guardians of my purposes, and you are +shipped this time for a foreign voyage, with their consent +and approval." +<span class="pageno"><a name="Page_119" id="Page_119">{119}</a></span></p> + +<p>This speech caused no little excitement among the +boys, who anticipated a great deal from the summer +voyage. It was no small thing to visit London, Paris, +and St. Petersburg, and not many boys obtain such an +opportunity.</p> + +<p>"But, young gentlemen, I believe in discipline and +progress, as most of you know. I expect every student +to do his whole duty; and I wish to tell you now, +that misconduct, and failures at recitation, will bring +heavy disappointments upon you. If you do nothing +for yourselves, you need expect nothing from me. For +example, when the ship is going up the Thames, if +any one of you, or any number of you, should be guilty +of flagrant misconduct, or gross neglect of your studies, +you will see no more of the city of London than you +can see from the cross-trees, for you shall not put a +foot on shore."</p> + +<p>"Rather steep," whispered one of the new comers.</p> + +<p>"That's so, but he means it," replied an old student.</p> + +<p>"We shall be at sea, out of sight of land, for twenty +or thirty days," continued Mr. Lowington. "We shall +encounter storms and bad weather, such as none of +you have ever seen; for in going from port to port, last +season, we were enabled to avoid all severe weather. +We shall go to sea now with no harbor before us till +we reach the other side of the Atlantic, and we must +take whatever comes. But the ship is as strong as a +ship can be built, and with good management she +would stand any gale that ever blew. Good management +includes good discipline, and every officer and +seaman must be faithful in the discharge of his duty, +<span class="pageno"><a name="Page_120" id="Page_120">{120}</a></span> +for the safety of the ship and all on board of her will +depend upon the fidelity of each individual.</p> + +<p>"Young gentlemen, there are eleven new scholars: +they must take the vacant berths after the ship's company +is organized on the old plan. The offices will +be given out and the berths drawn by the merit roll +for January, February, and a portion of March—only +about nine weeks of term time."</p> + +<p>Shuffles, who stood near the principal, looked very +much disconcerted when this announcement was made, +and whispered to Paul Kendall that it was not fair to +distribute the offices by last year's record. While the +Young America was lying at anchor in Chesapeake +Bay, in December, Shuffles, then second lieutenant, +had received a letter from his mother, in which she +had informed him that his family would visit Europe +in the following spring, and that he would leave the +ship, and form one of the party. This information +had caused him to relax his efforts as a student, and +he had fallen very low in rank. This was the reason +why the proposed distribution of offices was not +fair.</p> + +<p>When Shuffles went home on his furlough of +twenty days, he had behaved so badly that his father +refused to have him form one of the party in the +trip abroad, and compelled him to return to the ship +for another year of wholesome discipline under Mr. +Lowington. Angry and indignant, Shuffles did return +and the announcement that the offices were to +be distributed by the merit roll did not add to his +equanimity.<span class="pageno"><a name="Page_121" id="Page_121">{121}</a></span></p> + +<p>"I will now read the record of marks," said the +principal, "and announce the officers for the next +term."</p> + +<p>The boys were silent and anxious; for places in the +after cabin were more highly valued than ever, now +that the Young America was going to Europe.</p> + + + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> +<h2><a name="CHAPTER_VIII" id="CHAPTER_VIII"></a>CHAPTER VIII.</h2> + +<p><span class="pageno"><a name="Page_122" id="Page_122">{122}</a></span></p> + +<h4>OUTWARD BOUND.</h4> +<p class="returnTOC"><a href="#Contents">Return to Table of +Contents</a></p> + + +<p>Mr. Lowington read the merit roll, announcing +the officers as he proceeded. The +occupants of the after cabin, who were appointed for +the succeeding three months, during which time the +ship crossed the Atlantic, and visited various European +ports, were as follows:—</p> + + +<table style="margin: 0 auto;" summary="Chapter 8 table"> +<tbody> +<tr><th colspan="2">CHARLES GORDON, <i>Captain.</i></th></tr> + +<tr><td>Joseph Haven,</td> + <td><i>First Lieutenant.</i></td></tr> +<tr><td>Paul Kendall,</td> + <td><i>Second "</i></td></tr> +<tr><td>Samuel Goodwin,</td> + <td><i>Third "</i></td></tr> +<tr><td>Augustus Pelham,</td> + <td><i>Fourth "</i></td></tr> +<tr><td> </td></tr> + +<tr><td>William Foster,</td> + <td><i>First Master.</i></td></tr> +<tr><td>Henry Martyn,</td> + <td><i>Second "</i></td></tr> +<tr><td>Thomas Ellis,</td> + <td><i>Third "</i></td></tr> +<tr><td>Joseph Leavitt,</td> + <td><i>Fourth "</i></td></tr> +<tr><td> </td></tr> + +<tr><td>Joseph O. Rogers,</td> + <td><i>First Purser.</i></td></tr> +<tr><td>Edward Murray,</td> + <td><i>Second "</i></td></tr> +<tr><td> </td></tr> + +<tr><td>George W. Terrill,</td> + <td><i>First Midshipman.</i></td></tr> +<tr><td>John Humphreys,</td> + <td><i>Second "</i></td></tr> +<tr><td>Mark Robinson,</td> + <td><i>Third "</i></td></tr> +<tr><td>Andrew Groom,</td> + <td><i>Fourth "</i></td></tr> +</tbody> +</table> + + +<p><span class="pageno"><a name="Page_123" id="Page_123">{123}</a></span> +The students mentioned in the list made the required +promise to behave themselves like gentlemen, +and faithfully discharge the duties of their several +offices, and were duly installed in their new positions +in the after cabin. Most of them had been officers +before, but all of them were higher in rank than at +any former period. Richard Carnes had been captain +four terms, for no one could get ahead of him.</p> + +<p>The new captain had been first lieutenant, during +the preceding year, three terms out of four, and was +certainly the best qualified student on board for the +command. He was a young man of high moral +aims, with much dignity of character and energy of +purpose.</p> + +<p>The officers went to the after cabin, put on their +uniforms, and assumed their proper places. The +choice of berths in the steerage proceeded as usual, +according to the merit roll, and the petty offices were +given to the highest in rank. The new boys took the +unoccupied berths by lot. The organization of the +ship was now completed, and the students were directed +to put their berths and lockers in order. The +remainder of the day was fully occupied in preparing +for the voyage. Great quantities of ice and fresh provisions +were taken on board, and packed away in the +store rooms of the hold, and all was bustle and confusion.</p> + +<p>On Thursday morning the ship was put in order +again. The vessel had been duly cleared at the custom +house, and every article required for the voyage had +been received. The boys were ordered to put on +their best suits, and at nine o'clock a steamer came +<span class="pageno"><a name="Page_124" id="Page_124">{124}</a></span> +off, having on board a large number of the parents +and friends of the students. The forenoon was given +up to this interesting occasion. It was a beautiful +day, with a gentle breeze from the westward, and at +twelve o'clock, all hands were mustered on deck for +religious services, to be performed by the chaplain, in +the presence of the friends of the pupils.</p> + +<p>Mr. Lowington was a religious man, and the position +of the Rev. Mr. Agneau, as chaplain on board, +was by no means a sinecure. Services had always +been held twice a day on Sunday. At five minutes +before eight in the morning, and at the same time in +the evening, prayers were said on deck, or in the +steerage, in the presence of the entire ship's company. +On the point of leaving the shores of the United +States, it seemed highly appropriate to invoke the +blessing of God on the voyage and the voyagers, and +the principal had directed that the service should be +conducted in the presence of the parents and friends.</p> + +<p>The prayer and the remarks of the chaplain were +very solemn and impressive, and even the roughest of +the students were moved by them. At the conclusion +of the religious service, Mr. Lowington addressed the +visitors, explaining the details of his plan more fully +than he had done in his circulars, and saying what he +could to inspire the parents with confidence in regard +to the safety of their sons. It need not be said that +there were many tears shed on this occasion.</p> + +<p>At the close of the speech a collation was served +to the visitors, in the cabins and steerage, after which +another hour was allowed for social intercourse; and +then the ship was cleared, the visitors going on board +<span class="pageno"><a name="Page_125" id="Page_125">{125}</a></span> +the steamer again, which was to accompany the Young +America below the lighthouse. The boys were sent +below to change their clothes again.</p> + +<p>"All hands, up anchor, ahoy!" piped the boatswain; +and the crew sprang to their stations with +more than usual alacrity.</p> + +<p>This was a greater event than they had ever known +before. The anchor, which was now to be hauled up, +was not to be dropped again for about a month, and +then in foreign waters. They were going out upon +the waste of the ocean, to be driven and tossed by the +storms of the Atlantic. They were bidding farewell +to their native land, not again to look upon its shores +for many months. They were boys, and they were +deeply impressed by the fact.</p> + +<p>The capstan was manned, and the cable hove up to +a short stay. The topsails and top-gallant sails were +set; then the anchor was hauled up to the hawse-hole, +catted and fished. The Young America moved; +she wore round, and her long voyage was commenced. +The courses and the royals were set, and she moved +majestically down the bay. The steamer kept close +by her, and salutations by shouts, cheers, and the +waving of handkerchiefs, were continually interchanged, +till the ship was several miles outside of +the lower light.</p> + +<p>The steamer whistled several times, to indicate that +she was about to return. All hands were then ordered +into the rigging of the ship; and cheer after cheer was +given by the boys, and acknowledged by cheers on +the part of the gentlemen, and the waving of handkerchiefs +by the ladies. The steamer came about; the +<span class="pageno"><a name="Page_126" id="Page_126">{126}</a></span> +moment of parting had come, and she was headed +towards the city. Some of the students wept then; +for, whatever charms there were in the voyage before +them, the ties of home and friends were still strong. +As long as the steamer could be seen, signals continued +to pass between her and the ship.</p> + +<p>"Captain Gordon, has the first master given the +quartermaster the course yet?" asked Mr. Lowington, +when the steamer had disappeared among the islands +of the bay.</p> + +<p>"No, sir; but Mr. Fluxion told him to make it +east-north-east."</p> + +<p>"Very well; but the masters should do this duty," +added Mr. Lowington, as he directed the instructor in +mathematics to require the masters, to whom belonged +the navigation of the ship, to indicate the course.</p> + +<p>William Foster was called, and sent into the after +cabin with his associates, to obtain the necessary sailing +directions. The masters had been furnished with +a supply of charts, which they had studied daily, as +they were instructed in the theory of laying down the +ship's course. Foster unrolled the large chart of the +North Atlantic Ocean upon the dinner table, and with +parallel ruler, pencil, and compasses, proceeded to +perform his duty.</p> + +<p>"We want to go just south of Cape Sable," said he, +placing his pencil point on that part of the chart.</p> + +<p>"How far south of it?" asked Harry Martyn.</p> + +<p>"Say twenty nautical miles."</p> + +<p>The first master dotted the point twenty miles south +of Cape Sable, which is the southern point of Nova +Scotia, and also the ship's position, with his pencil. +<span class="pageno"><a name="Page_127" id="Page_127">{127}</a></span> +He then placed one edge of the parallel ruler on both +of these points, thus connecting them with a straight +line.</p> + +<p>A parallel ruler consists of two smaller rulers, each +an inch in width and a foot in length, connected +together by two flat pieces of brass, riveted into each +ruler, acting as a kind of hinge. The parts, when +separated, are always parallel to each other.</p> + +<p>Foster placed the edge of the ruler on the two +points made with the pencil, one indicating the ship's +present position, the other the position she was to +obtain after sailing two or three days. Putting the +fingers of his left hand on the brass knob of the ruler, +by which the parts are moved, he pressed down and +held its upper half, joining the two points, firmly in +its place. With the fingers of the right hand he +moved the lower half down, which, in its turn, he kept +firmly in place, while he slipped the upper half over +the paper, thus preserving the direction between the +points. By this process the parallel ruler could be +moved all over the chart without losing the course +from one point to the other.</p> + +<p>On every chart there are one or more diagrams of +the compass, with lines diverging from a centre, representing +all the points. The parallel ruler is worked +over the chart to one of these diagrams, where the +direction to which it has been set nearly or exactly +coincides with one of the lines representing a point of +the compass.</p> + +<p>The first master of the Young America worked the +ruler down to a diagram, and found that it coincided +<span class="pageno"><a name="Page_128" id="Page_128">{128}</a></span> +with the line indicating east by north; or one point +north of east.</p> + +<p>"That's the course," said Thomas Ellis, the third +master—"east by north."</p> + +<p>"I think not," added Foster. "If we steer that +course, we should go forty or fifty miles south of Cape +Sable, and thus run much farther than we need. +What is the variation?"</p> + +<p>"About twelve degrees west," replied Martyn.</p> + +<p>The compass does not indicate the true north in all +parts of the earth, the needle varying in the North +Atlantic Ocean from thirty degrees east to nearly +thirty degrees west. There is an imaginary line, extending +in a north-westerly direction, through a point +in the vicinity of Cape Lookout, called the magnetic +meridian, on which there is no variation. East of this +line the needle varies to the westward; and west of +the line, to the eastward. These variations of the +compass are marked on the chart, in different latitudes +and longitudes, though they need to be occasionally +corrected by observations, for they change slightly +from year to year.</p> + +<p>"Variation of twelve degrees," +<a id="footnotetag1" name="footnotetag1"></a><a href="#footnote1"><sup>1</sup></a> + repeated Foster, +verifying the statement by an examination of the +chart. That is equal to about one point, which, carried +to the westward from east by north, will give the +course east-north-east.</p> + +<p>The process was repeated, and the same result +being obtained, the first master reported the course to +<span class="pageno"><a name="Page_129" id="Page_129">{129}</a></span> +Mr. Fluxion, who had made the calculation himself, +in the professors' cabin.</p> + +<p>"Quartermaster, make the course east-north-east," +said the first master, when his work had been duly +approved by the instructor.</p> + +<p>"East-north-east, sir!" replied the quartermaster, +who was conning the wheel—that is, he was watching +the compass, and seeing that the two wheelmen +kept the ship on her course.</p> + +<p>There were two other compasses on deck, one on +the quarter-deck, and another forward of the mainmast +which the officers on duty were required frequently +to consult, in order that any negligence in one +place might be discovered in another. The after +cabin and the professors' cabin were also provided +with "tell-tales," which are inverted compasses, suspended +under the skylights, by which the officers and +instructors below could observe the ship's course.</p> + +<p>The log indicated that the ship was making six +knots an hour, the rate being ascertained every two +hours, and entered on the log-slate, to be used in +making up the "dead reckoning." The Young +America had taken her "departure," that is, left the +last land to be seen, at half past three o'clock. At +four, when the log was heaved, she had made +three miles; at six, fifteen miles; at eight, the wind +diminishing and the log indicating but four knots, +only eight miles were to be added for the two hours' +run, making twenty-three miles in all. The first sea +day would end at twelve o'clock on the morrow, when +the log-slate would indicate the total of nautical miles +the ship had run after taking her departure. This is +<span class="pageno"><a name="Page_130" id="Page_130">{130}</a></span> +called her dead reckoning, which may be measured +off on the chart, and should carry the vessel to the +point indicated by the observations for latitude and +longitude.</p> + +<p>The wind was very light, and studding-sails were +set alow and aloft. The ship only made her six knots +as she pitched gently in the long swell of the ocean. +The boys were still nominally under the order of "all +hands on deck," but there was nothing for them to do, +with the exception of the wheelmen, and they were +gazing at the receding land behind them. They were +taking their last view of the shores of their native +land. Doubtless some of them were inclined to be +sentimental, but most of them were thinking of the +pleasant sights they were to see, and the exciting scenes +in which they were to engage on the other side of the +rolling ocean, and were as jolly as though earth had +no sorrows for them.</p> + +<p>The principal and the professors were pacing the +quarter-deck, and doubtless some of them were wondering +whether boys like the crew of the Young +America could be induced to study and recite their +lessons amid the excitement of crossing the Atlantic, +and the din of the great commercial cities of the old +world. The teachers were energetic men, and they +were hopeful, at least, especially as study and discipline +were the principal elements of the voyage, and +each pupil's privileges were to depend upon his diligence +and his good behavior. It would be almost +impossible for a boy who wanted to go to Paris while +the ship was lying at Havre, so far to neglect his +duties as to forfeit the privilege of going. As these +<span class="pageno"><a name="Page_131" id="Page_131">{131}</a></span> +gentlemen have not been formally introduced, the +"faculty" of the ship is here presented:—</p> + +<p> +Robert Lowington, <i>Principal</i>.<br /> +Rev. Thomas Agneau, <i>Chaplain</i>.<br /> +Dr. Edward B. Winstock, <i>Surgeon</i>.<br /> +<br /> +INSTRUCTORS.<br /> +<br /> +John Paradyme, A.M., <i>Greek and Latin</i>.<br /> +Richard Modelle, <i>Reading and Grammar</i>.<br /> +Charles C. Mapps, A.M., <i>Geography and History</i>.<br /> +James E. Fluxion, <i>Mathematics</i>.<br /> +Abraham Carboy, M.D., <i>Chemistry and Nat. Phil.</i><br /> +Adolph Badois, <i>French and German</i>.<br /> +</p> + +<p>These gentlemen were all highly accomplished teachers +in their several departments, as the progress of the +students during the preceding year fully proved. They +were interested in their work, and in sympathy with +the boys, as well as with the principal.</p> + +<p>It was a very quiet time on board, and the crew +were collected in little groups, generally talking of the +sights they were to see. In the waist were Shuffles, +Monroe, and Wilton, all feuds among them having +been healed. They appeared to be the best of friends, +and it looked ominous for the discipline of the ship to +see them reunited. Shuffles was powerful for good +or evil, as he chose, and Mr. Lowington regretted that +he had fallen from his high position, fearing that the +self-respect which had sustained him as an officer +would desert him as a seaman, and permit him to fall +into excesses.</p> + +<p>Shuffles was more dissatisfied and discontented than +<span class="pageno"><a name="Page_132" id="Page_132">{132}</a></span> +he had ever been before. He had desired to make the +tour of Europe with his father, and he was sorely disappointed +when denied this privilege; for with the +family he would be free from restraint, and free from +hard study. When he lost his rank as an officer, he +became desperate and reckless. To live in the steerage +and do seaman's duty for three months, after he +had enjoyed the luxuries of authority, and of a state-room +in the after cabin, were intolerable. After the +cabin offices had been distributed, he told Monroe that +he intended to run away that night; but he had found +no opportunity to do so; and it was unfortunate for +his shipmates that he did not.</p> + +<p>"This isn't bad—is it, Shuffles?" said Wilton, as +the ship slowly ploughed her way through the billows.</p> + +<p>"I think it is. I had made up my mouth to cross +the ocean in a steamer, and live high in London and +Paris," replied Shuffles. "I don't relish this thing, +now."</p> + +<p>"Why not?" asked Wilton.</p> + +<p>"I don't feel at home here."</p> + +<p>"I do."</p> + +<p>"Because you never were anywhere else. I ought +to be captain of this ship."</p> + +<p>"Well, you can be, if you have a mind to work for +it," added Monroe.</p> + +<p>"Work for it! That's played out. I must stay in +the steerage three months, at any rate; and that while +the burden of the fun is going on. If we were going +to lie in harbor, or cruise along the coast, I would go +in for my old place."</p> + +<p>"But Carnes is out of the way now, and your +<span class="pageno"><a name="Page_133" id="Page_133">{133}</a></span> +chance is better this year than it was last," suggested +Monroe.</p> + +<p>"I know that, but I can't think of straining every +nerve for three months, two of them while we are +going from port to port in Europe. When we go +ashore at Queenstown, I shall have to wear a short +jacket, instead of the frock coat of an officer; and I +think the jacket would look better on some younger +fellow."</p> + +<p>"What are you going to do, Shuffles?" asked +Wilton.</p> + +<p>"I'd rather be a king among hogs, than a hog +among kings."</p> + +<p>"What do you mean by that?"</p> + +<p>"No matter; there's time enough to talk over these +things."</p> + +<p>"Do you mean a mutiny?" laughed Wilton.</p> + +<p>"Haven't you forgotten that?"</p> + +<p>"No."</p> + +<p>"I wonder what Lowington would say, if he knew +I had proposed such a thing," added Shuffles, thoughtfully.</p> + +<p>"He did know it, at the time you captured the runaways, +for I told him."</p> + +<p>"Did you?" demanded Shuffles, his brow contracting +with anger.</p> + +<p>"I told you I would tell him, and I did," answered +Wilton. "You were a traitor to our fellows, and +got us into a scrape."</p> + +<p>"I was an officer then."</p> + +<p>"No matter for that. Do you suppose, if I were an +<span class="pageno"><a name="Page_134" id="Page_134">{134}</a></span> +officer, I would throw myself in your way when you +were up to anything?"</p> + +<p>"I don't know whether you would or not; but I +wouldn't blow on you, if you had told me anything in +confidence. What did Lowington say?"</p> + +<p>"Nothing; he wouldn't take any notice of what I +said."</p> + +<p>"That was sensible on his part. One thing is certain, +Wilton: you can't be trusted."</p> + +<p>"You mustn't make me mad, then."</p> + +<p>"I will keep things to myself hereafter," growled +Shuffles.</p> + +<p>"Don't be savage. You served me a mean trick, +and I paid you off for it; so we are square."</p> + +<p>"We will keep square then, and not open any new +accounts."</p> + +<p>"But you will want me when anything is up," +laughed Wilton. "What would you do without me +in getting up a mutiny?"</p> + +<p>"Who said anything about a mutiny?"</p> + +<p>"I know you are thinking over something, and you +don't mean to submit to the discipline of the ship, if +you can help it."</p> + +<p>"Well, I can't help it."</p> + +<p>"There goes the boatswain's whistle, piping to +muster," said Monroe.</p> + +<p>"Confound the boatswain's whistle!" growled +Shuffles. "I don't like the idea of running every +time he pipes."</p> + +<p>Very much to the surprise of his companions, +Shuffles, his irritation increased by the conduct of +Wilton, took no notice of the call, and went forward, +<span class="pageno"><a name="Page_135" id="Page_135">{135}</a></span> +instead of aft. His companions, more wise and prudent, +walked up to the hatch, which Mr. Lowington +had just mounted.</p> + +<p>"Groom, tell Shuffles to come aft," said the principal +to one of the midshipmen.</p> + +<p>The officer obeyed the order; Shuffles flatly refused +to go aft. Mr. Lowington descended from his rostrum +and went forward to enforce obedience. This +event created a profound sensation among the students.</p> + +<p>"Shuffles," said Mr Lowington, sternly.</p> + +<p>"Sir," replied the malcontent, in a surly tone.</p> + +<p>"The boatswain piped the crew to muster."</p> + +<p>"I heard him."</p> + +<p>"You did not obey the call. I sent for you, and +you refused to come."</p> + +<p>"I don't think I ought to obey the boatswain's call."</p> + +<p>"May I ask why not?"</p> + +<p>"I've been an officer three terms, and I should be +now if we had had fair play," growled Shuffles.</p> + +<p>"I am not disposed to argue this point in your present +frame of mind. I order you to go aft."</p> + +<p>"And I won't go!" replied Shuffles, impudently.</p> + +<p>"Mr. Peaks," said the principal, calling the senior +boatswain.</p> + +<p>"Here, sir," replied Peaks, touching his hat to the +principal.</p> + +<p>"Mr. Leech," added Mr. Lowington.</p> + +<p>"Here, sir."</p> + +<p>"Walk this young gentleman aft."</p> + +<p>"Let me alone!" cried Shuffles, as Peaks placed +his hand upon him. +<span class="pageno"><a name="Page_136" id="Page_136">{136}</a></span></p> + +<p>"Gently, my sweet lamb," said the boatswain, with +affected tenderness.</p> + +<p>"Take your hands off me!" roared the mutinous +pupil, as he struggled to release himself from the grasp +of the stalwart seaman.</p> + +<p>Peaks took him by the collar with one hand, and +held his wrist with the other, on one side, while Leech +did the same on the other side.</p> + +<p>"Walk him aft," repeated the principal.</p> + +<p>"Mr. Fluxion, may I trouble you to bring up the +irons?" continued Mr. Lowington, when the boatswain +and carpenter had "walked" the rebel aft, in +spite of his struggling and kicking.</p> + +<p>"Irons!" gasped Shuffles, as he heard the request +of the principal.</p> + +<p>He trembled with rage as he uttered the word. The +irons seemed to pierce his soul. Probably he did not +think that the son of a wealthy gentleman would be +compelled to submit to such an indignity as being put +in irons.</p> + +<p>Mr. Fluxion came on deck with a pair of handcuffs. +It was the first time they had been seen, and no student +even knew there were any on board. The discipline +of the ship had been as gentle as it was firm, and this +was the first time such instruments were necessary.</p> + +<p>"Mr. Peaks, put the irons on him!" said Mr. +Lowington, his usual dignity unruffled by angry emotions.</p> + +<p>"Don't put them on me!" cried Shuffles, making +an effort to disengage himself from the grasp of his +captors.</p> + +<p>"Put them on at once!" added the principal. +<span class="pageno"><a name="Page_137" id="Page_137">{137}</a></span></p> + +<p>"You shall not put them on me! I will die first!" +roared the rebel.</p> + +<p>It was easier to talk than to do, in the hands of two +sturdy sailors, one of whom had used the cat in the +navy, when its use was tolerated. Shuffles did not +die, and he was ironed, in spite of his struggles and +his protest.</p> + + + + + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> +<h2><a name="CHAPTER_IX" id="CHAPTER_IX"></a>CHAPTER IX.</h2> + +<p><span class="pageno"><a name="Page_138" id="Page_138">{138}</a></span></p> + +<h4>THE WATCH-BILL.</h4> +<p class="returnTOC"><a href="#Contents">Return to Table of +Contents</a></p> + + +<p>Shuffles struggled with the irons and with the +stout men who held him until he had exhausted +himself; and then, because his frame, rather than his +spirit, was worn down, he was quiet. It was the first +case of severe discipline that had occurred on board, +and it created a tremendous sensation among the +students.</p> + +<p>Mr. Lowington stood with folded arms, watching +the vain struggles of the culprit, until he was reduced +to a state of comparative calmness. He looked sad, +rather than angry, and his dignity was not impaired +by the assault upon his authority.</p> + +<p>"Shuffles, I am sorry to see one who has been an +officer of the ship reduced to your condition; but +discipline must and shall be maintained," said the +principal. "We are on the high seas now, and disobedience +is dangerous. You led me to believe that +you had reformed your life and conduct."</p> + +<p>"It isn't my fault," replied Shuffles, angrily.</p> + +<p>"You had better not reply to me in that tone," +added Mr. Lowington, mildly.</p> + +<p>"Yes, I will!"</p> + +<p>"Mr. Topliffe," continued the principal. +<span class="pageno"><a name="Page_139" id="Page_139">{139}</a></span></p> + +<p>"Here, sir," replied the head steward.</p> + +<p>"You will have the brig cleared out for use."</p> + +<p>"Yes, sir;" and the head steward went below to +obey the order.</p> + +<p>There was not a boy on board who knew what the +"brig" was, though the establishment had existed in +the steerage from the time when the boys first went on +board the ship. It had never before been required for +use, and Mr. Lowington had carefully veiled every +disagreeable feature of discipline, until it was necessary +to exhibit it. The brig was the prison of the ship—the +lock-up. It was located under and abaft the main +ladder, in the steerage, being an apartment five feet in +length by three feet in width. The partitions which +enclosed it were composed of upright planks, eight +inches in width, with spaces between them for the +admission of light and air.</p> + +<p>The brig had been used as a store room for bedding +by the stewards, and the students never suspected, +till Shuffles' case came up, that it was not built for +a closet. Mr. Topliffe and his assistants removed +the blankets and comforters from this lock-up, and +prepared it for the reception of the refractory pupil. +When the room was ready he went on deck, and +reported the fact to the principal.</p> + +<p>"Shuffles, our discipline has always been of the +mildest character," said Mr. Lowington, breaking the +impressive silence which reigned on deck. "I regret +to be compelled to resort to force in any form; even +now I would avoid it."</p> + +<p>"You needn't, on my account," replied Shuffles, +<span class="pageno"><a name="Page_140" id="Page_140">{140}</a></span> +shaking his head. "You have done your worst +already."</p> + +<p>"Mr. Peaks, take him below, lock him up in the +brig, and bring the key to me."</p> + +<p>The manacled rebel made another effort to resist, +but the stout sailors easily handled him, and bore him +down into the steerage. He was thrust into the +brig, ironed as he was, and the door locked upon +him. Shuffles glanced at the interior of the prison, +and broke out into a contemptuous laugh. He then +commenced kicking the pales of the partition? but +he might as well have attempted to break through the +deck beneath.</p> + +<p>"Shuffles," said Peaks, in a low tone, when he had +locked the door, "be a man. You act like a spoiled +child now."</p> + +<p>"I have been insulted, and abused," replied Shuffles, +fiercely.</p> + +<p>"No, you haven't. Aboard almost any ship, you +would have got a knock on the head with a handspike +before this time. Don't make a fool of yourself. You +are only making yourself ridiculous now—'pon my +word as an old sailor, you are."</p> + +<p>"I'll have satisfaction."</p> + +<p>"No, you won't, unless you break your own head. +I want to advise you, as a friend, not to make a fool +of yourself. I'm sorry for you, my lad."</p> + +<p>"Don't talk to me."</p> + +<p>"I can forgive you for disobeying orders, but I can't +forgive you for being a fool. Now, keep quiet, and be +a man."</p> + +<p>The well-meant effort of the boatswain to pacify the +<span class="pageno"><a name="Page_141" id="Page_141">{141}</a></span> +culprit was a failure, and Peaks, going on deck, delivered +the key of the brig to Mr. Lowington. Shuffles +kicked against the partition till he was tired of the +exercise.</p> + +<p>"Young gentlemen, to-day we enter upon a new +experience on shipboard," said the principal, without +making any further allusion to Shuffles. "Our short +trips last season were so timed that we kept no regular +night watches, and, with two or three exceptions, the +ship was at anchor when you slept. Of course that is +not practicable on a long voyage, and you must all do +duty by night as well as by day.</p> + +<p>"This has been a difficult matter to arrange, for you +are all too young to be deprived of your regular sleep, +though in heavy weather I am afraid you will lose +your rest to some extent. At eight o'clock this evening +the starboard watch will be on duty. We have four +times as many hands on board the Young America as +are usually employed in merchant ships, so that a +quarter watch will be able to handle the ship on all +ordinary occasions. We shall, therefore, keep a quarter +watch on ship's duty at all times through the +twenty-four hours.</p> + +<p>"During the night, including the time from eight in +the evening until eight in the morning, each quarter +watch will be on duty two hours, and then off six +hours; and each hand will obtain six consecutive +hours' sleep every night. At eight this evening, the +first part of the starboard watch will have the ship in +charge, and all others may turn in and sleep. At ten, +the second part of the starboard watch will be called, +without disturbing any others. At twelve, the first +<span class="pageno"><a name="Page_142" id="Page_142">{142}</a></span> +part of the port watch will be summoned; at two, the +second part; and so on till eight in the morning.</p> + +<p>"The first part of the starboard watch, which turned +in at ten, will sleep till four, giving them six hours of +rest all together, and they may turn in again at six +o'clock, when relieved by the second part, and sleep +till half past seven, which is breakfast time for those +off duty.</p> + +<p>"During the daytime, from eight in the morning +till eight in the evening, the same routine will be observed +To-morrow, at eight in the morning, the +first part of the port watch will take charge of the +ship till ten; the second part will be off duty, and the +time will be their own, to use as they think proper. +At ten, the second part will be in charge, and the first +will have their own time till twelve. All the starboard +watch, during these four hours, will study and recite. +In the afternoon the same course will be pursued with +the other watch. Do you understand it?"</p> + +<p>"Yes, sir," replied the boys.</p> + +<p>"By this arrangement you will average three hours +of duty every night. To-night the port watch will +be on deck two hours, and the starboard watch, whose +turn will come twice, four hours; but to-morrow night +the operation will be reversed, and the port will +have the deck four hours, and the starboard but two. +Two copies of the watch bill will be posted in the +steerage, and one in the after cabin. Young gentlemen, +I recommend you to study it, until you are perfectly +familiar with its requirements."</p> + +<p>"How is it with the officers, Mr. Lowington?" +<span class="pageno"><a name="Page_143" id="Page_143">{143}</a></span> +asked Paul Kendall, who was generally the spokesman +for his companions.</p> + +<p>"The officers are divided into watches in precisely +the same manner as the crew. To the starboard watch +belong the first and third lieutenant, the second and +fourth master, and the first and third midshipman, +which makes one officer of each grade for each quarter +watch," replied Mr. Lowington. "Their off-time +and study-time correspond with those of the crew."</p> + +<p>It is quite possible that the officers and crew of the +Young America understood the complicated arrangement +of the principal. If they did not, they could +refer to the posted document; and, as we cannot deprive +our readers of this privilege, we insert in full, +the</p> + +<h3>WATCH BILL.</h3> +<h4>FIRST DAY.</h4> +<p class="center"><i>First Watch, from 8 till 12 P.M.</i></p> + +<p style="margin-left: 15em; margin-right: 15em; text-indent: 1em;"> +From 8 till 10. 1st Lieut., 2d Master, 1st Mid. +First Part of the Starboard Watch.</p> + +<p style="margin-left: 15em; margin-right: 15em; text-indent: 1em;"> +From 10 till 12. 3d Lieut., 4th Master, 3d Mid. +Second Part of the Starboard Watch.</p> + +<p class="center"><i>Mid Watch, from 12 till 4 A.M.</i></p> +<p style="margin-left: 15em; margin-right: 15em; text-indent: 1em;"> +From 12 till 2. 2d Lieut., 1st Master, 2d Mid. +First Part of the Port Watch.</p> + +<p style="margin-left: 15em; margin-right: 15em; text-indent: 1em;"> +From 2 till 4. 4th Lieut., 3d Master, 4th Mid. +Second Part of the Port Watch.</p> + + +<p><span class="pageno"><a name="Page_144" id="Page_144">{144}</a></span></p> + +<p class="center"><i>Morning Watch, from 4 till 8 A.M.</i></p> + +<p style="margin-left: 15em; margin-right: 15em; text-indent: 1em;"> +From 4 till 6. 1st Lieut., 2d Master, 1st Mid. +First Part of the Starboard Watch.</p> + +<p style="margin-left: 15em; margin-right: 15em; text-indent: 1em;"> +From 6 till 8. 3d Lieut., 4th Master, 3d Mid. +Second Part of the Starboard Watch.</p> + +<p class="center"><i>Forenoon Watch, from 8 till 12 A.M.</i></p> +<p style="margin-left: 15em; margin-right: 15em; text-indent: 1em;"> +From 8 till 10. 2d Lieut., 1st Master, 2d Mid. +First Part of the Port Watch. Second Part of Port +Watch off Duty. All the Starboard Watch study +and recite till 12.</p> + +<p style="margin-left: 15em; margin-right: 15em; text-indent: 1em;"> +From 10 till 12. 4th Lieut., 3d Master, 4th Mid. +Second Part of Port Watch. First Part of Port Watch +off Duty.</p> + +<p class="center"><i>Afternoon Watch, from 12 till 4 P.M.</i></p> +<p style="margin-left: 15em; margin-right: 15em; text-indent: 1em;"> +From 12 till 2. 1st Lieut., 2d Master, 1st Mid. +First Part of Starboard Watch. Second Part of the +Starboard Watch off Duty. All the Port Watch +study and recite till 4.</p> + +<p style="margin-left: 15em; margin-right: 15em; text-indent: 1em;"> +From 2 till 4. 3d Lieut., 4th Master, 3d Mid. +Second Part of the Starboard Watch. First Part of +the Starboard Watch off Duty.</p> + +<p class="center"><i>First Dog Watch, from 4 till 6 P.M.</i></p> +<p style="margin-left: 15em; margin-right: 15em; text-indent: 1em;"> +From 4 till 5. 2d Lieut., 1st Master, 2d Mid. +First Part of the Port Watch. Second Part of the +Port Watch off Duty. All the Starboard Watch +study and recite till 6.</p> + +<p style="margin-left: 15em; margin-right: 15em; text-indent: 1em;"> +From 5 till 6. 4th Lieut., 3d Master, 4th Mid. +Second Part of the Port Watch. First Part of the +Port Watch off Duty.</p> +<p><span class="pageno"><a name="Page_145" id="Page_145">{145}</a></span></p> + +<p class="center"><i>Second Dog Watch, from 6 till 8 P.M.</i></p> + +<p style="margin-left: 15em; margin-right: 15em; text-indent: 1em;"> +From 6 till 7. 1st Lieut., 2d Master, 1st Mid. +First Part of the Starboard Watch. Second Part of +the Starboard Watch off Duty. All the Port Watch +study and recite till 8.</p> + +<p style="margin-left: 15em; margin-right: 15em; text-indent: 1em;"> +From 7 till 8. 3d Lieut., 4th Master, 3d Mid. +Second Part of the Starboard Watch. First Part of +the Starboard Watch off Duty.</p> + +<div style="margin-left: 10px;"> + + + +<table summary="Breakfast"> +<tr><td colspan="2" align="center"><i>Breakfast.</i></td></tr> +<tr><td>Port Watch,<br /> + Starboard Watch,</td> + <td style="padding-left:10px;">7½ o'clock.<br /> + 8 o'clock.</td></tr> +</table> + +<table summary="Dinner"> +<tr><td colspan="2" align="center"><i>Dinner.</i></td></tr> +<tr><td>Port Watch,<br /> + Starboard Watch,</td> + <td style="padding-left:10px;">11½ o'clock.<br /> + 12 o'clock.</td></tr> +</table> + +<table summary="Supper"> +<tr><td colspan="2" align="center"><i>Supper.</i></td></tr> +<tr><td>Port Watch,<br /> + Starboard Watch,</td> + <td style="padding-left:10px;">5½ o'clock.<br /> + 6 o'clock.</td></tr> +</table> +</div> + + +<p>The watch bill for the second day was the same, +with the exception of the names of the watches and +quarter watches. The entire programme was reversed +by the operation of the dog watches, which substituted +"port" for "starboard," and "starboard" for "port," +in the next day's routine.</p> + +<p>When the boys were permitted to go below, they +rushed to the watch bills, and studied them faithfully, +till they fully understood the programme. Each +student ascertained his duty for the night, and his +<span class="pageno"><a name="Page_146" id="Page_146">{146}</a></span> +off-time and study-hours for the next day, which were +included in the first day's bill.</p> + +<p>"I go on at twelve o'clock," said Paul Kendall, in +the after cabin, when he had examined the bill.</p> + +<p>"And I go on deck at eight o'clock," added Joseph +Haven, the first lieutenant. "I shall have a chance +to sleep from ten till four in the morning, and an hour +and a half, from six till half past seven."</p> + +<p>"I shall have my watch below from two till breakfast +time. I don't think we need wear ourselves out +under this arrangement."</p> + +<p>"No; I thought we should be obliged to take four +hours of duty at a time on deck."</p> + +<p>"How will it be when we have rough weather?" +asked Paul.</p> + +<p>"I don't know; I suppose we must take our chances +then."</p> + +<p>"What do you think of Shuffles' case?" added +Paul.</p> + +<p>"He will get the worst of it."</p> + +<p>"I'm sorry for him. He behaved first rate last +year, though they say he used to be a hard fellow."</p> + +<p>"What's the use of a fellow doing as he has done?" +said Haven, with palpable disgust. "He can't make +anything by it."</p> + +<p>"Of course he can't."</p> + +<p>"I would rather have him in the cabin than in the +steerage, for he will not obey orders; and when he is +ugly, he is a perfect tiger. I wonder what Mr. Lowington +is going to do with him. There is no such +thing as expelling a fellow in this institution now. If +<span class="pageno"><a name="Page_147" id="Page_147">{147}</a></span> +he means to be cross-grained, he can keep us in hot +water all the time."</p> + +<p>The officers were too much excited by the fact that +the ship was outward bound to remain long in the +cabin, and they returned to the deck to watch the +progress of the vessel. At eight o'clock the Young +America was out of sight of land, though it would +have been too dark to see it ten miles distant. The +quartermaster, at the helm, struck eight bells, which +were repeated on the forecastle.</p> + +<p>"All the first part of the starboard watch, ahoy!" +shouted the boatswain, for it was now time to commence +the programme of regular sea duty.</p> + +<p>The first lieutenant took his place, as officer of the +deck, near the helm; the second master on the forecastle +and the third midshipman in the waist. The +first part of the starboard watch were stationed in +various parts of the deck. Of the four quartermasters, +one was attached to each quarter watch. The wheel +was given to two hands for the first hour, and two +were placed on the top-gallant forecastle, to act as the +lookout men, to be relieved after one hour's service. +The rest of the boys were required to keep awake, but +no special duty was assigned to them. There were +hands enough on deck to "tack ship," or to take in +the sails, one or two at a time.</p> + +<p>Though the ship was nominally in the hands and +under the direction of her juvenile officers, who performed +all the duties required in working her, yet +they were closely watched by the principal, who, if +there was anything wrong, informed the captain of +the fact. The commander kept no watch, but he was +<span class="pageno"><a name="Page_148" id="Page_148">{148}</a></span> +responsible for every manoeuvre, and for the regular +routine of duty. Mr. Lowington seldom spoke to +any other officer in regard to ship's duty or the navigation.</p> + +<p>When the watch was set, at eight bells, most of the +boys who were off duty went into the steerage. Some +of them turned in; but the novelty of the occasion +was too great to permit them to sleep. They collected +in groups, to talk over the prospects of the voyage, and +the duties required of them, as indicated by the watch +bill.</p> + +<p>Shuffles sat on a stool in the brig, still nursing +his wrath. When his supper was carried to him by +the steward, his irons had been taken off. He refused +to eat, and the food was removed. As he was now +quiet, the irons were not replaced. The prisoner was +far from penitent for his offence.</p> + +<p>Mr. Agneau, the chaplain, was very much concerned +about the prisoner. He was shocked by his +disobedience, and pained to find that one who had +done so well could do so ill. The case had been fully +considered in the professors' cabin; and Mr. Lowington +declared that Shuffles should stay in the brig +till he had repented of his folly, and promised obedience +for the future. The chaplain was a tender-hearted +man, and he thought that some gentle words +might touch the feelings of the prisoner, and bring +him to a sense of duty. With the principal's permission, +therefore, he paid a visit to Shuffles in the +evening.</p> + +<p>"I am very sorry to find you here, Shuffles," said +Mr. Agneau, when he had locked the door behind him. +<span class="pageno"><a name="Page_149" id="Page_149">{149}</a></span></p> + +<p>"Has Lowington sent you to torment me?" demanded +the prisoner.</p> + +<p>"Mr. Lowington, you mean," added the chaplain, +gently.</p> + +<p>"No, I mean Lowington. When a man has abused +and insulted me, I can't stop to put a handle to his +name."</p> + +<p>"I regret to find you in such an unhappy frame of +mind, my young friend. I came here of my own +accord, to do what I might to help you."</p> + +<p>"Did you, indeed!" sneered Shuffles.</p> + +<p>"That was my only object."</p> + +<p>"Was it? Well, if you want to help me, you will +induce Lowington to let me out of this crib, apologize +for what he has done, and give me my place in the +after cabin."</p> + +<p>"That is plainly impossible," replied the astonished +chaplain.</p> + +<p>"Then you can't do anything for me; and I think I +can take care of myself."</p> + +<p>"I entreat you, my young friend, to consider the +error of your ways."</p> + +<p>"There is no error in my ways, Mr. Agneau."</p> + +<p>"You are unreasonable."</p> + +<p>"No, I'm not. I only want what is fair and right."</p> + +<p>"Was it right for you, Shuffles, to refuse obedience +to the principal, when he told you to go aft?"</p> + +<p>"I have always obeyed all proper orders; and +under the circumstances, I think it was right for me +to refuse."</p> + +<p>"You fill me with amazement!" exclaimed the +chaplain.<span class="pageno"><a name="Page_150" id="Page_150">{150}</a></span></p> + +<p>"You know it was not fair to give out the offices by +last year's marks," protested Shuffles.</p> + +<p>"On the contrary, I think it was entirely fair."</p> + +<p>"I haven't anything more to say if it was," replied +Shuffles, in surly tones.</p> + +<p>The chaplain, finding the prisoner was not in a +proper frame of mind for edifying conversation, +left him, and returned to the professors' cabin. The +boys had been forbidden to go near the brig, or to +speak to the prisoner; and thus far no one had exhibited +any disposition to disregard the order. Many +of them, as they passed near the brig, glanced curiously +at him. After the departure of the chaplain, Wilton +sat down on a stool near the lock-up.</p> + +<p>"How are you. Shuffles?" said he, in a low tone.</p> + +<p>"Come here, Wilton—will you?" replied the +prisoner.</p> + +<p>"I can't; we are not allowed to speak to you."</p> + +<p>"What do you care for that? No one can see you."</p> + +<p>"What do you want?"</p> + +<p>"I want to talk with you."</p> + +<p>"I shall be punished if I'm caught."</p> + +<p>"You won't be caught. How are our fellows +now?"</p> + +<p>"First rate," replied Wilton, walking up and down +the berth deck, rising and looking as though nothing +was going on.</p> + +<p>"You know what we were talking about just before +the row," added Shuffles, drawing his stool up to the +palings.</p> + +<p>"You said you wouldn't trust me," answered Wilton, +still pacing the deck in front of the brig. +<span class="pageno"><a name="Page_151" id="Page_151">{151}</a></span></p> + +<p>"You told Lowington about something he had no +business to know; but I forgive you, Wilton."</p> + +<p>"You are very willing to forgive me, now you are +in a tight place."</p> + +<p>"It was mean of you to do it, Wilton; you can't +deny that. Lowington was on the best of terms with +me when I was in the after cabin, and I might have +told him a hundred things about you."</p> + +<p>"Didn't you tell him anything?"</p> + +<p>"Not a word."</p> + +<p>"Well, you are a good fellow, and I always thought +you were. I couldn't see why you turned traitor to +us when we intended to spend the Fourth of July on +shore."</p> + +<p>"I was obliged to do what I did. If I hadn't, I +should have been turned out of my office."</p> + +<p>"Perhaps you were right, Shuffles, and we won't +say anything more about the past," replied Wilton, +who was too willing to be on good terms with the +powerful malcontent, even while he was a prisoner +and in disgrace.</p> + +<p>"Wilton, I am going to be captain of this ship +within ten days," said Shuffles, in a whisper. "Now +you may go and tell Lowington of that."</p> + +<p>"Of course I shall not tell him," added Wilton, +indignantly.</p> + +<p>"I told you merely to show you that I had full confidence +in you—that's all. You can betray me if +you wish to do so."</p> + +<p>"I don't wish to do anything of the kind. Of +course we shall always go together, as we did before +you were an officer." +<span class="pageno"><a name="Page_152" id="Page_152">{152}</a></span></p> + +<p>"I shall be an officer again soon."</p> + +<p>"What's the use of talking about such a thing?"</p> + +<p>"I shall."</p> + +<p>"Do you mean to get up the mutiny?"</p> + +<p>"I do. I feel more like it now than I ever did +before," replied Shuffles; and his low tones came +from between his closed teeth.</p> + +<p>"It's no use to think of such a thing. It's too +wild."</p> + +<p>"No matter if it is; it shall be carried out."</p> + +<p>"The fellows won't go in for it; they won't dare to +do it."</p> + +<p>"Yes, they will. I know them better than you do, +Wilton. It isn't quite time yet; but in three or four +days they will be ready for anything."</p> + +<p>"You can't bring them up to what you mean."</p> + +<p>"Yes, I can."</p> + +<p>"What do you expect to do, locked up in that +place?" demanded Wilton, incredulously.</p> + +<p>"When I get ready to go out of this place, I shall +go. I needn't stay here any longer than I please."</p> + +<p>"Do you really mean to get up a mutiny?"</p> + +<p>"Hush! Don't call it by that name."</p> + +<p>"What shall I call it?"</p> + +<p>"Call it making a chain."</p> + +<p>"I don't understand you," answered Wilton, puzzled +by the expression.</p> + +<p>"I know what I'm about, and I have got more +friends in the ship than Lowington has. And I know +exactly how to manage the whole thing," added Shuffles, +confidently.</p> + +<p>"But the fellows are all perfectly satisfied with their +<span class="pageno"><a name="Page_153" id="Page_153">{153}</a></span> +condition. They wish to go to Europe, and are pleased +with the prospect before them."</p> + +<p>"Perhaps they are; and they shall all go to Europe, +and travel about without being tied to Lowington's +coat-tails. I shall come out of this place to-morrow, +and we will work the thing up."</p> + +<p>"I'm in for a time with any good fellow; but I +don't think we can make this thing go," said Wilton. +"Hush! Don't say another word. There comes an +officer."</p> + +<p>One bell, indicating half past eight in the evening, +struck on deck. It was the duty of the master and +midshipman on deck, alternately, to pass through the +steerage every half hour during the watch, to see that +there was no disorder, and that the lights were all +secure, so as to avoid any danger from fire. Henry +Martyn, the second master, performed this office on +the present occasion. He descended the main ladder, +and Wilton, who expected the visit when he heard +the stroke of the bell, retreated to his mess room, +and threw himself into his berth. Harry walked +around the steerage, and glanced into the gangways, +from which the rooms opened.</p> + +<p>"Harry," said Shuffles, in a low tone, as the master +was about to return to the deck.</p> + +<p>"Did you speak to me?" asked Harry, stepping +up to the bars of the cage.</p> + +<p>"I did. Will you oblige me by telling the chaplain +that I would like to see him?" added the prisoner.</p> + +<p>"I will;" and Harry knocked at the door of the +professors' cabin.</p> + + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> +<h2><a name="CHAPTER_X" id="CHAPTER_X"></a>CHAPTER X.</h2> + +<p><span class="pageno"><a name="Page_154" id="Page_154">{154}</a></span></p> + +<h4>MAKING A CHAIN.</h4> +<p class="returnTOC"><a href="#Contents">Return to Table of +Contents</a></p> + + +<p>The chaplain was too glad of an opportunity to +converse with the prisoner to refuse his request, +and he hastened to the brig, hoping to find Shuffles in a +better state of mind than when he had visited him +before. Mr. Agneau entered the lock-up, and was +securing the door behind him, when the prisoner +spoke.</p> + +<p>"You needn't lock it, sir; I will not attempt to +escape," said he. "I sent for you to apologize for my +rudeness."</p> + +<p>"Indeed! Then I am very glad to see you," replied +the delighted chaplain. "I have been sorely grieved +at your misconduct, and I would fain have brought +you to see the error of your ways."</p> + +<p>"I see it now, sir," replied Shuffles, with apparent +penitence. "I'm afraid I am a great deal worse +than you think I am, sir."</p> + +<p>"It is of no consequence what I think, Shuffles, if +you are conscious of the wrong you have done," +added the worthy chaplain. "You behaved exceedingly +well last year, and it almost broke my heart to +see you relapsing into your former evil habits."</p> + +<p>"I am grateful to you for the interest you have +<span class="pageno"><a name="Page_155" id="Page_155">{155}</a></span> +taken in me, and I assure you I have often been encouraged +to do well by your kind words," continued +the penitent, with due humility. "I have done wrong, +and I don't deserve to be forgiven."</p> + +<p>"'He that humbleth himself shall be exalted,'" said +Mr. Agneau, gratified at the great change which had +apparently been wrought in the prisoner. "If you +are really sorry for your offence, Mr. Lowington, I +doubt not, will pardon you, and restore you to favor +again."</p> + +<p>"I don't deserve it, sir. Since you left me, I have +been thinking of my past life. I dare not tell you +how bad I have been."</p> + +<p>"You need not tell me. It is not necessary that +you should confess your errors to me. There is One +who knows them, and if you are sincerely repentant +He will pity and forgive you."</p> + +<p>"I think I should feel better if I told some one of +my misdeeds."</p> + +<p>"Perhaps you would; that is for you to judge. I +will speak to Mr. Lowington about you to-night. +What shall I say to him?"</p> + +<p>"I hardly know. I deserve to be punished. I have +done wrong, and am willing to suffer for it."</p> + +<p>The tender-hearted chaplain thought that Shuffles +was in a beautiful state of mind, and he desired to +have him released at once, that he might converse +with him on great themes under more favorable circumstances; +but Shuffles still detained him.</p> + +<p>"I'm afraid I have ruined myself on board this +ship," continued Shuffles, persisting in his self-humiliation. +<span class="pageno"><a name="Page_156" id="Page_156">{156}</a></span></p> + +<p>"If you manfully acknowledge your fault, you will +be freely and generously forgiven."</p> + +<p>"Mr. Lowington hates me now, after what I have +done."</p> + +<p>"O, far from it!" exclaimed the chaplain. "It +will be a greater satisfaction to him than to you to forgive +you. You are no longer of the opinion that you +were unfairly used in the distribution of the offices, I +suppose."</p> + +<p>"Mr. Agneau, I was beside myself when I resisted +the principal. I should not have done it if I had been +in my right mind."</p> + +<p>"You were very angry."</p> + +<p>"I was—I was not myself."</p> + +<p>"Anger often makes men crazy."</p> + +<p>"You don't understand me, Mr. Agneau."</p> + +<p>"Indeed, I do. You mean that you deluded yourself +into the belief that you had been wronged, and +that you ought not to obey the orders of your officers, +and of the principal. The force that was used made +you so angry that you did not know what you were +about," added the sympathizing chaplain.</p> + +<p>"In one word, Mr. Agneau, I had been drinking," +said Shuffles, with something like desperation in his +manner, as he bent his head, and covered his face +with his hands.</p> + +<p>"Drinking!" gasped the chaplain, filled with horror +at the confession.</p> + +<p>"I told you I was worse than you thought I was," +moaned Shuffles.</p> + +<p>"Is it possible!"</p> + +<p>"It is true, sir; I say it with shame." +<span class="pageno"><a name="Page_157" id="Page_157">{157}</a></span></p> + +<p>"Are you in the habit of taking intoxicating +drinks?" asked the chaplain, confounded beyond +measure at this complication of the difficulty.</p> + +<p>"I am not in the habit of it, because I can't get +liquor all the time. My father has wine on his table, +and I always was allowed to drink one glass."</p> + +<p>"Can it be!" ejaculated the chaplain. "A youth +of seventeen——"</p> + +<p>"I'm eighteen now, sir."</p> + +<p>"A youth of eighteen in the habit of taking wine!" +groaned Mr. Agneau.</p> + +<p>"I drank a great deal more than my father knew +of while I was at home."</p> + +<p>"I am amazed!"</p> + +<p>"I knew you would be, sir; but I have told you the +truth now."</p> + +<p>"But where did you get your liquor to-day?"</p> + +<p>"It was wine, sir."</p> + +<p>"Where did you get it?"</p> + +<p>"I brought two bottles on board with me when I +reported for duty yesterday."</p> + +<p>"This is terrible, Shuffles! Do you know what +an awful habit you are contracting, my dear young +friend?"</p> + +<p>"I never thought much about it till to-night. It has +got me into such a scrape this time, that I don't believe +I shall ever drink any more."</p> + +<p>"As you respect yourself, as you hope for peace in +this world, and peace in the next, never put the cup to +your lips again. 'Wine is a mocker; strong drink is +raging; and whosoever is deceived thereby is not wise.' +Did you drink the two bottles?" +<span class="pageno"><a name="Page_158" id="Page_158">{158}</a></span></p> + +<p>"No, sir; only part of one bottle," replied Shuffles, +with commendable promptness.</p> + +<p>"Where is the rest of it?"</p> + +<p>"Under my berth-sack."</p> + +<p>"Are you willing I should take possession of it, and +hand it to Mr. Lowington?"</p> + +<p>"I will agree to anything which you think is +right."</p> + +<p>"Then I will take the wine and throw it overboard."</p> + +<p>"Just as you think best, sir. You will find the two +bottles in my berth, No. 43, Gangway D,—the forward +one on the starboard side."</p> + +<p>"I hope you will never touch the wine-cup again."</p> + +<p>"I will not—till next time," added Shuffles, as the +chaplain moved towards the door of the brig.</p> + +<p>"'Look not thou upon the wine when it is red, +when it giveth his color in the cup, at the last it biteth +like a serpent, and stingeth like an adder,'" continued +the chaplain, as he passed out of the lock-up.</p> + +<p>Mr. Agneau went to the prisoner's berth, and found +the two bottles of wine. They were a sufficient explanation +of the remarkable conduct of Shuffles. The +youth had "drank wine, and was drunken," otherwise +he would not have been guilty of such flagrant disobedience. +Though in his own estimation the excuse +was worse than the original fault, yet it was an explanation; +and if the root of the evil could be removed, +the evil itself would cease to exist. The wine could +be thrown overboard, and as no more could be obtained +during the voyage, the good conduct of the +young tippler would be insured, at least till the ship +<span class="pageno"><a name="Page_159" id="Page_159">{159}</a></span> +reached Queenstown, which was the port to which +she was bound.</p> + +<p>With the two bottles in his hands, the chaplain +returned to the professors' cabin. Mr. Lowington was +on deck. He did not deem it prudent to leave the +ship in the hands of the students, at first, without any +supervision, and it was arranged that the principal, +Mr. Fluxion, and Mr. Peake, the boatswain, should +take turns in observing the course and management of +the vessel. Mr. Agneau carried the prize he had captured +on deck, and informed Mr. Lowington what had +just transpired in the brig.</p> + +<p>"I knew the boy drank wine when he was at home," +replied the principal; "and if he is ruined, his father +must blame himself."</p> + +<p>"But it is really shocking!" exclaimed the chaplain +as he tossed one of the bottles of wine over the +rail. "How can a parent permit his son to drink +wine, when he knows that more men are killed by +intemperance than by war and pestilence? I am +amazed!"</p> + +<p>"So am I, Mr. Agneau."</p> + +<p>"The boy is hardly to blame for his conduct, since +he contracted this vicious habit under the eye of his +father."</p> + +<p>"The discipline of the ship must be preserved."</p> + +<p>"Certainly, Mr. Lowington."</p> + +<p>"And the boy is just as much to blame for his act +of disobedience as though it had been done in his +sober senses."</p> + +<p>"But you can afford to pardon him, under the circumstances." +<span class="pageno"><a name="Page_160" id="Page_160">{160}</a></span></p> + +<p>"I will do that when he is willing to make a proper +acknowledgment of his offence in the presence of the +ship's company, before whom the act was committed."</p> + +<p>"He is quite ready to do so now."</p> + +<p>"If he will say as much as that to me, he shall be +released at once."</p> + +<p>"He will, sir."</p> + +<p>"It is very strange to me that I noticed nothing +peculiar in the boy's speech or manner at the time," +added the principal. "He certainly did not seem to +be intoxicated."</p> + +<p>"Probably he had taken just enough to inflame his +evil passions, without affecting his manner," suggested +the chaplain.</p> + +<p>"I did not even discover the odor of wine upon +him."</p> + +<p>"Perhaps you did not go near enough to him. If +you please, Mr. Lowington, we will go down and see +him; and you can judge for yourself whether or not +it is prudent to release him."</p> + +<p>"I will."</p> + +<p>"Thank you, sir. I feel a deep interest in the +young man, and I hope he may yet be saved."</p> + +<p>When Mr. Agneau left the brig, after his second +visit, Wilton, who was very anxious to know what +Shuffles meant by "making a chain," came out of his +mess room. He had been watching the chaplain, +and wondering what the prisoner could have to say +to him.</p> + +<p>"What's up, Shuffles?" asked Wilton, when Mr. +Agneau had left the steerage.</p> + +<p>"I've been smoothing him down," laughed Shuffles, +<span class="pageno"><a name="Page_161" id="Page_161">{161}</a></span> +with an audible chuckle. "I have concluded not to +stay in here any longer."</p> + +<p>"What do you mean?"</p> + +<p>"I'm coming out pretty soon, though it has cost me +a bottle and a half of old sherry to get out," laughed +Shuffles.</p> + +<p>"I don't know what you mean."</p> + +<p>"I told the parson that I was drunk when I disobeyed +orders, and that I was very sorry for it, and +wouldn't get drunk any more."</p> + +<p>"Did you tell him that?"</p> + +<p>"I did; I assured him I was the worst fellow in the +whole world, and ought to be hung, drawn, and quartered +for my wickedness; and he swallowed it as a +codfish does a clam."</p> + +<p>"And you gave him all the wine?"</p> + +<p>"No, I didn't; I gave him one full bottle, and what +was left in the one from which we drank this afternoon. +I have two more."</p> + +<p>"We were going to have a good time with that +wine."</p> + +<p>"I have enough left."</p> + +<p>"Where is it?"</p> + +<p>"In my locker."</p> + +<p>"They may find it."</p> + +<p>"No, they won't; I will put it in some other place +before inspection day. There is plenty of wine in the +medical stores. It was a good joke for the parson to +suppose I was drunk."</p> + +<p>"Perhaps you were," suggested Wilton.</p> + +<p>"I felt good; but I was as sober as I am now." +<span class="pageno"><a name="Page_162" id="Page_162">{162}</a></span></p> + +<p>"The drink I took went into my head, and I felt as +though I was going up in a ballon."</p> + +<p>"That was because you are not used to the article. +It waked me up a little, but I knew what I was +about."</p> + +<p>"I think you were a confounded fool to do what +you did."</p> + +<p>"Wilton, I'm not going to live in the steerage—you +may take my word for it. I've been an officer +too long to come down to that. If we don't succeed +in making a chain, I shall quit the concern the first +time I put my foot on shore in Ireland."</p> + +<p>"What do you mean by making a chain?" asked +Wilton, eagerly.</p> + +<p>"A chain is strong."</p> + +<p>"Well; what of it?"</p> + +<p>"It is composed of many links. Can't you understand +that?"</p> + +<p>"Hush up! Some one is coming," said Wilton, as +he walked away from the brig.</p> + +<p>"Here! who is that?" demanded Mr. Lowington, +as he saw Wilton moving away from the lock-up.</p> + +<p>"No. 59, sir—Wilton," replied he. "I was just +going on deck to find you, sir."</p> + +<p>"To find me?" asked the principal.</p> + +<p>"Yes, sir. Shuffles called me when I was passing, +and wished me to tell you he wanted to see you very +much. I was just going after you, sir."</p> + +<p>"If there is any blame, sir, it rests on me," interposed +Shuffles, through the bars of his prison.</p> + +<p>Mr. Lowington unlocked the door of the brig, and +entered, followed by Mr. Agneau, leaving Wilton to +<span class="pageno"><a name="Page_163" id="Page_163">{163}</a></span> +congratulate himself on the result of the lies he had +uttered.</p> + +<p>"I am told you wish to see me, Shuffles," said the +principal.</p> + +<p>"Yes, sir; I wish to say that I am extremely sorry +for what I have done."</p> + +<p>"I thought you were crazy when you refused to +obey; and now I find you were."</p> + +<p>"I had been drinking, sir, I confess."</p> + +<p>"Mr. Agneau has told me your story; it is not +necessary to repeat it now. To-morrow I shall require +you to acknowledge your error at muster, and promise +obedience in the future. Are you willing to do so?"</p> + +<p>"I am, sir."</p> + +<p>"You are discharged from confinement then, and +will at once return to your duty," replied Mr. Lowington, +upon whom Shuffles did not venture to intrude +his extremely penitential story. "To which watch do +you belong?"</p> + +<p>"To the port watch, first part, sir."</p> + +<p>"It will be on deck during the first half of the mid +watch, from twelve till two," added the principal, as +he came out of the brig.</p> + +<p>Mr. Lowington made no parade of what he had +done. He never subjected any student to unnecessary +humiliation. He indulged in no reproaches, and +preached no sermons. He went on deck, intending +to leave the culprit to the influence of the better +thoughts which he hoped and believed had been +kindled in his mind by the events of the day. Mr. +Agneau remained a moment to give a final admoni +<span class="pageno"><a name="Page_164" id="Page_164">{164}</a></span>tion +to the penitent, as he regarded him, and then +went to his cabin.</p> + +<p>"Are you going to turn in, Shuffles?" asked +Wilton.</p> + +<p>"Not yet. Are there any of our fellows below?"</p> + +<p>"Plenty of them."</p> + +<p>"Our fellows" was a term applied to that portion +of the crew who were understood to be ready for any +scrape which might be suggested. Shuffles had coined +the expression himself, while at the Brockway Academy, +and introduced it on board the ship. Without +concealment or palliation, they were bad boys. By +the discipline of the ship they were kept in good +order, and compelled to perform their duties.</p> + +<p>As in every community of men or boys, where +persons of kindred tastes find each other out, the bad +boys in the Young America had discovered those of +like tendencies, and a bond of sympathy and association +had been established among them. They knew +and were known of each other.</p> + +<p>On the other hand, it is equally true, that there was +a bond of sympathy and association among the good +boys, as there is among good men. If a good man +wishes to establish a daily prayer meeting, he does +not apply to the intemperate, the profane swearers, and +the Sabbath breakers of his neighborhood for help; +there is a magnetism among men which leads him to +the right persons. If a bad man intends to get up a +mob, a raffle, or a carousal, he does not seek assistance +among those who go to church every Sunday, and +refrain from evil practices, either from principle or +policy. He makes no mistakes of this kind. +<span class="pageno"><a name="Page_165" id="Page_165">{165}</a></span></p> + +<p>In every community, perhaps one fourth of the whole +number are positively good, and one fourth positively +bad, while the remaining two fourths are more or less +good or more or less bad, floating undecided between +the two poles of the moral magnet, sometimes drawn +one way, and sometimes the other.</p> + +<p>The Young America was a world in herself, and +the moral composition of her people was similar to +that of communities on a larger scale. She had all +the elements of good and evil on board. One fourth +of the students were doubtless high-minded, moral +young men, having fixed principles, and being willing +to make great sacrifices rather than do wrong. As +good behavior, as well as proficiency in the studies, +was an element of success in the ship, a large proportion +of the positively good boys were in the after +cabin.</p> + +<p>Another fourth of the students were reckless and +unprincipled, with no respect for authority, except so +far as it was purchased by fear of punishment or hope +of reward. Occasionally one of this class worked his +way into the cabin by superior natural ability, and a +spasmodic attempt to better his condition on board.</p> + +<p>The rest of the ship's company belonged to the +indefinite, undecided class, floating more or less distant +from the positive elements of good or evil. They were +not bad boys, for, with proper influences, they could be, +and were, kept from evil ways. They were not good +boys on principle, for they could be led away in paths +of error.</p> + +<p>"Our fellows" were the positively bad boys of the +floating academy; and they existed in no greater pro +<span class="pageno"><a name="Page_166" id="Page_166">{166}</a></span>portion +in the ship's company than in the communities +of the great world. To this class belonged +Shuffles, Wilton, Monroe, and others. To the positively +good boys belonged Gordon, Kendall, Martyn, +and others—not all of them in the after cabin, by any +means.</p> + +<p>Shuffles and Wilton walked forward to find some +of these kindred spirits. They seemed to know just +where to look for them, for they turned in at Gangway +D. Over each of the six passages from which the +mess rooms opened, a lantern was suspended, besides +four more in the middle of the steerage. It was light +enough, therefore, in the rooms for their occupants to +read coarse print.</p> + +<p>In the lower berths of mess room No. 8 lay two +students, while another sat on a stool between them. +Their occupation was sufficient evidence that they +belonged to "our fellows," for they were shaking +props for money, on a stool between the bunks. As +Shuffles and Wilton approached, they picked up the +props and the stakes, and drew back into their beds.</p> + +<p>"It's Shuffles," said Philip Sanborn. "How did +you get out?"</p> + +<p>"Worked out," replied Shuffles, gayly.</p> + +<p>"You don't mean to say you broke jail?"</p> + +<p>"No; that would have been too much trouble. +There was an easier way, and I took that."</p> + +<p>"How was it?"</p> + +<p>"Why, I soft-sawdered the parson, and he soft-sawdered +Lowington."</p> + +<p>"It's all right; go ahead with the game," said +Lynch, as he produced the props again. +<span class="pageno"><a name="Page_167" id="Page_167">{167}</a></span></p> + +<p>Sanborn placed the money on the stool, consisting +of two quarters in fractional currency. Lynch shook +the props, and dropped them on the stool.</p> + +<p>"A nick!" exclaimed he, snatching the money. +"I'll go you a half now."</p> + +<p>"Half it is," replied Sanborn, as he placed the +requisite sum on the money the other laid down.</p> + +<p>Lynch rattled the props, and threw them down +again.</p> + +<p>"A browner!" cried he, intensely excited, as he +seized the money with eager hand.</p> + +<p>"Don't talk so loud, you fool!" added Sanborn. +"The fellows are asleep above us, and you will wake +them up. I'll go you a half again."</p> + +<p>"Half it is!" replied Lynch, in a whisper, as he +shook again.</p> + +<p>"An out!" said Sanborn, picking up the money.</p> + +<p>"Three bells! Dry up!" interposed Wilton. "One +of the officers of the deck will be down in a minute."</p> + +<p>The young gamblers put away the implements, and +drew back into their berths until the inspecting officer +had looked into the room. When the master had gone +on deck again, the play was resumed, and Shuffles +and Wilton watched it with deep interest.</p> + +<p>Gambling was a new thing on board the Young +America. It had not been practised at all in the preceding +year, having been introduced by Shuffles and +Monroe, who had visited a prop saloon in the city +where they resided, during their late furlough. Each +of them had brought a set of props on board, with +which they intended to amuse themselves during the +voyage. As yet, the practice was confined to a few +<span class="pageno"><a name="Page_168" id="Page_168">{168}</a></span> +of "our fellows;" but the crew in the steerage were +certainly in very great danger of being carried away +by the passion for gaming, for it was spreading +rapidly.</p> + +<p>The prop-shaking was carried on in the mess rooms, +while the students were off duty. Shuffles had played +with half a dozen boys the night before; Sanborn +and Lynch had been engaged in the game since the +first watch was set, and another party had been employed +in the same manner in another room. All of +the boys were supplied with money in considerable +sums, generally in sovereigns and half sovereigns, for +use when they reached Europe. It was changing +hands now, though no one had as yet been particularly +lucky.</p> + +<p>"Have a game, Shuffles?" said Lynch, when Sanborn +declared that he had no money left but gold.</p> + +<p>"No," replied Shuffles, "I shall not play any more."</p> + +<p>"Why not?"</p> + +<p>"I haven't time; and I don't want to become too +fond of it."</p> + +<p>"Haven't time!" exclaimed Lynch.</p> + +<p>"No; I've got a big job on my hands."</p> + +<p>"What's that?"</p> + +<p>"Making a chain."</p> + +<p>"Making a what?"</p> + +<p>"Making a chain."</p> + +<p>"A watch chain?"</p> + +<p>"I think it will be a watch chain; but I'll tell you +about it when we are alone. Do you understand?"</p> + +<p>"No, I don't."</p> + +<p>"Keep still then." +<span class="pageno"><a name="Page_169" id="Page_169">{169}</a></span></p> + +<p>Shuffles turned in, and the others followed his +example. He did not sleep, if they did, for his soul +was full of rage and malice. He was studying up the +means of revenge; and he had matured a project, so +foolhardy that it was ridiculous, and his mind was +fully occupied with it.</p> + +<p>At twelve o'clock he was called to take his place +with the first part of the port watch on deck. Belonging +to each quarter watch, there were five petty +officers, four of whom were to call the portion of the +crew who were to relieve those on duty. Shuffles +was called by one of these.</p> + +<p>The wind was freshening when he went on deck, +and the ship was going rapidly through the water. +At the last heaving of the log she was making eleven +knots, with her studding sails still set. Mr. Fluxion +came on deck at eight bells.</p> + +<p>Wilton, Sanborn, and Adler were in the watch with +Shuffles, and the malcontent lost not a moment in +pushing forward the scheme he had matured. Fortunately +or unfortunately, he was placed on the lookout +with Wilton, and the solitude of the top-gallant +forecastle afforded them a good opportunity for the +conference.</p> + + + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> +<h2><a name="CHAPTER_XI" id="CHAPTER_XI"></a>CHAPTER XI.</h2> + +<p><span class="pageno"><a name="Page_170" id="Page_170">{170}</a></span></p> + +<h4>THE GAMBLERS IN NO. 8.</h4> +<p class="returnTOC"><a href="#Contents">Return to Table of +Contents</a></p> + + +<p>"It's coming on to blow," said Wilton, as the lookouts +took their stations on the top-gallant forecastle.</p> + +<p>"I don't think it will blow much; it is only freshening +a little," replied Shuffles.</p> + +<p>"Now, what about the mutiny?" demanded Wilton, +impatiently, after he had become more accustomed to +the dash of the sea under the bows of the ship.</p> + +<p>"Don't call it by that name," replied Shuffles, earnestly. +"Never use that word again."</p> + +<p>"That's what you mean—isn't it? You might as +well call things by their right names."</p> + +<p>"It's an ugly word, and if any one should happen +to hear it, their attention would be attracted at once. +We musn't get in the habit of using it."</p> + +<p>"I don't know what you are going to do yet," +added Wilton.</p> + +<p>"It's a big job; but I mean to put it through, even +if I am sure of failure."</p> + +<p>"What's the use of doing that? Do you want to +get the fellows into a scrape for nothing?"</p> + +<p>"There will be no failure, Wilton; you may depend +upon that. There will be a row on board within a +<span class="pageno"><a name="Page_171" id="Page_171">{171}</a></span> +day or two, and, if I mistake not, nearly all the fellows +will be so mad that they will want to join us."</p> + +<p>"What row?"</p> + +<p>"Do you know the reason why I wouldn't shake +props this evening?"</p> + +<p>"I'm sure I don't."</p> + +<p>"Lowington has found out what is going on in the +rooms."</p> + +<p>"He hasn't, though!"</p> + +<p>"Yes, he has."</p> + +<p>"How do you know?"</p> + +<p>"What odds does it make how I know?" answered +Shuffles, impatiently, for Wilton was much too inquisitive +to suit his purposes. "I talked with the chaplain +half an hour to-night. When he went to my +berth after the wine, I rather think he heard the rattle +of the props. At any rate the whole thing will be +broken up to-morrow or next day."</p> + +<p>"I don't see how that will make a row. Not more +than a dozen fellows have played any; and they won't +think of making a row about that."</p> + +<p>"You see!" added Shuffles, confidently.</p> + +<p>"Ugh!" exclaimed Wilton, as a cloud of spray +dashed over the bow, and drenched the lookout; but +they wore their pea-jackets, and such an occurrence +was to be expected at sea.</p> + +<p>"Stand by to take in studding sails!" shouted Paul +Kendall, who was the officer of the deck; and the +order was repeated by his subordinates in the waist +and on the forecastle.</p> + +<p>"We must go," said Wilton; and they descended +from their position. +<span class="pageno"><a name="Page_172" id="Page_172">{172}</a></span></p> + +<p>The wind had continued to freshen, until the ship +labored somewhat under her heavy press of canvas. +It was the policy of the principal to go as easily and +comfortably as possible, and he had directed Mr. +Fluxion, if the wind continued to increase, to have +the sail reduced, though neither the safety of the ship +nor of the spars absolutely required such a step. The +quarter watch on deck was sufficient to perform this +labor.</p> + +<p>"Lay aloft, foretopmen!" said the second lieutenant; +and those of the watch who had their stations +in the fore rigging sprang up the shrouds. "Stand +by the halyard of the top-gallant studding sails! Man +the tacks and sheets!"</p> + +<p>"All ready, sir," reported the second midshipman, +who was in the foretop, superintending the operation.</p> + +<p>"Lower on the halyards! Ease off the tacks, and +haul on the sheet!"</p> + +<p>The two top-gallant studding-sails were thus brought +into the top, where they were made up. The fore-topmast +and the lower studding sails were taken in by +a similar routine, and the Young America then moved +along less furiously through the water.</p> + +<p>"Now about the chain," said Wilton, when +the lookouts had returned to their stations.</p> + +<p>"Let me see; where did I leave off?" replied +Shuffles.</p> + +<p>"You said there was to be a row; which I don't +believe."</p> + +<p>"I may be mistaken about that; if I am, the job +will be all the more difficult. Lowington has got us +out to sea now, and, in my opinion, he means to shake +<span class="pageno"><a name="Page_173" id="Page_173">{173}</a></span> +us up. He is a tyrant at heart, and he will carry it +with a high hand. I hate the man!" added Shuffles, +with savage earnestness.</p> + +<p>"You may, but the fellows don't generally."</p> + +<p>"They will as soon as he begins to put the twisters +on them. You won't hear him say, 'If you please, +young gentlemen,' now that we are in blue water. +You know how savage he was with me."</p> + +<p>"Well, but you were disobedient. You told him, +up and down, you wouldn't do what he ordered you +to do."</p> + +<p>"No matter for that. You had a chance to see the +spirit of the man. He was a perfect demon. He put +me in irons!" exclaimed Shuffles, still groaning under +this indignity. "I have been insulted and outraged, +and I will teach him that Bob Shuffles is not to be +treated in that manner! I will be revenged upon +him, if it costs me my life."</p> + +<p>"The fellows won't go into any such desperate +game as that," replied Wilton, cautiously.</p> + +<p>"But there will be fun in the thing," added the malcontent, +softening his tone. "We shall have the ship +all to ourselves. We needn't trouble ourselves anything +about Latin and Greek, and trigonometry and +algebra. We shall go in for a good time generally."</p> + +<p>"It is all moonshine; it can't be done. What's +the use of talking about such a thing?" said Wilton.</p> + +<p>"It can be done, and it shall be," replied Shuffles, +stamping his foot on the deck."</p> + +<p>"How?"</p> + +<p>"I am not quite ready to tell you yet."</p> + +<p>"Very well; I don't want to know anything more +<span class="pageno"><a name="Page_174" id="Page_174">{174}</a></span> +about it," answered the timid conspirator, who was +almost disgusted at the foolhardiness of the plan.</p> + +<p>"I can get along without you," added Shuffles, with +assumed indifference.</p> + +<p>"I would rather have you do so."</p> + +<p>"All right; but you will want to come in when we +have got along a little farther."</p> + +<p>"Perhaps I shall; if I do, I suppose the door will +be open to me."</p> + +<p>"It may be open; but perhaps you can't walk into +the cabin then."</p> + +<p>"Why not?"</p> + +<p>"Do you suppose the fellows who do the burden of +the work are going to be shut out of the cabin? If +you join at the eleventh hour, you will have to be +what you are now—a foremast hand."</p> + +<p>"What can I be if I join now?"</p> + +<p>"Second or third officer."</p> + +<p>"Who will be first."</p> + +<p>"I can't mention his name yet. He belongs in the +cabin now."</p> + +<p>"You don't mean so!" said Wilton, astonished to +learn that his bold companion expected to find friends +among the present officers of the ship.</p> + +<p>"I know what I'm about," replied Shuffles, confidently.</p> + +<p>With this information Wilton thought more favorably +of the mad enterprise. If it was to be a winning +game, he wished to have a part in it; if a losing one, +he desired to avoid it. There was something in the +decided manner of the chief conspirator which made +an impression upon this doubting mind. +<span class="pageno"><a name="Page_175" id="Page_175">{175}</a></span></p> + + +<p>"I don't want to go in till I know more about it," +said he, after walking two or three times across the +top-gallant forecastle.</p> + +<p>"You can't know anything more about it until you +have been toggled," replied Shuffles.</p> + +<p>"Toggled?" repeated the sceptic, curiously.</p> + +<p>"This thing is to be well managed, Wilton. We +shall not use any hard words, that outsiders can +understand; and if any of them happen to hear +anything that don't concern them, they will not know +what it means. Will you join, or not?"</p> + +<p>"I will," replied Wilton, desperately.</p> + +<p>The strange words which Shuffles used, and the +confidence he manifested in the success of his project, +carried the hesitating lookout man. He was fascinated +by the "clap-trap" which the leader of "our +fellows" had adopted to help along his scheme, for it +promised to afford no little excitement during the +voyage.</p> + +<p>"Now you talk like a man, Wilton," replied Shuffles. +"You shall be a member of the league at +once."</p> + +<p>"What's the league?"</p> + +<p>"The Chain League."</p> + +<p>"Upon my word, Shuffles, you have been reading +yellow-covered novels to some purpose."</p> + +<p>"I didn't get this idea from a novel. I invented it +myself."</p> + +<p>"The Chain League!" repeated Wilton, who was +pleased with the title of the conspirators.</p> + +<p>"It will be called simply 'The Chain.' I am the +<span class="pageno"><a name="Page_176" id="Page_176">{176}</a></span> +first member, and you are the second; or you will be +when you have been toggled."</p> + +<p>"Toggled again!" laughed Wilton. "What do +you mean?"</p> + +<p>"Initiated."</p> + +<p>"Go ahead, then."</p> + +<p>"Repeat after me."</p> + +<p>"Go on," replied Wilton, deeply interested in the +proceeding, even while he was amused at its formality.</p> + +<p>"<i>I am a link of the chain</i>."</p> + +<p>"I am a link of the chain," repeated Wilton.</p> + +<p>"<i>I will obey my superior officers</i>."</p> + +<p>"I will obey my superior officers."</p> + +<p>"<i>And I will reveal none of its secrets</i>."</p> + +<p>"And I will reveal none of its secrets."</p> + +<p>"<i>This I promise</i>——"</p> + +<p>"This I promise——"</p> + +<p>"<i>On penalty of falling overboard accidentally</i>."</p> + +<p>"On penalty of what?" demanded Wilton, both +puzzled and terrified by the mysterious words.</p> + +<p>"Repeat the words after me. On penalty," said +Shuffles, sternly.</p> + +<p>"I know what the words are, but I'll be hanged if I +will repeat them. 'Falling overboard accidentally!' +What does that mean?"</p> + +<p>"It means that, if you betray the secrets of The +Chain, you might fall overboard accidentally, some +day."</p> + +<p>"That is, you would push me over when no one +was looking," added Wilton, involuntarily retreating +from the conspirator, whom, for the moment, he regarded +as a very dangerous companion. +<span class="pageno"><a name="Page_177" id="Page_177">{177}</a></span></p> + +<p>"That's what the words mean," replied Shuffles, +coolly.</p> + +<p>"Have I been toggled?" demanded Wilton.</p> + +<p>"No; you didn't repeat all the words."</p> + +<p>"Then you needn't toggle me any more. I've got +enough of this thing."</p> + +<p>"All right; just as you say. But I can tell you +this, my dear fellow? if you should whisper the first +word of what has passed between us to-night, you +might fall overboard," continued Shuffles, sharply, as +he laid his hand on his companion's shoulder.</p> + +<p>Wilton grasped the sheet of the fore-topmast staysail +which was the nearest rope to him, and held on +as though he was then in imminent danger of "falling +overboard accidentally."</p> + +<p>"I won't say a word," protested he, vehemently; +for he did not know but that Shuffles was wicked +enough to push him into the sea.</p> + +<p>"Wilton, you are a fool!" added the disappointed +conspirator, with deep disgust. "Why didn't you say +what I told you?"</p> + +<p>"I don't want to be bound in any such way as that," +replied the terrified student.</p> + +<p>"Don't you see it is only a form?"</p> + +<p>"No, I don't; or if it is, I don't want anything to +do with such forms. You won't get any fellows to be +toggled in that way."</p> + +<p>"Yes, I shall? I shall get plenty of them. They +are not babies, like you."</p> + +<p>"I'm not a baby."</p> + +<p>"Yes, you are—a great calf! What are you +afraid of?" +<span class="pageno"><a name="Page_178" id="Page_178">{178}</a></span></p> + +<p>"I'm not afraid; I didn't think you meant to have +any murder in your Chain."</p> + +<p>"I don't; no fellow will think of such a thing as +betraying one of the secrets."</p> + +<p>"Then what's the use of having such a penalty?"</p> + +<p>"It will prevent any fellow from opening his mouth +when he ought to keep it shut."</p> + +<p>"I don't want anything to do with a concern that +means murder. I'm not any better than I should be, +but I'm too good for that."</p> + +<p>"Suit yourself; but remember, if you should happen +to say a word, you will fall overboard accidentally, +some night when you are on the lookout, or out on the +yard-arm."</p> + +<p>"Two bells," said Wilton, greatly relieved to hear +them, for he did not like to stand any longer on the +top-gallant forecastle, where there was no railing, with +such a dangerous fellow as Shuffles proved to be.</p> + +<p>Two other members of the watch were sent forward +to take their places. Wilton and Shuffles went down +and mingled with their shipmates, who were talking +about what they should do and what they should see in +Ireland, where the ship would first make a harbor. +Wilton breathed easier, and the topic was a more +agreeable one than the dark and terrible matter which +had been under discussion on the top-gallant forecastle.</p> + +<p>Shuffles was disappointed by the scruples of his +generally unscrupulous companion. He regarded the +machinery of the plot, the clap-trap of the secret +league, as decidedly attractive; and he depended +largely upon it to influence his companions. Though +he claimed that his plan was original, it was suggested +<span class="pageno"><a name="Page_179" id="Page_179">{179}</a></span> +by a secret political organization in Europe, of which +he had read in a pamphlet; and the idea had doubtless +been modified by his more extensive readings in +the department of fiction, in which midnight juntos +laid out robbery, treason, and murder; Venetian tales +in which bravos, assassins, and decayed princes in disguise +largely figured; in which mysterious passwords +opened mysterious dungeons beneath ruined castles; +in which bravo met bravo, and knew him by some +mysterious sign, or cabalistic word.</p> + +<p>Shuffles had a taste for these things, and out of his +lively imagination he had coined a similar association +to be recruited from the crew of the Young America, +which was to redress fancied wrongs, and even take +the ship out of the hands of the principal. He could +think of nothing but this brilliant enterprise; and +while his shipmates were talking of the future, and indulging +in the old salts' vocation of "spinning yarns," +he was busy maturing the details of "The Chain +League." He did not, for reasons best known to himself +attempt to make any more proselytes that night.</p> + +<p>The ship continued to go along easily on her course +till morning. It was a clear night, and though the +wind was fresh, the sea was not rough, and the Young +America behaved very handsomely. The programme +for the watches was carried out to the letter, but on the +first night out, the boys were too much excited by the +novelty of the situation to be able to sleep much.</p> + +<p>At eight bells in the morning, after the port watch +had breakfasted, all the students off duty attended +prayers. Then the starboard watch had their morning +meal, after which all hands were piped to muster. +<span class="pageno"><a name="Page_180" id="Page_180">{180}</a></span></p> + +<p>Mr. Lowington mounted the hatch, and it was understood +that the case of discipline which had come up +the day before was to be settled now.</p> + +<p>"Shuffles!" called the principal.</p> + +<p>The culprit came forward.</p> + +<p>"Are you still of the same mind as when I saw you +last evening?" continued Mr. Lowington.</p> + +<p>"I am, sir," replied Shuffles, with a becoming exhibition +of meekness.</p> + +<p>"You will step upon the hatch, then."</p> + +<p>Shuffles took position by the side of the principal.</p> + +<p>"You will repeat after me," added Mr. Lowington.</p> + +<p>The culprit was startled at these words, and began +to suspect that Wilton had betrayed him in spite of +his fear of falling overboard accidentally. It looked +just then as though the principal intended to "toggle" +him.</p> + +<p>"I acknowledge that I have done wrong," Mr. +Lowington continued.</p> + +<p>Shuffles repeated the words, happy to find that +he was not to take the obligation of "The Chain +League."</p> + +<p>"And I will hereafter endeavor to do my duty faithfully."</p> + +<p>The promise was repeated with the lips, but of +course it had no meaning, and did not reach the +heart.</p> + +<p>"That is all, Shuffles," added the principal.—"Young +gentlemen, you are dismissed from muster."</p> + +<p>This was certainly a very mild atonement for the +grave offence which Shuffles had committed, and the +lenity of the principal was generally commented upon +<span class="pageno"><a name="Page_181" id="Page_181">{181}</a></span> +by the boys. The starboard watch was piped below +to study and recite, while the port watch were to be +off and on during the forenoon. The first part now +had the deck, while the second was off duty, and the +boys belonging to it were permitted to remain on deck +or to spend their time in the mess rooms. They were +not allowed to linger in the steerage where the recitations +were going on, but might pass directly through +on their way to their apartments.</p> + +<p>At ten o'clock the first part of the port watch was +relieved, and the second part went on duty. Shuffles +and Wilton were at liberty now, but there appeared to +be a coldness between them, and Wilton sought another +companion for his leisure hours. Sanborn and +Adler belonged to his part of the watch, and he soon +joined them.</p> + +<p>"There isn't much difference between being off +duty and being on," said Adler, as they seated themselves +on the main hatch.</p> + +<p>"There will be a difference when we have to make +and take in sail every half hour. We had a big job +taking in the studding sails last night."</p> + +<p>"They don't drive the ship," added Sanborn. "I +suppose if we were a merchantman, they would crack +on all the sail she would carry."</p> + +<p>"She goes along beautifully," said Wilton.</p> + +<p>"She was only making five knots the last time the +log was heaved."</p> + +<p>"And the sea is as smooth as a mill-pond. We +shall not get to Queenstown for two months at this +rate."<span class="pageno"><a name="Page_182" id="Page_182">{182}</a></span></p> + +<p>"Stand by to set studding sails!" shouted Pelham, +the officer of the deck.</p> + +<p>"I wondered why they didn't do that before," said +Sanborn.</p> + +<p>The fore and main studding sails were set, two at a +time, by the part of the watch on duty, the wind still +being well aft.</p> + +<p>"What shall we do?" asked Wilton, with a long +yawn, after they had watched the operation of setting +the studding sails for a time. "This is stupid business, +and I'm getting sleepy."</p> + +<p>"Let us go below," suggested Sanborn.</p> + +<p>"What for? The professors won't let you speak +out loud while the recitations are going on," added +Adler.</p> + +<p>"We don't want to speak out loud. What do you +say to shaking a little?" continued Wilton.</p> + +<p>"I'm with you," replied Wilton. "Can either of +you change me a half sovereign?"</p> + +<p>Neither of them could, but they were willing to take +Wilton's due bills, till his indebtedness amounted to +ten shillings. The boys had already begun to talk the +language of sterling currency, and many of them were +supplied with English silver coins as well as gold. +The three boys went down at the fore hatch, and +removing their caps as they entered the steerage, +walked silently to Gangway D, from which they went +into mess room No. 8, which had thus far been the +headquarters of the gamblers. Seating themselves on +the stools, they used one of the beds as a table, and +in a few moments were deeply absorbed in the exciting +<span class="pageno"><a name="Page_183" id="Page_183">{183}</a></span> +game. They spoke in whispers, and were careful not +to rattle the props too loudly.</p> + +<p>After they had played a few moments, Shuffles came +in. They invited him to join them in the play, but he +declined, and soon left the mess room, returning to the +deck. In the waist he met Paul Kendall, who was the +officer of his watch, and, like him, was off duty. They +had generally been on good terms while in the after +cabin together, for then Shuffles was on his best +behavior.</p> + +<p>"How do things go on in the after cabin now, +Kendall—I beg your pardon—Mr. Kendall?" said +Shuffles, in his most gentlemanly tones.</p> + +<p>"About as usual, Mr. Shuffles," replied Paul.</p> + +<p>"I am not a 'mister' now," laughed Shuffles.</p> + +<p>"Well, it's all the same to me. I am sorry you are +not with us now."</p> + +<p>"So am I," added Shuffles. "I did not expect to +be on board this year, or I should have been there +now."</p> + +<p>"You can be, next term, if you like."</p> + +<p>"This thing yesterday has ruined all my prospects."</p> + +<p>"That was rather bad. I never was so sorry for +anything in my life before," answered Paul, warmly. +"You and I were always good friends after we got +well acquainted, though I did vote for another at the +election a year ago."</p> + +<p>"You did what you thought was right, and I don't +blame you for that. I always did my duty when I +was an officer."</p> + +<p>"That you did, Shuffles; and we always agreed +first rate. Isn't it a little strange that I have not lived +<span class="pageno"><a name="Page_184" id="Page_184">{184}</a></span> +in the steerage since the ship's company were organized?"</p> + +<p>"That's because you were always a good boy, and +a smart scholar. I think you would not like it."</p> + +<p>"If it wasn't for losing my rank, I should like to +try it," replied Paul. "I should like to get better +acquainted with the fellows."</p> + +<p>"You wouldn't like them in the steerage. You +would see a great many things there which you never +see in the cabin; a great many things which Mr. +Lowington and the professors know nothing about."</p> + +<p>"Why, what do you mean, Shuffles?" demanded +Paul, astonished at this revelation.</p> + +<p>"I ought not to say anything about it; but I believe +these things will break up the Academy Ship one of +these days, for the boys are growing worse instead of +better in her, and their folks will find it out sooner or +later."</p> + +<p>"You surprise me!" exclaimed Paul, sadly, for he +held the honor of the ship and her crew as the apple +of his eye. "If there is anything wrong there, you +ought to make it known."</p> + +<p>"I suppose I ought; but you know I'm not a tell-tale."</p> + +<p>"You have told me, and I'm an officer."</p> + +<p>"Well, I blundered into saying what I have. What +you said about going into the steerage made me let it +out. I am sorry I said anything."</p> + +<p>"You have raised my curiosity."</p> + +<p>"I will tell you; or rather I will put you in the +way of seeing for yourself, if you will not mention +<span class="pageno"><a name="Page_185" id="Page_185">{185}</a></span> +my name in connection with the matter, even to Mr. +Lowington, and certainly not to any one else."</p> + +<p>"I will not, Shuffles."</p> + +<p>"The fellows are gambling in the steerage at this +very moment," added Shuffles, in a low tone. "Don't +betray me."</p> + +<p>"I will not. Gambling!" exclaimed Paul, with +natural horror.</p> + +<p>"You will find them in No. 8," continued Shuffles, +walking away, and leaving the astonished officer to +wonder how boys could gamble.</p> + + + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> +<h2><a name="CHAPTER_XII" id="CHAPTER_XII"></a>CHAPTER XII.</h2> + +<p><span class="pageno"><a name="Page_186" id="Page_186">{186}</a></span></p> + +<h4>THE ROOT OF ALL EVIL.</h4> +<p class="returnTOC"><a href="#Contents">Return to Table of +Contents</a></p> + + +<p>Paul Kendall, who had not occupied a berth +in the steerage since the first organization of the +ship, was greatly surprised and grieved to learn that +some of the crew were addicted to vicious practices. +Gambling was an enormous offence, and he was not +quite willing to believe that such a terrible evil had +obtained a foothold in the ship. He could hardly conceive +of such a thing as boys engaging in games of +chance; only the vilest of men, in his estimation, +would do so. Shuffles had told him so, apparently +without malice or design, and there was no reason to +doubt the truth of his statement, especially as he had +given the particulars by which it could be verified.</p> + +<p>The second lieutenant went down into the steerage. +Classes were reciting to the professors, and studying +their lessons at the mess tables. There was certainly +no appearance of evil, for the place was still, and no +sound of angry altercation or ribald jest, which his +fancy connected with the vice of gambling, saluted his +ears. He cautiously entered Gangway D, and paused +where he could hear what was said in mess room +No. 8.</p> + +<p>"I'm five shillings into your half sovereign," said +<span class="pageno"><a name="Page_187" id="Page_187">{187}</a></span> +one of the gamblers; and then Paul distinctly heard +the rattling of the props.</p> + +<p>"There's the half sovereign," added another, whose +voice the officer recognized as that of Wilton. "You +own five shillings in it, and I own five shillings."</p> + +<p>"That's so," replied Sanborn, who appeared to be +the lucky one.</p> + +<p>"Let us shake for the coin," added Wilton. "It's +my throw."</p> + +<p>"That's rather steep."</p> + +<p>"We get along faster—that's all. If I throw a +nick, or a browner, it's mine; if an out, it's yours."</p> + +<p>"I am agreed—throw away," replied Sanborn, +without perceiving that the one who held the props +had two chances to his one.</p> + +<p>The props rattled, and dropped on the bed.</p> + +<p>"A browner!" exclaimed Wilton, thereby winning +all he had lost at one throw.</p> + +<p>"Hush! don't talk so loud," interposed Adler. +"You'll have the profs down upon us."</p> + +<p>"I'll go you another five shillings on one throw," +said Sanborn, chagrined at his loss.</p> + +<p>"Put down your money."</p> + +<p>The reckless young gambler put two half crowns, +or five shillings, upon the bed, and Wilton shook +again.</p> + +<p>"A nick!" said he, seizing the two half crowns.</p> + +<p>"Try it again," demanded Sanborn.</p> + +<p>Paul Kendall was filled with horror as he listened +to this conversation. When he had heard enough to +satisfy him that the speakers were actually gambling, +he hastened to inform Mr. Lowington of the fact. +<span class="pageno"><a name="Page_188" id="Page_188">{188}</a></span> +Paul was an officer of the ship, and this was so plainly +his duty that he could not avoid it, disagreeable as +it was to give testimony against his shipmates. It +seemed to him that the ship could not float much +longer if such iniquity were carried on within her +walls of wood; she must be purged of such enormities, +or some fearful retribution would overtake her. +There was no malice or revenge in the bosom of the +second lieutenant; he was acting solely and unselfishly +for the good of the institution and the students.</p> + +<p>He went on deck again. Shuffles was still there, +and they met in the waist.</p> + +<p>"You told me the truth," said Paul.</p> + +<p>"You did not think I was joking about so serious +a matter—did you?" replied Shuffles.</p> + +<p>"No; but I hoped you might be mistaken."</p> + +<p>"How could I be mistaken, when I have seen, at +one time and another, a dozen fellows engaged in +gambling? Of course such things as these will ruin +the boys, and bring the ship into disrepute."</p> + +<p>"You are right. My father, for one, wouldn't let +me stay on board a single day, if he knew any of the +boys were gamblers."</p> + +<p>"It can be easily stopped, now you know about it," +added Shuffles.</p> + +<p>"Perhaps it can. I will inform Mr. Lowington at +once."</p> + +<p>"Remember, if you please, what I said, Mr. Kendall. +I am willing to do a good thing for the ship; +but you know how much I should have to suffer, if +it were known that I gave the information. I didn't +mean to blow on my shipmates; but you and I have +<span class="pageno"><a name="Page_189" id="Page_189">{189}</a></span> +been so intimate in the after cabin, that I spoke before +I was aware what I was about," continued Shuffles.</p> + +<p>"I shall not willingly betray you."</p> + +<p>"Willingly! What do you mean by that?" demanded +the conspirator, startled by the words of the +officer.</p> + +<p>"Suppose Mr. Lowington should ask me where I +obtained my information," suggested Paul.</p> + +<p>"Didn't you see for yourself in No. 8?"</p> + +<p>"He might ask what led me to examine the +matter so particularly. But, Shuffles, I will tell him +honestly that I do not wish to inform him who gave +me the hint; and I am quite sure he will not press the +matter, when he finds that the facts are correct."</p> + +<p>"Don't mention my name on any account," added +Shuffles. "It was mean of me to say anything; but +the ship was going to ruin, and I'm rather glad I spoke, +though I didn't intend to do so."</p> + +<p>"I will make it all right, Shuffles," replied Paul, +as he descended the cabin steps.</p> + +<p>Mr. Lowington was in the main cabin, and the second +lieutenant knocked at the door. He was readily +admitted, and invited to take a seat, for the principal +was as polite to the young gentlemen as though they +had been his equals in age and rank.</p> + +<p>"I would like to speak with you alone, if you please, +sir," Paul began, glancing at the cabin steward, who +was at work in the pantry.</p> + +<p>"Come into my state room," said the principal, +leading the way.</p> + +<p>"I hope your business does not relate to the discipline +of the ship," continued Mr. Lowington, when +<span class="pageno"><a name="Page_190" id="Page_190">{190}</a></span> +they were seated, and the door of the room was closed. +"If it does, you should have applied to the captain."</p> + +<p>"This is a peculiar case, sir, and I obtained my +information while off duty," replied Paul, with some +embarrassment; for he had thought of communicating +his startling discovery to Captain Gordon, and had +only been deterred from doing so by the fear of betraying +Shuffles.</p> + +<p>"I will hear what you have to say."</p> + +<p>"There is something very bad going on in the steerage," +said Paul, seriously.</p> + +<p>"Indeed! What is it?" asked the principal, full +of interest and anxiety.</p> + +<p>"Gambling, sir."</p> + +<p>"Gambling!" repeated Mr. Lowington, his brow +contracting.</p> + +<p>Paul made no reply; and he expected to be asked +how he had obtained the startling information.</p> + +<p>"Are you quite sure of what you say, Mr. Kendall?"</p> + +<p>"Yes, sir, I am. In mess room No. 8, there are +three or four students now engaged in gambling. I +stood at the door long enough to find out what they +were doing."</p> + +<p>"This is serious, Mr. Kendall."</p> + +<p>"If you have any doubt about the fact, sir, I hope +you will take measures to satisfy yourself at once, for +I think the students are still there."</p> + +<p>"I will, Mr. Kendall; remain in this cabin, if you +please, until my return," added the principal, as he +moved towards the door. +<span class="pageno"><a name="Page_191" id="Page_191">{191}</a></span></p> + +<p>"You must be careful when you approach them, +sir, for the gamblers are very sly."</p> + +<p>Mr. Lowington passed from the professors' cabin, +into the steerage, and proceeding to the entrance of +No. 8, he paused to listen. He heard the whispered +conversation about the stakes, and "nicks," "browners" +and "outs." The gamblers were by this time +highly excited by the game, and had not only become +imprudent, but absolutely reckless, so intense was the +fascination of their employment. Suddenly, but with +a light step, he entered the mess room. Wilton sat in +the berth, while his companions occupied stools outside +and their heads were close together.</p> + +<p>Mr. Lowington took Adler by the collar of his frock +with one hand, and Sanborn with the other, just as +Wilton had thrown the props upon the bed. With a +vigorous jerk, he tossed them back upon the floor, so +as to obtain a full view of the stakes and the gambling +implements. The culprits were astounded at this sudden +descent upon them; but before they could comprehend +the situation fully, the principal turned upon +his heel, and left the room without a word of astonishment +or censure.</p> + +<p>"We're in for it now," said Wilton, as his companions +picked themselves up from the floor, and gazed +at each other with a sheepish look.</p> + +<p>"That's so," replied Sanborn.</p> + +<p>"We shall catch it," added Adler.</p> + +<p>"We shall find out how the inside of the brig looks, +in my opinion," continued Wilton. "I was a fool to +play here, right in the steerage. Shuffles told me that +<span class="pageno"><a name="Page_192" id="Page_192">{192}</a></span> +Lowington smelt a mice, and would make a row about +this thing."</p> + +<p>"Shuffles told you so!" exclaimed Adler. "How +did he know?"</p> + +<p>"I don't know? I believe the parson told him last +night, when he was in the brig."</p> + +<p>"Why didn't you say so then?" demanded Sanborn. +"You have got us into a pretty scrape! That is the +reason why Shuffles wouldn't play himself."</p> + +<p>"Yes, he said it was; but I didn't believe Lowington +knew anything about it; I don't see how he could. +He walked in here as straight as though he had been +sent for, and knew just where to go," said Wilton.</p> + +<p>"Of course he did: you say Shuffles told you +Lowington knew all about it; and I suppose he has +been on the watch to find some fellows at it so as to +make an example of them."</p> + +<p>"That's the whole of it. We might as well throw +the props overboard now."</p> + +<p>Mr. Lowington returned to the cabin, where he had +left Paul Kendall. He was sadly disturbed by the +discovery he had made, for he had no suspicion before +that any of his pupils had made so much progress in +vice. He knew what a terrible evil gambling was +among men; that it was the forerunner of dissipation +and crime; and he felt the responsibility which rested +upon him as a guardian and instructor of youth.</p> + +<p>"Mr. Kendall, your information was correct; and +I commend the zeal you have displayed in bringing +this fearful evil to light. How happened you to discover +it?"</p> + +<p>"I had a hint from a source which I would rather +<span class="pageno"><a name="Page_193" id="Page_193">{193}</a></span> +not mention," replied the second lieutenant, with some +embarrassment.</p> + +<p>"Indeed!"</p> + +<p>"Yes, sir; one of the students, who berths in the +steerage, happened accidentally to let it out."</p> + +<p>Paul said "accidentally," because he believed that +Shuffles had been betrayed into the revelation by their +former intimacy.</p> + +<p>"And he does not wish to be regarded as an informer," +added the principal.</p> + +<p>"No, sir; after he had excited my curiosity, he told +me where I could find the gamblers at play."</p> + +<p>"I understand his position, precisely," said Mr. +Lowington; "and I will not ask his name. The +information proves to be painfully correct, and there +appears to have been no malice in giving it."</p> + +<p>"No, sir; I don't think there was: indeed, I know +there was not," added Paul, when he considered that +Wilton and the other gamblers were Shuffles' intimate +companions.</p> + +<p>"This is a very serious matter, Mr. Kendall," repeated +the principal, thoughtfully.</p> + +<p>"I think it is, sir; that is the reason why I came to +you, instead of going to the captain."</p> + +<p>"Perhaps it is better that you did so, on the whole," +replied Mr. Lowington. "It has enabled me to see +the evil for myself. Have you any views in regard to +what should be done, Mr. Kendall?"</p> + +<p>The principal often asked the opinion of the officers +concerning similar matters under discussion, perhaps +in order to teach them self-respect, rather than with the +<span class="pageno"><a name="Page_194" id="Page_194">{194}</a></span> +expectation of obtaining valuable suggestions from +them.</p> + +<p>"I think there should be stricter discipline in the +mess rooms, sir," replied Paul, blushing to have his +opinion asked. "The fellows——"</p> + +<p>"The students, you mean," interposed the principal.</p> + +<p>"Excuse me, sir," added Paul, blushing deeper than +before at this gentle rebuke.</p> + +<p>The boys had a language of their own, which was +not tolerated by the faculty when it ran into coarseness +and slang.</p> + +<p>"What were you about to say, Mr. Kendall?" continued +the principal, smiling at the confusion of the +young officer.</p> + +<p>"The students can now do anything they like in the +mess rooms. They have plenty of money, and if they +want to gamble, they can. They were playing last +night when the first part of the starboard watch were +on duty."</p> + +<p>"You are right, Mr. Kendall," said Mr. Lowington +"The students must be looked after in their +rooms. Has there ever been any gambling among the +officers in the after cabin?"</p> + +<p>"I never saw any, or heard of any. I don't think +there has been."</p> + +<p>"I hope not; but we must grapple with this question +in earnest," added the principal, as he led the way +out of the state room into the main cabin.</p> + +<p>The chaplain and the doctor were there, and Mr. +Lowington wished to take their advice upon the serious +matter before him; and before he permitted the +<span class="pageno"><a name="Page_195" id="Page_195">{195}</a></span> +second lieutenant to retire, he stated the case to +them.</p> + +<p>"Gambling!" groaned the chaplain.</p> + +<p>"I detected them in the act myself," added Mr. +Lowington. "You may retire, Mr. Kendall."</p> + +<p>"Why, this is awful!"</p> + +<p>"Boys will do almost anything that men will," said +Dr. Winstock, the surgeon.</p> + +<p>"Drinking and gambling!" ejaculated the chaplain. +"What are we coming to?"</p> + +<p>"I fear there are other vices of which we know +nothing yet," added the doctor.</p> + +<p>"Why, I'm afraid the Academy Ship will prove to +be a failure, after all," sighed Mr. Agneau.</p> + +<p>"Not at all," argued Dr. Winstock. "We are in +position here to treat these evils properly. There are +no fond mothers and indulgent fathers to spoil the +boys, when the discipline becomes sharp."</p> + +<p>"What can we do?" demanded the chaplain. +"Moral and religious influences seem to have no +effect."</p> + +<p>"Have faith in your own medicines, Mr. Agneau," +said the doctor.</p> + +<p>"I have full faith in the medicine, Dr. Winstock; +but I fear I have not done my duty faithfully."</p> + +<p>"You need not reproach yourself, Mr. Agneau. +You have been earnest in your work," interposed the +principal. "In a large community of young men, all +these vices and evils will appear. It was to meet them +that the keel of this ship was laid, and our institution +organized. I expect to find vice, and even crime, +among the boys. They that be sick need a physician, +<span class="pageno"><a name="Page_196" id="Page_196">{196}</a></span> +not they that be whole. These boys certainly behave +better on board the ship than they did on shore at the +various academies they attended. Pelham, who is now +fourth lieutenant, and has been first, was one of the +hardest boys in the school to which he belonged in +New York. He has given us no trouble here, though +he has been a little sulky since he fell from his former +rank. Shuffles, who, in the Brockway Academy, was +the worst boy I ever knew, without exception, behaved +himself astonishingly well for a whole year. I am +sorry to see that he has begun the second year badly."</p> + +<p>"O, his is a very hopeful case!" said Mr. Agneau. +"He is penitent for his folly, and I never saw so great +a change in an individual as he exhibited on my second +visit to him last evening."</p> + +<p>"I hope he will not disappoint you. I only mentioned +him to show what a benefit the ship had been +to him; for if it keeps him out of trouble even a single +year, it is so far a blessing to him, to say nothing of his +intellectual progress, which has been more than satisfactory. +The fact that there are gambling, and drinking +and other vices on board, does not diminish my +faith in the institution."</p> + +<p>"It certainly ought not to do so," added Dr. Winstock, +who was not so sanguine a reformer as the chaplain +and was willing to wait till the medicine had +time to produce an effect. "Here is an evil: we +must meet it, and we needn't stop to groan over it. +What's to be done? that's the question."</p> + +<p>"The officer of the watch must be required to visit +every room during the first watch at least," said the +principal.<span class="pageno"><a name="Page_197" id="Page_197">{197}</a></span></p> + +<p>"But those who are disposed to gamble will find +abundant opportunities to do so," suggested the doctor. +"A couple of them up in the maintop, or even in the +cross-trees, could shake props, 'odd or even,' and +play other games of chance, without being seen. I +don't think you have hit the nail on the head yet, Mr. +Lowington."</p> + +<p>"The utmost vigilance we can use will not entirely +prevent evil. We depend upon moral influences, as +well as discipline, for the prevention and cure of vice +and error," added the principal.</p> + +<p>"I'm afraid a lecture on gambling wouldn't do much, +good while the means of play were still in the hands +of the students. It would influence some; but others +are not to be influenced in any way: a strong arm +alone will meet their case."</p> + +<p>"We can take the props from them," said Mr. Lowington.</p> + +<p>"You must go a step farther than that; you must +search the berths and lockers for cards, dice, or other +gambling implements. Even then you will not have +struck at the root of the evil."</p> + +<p>"What is the root of the evil?" asked the principal.</p> + +<p>"Money, sir!" replied the doctor, with unusual +energy.</p> + +<p>"That is said to be the root of all evil," added Mr. +Lowington, with a smile.</p> + +<p>"Among boys, money does more injury than we can +comprehend. A college friend of mine was wholly +spoiled by his allowance of money. His purse was +always full, which made him the prey of dissolute persons. +He always had the means of gratifying his +<span class="pageno"><a name="Page_198" id="Page_198">{198}</a></span> +appetites, and is now a sot, if he is living. He began +to drink, gamble, and dissipate generally, before he +entered college: he was expelled in a year. Without +money, as a boy, he would have been saved from a +score of temptations. Every boy on board this ship +has a pocket full of sovereigns for his European expenses. +They are all young nabobs, and if you ever +let them go ashore, you will have your hands full, +Mr. Lowington. They will drink beer and wine, visit bad +places, gamble and carouse. While they have +plenty of money, you can hardly prevent them from +being a nuisance to you and to themselves."</p> + +<p>"There is a great deal of force in what you say, +Dr. Winstock."</p> + +<p>"Money will be the root of all evil to these boys, +most emphatically. Those who are disposed to gamble +will do so while they have money."</p> + +<p>"The inference to be drawn from your remarks is, +that the students should not have pocket money."</p> + +<p>"Most decidedly that is my opinion. If I had a +son, I wouldn't allow him a penny of pocket money."</p> + +<p>"That would be rather hard," said the chaplain.</p> + +<p>"I know it, but it would be the best thing in the +world for the boy. I don't mean to say that I would +never permit him to have money; but he should have +no stated allowance; and when he had a dollar, I +should want to know how it was to be expended."</p> + +<p>"This question of money allowances has been under +serious consideration with me."</p> + +<p>"You can't handle the boys in Europe with money +in their pockets. A regiment of soldiers could not +keep them straight." +<span class="pageno"><a name="Page_199" id="Page_199">{199}</a></span></p> + +<p>"I think you are right, doctor. I am tempted to +take their money from them."</p> + +<p>"Do it, by all means!" exclaimed Dr. Winstock.</p> + +<p>The chaplain regarded the measure as rather high-handed. +He thought it would belittle the boys, and +deprive them of some portion of their self-respect. +The instructors came into the cabin at seven bells, and +their opinions were taken. Four of the six were in +favor of taking all money from the boys. Mr. Lowington +had already reached this view of the case, and +it was resolved to take the important step at once, as +the best means of effectually putting a stop to the practice +of gambling.</p> + +<p>Mr. Fluxion had been unable to attend this conference +for more than a few moments, for he was the +instructor in mathematics, which included navigation, +and he was compelled to superintend the observations, +which were made with separate instruments by himself +and by the two masters of the forenoon watch. +The position of the ship was found, and marked on +the chart, and the "dead reckoning" compared with +the result obtained by calculation.</p> + +<p>At one bell in the afternoon watch, all hands were +piped to muster, and the gamblers readily understood +that this call was for their especial benefit.</p> + +<p>"Wilton," said Mr. Lowington, from his usual +position.</p> + +<p>The culprit came forward.</p> + +<p>"With whom were you gambling in mess room No. +8, this forenoon?" asked the principal.</p> + +<p>Wilton looked up at the stern dispenser of discipline. +If he did not know, it was not his business to tell. +<span class="pageno"><a name="Page_200" id="Page_200">{200}</a></span></p> + +<p>"Answer me."</p> + +<p>"I don't know."</p> + +<p>"You are telling a falsehood."</p> + +<p>"I don't remember their names now," said Wilton.</p> + +<p>"You do remember them; and for each falsehood +you utter you shall suffer an additional penalty."</p> + +<p>"I'm not a tell-tale, sir," answered Wilton, doggedly. +"I don't want to tell who they were."</p> + +<p>"Very well; why didn't you say that at first? I +have some respect for the student who dislikes to +betray even his companions in error; none at all for a +liar. Adler and Sanborn," added the principal; and +the two gamblers stepped up to the hatch. "Young +gentlemen, you are charged with gambling. Have +you anything to say?"</p> + +<p>"Nothing sir," they all replied.</p> + +<p>"Wilton, how much money have you lost at play?"</p> + +<p>"None, sir."</p> + +<p>"How much have you made?"</p> + +<p>"Ten shillings—half a sovereign."</p> + +<p>"From whom did you win it?"</p> + +<p>"From Sanborn."</p> + +<p>"Return it to him."</p> + +<p>Wilton obeyed. Adler had won about a dollar from +Sanborn, which he was also compelled to restore. +Mr. Lowington was satisfied that others had gained +or lost by gambling, but as he did not know who the +other gamblers were, he did not attempt to have the +ill-gotten money restored; for he never made himself +ridiculous to the students by endeavoring to do what +could not be done.</p> + +<p>Mr. Lowington then made a very judicious address +<span class="pageno"><a name="Page_201" id="Page_201">{201}</a></span> +upon the evil of gambling, pointing out its dangerous +fascination, and the terrible consequences which sooner +or later overtook its victims. He illustrated his remarks +by examples drawn from real life. The chaplain +followed him, detailing the career of a young man +whom he had attended in prison, and who had been +utterly ruined by the habit of gaming, contracted +before he was of age.</p> + +<p>These addresses seemed to produce a deep impression +on the boys, and one would have judged by their +looks that they all regarded the dangerous practice +with well-grounded horror. Mr. Lowington took the +stand again, and followed with another address upon +"the root of all evil;" adding that, having money in +their possession, they would be tempted to gamble.</p> + +<p>"Now, young gentlemen, I propose that you all +deliver your funds to me, taking my receipt for whatever +amount you deliver to me. When you have any +real need of money, apply to me, and I will restore +it," added Mr. Lowington.</p> + +<p>"Take our money from us!" exclaimed several; and +it was evident that the proposition was creating a tremendous +sensation among the students.</p> + + + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> +<h2><a name="CHAPTER_XIII" id="CHAPTER_XIII"></a>CHAPTER XIII.</h2> + +<p><span class="pageno"><a name="Page_202" id="Page_202">{202}</a></span></p> + +<h4>PIPING TO MISCHIEF.</h4> +<p class="returnTOC"><a href="#Contents">Return to Table of +Contents</a></p> + + +<p>After the offensive announcement that the +students were to deliver up their money to the +principal, and take his receipt for it, the crew were +dismissed from muster, after being informed that the +business of receiving the funds would be immediately +commenced in the steerage. The three gamblers were +not punished, except by the mortification of the exposure, +even by the loss of their marks, though Wilton was +confined in the brig one hour for each falsehood he +had uttered. Mr. Lowington knew that at least a +dozen of the boys were guilty of gambling; and as the +matter now came up for the first time, he did not +deem it expedient to punish those who had been discovered +hoping that the preventive measures he had +adopted would effectually suppress the evil.</p> + +<p>Many of the students regarded the taking of their +money as an indignity. Only a few of them, comparatively, +had engaged in gambling, though many of the +occupants of the steerage knew of the existence of the +practice on board the ship. They were willing to +believe, and did believe, after the impressive addresses +to which they had listened, that games of chance +were a perilous amusement, but they were not quite +<span class="pageno"><a name="Page_203" id="Page_203">{203}</a></span> +willing to acknowledge the justice of Mr. Lowington's +measures.</p> + +<p>Most of the officers, and many of the crew, cheerfully +complied with the new regulation. They handed +their money to the pursers, and received a receipt for +the amount, signed by the principal. Others emptied +the contents of their exchequer sullenly, and under +protest; while not a few openly grumbled in the presence +of Mr. Lowington. Some of "our fellows" +attempted to keep back a portion of their funds, and +perhaps a few succeeded, though the tact of the principal +exposed the deceit in several instances. Whatever +may be thought of the justice or the expediency of +depriving the students of their money, it was evidently +an exceedingly unpopular step.</p> + +<p>In the second dog watch, when Shuffles and Paul +Kendall were off duty, they happened to meet in the +waist; and the exciting topic of the day came up for +discussion, as it had in every little group that collected +that afternoon. Shuffles had accomplished his purpose; +he had accomplished far more than he intended. +He had expected nothing more than a general onslaught +upon gambling, followed by increased stringency +in the regulations, and a closer watch over the +students in their rooms, which would produce sufficient +irritation among the boys to suit his purposes. Now +the crew, and even some of the officers, were in a +ferment of indignation, and ripe for a demonstration +of any kind.</p> + +<p>"The business is done," said Paul Kendall, as he +met the conspirator.</p> + +<p>"I'm afraid it's overdone," answered Shuffles, seri +<span class="pageno"><a name="Page_204" id="Page_204">{204}</a></span>ously, +though he was actually in a state of exultation +over the effect which had been produced by the new +regulation.</p> + +<p>"I hope not. I did not mention your name to the +principal in connection with the matter," added Paul.</p> + +<p>"Didn't he ask you?"</p> + +<p>"He did? but when I stated the case to him, and +told him the person who had given me the information +had let it out accidentally, and did not wish to +be known, he asked no more questions."</p> + +<p>"Thank you, Mr. Kendall. This last measure is +so unpopular that I should have been cast out like an +unclean bird, if it were known that I gave the hint."</p> + +<p>"No one shall know anything about it from me, +Shuffles. You did a good thing for the ship, and for +every fellow in it."</p> + +<p>"They wouldn't be willing to believe that just +now," said Shuffles, laughing.</p> + +<p>"Perhaps not? but it is a fact, none the less."</p> + +<p>"I didn't think Mr. Lowington would go it quite so +strong. If I had, I shouldn't have told you what I +did."</p> + +<p>"Why, are you not satisfied with what has been +done?" asked Kendall, with some astonishment.</p> + +<p>"No, I am not. I am glad enough to see the gambling +stopped, but I don't think the principal had any +more right to take my money away from me than he +had to take my head off," replied Shuffles, earnestly.</p> + +<p>"Don't you think it will be better for the fellows to +be without money than with it?"</p> + +<p>"Perhaps it will; I don't know about that. Your +neighbor might be a better man if he were poor than +<span class="pageno"><a name="Page_205" id="Page_205">{205}</a></span> +if he were rich: does that make it that you have any +right to take his property from him?"</p> + +<p>"I don't think it does," replied Paul.</p> + +<p>"The State of Massachusetts, for instance, or the +State of Ohio, makes laws against games of chance. +Why not make a law, if a man gambles, that all his +money shall be taken from him?"</p> + +<p>"The state has no right to make such a law, I +suppose."</p> + +<p>"But the principal goes a long reach beyond that. +He takes every man's money away from him, whether +he is accused of gambling or not. Do you think he +had any right to do that?"</p> + +<p>"He hasn't made any law; but if you want law, +I'll give you some!" laughed Paul, who was disposed +to treat the subject very good-naturedly, especially as +there was so much loose indignation floating about the +decks.</p> + +<p>"I don't mean law alone, but justice," added Shuffles. +"I call it high-handed injustice to take the +fellows' money away from them."</p> + +<p>"Let me give you a little law, then," persisted Paul. +"How old are you, Shuffles?"</p> + +<p>"Eighteen."</p> + +<p>"Good! You are an infant."</p> + +<p>"In law, I am."</p> + +<p>"Suppose your uncle, or somebody else, should die +to-day, and leave you fifty thousand dollars: wouldn't +you have a good time with it?"</p> + +<p>"I should, as soon as I got hold of it, you had +better believe," replied Shuffles.</p> + +<p>"As soon as you got hold of it!" exclaimed Paul. +<span class="pageno"><a name="Page_206" id="Page_206">{206}</a></span></p> + +<p>"I suppose I should have a guardian till I became +of age."</p> + +<p>"Who would appoint your guardian?"</p> + +<p>"The court, I believe."</p> + +<p>"Exactly so! The law! What, take your money +away from you, or not let you touch it!"</p> + +<p>"That's law, certainly."</p> + +<p>"Well, wouldn't the law have just as much right to +take off a fellow's head, as to take his money?" demanded +Paul, triumphantly.</p> + +<p>"Mr. Lowington is not our guardian."</p> + +<p>"Yes, he is, for the time being; and I hold that he +has just as much right to take your money from you +as your father would have."</p> + +<p>"I don't see it; I don't believe it. The money was +given us by our fathers to spend in Europe when we +get there."</p> + +<p>"Mr. Lowington is to pay all our expenses on shore, +by the terms of the contract. Besides, the regulations +of the Academy Ship, to which all the parents assented, +require that the control of the boys shall be wholly +given up to the principal. It's a plain case, Shuffles."</p> + +<p>Mr. Lowington and his policy had an able and zealous +defender in the person of Paul Kendall, who, by +his arguments, as well as his influence, had already +reconciled several of the students to the new regulation.</p> + +<p>"If I were willing to grant the right of the principal +to take the fellows' money from them—which I +am not—I think it is treating them like babies to do +so. It is punishing the innocent with the guilty."</p> + +<p>"Mr. Lowington said, in so many words, that the +<span class="pageno"><a name="Page_207" id="Page_207">{207}</a></span> +measure was not intended as a punishment; that it +was purely a matter of discipline, intended to meet +certain evils which must appear when we landed in +Europe, as well as to prevent gambling."</p> + +<p>Paul certainly had the best of the argument; but +Shuffles was not convinced, because he did not wish +to be convinced.</p> + +<p>At eight bells, when the first part of the port watch +went on duty, the wind had shifted from west to north; +the studding-sails had been taken in, the spanker, +main spencer, and all the staysails had been set, and +the ship, close-hauled, was barely laying her course. +The wind was fresh, and she was heeled over on the +starboard side, so that her decks formed a pretty steep +inclined plane. Under these circumstances, it required +a great deal of skill and watchfulness on the part of +the wheelmen to keep the sails full, and at the same +time to lay the course. As the ship's head met the +heavy seas, a great deal of spray was dashed on deck, +and the position of the lookout-men on the top-gallant +forecastle was not as comfortable as if the weather +had been warmer. There was no dodging; every +student was obliged to stand at his post, wet or dry, +blow high or blow low.</p> + +<p>Wilton had been discharged from confinement in +the brig, where Mr. Agneau had visited him, giving +him good advice and religious instruction, as he did to +all who were punished in any manner, and was now +with his watch on deck. The new regulation was +particularly odious to "our fellows," and Wilton regarded +himself as a martyr to the popular cause, forgetting +that he had been punished for the lies he had +<span class="pageno"><a name="Page_208" id="Page_208">{208}</a></span> +told. He and twenty others were forward to say they +"wouldn't stand it;" and the indignation seemed to +be increasing rather than subsiding.</p> + +<p>"Well, Wilton, how do you like the inside of the +brig?" asked Shuffles, when they met in the maintop, +having been sent aloft to clear away the bowline +bridle on the main-topsail.</p> + +<p>"I like it well enough," replied Wilton. "I wasn't +going to blow on the fellows; I would stay in there a +month first."</p> + +<p>"Did you give up your money?"</p> + +<p>"Of course I did; I couldn't help myself."</p> + +<p>"How do you like the new regulation?"</p> + +<p>"I don't like it any better than the rest of the fellows +do," answered Wilton, in surly tones. "I won't stand +it, either."</p> + +<p>"O, I guess you will," laughed Shuffles. "I told +you Lowington was a tyrant, but you wouldn't believe +me."</p> + +<p>"Yes, I would; and I did."</p> + +<p>"The fellows will find out what he is before they +are many days older."</p> + +<p>"I think they have found out now, I say, Shuffles, +was this the row you spoke about last night?"</p> + +<p>"Yes; only there's more of it than I expected."</p> + +<p>"How did you know anything about it beforehand?"</p> + +<p>"I have a way of finding out these things," replied +the artful conspirator, mysteriously. "I have one or +two friends at court."</p> + +<p>"Is Paul Kendall one of them?"</p> + +<p>"No; he is a simpleton. He don't know which +<span class="pageno"><a name="Page_209" id="Page_209">{209}</a></span> +side his bread is buttered. If Lowington takes snuff, +Kendall sneezes."</p> + +<p>"I have seen you talking with him two or three +times to-day."</p> + +<p>"I was only pumping him."</p> + +<p>"Well, there is a jolly row on board now, anyhow," +added Wilton, as he prepared to descend over +the cat-harpings.</p> + +<p>"Hold on; don't let's go on deck yet," interposed +Shuffles. "I want to know what our fellows are going +to do."</p> + +<p>"They will call us down, if we stop here."</p> + +<p>"When they do, we will go down, then," replied +Shuffles, as he seated himself in the top, with his legs +through the lubber's-hole. "What are our fellows going +to do? Do they mean to stand this thing?"</p> + +<p>"They can't help themselves; they are mad enough +to do anything; but what's the use?" added Wilton, +as he seated himself by the side of his companion.</p> + +<p>"Don't you think they will join the League now?"</p> + +<p>"They would join anything that would give them +their rights. I'll join now; but I don't want to be +toggled in such a way as you said last night."</p> + +<p>"Then you can't be toggled at all."</p> + +<p>"I haven't any idea of falling overboard accidentally. +I'd rather lose my money than do that."</p> + +<p>"It's nothing but a form, Wilton. Between you +and me, it's only a bugbear, intended to work upon +the nerves and the imagination. Of course we +shouldn't help any fellow overboard; no one would +dare to do any such thing."</p> + +<p>"I don't like the sound of the thing." +<span class="pageno"><a name="Page_210" id="Page_210">{210}</a></span></p> + +<p>"If you really mean to expose the secrets which are +intrusted to you, I advise you not to join."</p> + +<p>"I don't mean any such thing," added Wilton, +indignantly.</p> + +<p>"If you didn't, you wouldn't be afraid of the +penalty."</p> + +<p>"Toggle me, then; and see what I mean."</p> + +<p>"I don't want you to go in if you don't believe +in it."</p> + +<p>"But I do believe in it; so go ahead."</p> + +<p>Shuffles pronounced the ridiculous obligation again, +and Wilton repeated it after him.</p> + +<p>"Now you are toggled," said the leader.</p> + +<p>"What are we going to do?"</p> + +<p>"Bring in the rest of our fellows; that is the first +job. In my opinion we can get over fifty of them +now."</p> + +<p>"I don't know about that," answered Wilton, doubtfully.</p> + +<p>"I'm very sure we can. If we get enough to take +the ship, we can have all the rest as soon as we have +done the job."</p> + +<p>"Take the ship!" exclaimed Wilton, appalled at +the idea.</p> + +<p>"That's what we mean."</p> + +<p>"I don't believe you can do it," replied the doubtful +"link in the Chain."</p> + +<p>"It's the easiest thing in the world. The affair will +come off at supper time, when the professors are all +in their cabin. All we have to do is to clap the hatch +on the after companion-way, and secure the doors +<span class="pageno"><a name="Page_211" id="Page_211">{211}</a></span> +leading from the main cabin into the steerage. Then +we have them, and they can't help themselves."</p> + +<p>"But the boatswain, carpenter, and sailmaker will +be loose."</p> + +<p>"No, they won't. At the right time, we will pass +the word for them, and say that Lowington wants to +see them in the main cabin. As soon as they go +below we will put the hatch on."</p> + +<p>"The cooks and stewards will still be at large."</p> + +<p>"We can lock them up in the kitchen. If they +make trouble, I have a revolver," whispered Shuffles.</p> + +<p>"A revolver! I won't have anything to do with it +if you are going to use pistols," said the alarmed confederate.</p> + +<p>"It's only to look at; there will be no occasion to +use it," answered Shuffles, soothingly.</p> + +<p>"There will be twelve men, besides the stewards, +locked up in the main cabin."</p> + +<p>"That's so."</p> + +<p>"How long do you suppose it would take them to +break down the bulkhead between the cabin and the +steerage, or to climb up through the skylight?"</p> + +<p>"If they attempt anything of that kind, we can +show them the revolver; that will quiet them."</p> + +<p>"You might frighten the parson in that way; but +do you suppose men like Mr. Lowington, Mr. Fluxion, +and Peaks, who have been in the navy so long, will be +afraid of a pistol?"</p> + +<p>"They won't want to be shot, if they have been in +the navy all their lives."</p> + +<p>"Then you mean to shoot them?" +<span class="pageno"><a name="Page_212" id="Page_212">{212}</a></span></p> + +<p>"They will think we do, and it will be all the +same."</p> + +<p>"I don't know about this business. I'm afraid the +pistol might go off, and hurt somebody."</p> + +<p>"I suppose you could raise objections all night," +added Shuffles, contemptuously. "I'm not going to +have any man tyrannize over me, Wilton. I suppose +if Lowington wants to pull every fellow's teeth out, +you won't object."</p> + +<p>"I'm as much opposed to his tyranny as you are, +and I will do anything that is reasonable; but I want +to know whether the water is hot or cold before I put +my fingers into it. What's the use of blundering into +an enterprise, and making a failure of it?"</p> + +<p>"I have no idea of making a failure of it. Did you +ever know me to make a failure of anything that I +attempted?"</p> + +<p>"Yes, I have."</p> + +<p>"What?"</p> + +<p>"You failed to get elected captain when we first +came aboard of the ship."</p> + +<p>"That was only because we had just come on +board? the fellows didn't know me, and I didn't know +them. We are better acquainted now, and I am just +as sure of success as though we had already won +it," added Shuffles, confidently. "I don't believe in +making failures."</p> + +<p>"I don't believe there is more than one chance in +ten for you to succeed," continued the sceptic.</p> + +<p>"There isn't more than one chance in ten for us to +fail. You are a bird of evil omen. You have no faith +in anything; and if you are going to croak like this, I +<span class="pageno"><a name="Page_213" id="Page_213">{213}</a></span> +don't want you in the Chain," added Shuffles, petulantly.</p> + +<p>"I'm in for it, already; and when I can see my +way clearly, I shall be as strong as you are."</p> + +<p>"Then don't croak any more. We must go to +work while the fever is on the fellows, and make +up——"</p> + +<p>"In the maintop, ahoy!" shouted the master, from +the waist.</p> + +<p>"On deck!" replied Shuffles.</p> + +<p>"Lay down from aloft!"</p> + +<p>"Yes, sir."</p> + +<p>The conspirators descended, after Shuffles had admonished +his shaky companion to be discreet.</p> + +<p>"What are you doing in the top so long?" demanded +Foster, the first master, as the truants reached the +sheer-pole.</p> + +<p>"Watching the sea, sir," replied Shuffles. "It +looks fine from the top."</p> + +<p>"When you have done what you are sent aloft +for, it is your duty to come down and report it," +added the officer.</p> + +<p>Shuffles made no reply, as he probably would have +done if he had not had a heavy operation on his +hands, which prevented him from indulging in any +side quarrels.</p> + +<p>Except the wheelmen and the lookout, the watch +on deck was divided into little groups, who were +quartered in the most comfortable places they could +find, telling stones, or discussing the exciting topic of +the day.</p> + +<p>"Shuffles, some of our fellows want to see you +<span class="pageno"><a name="Page_214" id="Page_214">{214}</a></span> +and Wilton," said Adler, as the first master went +below, to inspect the steerage, at two bells.</p> + +<p>"What's up?" demanded the conspirator.</p> + +<p>"Don't say anything," added the messenger, as he +led the way to the steerage skylight, under the lee of +which Sanborn and Grimme had stowed themselves +away, out of the reach of the stream that was flowing +along the water-ways, and of the spray which was +dashing over the weather bows.</p> + +<p>The party from aloft, with the messenger, increased +the group to five, which was the total number of "our +fellows" that could be mustered in the first part of the +port watch.</p> + +<p>"What's up?" demanded Shuffles, when he had +seated himself by the skylight.</p> + +<p>"We intend to pipe to mischief, to-night, Shuffles +and we want some help from you," said Sanborn, +in reply.</p> + +<p>"We have been robbed of our money, and we are +going to have satisfaction, somehow or other," added +Grimme, in explanation. "We are not going to stand +this sort of thing. We must teach Lowington and +the professors that they can't put our noses to the +grindstone."</p> + +<p>"Exactly so!" exclaimed Shuffles. "And you +intend to put them there yourselves. In other words, +you mean to get into some scrape, and be punished +for it, as I was."</p> + +<p>"No, we don't. We are going to work man-of-war +style. Old Peaks told us how to do it, when we +were on watch last night," replied Grimme.</p> + +<p>"Peaks?"<span class="pageno"><a name="Page_215" id="Page_215">{215}</a></span></p> + +<p>"Yes, he spun us a yarn about man-of-war life, and +told us how the men serve out the officers when they +don't behave themselves."</p> + +<p>"Peaks told you this—did he?" demanded Shuffles.</p> + +<p>"Of course he didn't mean to have us do anything +of the kind."</p> + +<p>"Well, how did he tell you to serve out the +officers?"</p> + +<p>"Make them uncomfortable; keep them in a hornet's +nest all the time."</p> + +<p>"How? How?" asked Shuffles, impatiently.</p> + +<p>"Why, if the unpopular officer went forward, a +belaying pin was sure to drop on his head or his feet; +a tar can or a paint pot would be upset on his back; +or, if he went below, a cannon ball was liable to roll +out of a shot case upon him. Of course no one ever +knew the author of this mischief."</p> + +<p>"Do you propose to play off any of these tricks on +Lowington?" demanded Shuffles.</p> + +<p>"We have got a rod in pickle for him," replied +Grimme, chuckling.</p> + +<p>"What is it?"</p> + +<p>"We intend to give him a dose of kerosene oil, to +begin with," laughed Sanborn.</p> + +<p>"One of the stewards left his oil can on the fore +scuttle ladder, after the hatch was put on to keep the +spray out, and I took possession of it," added Grimme, +hardly able to keep his mirth within the limits of +prudence.</p> + +<p>"What are you going to do with it?" asked Shuffles.</p> + +<p>"We are going to give Lowington the contents of +the can, and then throw it overboard." +<span class="pageno"><a name="Page_216" id="Page_216">{216}</a></span></p> + +<p>"Indeed! Who is the fellow that has boldness +enough to do this thing?"</p> + +<p>"I have; and I have volunteered to do the job," +answered Grimme, with a degree of assurance which +astonished even Shuffles.</p> + +<p>"You dare not do it!"</p> + +<p>"I dare, and I will, if the fellows will stand by me. +Lowington is sitting at the table in the professors' +cabin, right under the skylight, reading. One section +of the skylight is open, and you can see him, as plain +as day. It's as dark as a pocket on deck, and the +officers can't see you twenty feet off. All I have to do +is to pop the oil through the opening, and get out of +the way."</p> + +<p>"What then?"</p> + +<p>"Why, he will come on deck, and try to find out +who did it; but he can't."</p> + +<p>"Perhaps he can."</p> + +<p>"No, he can't; only half a dozen of the fellows +will know anything about it, and of course they won't +let on."</p> + +<p>"Suppose he don't find out. What good will this +trick do?"</p> + +<p>"The second part of the port watch must follow up +the game. Lowington will come on deck at eight +bells, and Monroe, in the starboard watch, will give +him another dose."</p> + +<p>"What will that be?"</p> + +<p>"Slush the first step of the ladder at the after companion-way, +and let him tumble down stairs," chuckled +Grimme.</p> + +<p>"Then Lynch will give him some more," said Adler. +<span class="pageno"><a name="Page_217" id="Page_217">{217}</a></span></p> + +<p>"Well, you may break his neck when he tumbles +down the ladder. I'll have nothing to do with any +of those tricks," added Shuffles, decidedly. "If you +want to pipe to mischief, I'm with you, but in no such +way as that. Those are little, mean, dirty tricks."</p> + +<p>"But they will keep him in hot water all the time, +and he will get sick of being a tyrant over the fellows +in less than a week. There are twenty things we +might do to annoy him, which would help to bring +him to his senses. For instance, when the steward +carries the coffee into the professors' cabin, one fellow +might engage his attention, while another drops a +lump of salt, a handful of pepper, or a piece of +tobacco into the urn."</p> + +<p>"I don't want to hear any more of such low-lived +tricks," interposed the magnificent conspirator. "If +you want to pipe to mischief, let us do it like men."</p> + +<p>"What would you do? Fifty of the fellows, at least, +will go into anything to punish Lowington for his +tyranny."</p> + +<p>"Join the Chain, then," said Shuffles, in a whisper, +and with a suitable parade of mystery.</p> + +<p>"The what?"</p> + +<p>"The Chain."</p> + +<p>The object of the League was duly explained; and +before the second part of the port watch came on +deck, three new members had been "toggled." +Greatly to the satisfaction of Shuffles, and to the astonishment +of Wilton, they did not hesitate at the penalty +of the obligation, and seemed to be entirely willing to +"fall overboard accidentally" if they failed to make +strong and faithful "links in the Chain."</p> + + + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> +<h2><a name="CHAPTER_XIV" id="CHAPTER_XIV"></a>CHAPTER XIV.</h2> + +<p><span class="pageno"><a name="Page_218" id="Page_218">{218}</a></span></p> + +<h4>ALL HANDS, REEF TOPSAILS!</h4> +<p class="returnTOC"><a href="#Contents">Return to Table of +Contents</a></p> + + +<p>Augustus Pelham, the fourth lieutenant +of the Young America, was almost the only +malcontent among the officers; the only one who persistently +declined to be reconciled to the new regulation. +Others objected to it; others criticised it, and +even regarded the act as tyrannical; but the good offices +of Paul Kendall, who argued the question with them, +as he did with Shuffles, had in a measure conciliated +them, and they were at least disposed to submit gracefully +to the order. But Pelham was not of this number +He was above the average age, and, like the +chief conspirator on board, expecting to leave the ship +at the end of the first year, had not exerted himself to +the extent of his ability. He had been first lieutenant +and had now fallen to fourth. He was older than +the captain, and it galled him to be subject to one +younger than himself.</p> + +<p>He was dissatisfied with his rank, and this had a +tendency to make him a grumbler. It needed only an +appearance of tyranny or injustice to array him in +spirit against the authorities of the ship. Shuffles +knew his state of mind, and was prepared to take +<span class="pageno"><a name="Page_219" id="Page_219">{219}</a></span> +advantage of it, hoping through him to gain other discontented +spirits in the cabin.</p> + +<p>When the first part of the port watch was relieved, +the "Chain" consisted of five links, and the conspirators +were well satisfied with the present success of the +enterprise. Each of the new members of the League +was commissioned to obtain a recruit, whose name +was given to him, and he was required to report +upon the case, to Shuffles, before eight bells in the +afternoon watch. As a measure of precaution, it was +required that no meetings should be held; that not +more than three members should assemble for business +at any one time. The utmost care and circumspection +were urged, and it was agreed that not a word +should be said in the steerage, where it was possible +for any of the professors to overhear it.</p> + +<p>The second part of the port watch, with Pelham as +officer of the deck, went on duty at ten o'clock. The +wind had been freshening for the last two hours, and +it was now necessary to reduce sail. The royals were +first taken in, and then the top-gallant sails.</p> + +<p>"We can't lay this course, sir," said Burchmore, the +quartermaster, who was conning the helm. "The +wind is hauling to the eastward."</p> + +<p>"Make the course east by north then," replied Pelham, +without taking the trouble to consult the captain +or Mr. Fluxion, both of whom were on deck.</p> + +<p>"The wind is north-north-east, sir," reported the +quartermaster, a short time afterwards.</p> + +<p>"Keep her east then."</p> + +<p>At six bells the wind was north-east, and coming +heavier and heavier every moment. The ship was +<span class="pageno"><a name="Page_220" id="Page_220">{220}</a></span> +headed east-south-east, and it was evident that she still +had on more sail than she could easily carry.</p> + +<p>"What's the course, Mr. Pelham?" asked Captain +Gordon.</p> + +<p>"East-south-east, sir," replied Pelham.</p> + +<p>"The course given out was east-north-east."</p> + +<p>"I have changed it three times within the last hour," +answered the fourth lieutenant, in rather surly tones.</p> + +<p>"By whose order?" demanded the captain.</p> + +<p>"By no one's order, sir."</p> + +<p>"You know the regulation for the officer of the +deck. He is not permitted to alter the course of the +ship, unless to avoid some sudden danger, without +informing the captain."</p> + +<p>"I had to alter the course, or have the topsails +thrown aback," replied Pelham.</p> + +<p>"Very likely it was proper to alter the course; but +it was also proper to inform me, especially when I +was on deck."</p> + +<p>"Very well, Captain Gordon. I will not alter the +course again without your order," added the fourth +lieutenant, stiffly.</p> + +<p>"The regulation is not mine, Mr. Pelham," continued +the captain, sternly.</p> + +<p>As the wind increased, sail was reduced to topsails +and courses, jib and spanker; but at seven bells even +these were found to be too much for her.</p> + +<p>"Captain Gordon, it is coming heavier," said Mr. +Fluxion. "I think it will be necessary to reef."</p> + +<p>"I was thinking of that, sir. The wind is north-east, +and blowing a gale."</p> + +<p>"You had better call all hands, and do it at once." +<span class="pageno"><a name="Page_221" id="Page_221">{221}</a></span></p> + +<p>"Mr. Pelham, you will call all hands to reef topsails!"</p> + +<p>"All hands, sir?"</p> + +<p>"Certainly, Mr. Pelham; that was my order," replied +the captain, more sharply than usual, for there +was something in the manner of the officer of the +deck which he did not like, and he found it necessary +to maintain the dignity of his position.</p> + +<p>Pelham touched his cap; he felt the weight of authority +upon him heavier than ever before. Until +recently he had always performed his duty cheerfully, +and was considered a first-rate officer. Since the new +regulation had been put in force, and he had been +compelled to deliver up ten sovereigns in his possession +he had been rather disagreeable. In the cabin +he had used some language reflecting upon the principal, +and he was now regarded as a malcontent by +the captain, and by those who still sustained the discipline +of the ship.</p> + +<p>"Morrison," called he, as he went forward to the +waist.</p> + +<p>"Here, sir," replied the boatswain, who belonged +in this quarter watch; and there was a boatswain's +mate in each of the others.</p> + +<p>"Call all hands to reef topsails."</p> + +<p>The shrill pipe of the boatswain's whistle soon rang +above the howling winds, which now sounded gloomily +through the rigging. The call was repeated in the +steerage, and at the door of the after cabin, where it +could be heard by the officers, for no one on board is +exempted when all hands are called. This was the +first taste of the hardships of a seaman's life to which +<span class="pageno"><a name="Page_222" id="Page_222">{222}</a></span> +the students had been invited. It is not pleasant, to +say the least, to be turned out of a warm bed in a +gale, when the wind comes cold and furious, laden +with the spray of the ocean, and be sent aloft in the +rigging of the ship, when she is rolling and pitching, +jumping and jerking, in the mad waves. But there +is no excuse at such a time, and nothing but positive +physical disability can exempt officer or seaman from +duty.</p> + +<p>It was the first time the boys had seen a gale at sea, +and though it was not yet what would be called a +strong gale, it was sufficiently terrific to produce a deep +impression upon them. The ship was still close-hauled, +under topsails and courses, with jib and +spanker. The wind came in heavy blasts, and when +they struck the sails, the Young America heeled over, +until her lee yard-arm seemed to be dipping the waves. +Huge billows came roaring down from the windward, +crowned with white foam, and presenting an awful +aspect in the night, striking the ship, lifting her bow +high in the air, and breaking over the rail, pouring +tons of water on the deck.</p> + +<p>Before the whole crew had been called, every opening +in the deck had been secured, and the plank guards +placed over the glass in the skylights. Life lines had +been stretched along the decks, and the swinging +ports, through which the water that came over the +rail escaped, were crossed with whale line by Peaks, +to prevent any unlucky boy from being washed +through, if he happened to be thrown off his feet +by a rush of water to the scuppers.</p> + +<p>The scene was wild and startling; it was even ter +<span class="pageno"><a name="Page_223" id="Page_223">{223}</a></span>rible +to those who had never seen anything of the kind +before, though the old sailors regarded it quite as a +matter of course. Peaks had never been known to be +so jolly and excited since he came on board. He was +full of jokes and witty sayings; he seemed to be in +his element now, and all his powers of body and mind +were in the keenest state of excitement.</p> + +<p>The students were disposed to look upon it as a +rough time, and doubtless some of them thought the +ship was in great peril. Not a few of them pretended +to enjoy the scene, and talked amazingly salt, as +though they had been used to this kind of thing all +their lives. Mr. Lowington came on deck, when all +hands were called; and though, to his experienced eye, +there was no danger while the ship was well managed, +he was exceedingly anxious, for it was a time when +accidents were prone to happen, and the loss of a boy +at such an hour, would endanger the success of his +great experiment. On deck, the students could not +get overboard without the grossest carelessness; but it +was perilous to send them aloft in the gloom of the +howling tempest. He had hoped that he might be +permitted to meet the onslaught of the first gale the +ship encountered in the daytime; but as the "clerk of +the weather" otherwise ordained it, he was compelled +to make the best of the circumstances.</p> + +<p>Before the manoeuvre of reefing, in the gale, was +begun, Mr. Fluxion was sent forward. Bitts was +placed in the fore rigging, Peaks in the main, and +Leach in the mizzen, to see that the young tars did not +needlessly expose themselves, and that they used all +<span class="pageno"><a name="Page_224" id="Page_224">{224}</a></span> +proper precautions to avoid an accident. All the officers +were at their stations.</p> + +<p>"Man the topsail clewlines, and buntlines, and the +weather topsail braces," shouted Haven, the first lieutenant +who always handled the ship when all hands +were called. "Stand by the lee braces, bowlines, and +halyards."</p> + +<p>The clewlines are ropes fastened to the corners of +the topsail, passing through blocks on the topsail yard, +and leading down to the deck through the lubber's +hole. They are used in hauling the corners of the +sail up when they are to be reefed or furled.</p> + +<p>The buntlines are two ropes attached to cringles, or +eyes, in the bottom of the sail, which are used for +hauling up the middle, or bunt, of the topsail.</p> + +<p>The braces are the ropes secured to the ends of the +yards, leading down to the deck, directly, or to a mast +first, and thence below, by which the yards and the +sails attached to them are hauled round so as to take +the wind. They are distinguished by the terms +"weather" and "lee," the former being those on the +side from which the wind comes, the latter on the +opposite side. They also have their specific names, +as the "weather fore-top-gallant brace," the "lee main +brace."</p> + +<p>The bowlines are ropes attached to the leeches of +square sails to draw the edge forward, so that they +may take the wind better. They are fastened to the +bridles, which are loops like those of a kite, two or +three of them extending from the side of the sail.</p> + +<p>The halyards are the ropes by which any sail is +hoisted. For square sails they are secured to the +<span class="pageno"><a name="Page_225" id="Page_225">{225}</a></span> +yards, which, with the exception of the lower one +on each mast slide up and down.</p> + +<p>"Clear away the bowlines," said the first lieutenant +when all hands were reported ready for the +manoeuvre which had been ordered.</p> + +<p>At this command the bowlines on the topsails and +courses were unfastened.</p> + +<p>"All clear, sir," reported the officers from their +stations.</p> + +<p>"Round in the weather braces, ease off the lee +braces!" was the next order. "Settle away the topsail +halyards! Clew down!"</p> + +<p>To round in the weather braces was simply to haul +them up as the lee braces were slacked, so that the +yard was squared. As the command was executed, +the sail was "spilled," or the wind thrown out of it.</p> + +<p>"Haul out the reef tackles! Haul up the buntlines!" +continued the executive officer.</p> + +<p>To reef a sail is to tie up a portion of it, so as to +present less surface of canvas to the force of the wind. +Topsails are reefed in the upper part; a portion of +the sail nearest to the yard from which it is suspended +being rolled up and secured by strings to the yard. +Fore and aft sails, like the spanker, the fore and main +spencers, or the mainsail of a schooner, are reefed at +the foot, the lower part being tied down to the boom.</p> + +<p>The topsails of the Young America had three reef +bands, or strips of canvas sewed crosswise over +them, in which were the reef points, or strings by +which the sail is tied up when reefed. When the first +or highest row of reef points was used, the sail was +single reefed; when the second was used, it was +<span class="pageno"><a name="Page_226" id="Page_226">{226}</a></span> +double reefed; and when the third row was used, it +was close reefed. On each side of the sail, at the end +of each reef band, was a cringle, or eye, in which the +reef pendent was fastened. The reef tackle consists +of a rope passing from the eye, at the end of the reef +band, through a block at the extremity of the yard, +thence to the mast, and down to the deck. Hauling +on this rope draws the required portion of the sail up +to the yard in readiness to be reefed.</p> + +<p>The reef tackles were hauled out, and the buntlines +hauled up to bring the sail where it could be easily +handled. When the sail is to be reefed, the seamen +have to a "lay out" on the yards, and tie up the sail. +To enable them to do this with safety, there are horses, +or foot-ropes, extending from the slings, or middle of +the spar, to the yard-arms. This rope hangs below +the yard, the middle parts being supported by stirrups. +When a man is to "lay out," he throws his breast +across the yard with his feet on the horse. The man +at the "weather earing," or eye for the reef pendent, +has to sit astride the yard, and pull the sail towards +him.</p> + +<p>The foot-rope sometimes slips through the eyes in +the stirrups when only one hand goes out upon it, +which does, or may, place him in a dangerous position. +During the preceding day, when the barometer +indicated a change of weather, Mr. Lowington had +sent the old boatswain aloft to "mouse the horses," +in anticipation of the manoeuvre which the boys were +now compelled to perform at midnight, in a gale of +wind. Mousing the horses was merely fastening the +foot-ropes to the eyes of the stirrups, so that they could +<span class="pageno"><a name="Page_227" id="Page_227">{227}</a></span> +not slip through, and thus throw the entire slack of +the horse under one boy, by which he sank down so +low that his neck was even with the spar.</p> + +<p>At the foot of each mast there is a contrivance for +securing ropes, called the fife-rail. It is full of belaying +pins, to which are secured the sheets, halyards, +buntlines, clewlines, lifts, braces, reef tackle, and +other ropes leading down from aloft. Looking at the +mast, it seems to be surrounded by a perfect wilderness +of ropes, without order or arrangement, whose +uses no ordinary mortal could comprehend. There +were other ropes leading down from aloft, which were +fastened at the sheer-poles and under the rail. Now, +it is necessary that every sailor should be able to put +his hand on the right rope in the darkest night; and +when the order to haul out the buntlines was given +in the gloom and the gale, those to whom this duty +was assigned could have closed their eyes and found +the right lines.</p> + +<p>"Aloft, topman!" continued the first lieutenant, +when the topsails were in readiness for reefing.</p> + +<p>At this order thirty of the young tars ran up the +shrouds, over the cat-harpings, and up the rigging, till +they reached the fore, main, and mizzen topsail yards. +Twelve of them were stationed on the main, ten on +the fore, and eight on the mizzen topsail yard. The +first, second, and third midshipmen were aloft to superintend +the work, and when the studding-sail booms +had been triced up, they gave the order to lay out, and +take two reefs.</p> + +<p>When the hands were at their stations on the yard, +the first lieutenant ordered the quartermaster to "luff +<span class="pageno"><a name="Page_228" id="Page_228">{228}</a></span> +up;" that is, to put the helm down so as to throw the +ship up into the wind and spill the sail, or get the wind +out of it, that the young tars might handle it with the +more ease.</p> + +<p>The boys had been frequently trained in the manoeuvre +which they were now executing under trying +circumstances, and all of them knew their duty. If +any one trembled as the mast swayed over when the +ship rolled, he was afraid to mention the fact, or to +exhibit any signs of alarm. Perhaps most of them +would have been willing to acknowledge that it was +rather "ticklish" business to lay out on a topsail yard +at midnight in a gale of wind; and if their anxious +mothers could have seen the boys at that moment, +some of them might have fainted, and all wished them +in a safer place.</p> + +<p>The boom tricing-lines were manned again, and the +studding-sail booms restored to their places.</p> + +<p>"Lay down from aloft!" shouted Haven, when the +midshipman in charge aloft had reported the work +done; and he was obliged to roar at the top of his +lungs through the speaking trumpet, in order to be +heard above the piping of the gale and the dashing +of the sea. "Man the topsail halyards! stand by the +braces."</p> + +<p>"All ready, sir," reported the fourth lieutenant, after +the others.</p> + +<p>"Hoist away the topsails!"</p> + +<p>The hands on deck walked away with the halyards, +until the topsails were hauled up to a taut leech.</p> + +<p>The same operation was repeated on the fore and +main course; the yards were trimmed; the bowlines +<span class="pageno"><a name="Page_229" id="Page_229">{229}</a></span> +attached and hauled out, and then the ship was under +double-reefed topsails and courses.</p> + +<p>"Boatswain, pipe down!" said the executive officer +when the work was done.</p> + +<p>But the crew did not care to pipe down, just then. +This was the first time they had ever seen a gale at +sea, and there was something grand and sublime in +the heaving ocean, and the wild winds that danced +madly over the white-crested waves. It was now after +midnight, eight bells having struck before the +courses were reefed, and the first part of the starboard +watch were to have the deck. Mr. Lowington +insisted that all others should go below and turn in, +assuring them that they would see enough of the gale +in the morning, or as soon as their quarter watches +were called.</p> + +<p>The principal and Mr. Fluxion were earnest in their +commendation of the behavior of the Young America. +She was not only a stiff and weatherly ship, but she +behaved most admirably, keeping well up to the wind, +and minding her helm. The four boys at the wheel +handled it with perfect ease.</p> + +<p>The ship did not labor in the gale as she had before +the sails were reefed; and though she jumped, plunged, +and rolled, making a terrific roar as she went along, +everything was ship-shape about her, and the boys +soon became accustomed to the exciting scene. She +was making but little headway, but she still kept within +three points of her general course. Mr. Lowington +remained on deck the rest of the night, anxiously +watching the ship and her crew in the trying experience +of the hour. +<span class="pageno"><a name="Page_230" id="Page_230">{230}</a></span></p> + +<p>Augustus Pelham, the discontented lieutenant, went +below when his quarter watch was relieved. The +little incident, before all hands were called, between +himself and the captain, had disturbed him more than +he would have been willing to acknowledge. He +thought it was harsh of the captain to say anything to +him, though he had broken one of the rules of the +ship; and he regarded the gentle reproof he had +received as a very great indignity.</p> + +<p>He went to his state room. The ship was rolling +fearfully, and he could not stand up without holding +on at the front of his berth. Goodwin, the third lieutenant +who was his room-mate, had already turned +in; but it was impossible for him to sleep. Pelham +took a match from his pocket and lighted the lamp, +which swung on gimbals in the room.</p> + +<p>"What are you doing, Pelham?" demanded Goodwin +"It is against the rule to light a lamp after ten +o'clock."</p> + +<p>"I know it; but I'm not going to blunder round +here, and have my brains knocked out in the dark," +growled Pelham.</p> + +<p>"Put the light out; you will get into trouble," +remonstrated his room-mate.</p> + +<p>"I won't do it."</p> + +<p>"What are you going to do?"</p> + +<p>"Go to sleep, Goodwin, and don't bother me."</p> + +<p>"What's the matter, Pelham? What ails you? I +never knew you to think of breaking one of the rules +before."</p> + +<p>"I should like to break them all, as Moses did the +ten commandments. I have been insulted." +<span class="pageno"><a name="Page_231" id="Page_231">{231}</a></span></p> + +<p>"Who insulted you?"</p> + +<p>"The captain."</p> + +<p>"Gordon?" asked Goodwin, in astonishment</p> + +<p>"Yes."</p> + +<p>"I never knew him to do such a thing as that. I +think you didn't understand him; or he must have +been excited by the gale."</p> + +<p>"It was before it came on to blow very hard," replied +Pelham, seating himself on a stool, and bracing +his feet against the front of the berth to prevent being +thrown down.</p> + +<p>"What did he do?"</p> + +<p>"He snubbed me, told me I knew the rule, and was +as overbearing as though I had been his servant, instead +of an officer of the ship."</p> + +<p>"But what did you do? He wouldn't have done +anything of the kind if you hadn't given him some +provocation."</p> + +<p>"I told the quartermaster, when the wind was heading +off the ship, to alter the course."</p> + +<p>"Didn't you tell the captain beforehand?"</p> + +<p>"Not I."</p> + +<p>"Then I don't blame him for snubbing you. What's +the use of being captain if the officers don't obey you?"</p> + +<p>"If he had anything to say to me, he might have +been a little more gentle about it."</p> + +<p>Pelham neglected to say that he was not particularly +gentle himself.</p> + +<p>"Put that light out, Pelham, for my sake, if not for +your own," said Goodwin, when he found that his +companion was too much out of sorts to be reasonable.</p> + +<p>"Neither for yours nor my own will I put it out," +<span class="pageno"><a name="Page_232" id="Page_232">{232}</a></span> +replied Pelham, as he took a cigar from its hiding-place, +under the lower berth.</p> + +<p>"What are you going to do, Pelham?" demanded +Goodwin, filled with astonishment, as he observed the +conduct of his fellow-officer.</p> + +<p>"I'm going to have a smoke."</p> + +<p>"But you know that smoking is positively prohibited +either on ship or shore."</p> + +<p>"I haven't had a smoke since vacation," replied +Pelham, as he lighted the cigar.</p> + +<p>"See here, Pelham; I won't stand this!" exclaimed +the third lieutenant, rising up in his bed, in which act +he was nearly pitched out of his berth by a heavy roll +of the ship. "The companion-way is closed."</p> + +<p>"That's the very reason why I'm going to smoke," +replied the malcontent, coolly.</p> + +<p>"But I shall be stifled here."</p> + +<p>"Can't help it."</p> + +<p>"I can," retorted Goodwin, as he leaped out on the +floor.</p> + +<p>"What are you going to do?"</p> + +<p>"I am going to inform Mr. Lowington what you +are doing."</p> + +<p>"Are you such a fellow as that?" asked Pelham, +indignantly.</p> + +<p>"I am, if you are such a fellow as to attempt to +stifle me with cigar smoke in my own room. It would +make me as sick as a horse in five minutes."</p> + +<p>"Seasick, you mean," sneered Pelham. "I'm going +to have my smoke, if there is a row about it."</p> + +<p>Goodwin put on his pea-jacket, and left the room.</p> + + + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> +<h2><a name="CHAPTER_XV" id="CHAPTER_XV"></a>CHAPTER XV.</h2> + +<p><span class="pageno"><a name="Page_233" id="Page_233">{233}</a></span></p> + +<h4>AFTER THE GALE.</h4> +<p class="returnTOC"><a href="#Contents">Return to Table of +Contents</a></p> + + +<p>One of the most singular traits observable in +the character of some boys is the willingness, +and even the desire, under certain circumstances, to +get into trouble. A young gentleman, feeling that he +has been slighted, or his merit overlooked, permits +himself to fall into a mental condition in which he +feels no responsibility for his conduct; in which he +recklessly breaks through all regulations, places himself +in an attitude of opposition to constituted authority, +and seems to court the heaviest penalty which can be +inflicted upon him for disobedience, impudence, and +rebellion.</p> + +<p>The fourth lieutenant of the Young America had +worked himself up to this disagreeable pitch. He +was not only disposed to assume an attitude of opposition +to the principal, who had made the obnoxious +regulation which was the immediate cause of his +rebellious condition, but to all who supported his +authority, or willingly submitted to it.</p> + +<p>Smoking was a high crime on board the Young +America—not in the relation of the practice to the +ship, but to the student. It was condemned, not +simply because it would be offensive in the cabins and +<span class="pageno"><a name="Page_234" id="Page_234">{234}</a></span> +steerage, and on deck, but because it was a bad habit +for a boy to acquire. The adult forward officers, the +cooks and the stewards, were allowed to smoke on the +forecastle at certain prescribed hours; but it was a +punishable offence for a student to smoke at any time +or in any place, whether on board or on shore.</p> + +<p>Goodwin was indignant at the conduct of his room-mate, +for the third lieutenant was not only opposed to +smoking on principle, but the fumes of tobacco were +intensely offensive to him; and there was no doubt +that, in the confined space of the state room, insufficiently +ventilated, while all the openings in the deck +were closed during the gale, the smoke would make +him "as sick as a horse." He was a noble-minded, +manly youth, and had all a boy's detestation for tattling +and tale-bearing. He did not like to go on deck +and inform the principal of the conduct of Pelham, +but he could not submit to the indignity cast upon +him. He went out into the cabin, and threw himself +upon the cushioned divan, under the stern ports of +the ship.</p> + +<p>This would have been a very satisfactory place +to sleep under ordinary circumstances; but Goodwin +had hardly secured a comfortable position, before the +heavy rolling and pitching of the vessel tumbled him +off, and he measured his length on the cabin floor—a +very undignified situation for a third lieutenant. He +picked himself up in the darkness, and tried it again, +but with no better success than before. He had fully +intended to go on deck and inform the principal of the +misconduct of Pelham, which had driven him from +his room; but he shrank from the task. +<span class="pageno"><a name="Page_235" id="Page_235">{235}</a></span></p> + +<p>What Goodwin was attempting to do on the divan +many of the officers were striving to do in their berths, +though with better success than attended his efforts. +It was not an easy matter to stay in the berths; and +this done, the situation was far from comfortable. +Avoiding the rude fall on the one side, the occupant +was rolled over against the partition on the other side. +Sleep, in anything more than "cat naps," was utterly +impracticable, for as soon as the tired officer began +to lose himself in slumber, he was thumped violently +against the pine boards, or was roused by the fear of +being tumbled out of his berth.</p> + +<p>Mr. Lowington comprehended the situation of the +students, and when the topsails and courses had been +reefed, he called up all the stewards, and sent them +through the after cabin and steerage, to ascertain the +condition of the boys, and to give them the benefit of +certain expedients known to old voyagers for such +occasions. Jacobs, the steward of the after cabin, +entered to perform his duty. He had no light, not +even a lantern; for fire is so terrible a calamity at sea, +that every lamp was extinguished by the stewards at +ten o'clock, and no light was allowed, except in the +binnacle, without the special permission of the principal +Even the captain could not allow a lamp to be +lighted after hours.</p> + +<p>Jacobs went to all the state rooms on the port side +first, and pulled up the berth sacks above the front of the +bunks, so as to form a kind of wall, to keep the occupant +from rolling out. A bundle of clothing was +placed on the inside of the berth, and the body was +thus wedged in, so as to afford some relief to the +<span class="pageno"><a name="Page_236" id="Page_236">{236}</a></span> +unstable form. Pelham's room was the second one +on the starboard side, and Jacobs came to it at last, in +his humane mission. He opened the door, and started +back with unfeigned astonishment to see the lamp +lighted, and the fourth lieutenant puffing his cigar as +leisurely as the violent motion of the ship would +permit.</p> + +<p>"Contrary to regulation, sir," said Jacobs, respectfully +as he touched his cap to the reckless officer.</p> + +<p>"Take yourself off, Jacobs," replied Pelham, +coarsely and rudely.</p> + +<p>"Yes, sir."</p> + +<p>Jacobs did take himself off, and hastened on deck to +inform Mr. Lowington of the conduct of the infatuated +officer.</p> + +<p>The principal immediately presented himself. Pelham +had fully believed, in his self-willed obstinacy, that +he could look Mr. Lowington full in the face, and impudently +defy him. He found that he was mistaken. +The experience of Shuffles in the hands of the boatswain +and carpenter would intrude itself upon him, +and he quailed when the principal opened the door +and gazed sternly into his face.</p> + +<p>"Smoking, Mr. Pelham?"</p> + +<p>"Yes, sir," replied the rebel, with an attempt to +be cool and impudent, which, however, was a signal +failure.</p> + +<p>"You will put out that cigar, and throw it away."</p> + +<p>"I will; I've smoked enough," answered Pelham.</p> + +<p>"Your light is burning, contrary to regulation."</p> + +<p>"The ship rolls so, I should break my neck without +one," replied Pelham, sourly. +<span class="pageno"><a name="Page_237" id="Page_237">{237}</a></span></p> + +<p>"That is a weak plea for a sailor to make. Mr. +Pelham, I confess my surprise to find one who has +done so well engaged in acts of disobedience."</p> + +<p>The reckless officer could make no reply; if the +reproof had been given in presence of others, he would +probably have retorted, prompted by a false, foolish +pride to "keep even" with the principal.</p> + +<p>"For smoking, you will lose ten marks; for lighting +your lamp, ten more," added the principal.</p> + +<p>"You might as well send me into the steerage at +once," answered Pelham.</p> + +<p>"If either offence is repeated, that will be done. +You will put out your light at once."</p> + +<p>The fourth lieutenant obeyed the order because he +did not dare to disobey it; the fear of the muscular +boatswain, the irons, and the brig, rather than that of +immediate degradation to the steerage, operating upon +his mind. The principal went on deck; Pelham turned +in, and was soon followed, without a word of comment +on the events which had just transpired, by +Goodwin.</p> + +<p>The night wore away, the gale increasing in fury, +and the rain pouring in torrents. It was a true taste +of a seaman's life to those who were on deck. At +daybreak all hands were called again, to put the third +reef in the topsails. At eight bells the courses were +furled. The gale continued to increase in power +during the forenoon, and by noon a tremendous sea +had been stirred up. The ship rolled almost down to +her beam ends, and the crests of the waves seemed to +be above the level of the main yard.</p> + +<p>In the popular exaggerated language, "the waves +<span class="pageno"><a name="Page_238" id="Page_238">{238}</a></span> +ran mountain high," which means from twenty to +forty feet; perhaps, on this occasion, twenty-five feet +from the trough of the sea to the crest of the billow. +Even this is a great height to be tossed up and down +on the water; and to the boys of the Young America +the effect was grand, if not terrific. The deck was +constantly flooded with water; additional life-lines +had been stretched across from rail to rail, and every +precaution taken to insure the safety of the crew.</p> + +<p>Study and recitation were impossible, and nothing +was attempted of this kind. The storm was now +what could justly be called a heavy gale, and it was +no longer practicable to lay a course. Before eight +bells in the forenoon watch, the royal and top-gallant +yards had been sent down, and the ship was laid to +under a close-reefed main-topsail, which the nautical +gentlemen on board regarded as the best for the peculiar +conditions which the Young America presented.</p> + +<p>When a ship is laying to, no attention is paid to +anything but the safety of the vessel, the only object +being to keep her head up to the sea. In the gale, +the Young America lay with her port bow to the wind, +her hull being at an angle of forty-five degrees, with a +line indicating the direction of the wind. Her topsail +yard was braced so that it pointed directly to the +north-east—the quarter from which the gale blew. +The helm was put a-lee just enough to keep her in the +position indicated. She made little or no headway, +but rather drifted with the waves.</p> + +<p>The young tars had a hard forenoon's work; and +what was done was accomplished with triple the labor +required in an ordinary sea. All hands were on duty +<span class="pageno"><a name="Page_239" id="Page_239">{239}</a></span> +during the first part of the day, though there were intervals +of rest, such as they were, while the boys had +to hold on with both hands, and there was no stable +abiding-place for the body. The ship rolled so +fiercely that no cooking could be done, and the only +refreshments were coffee and "hard tack."</p> + +<p>"This is a regular muzzler, Pelham," said Shuffles, +in the afternoon, as they were holding on at the life-lines +in the waist.</p> + +<p>"That's a fact; and I've got about enough of this +thing."</p> + +<p>"There isn't much fun in it," replied Shuffles, who +had been watching for this opportunity to advance the +interests of the "Chain."</p> + +<p>"No, not a bit."</p> + +<p>"It's better for you officers, who don't have to lay +out on the yards when they jump under you like a +mad horse, than for us."</p> + +<p>"I suppose I shall have a chance to try it next +term."</p> + +<p>"Why so?"</p> + +<p>"I lost twenty marks last night. I got mad, lighted +the lamp, and smoked a cigar in my state room."</p> + +<p>"Will the loss of the twenty marks throw you +over?"</p> + +<p>"Yes? I'm a goner!" added Pelham, with a smile.</p> + +<p>"What made you mad?"</p> + +<p>"The captain snubbed me; then Lowington came +the magnificent over me. A single slip throws a +fellow here."</p> + +<p>A single slip in the great world throws a man or +woman; and young men and young women should be +<span class="pageno"><a name="Page_240" id="Page_240">{240}</a></span> +taught that "single slips" are not to be tolerated. +More children are spoiled by weak indulgence than +by over-severe discipline. But a boy had a better +chance to recover from the effects of his errors in the +Young America, than men and women have in the +community.</p> + +<p>By gradual approaches, Shuffles informed the fourth +lieutenant of the object of the "Chain," which Pelham +promptly agreed to join, declaring that it was just the +thing to suit his case. He was in a rebellious frame +of mind; and though he could not feel that the enterprise +would be a complete success, it would afford him +an opportunity to annoy and punish the principal for +his degrading and tyrannical regulation, as the recreant +officer chose to regard it.</p> + +<p>By the exercise of some tact, the conspirators found +a convenient place under the top-gallant forecastle to +consider the project. Pelham was duly "toggled," +and offered no objection to the penalty; indeed, he +only laughed at it.</p> + +<p>"Suppose we get possession of the ship—what +then?" asked Pelham.</p> + +<p>"We will go on a cruise. I understand that she +has provisions for a six months' voyage on board. I'm +in favor of going round Cape Horn, and having a +good time among the islands of the South Sea."</p> + +<p>Pelham laughed outright at this splendid scheme.</p> + +<p>"Round Cape Horn!" exclaimed he.</p> + +<p>"Yes? why not? We should be up with the cape +by the first of June; rather a bad time, I know, but +this ship would make good weather of it, and I don't +believe we should see anything worse than this." +<span class="pageno"><a name="Page_241" id="Page_241">{241}</a></span></p> + +<p>"What will you do with the principal and the professors?" +asked Pelham, lightly.</p> + +<p>"We can run up within ten or fifteen miles of Cape +Sable, give them one of the boats, and let them go on +shore."</p> + +<p>"Perhaps they won't go."</p> + +<p>"We have ten fellows already in the Chain, who are +seventeen years old. If we get half the crew, we can +handle the other half, and the professors with them."</p> + +<p>"All right! I'm with you, whether you succeed or +not. I'm not going to be ground under Lowington's +feet, and be snubbed by such fellows as Gordon. If I +want to smoke a cigar, I'm going to do it."</p> + +<p>"Or take a glass of wine," suggested Shuffles.</p> + +<p>"If there is any on board."</p> + +<p>"There is, plenty of it. I'll make you a present of +a bottle, if you wish it."</p> + +<p>"Thank you. Suppose we get the ship, Shuffles, +who are to be the officers?" asked Pelham.</p> + +<p>"We shall have good fellows for officers. You will +be one, of course."</p> + +<p>"I suppose I am higher in rank now than any fellow +who has joined the Chain."</p> + +<p>"Yes, that's a fact; but we are not going to mind +who are officers now, or who have been before. We +intend to take the best fellows—those who have done +the most work in making the Chain."</p> + +<p>"Whether they are competent or not," added +Pelham.</p> + +<p>"All the fellows know how to work a ship now, +except the green hands that came aboard this year."</p> + +<p>"This is rather an important matter. Shuffles, for +<span class="pageno"><a name="Page_242" id="Page_242">{242}</a></span> +everything depends upon the officers. For instance, +who will be captain?" asked Pelham, with assumed +indifference.</p> + +<p>"I shall, of course," replied Shuffles, with becoming +modesty.</p> + +<p>"That's a settled matter, I suppose."</p> + +<p>"Yes; without a doubt it is."</p> + +<p>"I may not agree to that," suggested the new +convert.</p> + +<p>"You have already agreed to it. You have promised +to obey your superiors."</p> + +<p>"But who are my superiors?"</p> + +<p>"I am one of them."</p> + +<p>"Who appointed you?"</p> + +<p>"I appointed myself. I got up the Chain."</p> + +<p>"I think I have just as much right to that place as +you have. Shuffles."</p> + +<p>"I don't see it! Do you expect me to get up this +thing, and then take a subordinate position?" demanded +Shuffles, indignantly.</p> + +<p>"Let the members choose the captain; that's the +proper way."</p> + +<p>"Perhaps they will choose neither one of us."</p> + +<p>"Very well; I will agree to serve under any fellow +who is fairly elected."</p> + +<p>"When shall he be chosen?" asked Shuffles, who +was so sure of a majority that he was disposed to +adopt the suggestion.</p> + +<p>"When we have thirty links, say."</p> + +<p>"I will agree to it."</p> + +<p>The conspirators separated, each to obtain recruits +as fast as he could. During the latter part of the day, +<span class="pageno"><a name="Page_243" id="Page_243">{243}</a></span> +the gale began to subside, and at sunset its force was +broken, but the sea still ran fearfully high. The fore +course was shaken out, and the ship filled away again, +plunging madly into the savage waves.</p> + +<p>On Sunday morning, the gale had entirely subsided; +but the wind still came from the same quarter, and the +weather was cloudy. The sea had abated its fury, +though the billows still rolled high, and the ship had +an ugly motion. During the night, the reefs had been +turned out of the topsails; the jib, flying-jib, and +spanker had been set, and the Young America was +making a course east-south-east.</p> + +<p>"Sail ho!" shouted one of the crew on the top-gallant +forecastle, after the forenoon watch was set.</p> + +<p>"Where away?" demanded the officer of the deck.</p> + +<p>"Over the lee bow, sir," was the report which came +through the officers on duty.</p> + +<p>The report created a sensation, as it always does +When a sail is seen; for one who has not spent days +and weeks on the broad expanse of waters, can form +only an inadequate idea of the companionship which +those in one ship feel for those in another, even while +they are miles apart. Though the crew of the Young +America had been shut out from society only about +three days, they had already begun to realize this +craving for association—this desire to see other people +and be conscious of their existence.</p> + +<p>After the severe gale through which they had just +passed, this sentiment was stronger than it would have +been under other circumstances. The ocean had been +lashed into unwonted fury by the mad winds. A +fierce gale had been raging for full twenty-four hours, +<span class="pageno"><a name="Page_244" id="Page_244">{244}</a></span> +and the tempest was suggestive of what the sailor +dreads most—shipwreck, with its long train of disaster—suffering, +privation, and death. It was hardly +possible that such a terrible storm had swept the sea +without carrying down some vessels with precious +freights of human life.</p> + +<p>The Young America had safely ridden out the gale, +for all that human art could do to make her safe and +strong had been done without regard to expense. No +niggardly owners had built her of poor and insufficient +material, or sent her to sea weakly manned and with +incompetent officers. The ship was heavily manned; +eighteen or twenty men would have been deemed a +sufficient crew to work her; and though her force +consisted of boys, they would average more than two +thirds of the muscle and skill of able-bodied seamen.</p> + +<p>There were other ships abroad on the vast ocean, +which could not compare with her in strength and +appointments, and which had not one third of her +working power on board. No ship can absolutely +defy the elements, and there is no such thing as absolute +safety in a voyage across the ocean; but there is +far less peril than people who have had no experience +generally suppose. The Cunard steamers have been +running more than a quarter of a century, with the +loss of only one ship, and no lives in that one—a +triumphant result achieved by strong ships, with competent +men to manage them. Poorly built ships, +short manned, with officers unfit for their positions, +constitute the harvest of destruction on the ocean.</p> + +<p>Mr. Lowington believed that the students of the +Academy Ship would be as safe on board the Young +<span class="pageno"><a name="Page_245" id="Page_245">{245}</a></span> +America as they would on shore. He had taken a +great deal of pains to demonstrate his theory to +parents, and though he often failed, he often succeeded. +The Young America had just passed through +one of the severest gales of the year, and in cruising +for the next three years, she would hardly encounter a +more terrific storm. She had safely weathered it; the +boys had behaved splendidly, and not one of them had +been lost, or even injured, by the trying exposure. The +principal's theory was thus far vindicated.</p> + +<p>The starboard watch piped to breakfast, when the +sail was discovered, too far off to make her out. The +boys all manifested a deep interest in the distant wanderer +on the tempestuous sea, mingled with a desire +to know how the stranger had weathered the gale. +Many of them went up the shrouds into the tops, and +the spy-glasses were in great demand.</p> + +<p>"Do you make her out, Captain Gordon?" asked +Mr. Fluxion, as he came up from his breakfast, and +discovered the commander watching the stranger +through the glass.</p> + +<p>"Yes, sir; I can just make her out now. Her foremast +and mainmast have gone by the board, and she +has the ensign, union down, hoisted at her mizzen," +replied the captain, with no little excitement in his +manner.</p> + +<p>"Indeed!" exclaimed the teacher of mathematics, +as he took the glass. "You are right, Captain Gordon, +and you had better keep her away."</p> + +<p>"Shall I speak to Mr. Lowington first, sir?" asked +the captain.</p> + +<p>"I think there is no need of it in the present +<span class="pageno"><a name="Page_246" id="Page_246">{246}</a></span> +instance. There can be no doubt what he will do when +a ship is in distress."</p> + +<p>"Mr. Kendall, keep her away two points," said the +captain to the officer of the deck. "What is the +ship's course now?"</p> + +<p>"East-south-east, sir," replied the second lieutenant, +who had the deck.</p> + +<p>"Make it south-east."</p> + +<p>"South-east, sir," repeated Kendall. "Quartermaster +keep her away two points," he added to the petty +officer conning the wheel.</p> + +<p>"Two points, sir," said Bennington, the quartermaster</p> + +<p>"Make the course south-east."</p> + +<p>"South-east, sir."</p> + +<p>After all these repetitions it was not likely that any +mistake would occur; and the discipline of the ship +required every officer and seaman who received a material +order, especially in regard to the helm or the +course, to repeat it, and thus make sure that it was not +misunderstood.</p> + +<p>It was Sunday; and no study was required, or work +performed, except the necessary ship's duty. Morning +prayers had been said, as usual, and there was to be +divine service in the steerage, forenoon and afternoon, +for all who could possibly attend; and this rule excepted +none but the watch on deck. By this system, +the quarter watch on duty in the forenoon, attended +in the afternoon; those who were absent at morning +prayers were always present at the evening devotions; +and blow high or blow low, the brief matin and vesper +service were never omitted, for young men in the midst +<span class="pageno"><a name="Page_247" id="Page_247">{247}</a></span> +of the sublimity and the terrors of the ocean could +least afford to be without the daily thought of God, +"who plants his footsteps in the sea, and rides upon +the storm."</p> + +<p>Every man and boy in the ship was watching the +speck on the watery waste, which the glass had revealed +to be a dismasted, and perhaps sinking ship. +The incident created an intense interest, and was calculated +to bring out the finer feelings of the students. +They were full of sympathy for her people, and the +cultivation of noble and unselfish sentiments, which +the occasion had already called forth, and was likely +to call forth in a still greater degree, was worth the +voyage over the ocean; for there are impressions to be +awakened by such a scene which can be garnered in +no other field.</p> + + + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> +<h2><a name="CHAPTER_XVI" id="CHAPTER_XVI"></a>CHAPTER XVI.</h2> + +<p><span class="pageno"><a name="Page_248" id="Page_248">{248}</a></span></p> + +<h4>THE WRECK OF THE SYLVIA.</h4> +<p class="returnTOC"><a href="#Contents">Return to Table of +Contents</a></p> + + +<p>The people in the dismasted ship had discovered +the Young America, as it appeared from the +efforts they were using to attract her attention. The +booming of a gun was occasionally heard from her, +but she was yet too far off to be distinctly seen.</p> + +<p>On the forecastle of the Academy Ship were two +brass guns, four-pounders, intended solely for use in +making signals. They had never been fired, even on +the Fourth of July, for Mr. Lowington would not encourage +their use among the boys. On the present +occasion he ordered Peaks, the boatswain, to fire +twice, to assure the ship in distress that her signals +were heard.</p> + +<p>The top-gallant sails were set, and the speed of the +ship increased as much as possible; but the heavy sea +was not favorable to rapid progress through the water. +At four bells, when all hands but the second part of +the port watch were piped to attend divine service in +the steerage, the Young America was about four miles +distant from the dismasted vessel. She was rolling +and pitching heavily, and not making more than two +or three knots an hour.</p> + +<p>Notwithstanding the impatience of the crew, and +<span class="pageno"><a name="Page_249" id="Page_249">{249}</a></span> +their desire to be on deck, where they could see the +wreck, the service on that Sunday forenoon was especially +impressive. Mr. Agneau prayed earnestly for +those who were suffering by the perils of the sea, and +that those who should draw near unto them in the +hour of their danger, might be filled with the love of +God and of man, which would inspire them to be faithful +to the duties of the occasion.</p> + +<p>When the service was ended the students went on +deck again. The wreck could now be distinctly seen. +It was a ship of five or six hundred tons, rolling helplessly +in the trough of the sea. She was apparently +water-logged, if not just ready to go down. As the +Young America approached her, her people were seen +to be laboring at the pumps, and to be baling her out +with buckets. It was evident from the appearance of +the wreck, that it had been kept afloat only by the +severest exertion on the part of the crew.</p> + +<p>"Mr. Peaks, you will see that the boats are in order +for use," said Mr. Lowington. "We shall lower the +barge and the gig."</p> + +<p>"The barge and the gig, sir," replied the boatswain.</p> + +<p>"Captain Gordon," continued the principal, "two +of your best officers must be detailed for the boats."</p> + +<p>"I will send Mr. Kendall in the barge, sir."</p> + +<p>"Very well; he is entirely reliable. Whom will +you send in the gig?"</p> + +<p>"I am sorry Shuffles is not an officer now, for he +was one of the best we had for such service," added +the captain.</p> + +<p>"Shuffles is out of the question," replied Mr. Lowington. +<span class="pageno"><a name="Page_250" id="Page_250">{250}</a></span></p> + +<p>"Mr. Haven, then, in the gig."</p> + +<p>"The sea is very heavy, and the boats must be handled +with skill and prudence."</p> + +<p>"The crews have been practised in heavy seas, +though in nothing like this."</p> + +<p>The barge and the gig—called so by courtesy—were +the two largest boats belonging to the ship, and +pulled eight oars each. They were light and strong, +and had been built with especial reference to the use +for which they were intended. They were life-boats, +and before the ship sailed, they had been rigged with +life-lines and floats. If they were upset in a heavy +sea, the crews could save themselves by clinging to +the rope, buoyed up by the floats.</p> + +<p>The Young America stood up towards the wreck, +intending to pass under her stern as near as it was +prudent to lay, the head of the dismasted ship being +to the north-west.</p> + +<p>"Boatswain, pipe all hands to muster," said the +captain, prompted by Mr. Lowington, as the ship approached +the wreck.</p> + +<p>"All hands on deck, ahoy!" shouted the boatswain, +piping the call.</p> + +<p>The first lieutenant took the trumpet from the officer +of the deck, and the crew, all of whom were on +deck when the call was sounded, sprang to their muster +stations.</p> + +<p>"All hands, take in courses," said the executive +officer; and those who were stationed at the tacks and +sheets, clew-garnets and buntlines, prepared to do +their duty when the boatswain piped the call.</p> + +<p>"Man the fore and main clew-garnets and bunt +<span class="pageno"><a name="Page_251" id="Page_251">{251}</a></span>lines!" +shouted the first lieutenant. "Stand by tacks +and sheets!"</p> + +<p>The fore and main sail, being the lowest square +sails, are called the courses. There is no corresponding +sail on the mizzenmast. The ropes by which the +lower corners of these sails are hauled up for furling +are the clew-garnets—the same that are designated +clewlines on the topsails.</p> + +<p>The tacks and sheets are the ropes by which the +courses are hauled down, and kept in place, the tack +being on the windward side, and the sheet on the leeward.</p> + +<p>"All ready, sir," reported the lieutenants forward.</p> + +<p>"Haul taut! Let go tacks and sheets! Haul +up!"</p> + +<p>These orders being promptly obeyed, the courses +were hauled up, and the ship was under topsails and +top-gallant sails, jib, flying-jib, and spanker.</p> + +<p>"Ship, ahoy!" shouted the first lieutenant through +his trumpet, as the Young America rolled slowly +along under the stern of the wreck.</p> + +<p>"Ship, ahoy!" replied a voice from the deck of the +wreck. "We are in a sinking condition! Will you +take us off?"</p> + +<p>"Ay, ay!" cried Haven, with right good will.</p> + +<p>"You will heave to the ship, Mr. Haven," said the +captain, when she had passed a short distance beyond +the wreck.</p> + +<p>"Man the jib and flying-jib halyards and down-hauls," +said the first lieutenant.</p> + +<p>"All ready forward, sir," replied the second lieutenant, +on the forecastle. +<span class="pageno"><a name="Page_252" id="Page_252">{252}</a></span></p> + +<p>"Stand by the maintop bowline! Cast off! Man +the main braces!"</p> + +<p>"Let go the jib and flying-jib halyards! Haul +down!" And the jibs were taken in.</p> + +<p>"Slack off the lee braces! Haul on the weather +braces!"</p> + +<p>The main-topsail and top-gallant were thus thrown +aback, and the Young America was hove to, in order +to enable her people to perform their humane mission.</p> + +<p>"Stand by to lower the barge and gig!" continued +Haven.</p> + +<p>"Mr. Haven, you will board the wreck in the gig," +said Captain Gordon.</p> + +<p>"Yes, sir," replied he, touching his cap, and handing +the trumpet to the second lieutenant.</p> + +<p>"Mr. Kendall, you will take charge of the barge," +added the captain.</p> + +<p>"The barge, sir," answered Kendall, passing the +trumpet to Goodwin, the third lieutenant, who, during +the absence of his superiors, was to discharge the duty +of the executive officer.</p> + + +<div class="figcenter"> + +<a id="Illus3" name="Illus3"></a> +<a href="images/wreck.jpg"><img src="images/wreck-tb.jpg" + style="border: 0;" + alt="The Wreck of the Sylvia." title="The Wreck of the Sylvia."/></a> +<p class="caption">The Wreck of the Sylvia.</p> +<p class="returnTOC"><a href="#ListIllus">Return to List of Illustrations</a></p> + +</div> + +<p>The boats were cleared away, and every preparation +made for lowering them into the water. This +was a difficult and dangerous manoeuvre in the heavy +sea which was running at the time. The professors' +barge, which was secured at the davits on the weather +side of the ship, was to be lowered with her crew on +board, and they took their places on the thwarts, with +their hands to the oars in readiness for action. The +principal had requested Mr. Fluxion to go in the +barge and Mr. Peaks in the gig, not to command the +<span class="pageno"><a name="Page_253" id="Page_253">{253}</a></span>boats, +but to give the officers such suggestions as the +emergency of the occasion might require.</p> + +<p>"All ready, sir," reported Ward, the coxswain of +the barge, when the oarsmen were in their places.</p> + +<p>"Stand by the after tackle, Ward," said Haven. +"Bowman, attend to the fore tackle."</p> + +<p>At a favorable moment, when a great wave was +sinking down by the ship's side, the order was given +to lower away, and in an instant the barge struck the +water. Ward cast off the after tackle, and the bowman +did the same with the forward tackle. At the +moment the order to lower was given, as the wave +sank down, the ship rolled to windward, and the boat +struck the water some eight feet from the vessel's side.</p> + +<p>"Up oars!" said the coxswain, with energy.</p> + +<p>"Lively, Ward," added the first lieutenant.</p> + +<p>"Let fall!" continued the coxswain, as a billow +lifted the boat, so that those on board could see the +ship's deck. "Give way together!"</p> + +<p>The barge, tossed like a feather on the high seas, +gathered headway, and moved off towards the wreck.</p> + +<p>The lowering of the barge had been so successful +that the same method was adopted with the gig; but +as she was under the lee of the ship, there was less +difficulty in getting her off. She pulled round the +ship's bow, and having made less stern way in starting +both boats came up under the counter of the +wreck at about the same time. When the barge and +gig reached the ship, a line was thrown to each of +them over the quarter, which the bowman caught, and +made fast to the ring. +<span class="pageno"><a name="Page_254" id="Page_254">{254}</a></span></p> + +<p>"Where is the captain of the ship?" demanded Mr. +Haven.</p> + +<p>"Here," shouted that officer.</p> + +<p>"How many have you aboard?"</p> + +<p>"Eighteen!"</p> + +<p>"You must slide down on a rope over the stern; +we can't go alongside," continued the first lieutenant.</p> + +<p>"Ay, ay, sir!" responded the captain of the ship. +"I have two women and two children on board."</p> + +<p>"You must lower them in slings," added Haven, +prompted by Mr. Fluxion.</p> + +<p>The people on board the wreck went to work, and +one of the women was lowered into each boat at the +same time. A long loop was made in the end of the +rope, and the woman sat down in the bight of it, holding +on to the line with her hands. At a moment +when the sea favored the movement, the boats were +hauled up close to the ship's stern, the passenger +caught by two of the crew, and hauled on board. A +boy and a girl were let down in the same manner. +The captain, mates, and seamen came down the rope +hand over hand.</p> + +<p>Each boat now had nine passengers, who were +stowed in the stern sheets and on the bottom. The +ropes from the ship were cast off, and the oarsmen +were ordered to give way. The barge and the gig +rose and fell, now leaping up on the huge billows, +and then plunging down deep into the trough of the +sea; but they had been well trimmed, and though the +comb of the sea occasionally broke into them, drenching +the boys with spray, the return to the Young +America was safely effected. +<span class="pageno"><a name="Page_255" id="Page_255">{255}</a></span></p> + +<p>"How happens it that you are all boys?" asked the +captain of the wrecked ship, who was in Paul Kendall's +boat.</p> + +<p>"That's the Academy Ship," replied the second +lieutenant.</p> + +<p>"The what?" exclaimed the captain.</p> + +<p>"It is the Young America. She is a school ship."</p> + +<p>"O, ay!"</p> + +<p>There was no disposition to talk much in the +boats. The officers and crews were fully employed +in keeping the barge and gig right side up in the tremendous +sea, and though all hands were filled with +curiosity to know the particulars of the wreck, all +questions were wisely deferred until they were on the +deck of the ship.</p> + +<p>When the gig came up under the counter of the +Young America, a line was thrown down to the bowman +who made it fast to the ring. The passengers +were then taken aboard in slings rigged on the +spanker-boom, which was swung over the lee quarter +for the purpose. Part of the boat's crew were taken +on board in the same way, and then the gig was +hoisted up to the davits with the rest in her.</p> + +<p>Before the barge was allowed to come up under the +counter, the officer of the deck wore ship, so as to +bring the port quarter, on which the boat was to be +suspended, on the lee side. Her passengers were +taken on deck as those from the gig had been, and +she was hoisted up.</p> + +<p>"Mr. Kendall, I congratulate you upon the success +of your labors," said Mr. Lowington, when the second +lieutenant reached the deck. "You have handled +<span class="pageno"><a name="Page_256" id="Page_256">{256}</a></span> +your boat exceedingly well, and you deserve a great +deal of credit."</p> + +<p>"That's a fact, sir," added Boatswain Peaks, touching +his cap. "I hardly spoke a word to him, and +I've seen many a boat worse handled in a sea."</p> + +<p>Paul blushed at the praise bestowed upon him, but +he was proud and happy to have done his duty faithfully +on this important occasion. The same commendation +was given to the first lieutenant, after the barge +had been hauled up to the davits, and the order given +for the ship to fill away again.</p> + +<p>The women and children were conducted to the +professors' cabin as soon as they came on board, and +the seamen were taken into the steerage. All of them +were exhausted by the anxiety and the hardships they +had endured, and as soon as their safety was insured, +they sank almost helpless under the pressure of their +physical weakness.</p> + +<p>"This is a school ship, I'm told," said Captain +Greely, the master of the shipwrecked vessel, who +had also been invited to the main cabin.</p> + +<p>"Yes, sir; we call it the Academy Ship, and we +have eighty-seven young gentlemen on board," replied +Mr. Lowington.</p> + +<p>"They are smart boys, sir. I never saw boats better +handled than those which brought us off from the +ship," added Captain Greely, warmly.</p> + +<p>"Your voyage has come to an unfortunate conclusion," +said Mr. Lowington.</p> + +<p>"Yes, sir; I have lost my ship, but I thank God +my wife and children are safe," answered the weather-beaten +seaman, as he glanced at one of the women +<span class="pageno"><a name="Page_257" id="Page_257">{257}</a></span> +while the great tears flowed down his sun-browned +cheeks.</p> + +<p>"Poor children!" sighed Mr. Agneau, as he patted +the little girl on the head; and his own eyes were dim +with the tears he shed for others' woes.</p> + +<p>Captain Greely told his story very briefly. His +ship was the Sylvia, thirty days out of Liverpool, +bound to New York. She had encountered a heavy +gale a week before, in which she had badly sprung +her mainmast. Finding it impossible to lay her to +under the foresail, they had been compelled to set the +main-topsail, reefed; but even this was too much for +the weak mast, and it had gone by the board, carrying +the second mate and five men with it. The Sylvia +was old, and the captain acknowledged that she was +hardly sea-worthy. She became unmanageable, and +the foremast had been cut away to ease off the strain +upon her. Her seams opened, and she was making +more water than could be controlled with the pumps. +For eighteen hours, all hands, even including the two +women, had labored incessantly at the pumps and +the buckets, to keep the ship afloat. They were +utterly worn out when they discovered the Young +America, were on the point of abandoning their +efforts in despair, and taking to the boats, in which +most of them would probably have perished.</p> + +<p>After the boats started from the Young America, +Mr. Lowington had ordered the cooks to prepare a +meal for the people from the wreck; and as soon as +they came on board, coffee and tea, beefsteaks, fried +potatoes, and hot biscuit were in readiness for them. +Tables were spread in the main cabin and in the +<span class="pageno"><a name="Page_258" id="Page_258">{258}</a></span> +steerage, and the exhausted guests, providentially sent +to this bountiful board, were cordially invited to partake. +They had eaten nothing but hard bread since +the gale came on, and they were in condition to appreciate +the substantial fare set before them.</p> + +<p>By the forethought of Captain Greely, the clothing +of the women and children had been thrown into one +of the boats. The bundle was opened, and its contents +dried at the galley fire. The doctor and the +chaplain gave up their state room to the captain, his +wife and children, while Mr. Lowington extended a +similar courtesy to the other woman, who was Mrs. +Greely's sister. Mr. Fluxion was the first to offer his +berth to the mate of the Sylvia, which was reluctantly +accepted; and all the professors were zealous to sacrifice +their own comfort to the wants of the wrecked +visitors.</p> + +<p>In the steerage, every boy, without an exception, +wanted to give up his berth to one of the seamen from +the Sylvia; but the privilege was claimed by the adult +forward officers, the cooks, and stewards. The principal +was finally obliged to decide between them: and +for obvious reasons, he directed that the guests should +occupy the quarters of the men, rather than of the boys. +The people from the Sylvia needed rest and nourishment +more than anything else. They were warmed, +and fed, and dried, and then permitted to sleep off the +fatigues of their severe exertion.</p> + +<p>At three o'clock, though they had slept but an hour +or two, most of the shipwrecked people appeared at +divine service, for this was a privilege which they had +long been denied, and it would be strange, at such a +<span class="pageno"><a name="Page_259" id="Page_259">{259}</a></span> +time, if the hearts of those who had been saved from +the angry flood were not overflowing with gratitude +to God for his mercy to them. Mr. Agneau, whose +sensitive nature had been keenly touched by the events +of the day, made a proper use of the occasion, delivering +a very effective address to the students and to the +shipwrecked voyagers, who formed his little congregation.</p> + +<p>The next morning the wind came up fresh and +warm from the southward, knocking down the heavy +sea, and giving a delightful day to those on board the +ship. The passengers appeared on deck, and were +greatly interested in the Young America and her +juvenile crew. Captain Greely's son and daughter +were little lions, of the first class, among the boys. +All hands vied with each other in their efforts to do +something for the guests of the ship, and it really +seemed as though the era of good feeling had dawned +upon them. Even Shuffles and Pelham forgot, for a +time, the interests of the Chain League, and joined +with others in petting the children of the wreck, and +in laboring for the happiness of the involuntary +guests.</p> + +<p>On this day, observations for latitude and longitude +were obtained, and at noon the ship was found to be +in latitude 42°, 37', 5" N.; longitude 64°, 39', 52" W. +The position of the ship was marked on the chart by +the masters, in council assembled, and the calculations +made for the course. Bowditch's Navigator, an indispensable +work to the seaman, was consulted frequently +both for the rules and the nautical tables it +contains. The course, after allowing for the variation +<span class="pageno"><a name="Page_260" id="Page_260">{260}</a></span> +of the compass, was found to be north-east by east, +which, agreeing with the calculations of Mr. Fluxion, +was given out to the quartermaster conning the wheel.</p> + +<p>The wind continued to blow fresh from the south +and south-west during the rest of the day and the succeeding +night; and the log-slate showed ten and eleven +knots until midnight, when the wind hauled round to +the westward, and soon came strong from that quarter. +At noon on Tuesday, April 5, the Young America +had made two hundred and forty-four miles during +the preceding twenty-four hours, which was the best +run she had had during the voyage.</p> + +<p>On the afternoon of this day, a ship, bound to the +westward, was seen, and Captain Greely expressed a +desire to be put on board of her, with his family, as +he did not wish to return to the point from which he +had just come. The Young America bore down upon +the sail, and spoke her at sundown. Her captain was +willing to take the shipwrecked voyagers on board +his ship, which was bound to New York, and they +were transferred in the barge and gig. Captain +Greely and his party were very grateful for the attentions +they had received; and the little boy and girl +almost rebelled at the idea of leaving their new and +partial friends.</p> + +<p>As the two ships were filling away, after the transfer +of the passengers, the seamen of the New York +ship, having learned what the Young America was, +gave three cheers, and dipped her ensign in compliment +to her. All the young tars were immediately +ordered into the rigging by Captain Gordon, and +"three times three" were most lustily given. The +<span class="pageno"><a name="Page_261" id="Page_261">{261}</a></span> +American flag at her peak was lowered three times, +in reply to the salute of the stranger. As the Academy +Ship stood off on her course, the two children of Captain +Greely were seen, on the poop-deck of the other +vessel, waving their handkerchiefs; and they continued +to do so as long as they could be seen.</p> + +<p>The departure of the guests had a saddening effect +upon the crew of the Young America, as they missed +the children and the ladies very much; for, during +their presence on board, the ship had assumed quite a +domestic aspect, and all the idlers on deck found +pleasing companions in the little boy and girl.</p> + +<p>The limits of this volume do not permit a full detail +of the entire voyage across the ocean. Enough has +been given to show the discipline of the ship, and the +daily life of the boys on board of her. For the next +ten days the weather was generally favorable, and she +laid her course all the time. Some days she made +two hundred miles, and others less than one hundred.</p> + +<p>On the sixteenth day from her departure, she was +in latitude 51°, 4', 28" N.; longitude 31°, 10', 2" W.; +course, E. by N. In going from Cape Race, the +southern point of Newfoundland, to Cape Clear, the +southern point of Ireland, the Young America did not +lay a straight course, as it would appear when drawn +on a map or chart. La Rochelle, on the western +coast of France, and Cape Race are nearly on the +same parallel of latitude, and the former is exactly +east of the latter. But the parallel on which both +points lie would not be the shortest line between +them. A great circle, extending entirely around the +earth in the broadest part, going through both, would +<span class="pageno"><a name="Page_262" id="Page_262">{262}</a></span> +not coincide with the parallel, but would run to the +north of it a considerable distance at a point half way +between the two places, the separation diminishing +each way till the great circle crosses the parallel at +Cape Race and La Rochelle. The shortest course +between the two points, therefore, would be the arc +of the great circle lying between them. A skilful +navigator would find and follow this track. This is +called great circle sailing.</p> + +<p>The Young America followed a great circle from +Cape Race to Cape Clear. Off the former point, her +course was two points north of east; off the latter, it +was half a point south of east. On her twentieth day +out she sailed due east.</p> + +<p>After the excitement of the wreck and the departure +of the passengers, Shuffles and his confederates resumed +their operations in the Chain League, assisted +somewhat by a case of discipline which occurred at +this time. When the ship was sixteen days out the +Chain consisted of thirty-one links, in the cabalistic +language of the conspirators, and Shuffles was in +favor of striking the blow.</p> + + + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> +<h2><a name="CHAPTER_XVII" id="CHAPTER_XVII"></a>CHAPTER XVII.</h2> + +<p><span class="pageno"><a name="Page_263" id="Page_263">{263}</a></span></p> + +<h4>PEAS AND BEANS.</h4> +<p class="returnTOC"><a href="#Contents">Return to Table of +Contents</a></p> + + +<p>The business of the Chain had been managed +with extreme caution by the conspirators, and +more than one third of the crew had been initiated without +the knowledge of the principal and professors, or +of the officers and seamen who were not members. +Pelham and Shuffles ordered the affairs of the League, +and no "link" was allowed to approach an outsider +for the purpose of inducing him to join without the +consent of one of these worthies.</p> + +<p>As the scheme progressed, various modifications had +been made in the plan to adapt it to circumstances, +the principal of which was the choice of two "shackles," +who should be deemed the officers of the +League until a regular election had taken place. By +this invention, Shuffles and Pelham had been enabled +to compromise their differences, for they assumed the +newly-created offices, and labored as equals in the bad +cause. Each endeavored to make as many new +"links" as possible, for already the conspirators consisted +of two factions, one of which favored the election +of Shuffles, and the other that of Pelham, to the +captaincy. Each, in a measure, controlled his own +<span class="pageno"><a name="Page_264" id="Page_264">{264}</a></span> +recruits, and was reasonably sure of their votes when +the election should be ordered.</p> + +<p>These young gentlemen were not only plotting to +take the ship, but to "take in" each other. While +both worked for the League as a whole, each worked +for himself as an individual. Shuffles was much more +thorough than his rival in the making of his converts. +He told them the whole story, and taught them to look +full in the face the extreme peril of the undertaking. +He did not conceal anything from them. On the +other hand, Pelham merely represented the project as +a means of redressing the grievances of the officers +and crew; of having their money restored to them, +and abolishing certain portions of the regulations +which pressed hard upon those who were disposed to +be unruly.</p> + +<p>Though the number of "links" in the "Chain" +has been mentioned, it was not known to either of +the rivals. Each knew his own peculiar followers, +but he did not know how many the other could muster. +Though there were signs and passwords by +which the members could know each other, there were +no means by which any one could precisely sum up +the whole number of "links." Shuffles could count +thirteen including his rival, while Pelham could number +nineteen without his coequal in authority. The +former believed the list to consist of about twenty four, +while the latter estimated it above thirty. With them +it was a struggle for an office, as well as to redress +their fancied wrongs, and they mutually deceived each +other in order to obtain the advantage.</p> + +<p>"How many do you suppose we can muster now?" +<span class="pageno"><a name="Page_265" id="Page_265">{265}</a></span> +asked Shuffles, on the evening of the eighteenth day +out, as they met in the waist, when both were off duty.</p> + +<p>"About twenty," replied Pelham.</p> + +<p>"There are more than that."</p> + +<p>"Perhaps there are."</p> + +<p>"But it is time to stretch the Chain," added Shuffles, +in a whisper.</p> + +<p>"Not yet."</p> + +<p>"If we are ever going to do anything, we must +begin soon. We have so many members now that the +danger of exposure increases every day."</p> + +<p>"We can't do anything here. Besides, I am not in +favor of having the time or the manner of accomplishing +the work talked about among the members. I +believe in one-man power in an affair of this sort. +There should be one head, who should plan and command; +all the rest should obey. If every step in the +thing must be discussed and agreed upon, we shall +never do anything. One fellow will want it done in +one way, and another in some other way."</p> + +<p>"I think you are more than half right," replied +Shuffles, who was confident that he should be the +person chosen to arrange the plans and issue the +commands.</p> + +<p>"I know I am wholly right," added Pelham, who +was equally confident that he should enjoy the undivided +sway of the League. "If you are chosen captain +I will cheerfully obey your orders. I go a step +farther: whoever is elected captain should appoint his +own officers."</p> + +<p>"I will agree to that also," replied the complaisant +Shuffles.<span class="pageno"><a name="Page_266" id="Page_266">{266}</a></span></p> + +<p>"Very well, then; the understanding is, that when +one of us is elected captain, he shall appoint his own +officers, and do all the planning and all the commanding," +answered Pelham.</p> + +<p>"Exactly so; we are now in about longitude thirty-one, +and Cork Harbor is in longitude eight, according +to Bowditch, for I was looking the matter up in the +steerage to-day. We have to make about twenty-three +degrees more. A degree of longitude, in latitude fifty-one, +is thirty-seven and three quarters miles, which +would make it eight hundred and sixty-eight miles +more to run in order to reach Queenstown. You see +I am posted," said Shuffles.</p> + +<p>"I see you are. By the way, had you noticed that +Queenstown is not in the Navigator, or on the older +maps?" added Pelham.</p> + +<p>"Yes; the place was called the Cove of Cork until +1849, when, in honor of her majesty's visit to the town, +the name was changed to Queenstown."</p> + +<p>"All right," said Pelham.</p> + +<p>It need not be supposed that the distance to Queenstown +and the change in the name of that place had +anything to do with the League. The fact was, that +Mr. Fluxion had passed near the conspirators, and had +paused a moment in the waist to glance up at the fore-top-gallant +sail, which was not in good trim; and the +conversation had been changed to suit the occasion. +In talking of the affairs of the "Chain," it was required +that one of the party should look forward, and the +other aft, if there were two of them; and that the third, +if there were three, should stand back to the nearest +rail. It was further required that the conversation +<span class="pageno"><a name="Page_267" id="Page_267">{267}</a></span> +should not take place in a situation where it would be +possible for any one to overhear them. The lee side +of the waist,—the midshipman of the watch always +being on the weather side,—the top-gallant forecastle, +and the tops were the favorite resorts of the conspirators. +If any one approached, the parties in conversation +were instantly to change the topic, as Shuffles +had done.</p> + +<p>"I think it is about time for the election to take +place," continued Shuffles, when Mr. Fluxion had +gone aft.</p> + +<p>"Whenever you are ready, I am," replied Pelham.</p> + +<p>"I am ready now."</p> + +<p>"So am I."</p> + +<p>"Very well; it shall come off to-morrow, say."</p> + +<p>"To-morrow it is, then."</p> + +<p>"But how shall it be conducted?" asked Shuffles.</p> + +<p>"That will not be an easy matter. I think, however +we can hit upon some plan for having it fairly +done."</p> + +<p>"Of course the matter lies between you and me," +added Shuffles.</p> + +<p>"To be sure."</p> + +<p>"I suppose both of us are ready to abide the issue, +whatever it may be," said Shuffles, who was not a little +fearful that his powerful rival would refuse to acknowledge +him when he was chosen, as he confidently expected +to be.</p> + +<p>"I pledge you my word and honor, that I will obey +you in all things if you are fairly elected captain," +replied Pelham, who was equally sure of being chosen +himself.<span class="pageno"><a name="Page_268" id="Page_268">{268}</a></span></p> + +<p>"Fairly? Who is to decide whether it is fairly done +or not?" demanded Shuffles, unwilling to leave a loop-hole +through which his companion could crawl out +of the bargain.</p> + +<p>"When we have agreed upon the means of electing +the captain, the choice shall be final."</p> + +<p>"Good! You and I shall have no difficulty!" exclaimed +Shuffles, rather astonished to find his rival so +easily managed, as he regarded it.</p> + +<p>"We will make it a little more binding, if you +choose," suggested Pelham, who, the reader has +already been assured by the figures given, was completely +outwitting the author and inventor of the +Chain League.</p> + +<p>"With all my heart!"</p> + +<p>"We will toggle each other on this special question +if you like."</p> + +<p>"The stronger we make the bond the better," said +Shuffles. "Repeat after me."</p> + +<p>"Not here, Shuffles. There is a steamer on our +weather bow. Let's go up into the mizzentop, and +have a look at her with a night glass."</p> + +<p>Mr. Haven, the first lieutenant, who was in charge +of the deck, permitted them to go aloft with the glass, +for the officers were empowered to grant small favors. +On reaching the top, they glanced at the steamer, and +then resumed the conversation which had been suspended +on deck, it being too dark for the officers +below to see what they were doing.</p> + +<p>"Now go ahead," said Pelham.</p> + +<p>"Repeat after me."</p> + +<p>"All right." +<span class="pageno"><a name="Page_269" id="Page_269">{269}</a></span></p> + +<p>"I promise, without any reservation, to acknowledge +Shuffles as captain, if he is chosen, and faithfully +to obey his orders, on penalty of falling overboard accidentally."</p> + +<p>Pelham repeated these words, and then "toggled" +his rival in the same manner.</p> + +<p>"Now we understand each other perfectly, and +there will be no chance of dragging the anchor," said +Shuffles, satisfied that his sway would be undisputed. +"Let me say, in addition to this, that if I should happen +to be chosen, I shall make you my first officer, +Pelham."</p> + +<p>"And I will make you my first officer, if I should +happen to be chosen," replied the obliging Pelham. +"Of course I don't expect to be chosen; you have had +the swing of this affair, and you will have all the +advantage."</p> + +<p>"No, I think not; you are an officer now, and you +have more influence than I have," added the modest +Shuffles.</p> + +<p>If both had been laboring for the organization of +the League on the same terms, Shuffles would certainly +have the better chance of an election; but Pelham +had been taking in members on false pretences, merely +representing to those whom he approached that the +League was an association having for its object the +redress of their grievances. To only a few had he +mentioned the fact that a regular mutiny was contemplated; +that the ship was to be taken out of the hands +of the principal, and an independent cruise commenced. +He was afraid the whole truth would be +more than some of them could bear; and perhaps +<span class="pageno"><a name="Page_270" id="Page_270">{270}</a></span> +he had so little faith in the extreme measures to be +carried out by the League, that he was unwilling even +to mention them.</p> + +<p>Those who serve the evil one can neither trust each +other nor trust their master.</p> + +<p>The only real confidence in each other which can +exist among men or boys must be based on moral and +religious principle.</p> + +<p>The man who pays his debts, or who performs his +obligations to his fellow-men, for his reputation's sake, +rather than from devotion to pure principle, will fail of +his duty when he can conceal his infidelity, or when +his reputation will not suffer from his acts.</p> + +<p>A man or a boy without principle is not to be trusted +out of the line of his own interest.</p> + +<p>While Shuffles and Pelham were pledging themselves +to a kind of romantic fidelity, they were plotting +each against the other, each being satisfied that +he had the advantage of the other.</p> + +<p>"Now, I'm afraid the election will give us some +trouble," continued Shuffles. "It will not be an easy +matter to conduct it fairly—not that any fellow means +to cheat, but it must be conducted with so much +secrecy that we can't superintend the ballot properly."</p> + +<p>"I know there is all that difficulty, but I have +thought of a method which I believe will give us a +fair election," replied Pelham.</p> + +<p>"Have you? So have I."</p> + +<p>"Well, what is your plan? If it is better than +mine, I am willing to adopt it."</p> + +<p>"I was thinking, as you and I are the only candidates +that each of us might be represented by one side +<span class="pageno"><a name="Page_271" id="Page_271">{271}</a></span> +of the ship. You shall be port, and I will be starboard +Then every link in the Chain shall hand his +vote, on which shall be written the single word port or +starboard either to you or me; and if there are more +port than starboard, you will be captain; if more starboard +than port, I shall be captain! How does that +idea strike you?"</p> + +<p>"Pretty well; but the fellows have all got to write +their votes, and others will want to know what it +means. It will set outsiders to thinking, and I don't +believe the plan is quite safe."</p> + +<p>"Well, what is your method?" asked Shuffles, who +was willing to acknowledge the force of his rival's +objections.</p> + +<p>"Perhaps my plan is as open to objection as yours," +answered Pelham; "but it will require no writing. +Each of us shall get a handful of beans and a handful +of peas. We can easily obtain them when the store +rooms are opened. You shall be beans, and I will be +peas."</p> + +<p>"How are you, Peas?" said Shuffles, laughing at +the idea.</p> + +<p>"How are you, Beans?" added Pelham.</p> + +<p>"Go on with your soup."</p> + +<p>"We will give to every fellow belonging to the +Chain one pea and one bean."</p> + +<p>"I understand the plan now; but where are the +fellows to deposit their vegetable ballots?"</p> + +<p>"We can have a receiver; appoint some good fellow +for the purpose—say, Greenway, the captain of +the forecastle; or Tom Ellis, the third master."</p> + +<p>"Tom Ellis! Does he belong?" +<span class="pageno"><a name="Page_272" id="Page_272">{272}</a></span></p> + +<p>"Of course he does," laughed Pelham, who realized +that he had been a little too fast in betraying the +strength of his faction.</p> + +<p>"I wouldn't appoint an officer."</p> + +<p>"Well, you mention some fellow," said the politic +Pelham.</p> + +<p>"Say Wilton."</p> + +<p>"Mention another."</p> + +<p>"Lynch."</p> + +<p>"No; try again."</p> + +<p>"Grossbeck."</p> + +<p>"Very well; I will agree to him."</p> + +<p>"But he might make some mistake."</p> + +<p>"If he does, it will be in your favor, I suppose; +for you nominated him, and, of course, he will give +you the benefit of any doubt," replied Pelham.</p> + +<p>"I want a fellow who will do it fairly. I don't +wish to get in by any mistake," said Shuffles, magnanimously.</p> + +<p>"Neither do I? and I don't think there will be any +mistakes."</p> + +<p>"There is a chance for a great many. The fellows +may get mixed between beans and peas. When they +come to vote, there will be some who don't know +beans," laughed Shuffles.</p> + +<p>"Well, if they don't, they will know peas, which +will do just as well," replied Pelham.</p> + +<p>"It would not be pleasant for me to have them +know peas, when they ought to know beans."</p> + +<p>"We will give them P.P. as a clew to the whole +thing."</p> + +<p>"P.P.? That means P's, I suppose." +<span class="pageno"><a name="Page_273" id="Page_273">{273}</a></span></p> + +<p>"It means that, and more. P. for Pelham, and P. +for peas. If they get one right, they can't very well +get the other wrong."</p> + +<p>"That's true," answered Shuffles, silenced, rather +than convinced, by the tactics of his fellow-conspirator.</p> + +<p>It was settled that he who knew peas must certainly +"know beans."</p> + +<p>"When shall the fellows vote?" asked Shuffles.</p> + +<p>"After dinner to-morrow afternoon. Every fellow +will be off duty an hour in the first or second dog +watch," replied Pelham, who seemed to have an answer +ready for every question. "The polls shall be +kept open till eight o'clock. The peas and beans +shall be distributed before eight bells in the forenoon +watch, so that every fellow will be ready to vote."</p> + +<p>"Where will Grossbeck stand when he receives the +ballots?"</p> + +<p>"He won't stand anywhere in particular. We will +see him together, and give him his instructions. I +think it will be better for him to walk about the ship, +and let the fellows hand him the votes on the sly, +which he must put in his pocket. He shall count +them in the presence of both of us."</p> + +<p>"Suppose he should lose some of them?" suggested +Shuffles.</p> + +<p>"If he does, he is as likely to lose peas as beans."</p> + +<p>"I don't want to be chosen in any such manner as +by the loss of the votes."</p> + +<p>"I can't see that there is any more danger of his +losing them than there is of his losing his head. I +see you are not entirely satisfied with the plan." +<span class="pageno"><a name="Page_274" id="Page_274">{274}</a></span></p> + +<p>"To tell you the truth, Pelham, I am not. There +is, at least, a chance for mistakes."</p> + +<p>"I'm willing to do anything you like, that will make +the election a fairer one."</p> + +<p>"I have it!" exclaimed Shuffles. "We can give +each fellow two peas and two beans, and let him vote +twice."</p> + +<p>"What good will that do?"</p> + +<p>"I'll tell you. We want another receiver; then let +each fellow vote twice, giving a pea or a bean to both +of the receivers. If the two results don't agree, it +shall not be an election."</p> + +<p>"That's a first-rate idea, Shuffles, and I go in for it +with all my might," replied Pelham, with so much +warmth that his companion was put in the best of +humor. "Who shall be the other receiver?"</p> + +<p>"Name some one," said Shuffles, generously conceding +the nomination to his confederate.</p> + +<p>"Perth."</p> + +<p>"No."</p> + +<p>Shuffles objected because Pelham had done so when +he had mentioned two names.</p> + +<p>"Richton."</p> + +<p>"Once more."</p> + +<p>"McKeon."</p> + +<p>"Right. McKeon is an honest, careful fellow," +added Shuffles. "Now I think there can be no mistake."</p> + +<p>The minor details of the election were carefully +arranged, and the boys went below again. They gave +satisfactory replies to the first lieutenant, who questioned +them in regard to the steamer they had gone +<span class="pageno"><a name="Page_275" id="Page_275">{275}</a></span> +aloft to examine. Pelham thought she was a "Cunarder," +but Shuffles was confident she belonged to +the Inman line; and it is quite certain neither of them +had any opinion whatever in regard to her, except +that she was going west; for the red light on her port +side was visible.</p> + +<p>On the following day, Grossbeck and McKeon, the +receivers who had been appointed, were waited upon, +separately, by the two "Shackles." They accepted +the important trust which was confided to them, and +each was duly and solemnly admonished of the necessity +of entire fairness. They were informed that any +discrepancy in the number of ballots in the hands of +the two receivers would cause the vote to be rejected; +and they individually promised to be both faithful and +careful.</p> + +<p>The beans and the peas were readily obtained, and +were distributed among the members of the League, +with the necessary secrecy. Some of the independent +voters needed a little persuasion to induce them to +vote, when informed that the choice was between the +"Shackles" only; but they yielded the point, and +entered heartily into the excitement of the event; for, +secret as were the proceedings, they were attended +with no little exhilaration of feeling.</p> + +<p>The voting commenced in the afternoon watch. +The second part of the starboard watch, being off duty, +gave in their peas and beans first. The receivers, +without even knowing all the members of the League, +took whatever was handed to them "on the sly," and +looked as careless and indifferent as though nothing +was going on. The only responsibility that rested +<span class="pageno"><a name="Page_276" id="Page_276">{276}</a></span> +upon them, besides the general duty of carefulness +and fidelity, was to see that no one voted twice. +"Vote early and vote often" was not countenanced; +and one receiver acted as a check upon the other.</p> + +<p>The election progressed so secretly that no occasion +for suspicion was given; and though the ballots were +deposited under the eyes of the principal and the professors +they saw nothing, and had not the remotest +idea that anything wrong was in progress.</p> + +<p>In the last half of the first dog watch, Shuffles began +to be excited. He was too much of a politician +to be idle while any voting was going on? and so far +as his duty would permit, he had watched the receivers +since the balloting commenced. He had seen +seven or eight vote of whose membership in the Chain +he had no previous knowledge. He saw that Pelham +had made more initiates than he had been willing to +acknowledge, apparently concealing the facts for the +purpose of favoring his own election. He observed +that all the officers of his rival's quarter watch voted, +and he was almost certain that he had been defeated.</p> + +<p>Shuffles was angry and indignant when he discovered +the treacherous shrewdness of his fellow-conspirator; +but he had solemnly promised to abide the +result of the election, and he could not recede from +his position without a violation of the "honor among +thieves" which is said to exist. The poll would not +be closed for half an hour; and as he had been cheated +he deemed it quite right to restore the equilibrium +by a resort to the same policy.</p> + +<p>"Wilton, I have been cheated," said he, angrily, as +he met his old crony in the waist. +<span class="pageno"><a name="Page_277" id="Page_277">{277}</a></span></p> + +<p>"How do you know you have?"</p> + +<p>"I know it. I will explain by and by. Something +must be done. I am beaten as sure as you live."</p> + +<p>"Well, I can't help it if you are. You and Pelham +have fixed things to suit yourselves, and now you +must fight it out between you," replied Wilton, as he +turned on his heel, and left the mighty mischief-maker +alone and disconcerted.</p> + +<p>"Where do all these beans come from?" said Paul +Kendall, as he noticed the rejected ballots of the Pelhamites, +which they had not even taken the trouble to +throw over the rail.</p> + +<p>"It's a new game the fellows are playing," replied +Shuffles, with apparent indifference, as he walked aft +with the second lieutenant.</p> + +<p>"What's that?" asked Paul, curiously.</p> + +<p>"It's called 'Don't know Beans,'" answered Shuffles +in deep thought. "The fellows have a good deal +of sport out of it in the off-time."</p> + +<p>"'Don't know Beans!' I never heard of such a +game before. Tell me about it."</p> + +<p>"You see Grossbeck and McKeon?"</p> + +<p>"Yes."</p> + +<p>"Well, they are the <i>butts,</i> as we call them. All +the fellows in our watch have some beans," added +Shuffles, taking a handful of them from his pocket.</p> + +<p>"What do they do with them?"</p> + +<p>"You try it yourself. Take two of these beans."</p> + +<p>Paul took them.</p> + +<p>"Now you must give one to Grossbeck, and the +other to McKeon, without letting any fellow see you +<span class="pageno"><a name="Page_278" id="Page_278">{278}</a></span> +do it. If any fellow does see you give it to either of +them, he will say, in a low tone, 'Don't know Beans,' +and then the butt must drop it on deck. When the +even bell strikes, Grossbeck and McKeon must count +their beans. The one who has the most must appoint +the next two bean-pots, or butts; and the one who has +the smaller number must pick up all the beans that +have been dropped on the deck. There is fun in it; +though, perhaps, you wouldn't think so."</p> + +<p>"I will try it, at any rate."</p> + +<p>Paul did try it, and succeeded, as all others did, in +giving the beans to the receivers without any one uttering +the warning words. He was rather pleased +with the game, so suddenly invented, and the two officers +of his watch were induced to try the experiment. +Then Blackburn, Endicott, and Bennington were supplied +with beans by Shuffles, who instructed his auditors +that not a word must be said about the matter to +the "butts," or to any one in the waist. The last +three were as successful as the first three. Then +Thompson and Cartwright were equally fortunate. +Finally, Captain Gordon's attention was attracted, +and he descended so far from his dignity as to deposit +the beans.</p> + +<p>Shuffles was satisfied. He had procured nine votes, +and he was confident that he had thus defeated his +rival. As a matter of precaution, he directed McKeon +to pick up the beans scattered in the waist; and the +"outsiders" who had cast the nine votes believed that +he was the unlucky butt, who had been beaten in the +game.<span class="pageno"><a name="Page_279" id="Page_279">{279}</a></span></p> + +<p>"The captain and half the officers voted," whispered +Grossbeck at four bells.</p> + +<p>"Certainly; that's all right. You and McKeon +will meet Pelham and me in the waist at eight bells," +replied Shuffles, as he went below.</p> + + + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> +<h2><a name="CHAPTER_XVIII" id="CHAPTER_XVIII"></a>CHAPTER XVIII.</h2> + +<p><span class="pageno"><a name="Page_280" id="Page_280">{280}</a></span></p> + +<h4>THE RESULT OF THE BALLOT.</h4> +<p class="returnTOC"><a href="#Contents">Return to Table of +Contents</a></p> + + +<p>The first part of the port watch went on duty at +eight o'clock, when the secret poll for the choice +of a captain, under the new order of events, was +closed. Shuffles was in this watch, but as neither his +"trick at the wheel" nor his turn on the lookout came +within the first hour, he had an opportunity to attend +to the important business of the League. Pelham and +the two receivers of votes belonged in the second part +of the port watch, and there was nothing to prevent +them from attending the conference which Shuffles +had appointed.</p> + +<p>While Shuffles had been teaching the "outsiders" +the game of "Don't know Beans," Pelham, as officer +of the deck, remained abaft the mizzenmast, and had +failed to notice what was taking place in the waist. +The officers who were off duty, and who had unconsciously +voted for Shuffles, said nothing to those in +charge of the ship. In accordance with the requirements +of man-of-war discipline, the weather side of +the deck was given up to the captain and the officers +on duty, while all the idlers were required to keep on +the lee side. Captain Gordon was a privileged person. +On the weather side, even the denizens of the after +<span class="pageno"><a name="Page_281" id="Page_281">{281}</a></span> +cabin did not presume to address him on any question +not connected with the discipline of the ship. When +he went over to the lee side, it was understood that he +was simply a student, and even an ordinary seaman +might speak to him when he walked forward.</p> + +<p>Shuffles had explained the game to the outsiders +on the lee side, out of the hearing of the officer of +the deck; and Pelham, entirely satisfied that he was +already elected, did not trouble himself about the +matter.</p> + +<p>If "Don't know Beans" was not much of a game, +it was better than nothing, and Shuffles soon found +that there was danger of his little scheme being exposed. +During the second dog watch, at supper time, +and as other opportunities were presented, he told +Wilton, Monroe, Adler, and others, that the second +lieutenant, seeing so many beans on the deck, wished +to know where they came from, and that, to deceive +him and the rest of the officers, he had invented the +game which he described, and wished them to play +while off duty on deck. "Our fellows" thought this +was a good joke, and the new pastime was soon understood +throughout the ship, and "butts" were appointed +in each quarter watch to play it the next day.</p> + +<p>"The fellows have all voted, I suppose," said Pelham +when the party had obtained a good position for +the conference.</p> + +<p>"The time is out, whether they have or not," +replied Grossbeck.</p> + +<p>"All we have to do now is to count the votes," +added Shuffles, impatiently, for he was afraid his little +<span class="pageno"><a name="Page_282" id="Page_282">{282}</a></span> +trick would be exposed before the result of the ballot +was obtained.</p> + +<p>"Well, let us have it counted at once," said Pelham, +who, having no doubt of the result, had no thought of +offering any objection to the fairness of the election.</p> + +<p>"We can't count the votes here," suggested McKeon. +"Some one would see us, and want to know what we +were doing."</p> + +<p>"I can't leave the deck; I'm on duty," replied +Shuffles.</p> + +<p>"Let the receivers count it themselves."</p> + +<p>"We ought to see them do it."</p> + +<p>"That is not necessary. They don't know how +many votes they have."</p> + +<p>"I'm sure I don't," said Grossbeck.</p> + +<p>"Neither do I," added McKeon.</p> + +<p>"I'll tell you how we can manage it, without +exciting the attention of any one."</p> + +<p>"I will agree to anything that is fair," replied +Shuffles.</p> + +<p>"Grossbeck shall go forward, and McKeon aft as +far as the mainmast, so that each cannot know what +the other is about. They can count the votes separately +without being seen."</p> + +<p>"I don't see how we can," said McKeon.</p> + +<p>"Can you tell a pea from a bean by the feeling?"</p> + +<p>"Of course we can."</p> + +<p>"Where did you put the votes, Grossbeck?" asked +Pelham.</p> + +<p>"In my trousers' pocket."</p> + +<p>"So did I," added McKeon.</p> + +<p>"Both of you have on your pea-jackets now, and +<span class="pageno"><a name="Page_283" id="Page_283">{283}</a></span> +there is a pocket on each side of them. Take out all +the peas first, and put them in the right-hand pocket +of your pea-jacket; then all the beans, and put them +in the left-hand pocket; then count each."</p> + +<p>"Some fellow may see us counting them," said +Grossbeck.</p> + +<p>"You must take care of that," answered Pelham.</p> + +<p>"If they do, it will not make much difference. +Some of the fellows were careless, and threw their +beans on the deck."</p> + +<p>"Did they?" laughed Pelham? "I suppose they +had no use for them."</p> + +<p>"The second lieutenant saw them, and wanted to +know what they meant," added Shuffles.</p> + +<p>"Whew!" exclaimed Pelham.</p> + +<p>"I made it all right, though I was obliged to invent +a new game to throw him off the track."</p> + +<p>"Good!" said Pelham. "But we must go on with +the counting. When you have found the number of +peas and of beans, you will write the result on a piece +of paper, each of you. McKeon, you will hand your +paper to Shuffles, and, Grossbeck, you will hand yours +to me. That's fair—isn't it?"</p> + +<p>"Certainly," replied Shuffles.</p> + +<p>"Then we will put the two papers together; if +they agree, the election is made; if they do not agree, +we must do it all over again," continued Pelham.</p> + +<p>"All right," added Shuffles.</p> + +<p>The two receivers were sent away to count the +votes. As one went forward, and the other aft, and +the two "Shackles" stood between, no communication +whatever could pass from one to the other. It was +<span class="pageno"><a name="Page_284" id="Page_284">{284}</a></span> +now quite dark, and most of those off duty had +turned in, for the students had become so well accustomed +to sea life that they could sleep whenever +their presence was not required on deck.</p> + +<p>"I hope this thing will be settled now once for all," +said Pelham, who feared that some mistake might +defeat his hopes.</p> + +<p>"So do I," replied Shuffles, who was disturbed by +the same dread.</p> + +<p>"Have you any idea what the result will be?" +asked Pelham, who, in spite of the mutual "toggling," +and the mutual assurances of good faith, had +some doubts whether his rival would be willing to +accept the result.</p> + +<p>"Well, I don't know," replied Shuffles, cautiously, +and with the same want of confidence which disturbed +his companion. "There is no knowing who will be +governor till after election."</p> + +<p>"Of course not, but you might have some idea of +the way the thing is going?"</p> + +<p>"I might, but what's the use of talking when we +shall know all about it in ten or fifteen minutes?"</p> + +<p>"Of course you have some hopes."</p> + +<p>"To be sure I have; and I suppose you have, too."</p> + +<p>"Certainly I have; if I hadn't, I should have +given the thing up without the trouble and risk of +a ballot," replied Pelham.</p> + +<p>"We both expect it, and it follows that one of us +must be disappointed."</p> + +<p>"You know the bond."</p> + +<p>"I do."</p> + +<p>"Here is my hand, Shuffles. I pledge myself over +<span class="pageno"><a name="Page_285" id="Page_285">{285}</a></span> +again to abide the result of the vote, whether it is for me +or against me," continued Pelham, extending his hand.</p> + +<p>"And here is my hand, Pelham, with the same +pledge, honor bright," replied Shuffles, as he took the +offered hand.</p> + +<p>"I am tolerably confident of the result," added +Pelham.</p> + +<p>"I am quite confident that I shall be chosen," +replied Shuffles.</p> + +<p>"Don't be too certain, my dear fellow," laughed the +fourth lieutenant. "I have taken in a great many +recruits."</p> + +<p>"I'm glad you have—the more the better. I have +also taken in a good many. Pelham, do you know this +is very shaky business?"</p> + +<p>"Shaky?"</p> + +<p>"Yes—between you and me, I mean. If either of +us should back down, the whole thing would fall to +the ground."</p> + +<p>"Back down!" exclaimed Pelham. "Why, after +what has passed between us, I consider it impossible +that either of us should back down. I am pledged; +so are you; and if either of us should back down, I +hope he will—fall overboard accidentally."</p> + +<p>"So do I," replied Shuffles, heartily.</p> + +<p>"My dear fellow, if you should back out, I should +be mad enough to help you over the rail, some dark +evening, if I had a good chance."</p> + +<p>"I don't believe I should feel any better-natured if +you should break your agreement. One of us is +doomed to disappointment. We have tried to make +this thing as fair as possible." +<span class="pageno"><a name="Page_286" id="Page_286">{286}</a></span></p> + +<p>"Certainly we have, and it will be as fair as anything +can be. I am entirely satisfied with the voting."</p> + +<p>"Are you?"</p> + +<p>"Of course I am."</p> + +<p>Shuffles was very glad of this acknowledgment in +advance of the reception of the result.</p> + +<p>"But, after all, Pelham," said he, "there may be an +appearance of unfairness in the voting, after the result +is declared."</p> + +<p>"There may be; but each of us is pledged not to +claim anything on account of such an appearance. +If the figures of the two receivers agree, that is the +end of the whole thing, and you or I will be the +captain."</p> + +<p>"That's so; but here comes McKeon," replied +Shuffles, as the receiver gave him the paper on which +the result of the votes he had received was written.</p> + +<p>It was too dark to see it, and the rivals waited, in +great excitement of mind, for the appearance of Grossbeck. +He came, and his paper was handed to Pelham. +The conditions of the agreement had now all +been complied with, and the two papers were to be +placed side by side, where both of the candidates +could see them at the same instant. It was necessary, +in the darkness, to obtain the use of a light for a moment +and they decided to wait till the midshipman on +duty in the waist went into the steerage to make the +half-hourly inspection.</p> + +<p>When one bell struck, the officer left his post, and +the conspirators walked up to the binnacle in the +waist. By raising one of the slides in the side of the +machine, the lamp which threw its light on the face +<span class="pageno"><a name="Page_287" id="Page_287">{287}</a></span> +of the compass would enable them to examine the +papers.</p> + +<p>"Hold your paper by the side of mine," said Pelham +as he placed the important document in a position +to receive the light from the binnacle when the +slide should be moved.</p> + +<p>"Open it," replied Shuffles, nervously, as he complied +with the direction of his rival.</p> + +<p>Pelham raised the slide, and the contents of the +papers were read by both.</p> + +<p>Peas,........19</p> + +<p>Beans,........22</p> + +<p>The results given in by the two receivers were the +same, and by the terms of the bond, it was an election.</p> + +<p>"Shut the slide," said Shuffles.</p> + +<p>"Who opened that binnacle?" demanded the first +master, walking aft from his station on the forecastle.</p> + +<p>"I did, sir," replied Shuffles, unwilling to permit +the fourth lieutenant to answer the question. "We +were looking at some figures I had made."</p> + +<p>The master, finding that the fourth lieutenant was +one of the party gathered around the binnacle, said no +more, and returned to his place.</p> + +<p>"Are you satisfied, Pelham?" asked Shuffles, in +the softest of tones.</p> + +<p>"I don't understand it," answered the disappointed +candidate.</p> + +<p>"Don't you? Well, you will remember that neither +of us was to raise any question about the fairness of +the ballot."</p> + +<p>"I don't say a word about its fairness; I only said +<span class="pageno"><a name="Page_288" id="Page_288">{288}</a></span> +I did not understand it," answered Pelham, in surly +tones.</p> + +<p>"I don't understand it any better than you do; but +the point just now is, whether you acknowledge me as +captain, or not."</p> + +<p>"Of course I do. When I pledge myself to do a +thing, I always do it, I hail you as captain."</p> + +<p>"All right," added Shuffles. "Then nothing more +need be said. You have kept your bond like a gentleman +and I now appoint you my first officer, as I +promised to do."</p> + +<p>"Thank you," replied Pelham, in a sneering tone.</p> + +<p>"What's the matter, my dear fellow? Are you not +satisfied?" demanded Shuffles.</p> + +<p>"Entirely satisfied with the result;" but he talked +like one who was anything but satisfied.</p> + +<p>"It was a fair thing—wasn't it?"</p> + +<p>"I suppose it was; I don't know."</p> + +<p>"You speak as though you were not satisfied, +Pelham."</p> + +<p>"I am not disposed to grumble. I only say that I +don't understand it."</p> + +<p>"What don't you understand?" asked Shuffles, +sharply. "The election was conducted on a plan +furnished by yourself; the receivers were of your own +choice; the results agree; and I can't see, for the life +of me, that there is any chance to find fault."</p> + +<p>"I don't find fault. The result perplexes me, +because I can't see through it."</p> + +<p>"What do you mean by that?"</p> + +<p>"I don't see where your twenty-two votes came +from." +<span class="pageno"><a name="Page_289" id="Page_289">{289}</a></span></p> + +<p>"And I don't see where your nineteen came from," +retorted the successful candidate.</p> + +<p>"The whole number of votes was forty-one," added +Pelham, who was quite sure there was something +wrong.</p> + +<p>"The long and short of it is, that there are more +fellows on board that 'know beans,' than you thought +there were," laughed Shuffles.</p> + +<p>"Can you tell me where the forty-one votes came +from, Shuffles?" demanded Pelham.</p> + +<p>"Came from the fellows, of course."</p> + +<p>"It's no use to snuff at it, my dear fellow. I do not +purpose to set aside the election. I acknowledge you +as captain. Can I do any more?"</p> + +<p>"You can't; but you seem disposed to do something +more."</p> + +<p>"I merely wish to inquire into this thing, and find +out how we stand. Had you any idea that forty-one +fellows belonged to the Chain?"</p> + +<p>"I had not," replied Shuffles, honestly. "I was +never more surprised in my life, than when I saw Tom +Ellis and Andy Groom vote."</p> + +<p>"That was all right. Both of them joined."</p> + +<p>"I can tell you what took me all aback," interposed +McKeon, who, with Grossbeck, had been walking +back and forth in the waist.</p> + +<p>"No matter what took you all aback," added Shuffles +sharply. "The question is settled; what's the +use of raking up every thing that may seem to be +strange?"</p> + +<p>"What was it that took you aback, McKeon?" demanded +Pelham.<span class="pageno"><a name="Page_290" id="Page_290">{290}</a></span></p> + +<p>"It was when the captain voted," replied the receiver.</p> + +<p>"The captain!" exclaimed Pelham.</p> + +<p>"Yes."</p> + +<p>"Do you mean Captain Gordon, McKeon?" asked +Pelham, with intense surprise.</p> + +<p>"Of course I do."'</p> + +<p>"All the officers of the first part of the port watch +voted," added Grossbeck.</p> + +<p>"They did!" exclaimed Pelham.</p> + +<p>"Well, was it any stranger that the officers of the +first part of the port watch voted, than it was that +those of the second part did so?" inquired Shuffles, +with earnestness.</p> + +<p>"I think it was," replied Pelham, decidedly.</p> + +<p>"Paul Kendall was one of them," said McKeon.</p> + +<p>"Paul Kendall! Does any fellow suppose he has +joined the Chain?" demanded the defeated candidate.</p> + +<p>"Why not?"</p> + +<p>"And Captain Gordon?"</p> + +<p>"Why not?"</p> + +<p>"How did the captain vote?" asked Pelham.</p> + +<p>"No matter how he voted," said Shuffles, indignantly +"I protest against this raking up of matters +which are already settled."</p> + +<p>"He voted beans," replied McKeon, who, it is +hardly necessary to add, was a Pelham man.</p> + +<p>"Then he is one of your friends, Shuffles," continued +Pelham, who was beginning to understand how +his rival had been elected.</p> + +<p>"I don't claim him."</p> + +<p>"Did you take the captain into the Chain, Shuffles?" +<span class="pageno"><a name="Page_291" id="Page_291">{291}</a></span></p> + +<p>"I won't answer," replied the captain elect.</p> + +<p>"If Captain Gordon and Paul Kendall are members, +I would like to know it. I am first officer of the +ship under the new order of things, and if I command +Gordon to do anything, I mean that he shall obey me."</p> + +<p>"Of course you will give him no orders till we are +in possession of the ship," added Shuffles, not a little +alarmed.</p> + +<p>"Well, as Gordon and Kendall are members of the +Chain—of course they are, or they wouldn't have +voted—we can talk over the matter freely with them," +said Pelham, chuckling.</p> + +<p>"If you make the signs, and they make them, of +course you can," replied Shuffles. "No member can +speak to another about the business of the Chain until +both of them have proved that they belong, by giving +the required signals."</p> + +<p>"Shuffles, do you suppose Captain Gordon knows +the signs?"</p> + +<p>"How should I know? I never tried him. I don't +know why he shouldn't make them as well as Tom +Ellis."</p> + +<p>"Tom Ellis is all right. I vouch for him, for I admitted +him myself. Who will vouch for the captain? +Who took him in?"</p> + +<p>"I don't know."</p> + +<p>"I don't; but if anybody has admitted him, and not +given him the signs, he ought to be instructed in them. +Of course he must have been admitted, or he would +not have voted," added Pelham, sarcastically.</p> + +<p>"I have nothing more to say about this matter," +<span class="pageno"><a name="Page_292" id="Page_292">{292}</a></span> +replied Shuffles, disgusted with the cavils of his first +officer.</p> + +<p>"Nor I; but I shall satisfy myself whether the captain +is a member or not," said Pelham, decidedly.</p> + +<p>"Well, you must be very cautious what you do."</p> + +<p>"Certainly I shall. I will give him the first sign; +if he don't answer it, I shall conclude he is not a +member; or, if he is, that he has not been properly +instructed."</p> + +<p>"Better not say anything to him," said Shuffles.</p> + +<p>"Why not? He voted, and it must be all right."</p> + +<p>"Don't you say a word to him, unless he proves +that he is a member."</p> + +<p>"I think he has proved that already by voting."</p> + +<p>"You know our rule."</p> + +<p>"I do; it requires me to satisfy myself that the +person to whom I speak is a member. I am entirely +satisfied now that the captain and Paul Kendall +belong; they would not have voted if they had not +belonged."</p> + +<p>This was a "clincher," and even Shuffles had not +wit enough to escape the conclusion of the dogmatic +reasoner. The captain elect of the League knew very +well that nine persons who were not members had +voted—that he had secured his election by a gross +fraud. He was afraid that Pelham, disappointed by +his defeat, would do something to compromise the +enterprise; but his own treachery had placed him in +such a position that he could say nothing without exposing +himself.</p> + +<p>"Of course it's all right," added Pelham, "I find +we have plenty of friends in the after cabin. As soon +<span class="pageno"><a name="Page_293" id="Page_293">{293}</a></span> +as you have any orders to give, Captain Shuffles, I am +in a position to execute them to the best advantage."</p> + +<p>"When I am ready, I will give them to you."</p> + +<p>"It will be an easy matter now to obtain possession +of the ship; in fact, all you have to do is to order +Captain Gordon to turn the command over to you. +He has been 'toggled,' and must obey his superiors—of +course he has been toggled; he couldn't have voted +if he hadn't been."</p> + +<p>Shuffles was terribly exercised by the repeated flings +of his disconcerted rival. He was already satisfied +that the enterprise had come to an end, unless Pelham +could be quieted; and he was about to propose a new +ballot, when he was ordered by the quartermaster on +duty to take his trick at the wheel.</p> + +<p>"What does all this mean?" demanded Pelham of +the receivers, when the captain-elect had gone to his +duty.</p> + +<p>"I only know that the captain and all the officers of +the first part of the port watch voted, and other fellows +who would no more join this thing than they would +jump overboard," replied McKeon.</p> + +<p>"How could they vote—how could the captain +vote—without understanding the whole thing?" demanded +Pelham, perplexed at the inconsistency of the +facts.</p> + +<p>"I think I know something about it," added Grossbeck.</p> + +<p>"What do you know?"</p> + +<p>"Haven't you heard of the new game?"</p> + +<p>"What new game?"</p> + +<p>"'Don't know Beans.'" +<span class="pageno"><a name="Page_294" id="Page_294">{294}</a></span></p> + +<p>"Shuffles said something about it, but I did not +comprehend his meaning."</p> + +<p>Grossbeck explained the game, whose history had +been circulated among "our fellows."</p> + +<p>"And this game was played while the voting was +going on?" said Pelham, who began to see the trick +which his rival had put upon him.</p> + +<p>"I didn't know anything about it till supper time," +answered Grossbeck.</p> + +<p>"I see it all," continued Pelham. "The receivers +were the 'butts,' and about a dozen fellows voted for +Shuffles, including Gordon and Kendall, supposing +they were simply playing 'Don't know Beans.'"</p> + +<p>It did not require a great deal of penetration on the +part of the fourth lieutenant to comprehend the trick +of his rival. He was indignant and angry, and all the +more so because he had been outwitted, even while he +was attempting to outwit his unscrupulous competitor.</p> + +<p>The next day, the quarter watches off duty played +"Don't know Beans" to their satisfaction. It was +found, when everybody was watching the "butts," +that very few could deposit their beans without detection. +A few hours' trial of the new pastime convinced +all except "our fellows" that it was a senseless game, +and it was speedily abandoned.</p> + +<p>On the nineteenth day of the voyage, the Young +America encountered another gale, but it was not +nearly so severe as the one through which she had +passed when off Cape Sable. The ship ran for twelve +hours under close-reefed topsails; but as the gale came +from the south-west, she laid her course during the +whole of it, and behaved herself to the entire satisfac +<span class="pageno"><a name="Page_295" id="Page_295">{295}</a></span>tion +of all on board. On the following day, the wind +had hauled round to the north-west, and the sea subsided, +so that the ship went along very comfortably.</p> + +<p>Notwithstanding his doubts of the good faith of +Pelham, who, however, nominally adhered to the +terms of the compact, Shuffles arranged his plans for +the capture of the ship. He had decided to defer the +grand strike until the ship had come up with Cape +Clear, so that the faculty, and all the students who +would not take a part in the enterprise, might be put +on shore immediately. In the course of three days, +the land would probably be sighted. The rising was +to take place in Pelham's watch, the officers of which +were members of the League. All the details had +been carefully arranged, and trusty "links" appointed +to perform the heavy work. As soon as the "old +folks" had been locked up in the cabin, and the new +captain had taken the command, the ship was to be +headed for the shore. The great event was to come +off at six o'clock in the afternoon of the twenty-third +or twenty-fifth day. The ship would be near the coast +for at least a part of two days. If she was within six +hours' sail of the land on the twenty-third day out, +when Pelham would have the second part of the first +dog watch, the rising was to take place then; if not, +it was to be deferred till the twenty-fifth day, when the +watches were again favorable.</p> + +<p>Shuffles communicated with his discontented first +officer as often as he could, and unfolded his plans +without reserve. Pelham listened, and, still professing +his willingness to obey his superior officer, promised +to do all that was required of him. +<span class="pageno"><a name="Page_296" id="Page_296">{296}</a></span></p> + +<p>"In your watch, Pelham, you will see that the +helm is in the hands of some of our fellows," said +Shuffles.</p> + +<p>"Certainly," replied Pelham, with more indifference +than suited the enthusiastic chief of the enterprise +"By the way, Captain Shuffles, have you laid +out any work for Captain Gordon to do?"</p> + +<p>"What's the use of talking to me about him now +that we are on the very point of accomplishing our +purpose?" demanded Shuffles, with deep disgust.</p> + +<p>"You can't deny that Gordon is an able fellow, +and, as a good commander, of course you intend to +give him some important position," chuckled Pelham. +"Have you appointed the rest of your officers yet?"</p> + +<p>"To be sure I have."</p> + +<p>"Have you given Gordon anything?"</p> + +<p>"No!" growled Shuffles.</p> + +<p>"No? Why, do you think the present captain of +the ship will be content to go into the steerage under +the new arrangement?"</p> + +<p>"He may go into the steerage or go overboard," +answered the chief, angrily.</p> + +<p>"Accidentally, you mean."</p> + +<p>"Pelham, if you intend to be a traitor, say so."</p> + +<p>"I! My dear fellow, I don't mean anything of the +kind. I am as true as the pole star."</p> + +<p>"Have you spoken to the captain about our affairs?"</p> + +<p>"Not a word."</p> + +<p>"Have you tried him by the signs?"</p> + +<p>"I have, and he made no sign," laughed Pelham, +who was not much enamoured of the cabalistic clap-trap +of the Chain. +<span class="pageno"><a name="Page_297" id="Page_297">{297}</a></span></p> + +<p>"Then, of course, he is not a member."</p> + +<p>"He must be; he voted," replied Pelham, maliciously.</p> + +<p>"How many more times will you say that?"</p> + +<p>"Perhaps fifty; perhaps a hundred," answered the +fourth lieutenant, coolly. "I shall say it until you are +willing to acknowledge the trick you put upon me."</p> + +<p>"What trick?"</p> + +<p>"O, I know all about it! Didn't you tell Kendall, +the captain, and seven or eight others, how to play +'Don't know Beans'?"</p> + +<p>"If I did, it was to cheat them when they wanted +to know what the beans meant."</p> + +<p>"You saw that the fellows threw away the beans, +instead of voting for you with them, and you invented +your game to make the thing come out right. No +matter, Shuffles; I am bound by the compact we +made, but I shall persist in regarding Gordon, Kendall +Foster, and others as members. As you made +them vote, you are responsible for them. That's all."</p> + +<p>"Don't let us quarrel about it, my dear fellow," +said Shuffles, in soft, insinuating tones.</p> + +<p>"By no means."</p> + +<p>"We will have a new election," suggested the chief.</p> + +<p>"If we should, I'm afraid all the fellows would +want to play 'Don't know Beans.'"</p> + +<p>"You shall conduct it any way you please."</p> + +<p>"If I did, you would say I cheated you. I agreed +to abide by the election, and I shall do so. The fact +is, Shuffles, you and I are too smart to play in the +same game. I shall stick to the bond. When you +<span class="pageno"><a name="Page_298" id="Page_298">{298}</a></span> +order me to do anything, I shall do it," replied Pelham +as he turned on his heel and walked off.</p> + +<p>He retreated into the after cabin, where Shuffles +could not follow him. At the cabin table, studying +his French lesson, sat Paul Kendall.</p> + + + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> +<h2><a name="CHAPTER_XIX" id="CHAPTER_XIX"></a>CHAPTER XIX.</h2> + +<p><span class="pageno"><a name="Page_299" id="Page_299">{299}</a></span></p> + +<h4>MAN OVERBOARD!</h4> +<p class="returnTOC"><a href="#Contents">Return to Table of +Contents</a></p> + + +<p>"Do you know how to play 'Don't know Beans'?" +asked Pelham, as he seated himself by the +side of the second lieutenant.</p> + +<p>"Yes; I know how to play it, but it's a stupid +game. Shuffles told me how."</p> + +<p>"Did he, indeed?"</p> + +<p>"There was some fun in it the first time I tried it; +but the second time was enough to satisfy me. I +don't think there is any sense in it."</p> + +<p>"Of course there isn't, Kendall," laughed Pelham. +"It was no game at all."</p> + +<p>"What are you laughing at?"</p> + +<p>"You were sold on that game," added the conspirator +indulging in more laughter than the occasion +seemed to require.</p> + +<p>"How was I sold? I don't see anything so very +funny about it."</p> + +<p>"I do."</p> + +<p>"Tell me about it; if there is any joke I think I +shall enjoy it. You say I was sold."</p> + +<p>"You were; and so was I."</p> + +<p>"Well, what was it?" asked Paul, impatiently. +<span class="pageno"><a name="Page_300" id="Page_300">{300}</a></span></p> + +<p>"When you gave those fellows the beans that day, +you were voting!"</p> + +<p>"Voting! Voting for what, or whom?" exclaimed +the second lieutenant.</p> + +<p>"For Shuffles."</p> + +<p>"Did my vote count?"</p> + +<p>"To be sure it did; and he was elected to a certain +position by your vote and those of seven or eight +others who did not understand the trick," replied Pelham +laughing all the time.</p> + +<p>"What was the position? I don't understand what +you are talking about, and therefore I can't appreciate +the joke."</p> + +<p>"I'll tell you, Kendall; but you must keep still +about it for the present."</p> + +<p>"It looks to me, on the face of it, like a dishonest +trick. It seems that Shuffles lied to us when he made +us believe that we were playing a game. I like a +joke well enough, but I don't believe in a fellow's +lying for the sake of any fun."</p> + +<p>"You are right, Kendall. It was not only a dishonest +trick, but it was a mean one."</p> + +<p>"What was the position?" repeated Paul.</p> + +<p>"Some of the fellows are going to make Mr. Lowington +a present of a silver pitcher as soon as we get +to some port where we can obtain one."</p> + +<p>"Why didn't you tell of it?" demanded Paul. "I +should like to join in the presentation, for I don't think +there is a fellow on board who likes Mr. Lowington +better than I do."</p> + +<p>"Yes; but, you see, there's something peculiar +about this thing. The contribution is to be confined +<span class="pageno"><a name="Page_301" id="Page_301">{301}</a></span> +to those fellows who have been disciplined in one way +or another. A good many of us, you know, were +mad when Mr. Lowington took our money away; we +are satisfied now that he was right. We made him +feel rather uncomfortable by our looks and actions, +and some of us were positively impudent to him. +We purpose to show that our feelings are all right."</p> + +<p>"Precisely so!" replied Paul, with enthusiasm. +"That's splendid! Mr. Lowington will appreciate +the gift when he sees the names of the subscribers."</p> + +<p>"Certainly he will."</p> + +<p>"But you have no money," laughed the second +lieutenant.</p> + +<p>"We have put our names down for ten shillings +apiece—about thirty of us. When we get into port, +we shall tell Mr. Lowington that we wish to present +a silver pitcher to a gentleman on board, in token of +our appreciation of his kindness, &c., and ask him for +half a sovereign each from our funds."</p> + +<p>"He will wish to know who the gentleman is."</p> + +<p>"We can ask to be excused from telling him."</p> + +<p>"I can manage that part of the business for you. +Each of the fellows shall give me an order on the +principal for ten shillings, to be paid to Dr. Winstock, +who will buy the pitcher for you, if you like. He is +acquainted in Cork. I will give all the orders to the +doctor, and he will get the present without saying a +word to Mr. Lowington until after the presentation. +Then he will have no chance to object, on the suspicion +that the gift is intended for him—don't you +see?"</p> + +<p>Paul Kendall entered into the project with a degree +<span class="pageno"><a name="Page_302" id="Page_302">{302}</a></span> +of enthusiasm which was rather embarrassing to the +conspirator.</p> + +<p>"The fellows have been very secret about the +thing," added Pelham.</p> + +<p>"They must have been, or I should have heard +something about it," replied Paul, innocently.</p> + +<p>"No one but ourselves has known a thing about it +till now. They have formed a kind of secret society, +and know each other by certain signs."</p> + +<p>"But what was the voting for?"</p> + +<p>"For orator of the day."</p> + +<p>"For the fellow who is to present the pitcher and +make the speech?" added Paul.</p> + +<p>"Yes."</p> + +<p>"And Shuffles was chosen?"</p> + +<p>"Yes, by a trick."</p> + +<p>"You mean that no one but subscribers ought to +have voted?"</p> + +<p>"Precisely so."</p> + +<p>"It was a mean trick."</p> + +<p>"It was a sort of practical joke upon me, I suppose"</p> + +<p>"I don't believe in practical jokes which need a lie +to carry them through."</p> + +<p>"Well, Shuffles has the position, unless some of +you fellows will help me out. I wanted to make the +speech, and without the nine votes which you and +other outsiders put in, I should have been chosen."</p> + +<p>"What can we do?"</p> + +<p>"I have a right to consider all the fellows that voted +as members of the society. The fact of their voting +makes them members." +<span class="pageno"><a name="Page_303" id="Page_303">{303}</a></span></p> + +<p>"I don't know anything about that."</p> + +<p>"It's clear enough to me, and in a talk I had with +Shuffles just now, he didn't pretend to deny the correctness +of my position."</p> + +<p>"If he agrees, it must be all right," laughed Paul.</p> + +<p>"If you had understood the matter, for whom should +you have voted?"</p> + +<p>"I don't know? but after the trick Shuffles played +off upon you, I should not vote for him."</p> + +<p>"Very well; then you can change your vote."</p> + +<p>"How shall I change it?"</p> + +<p>"Go to Shuffles; and the other eight fellows who +voted in the dark must do the same."</p> + +<p>"What shall I say to him?"</p> + +<p>"You must go to him as a member of the society, +and salute him as such."</p> + +<p>"I don't know how."</p> + +<p>"I'll tell you. When you meet him, scratch the tip +end of your nose with the nail of your second finger +on the right hand; in this manner," continued Pelham +giving the first sign.</p> + +<p>"That's it—is it?" said Paul, as he imitated the +action of Pelham.</p> + +<p>"Yes; that's right He will reply by taking the +lower part of his left ear between the thumb and first +finger of the left hand—so," added Pelham.</p> + +<p>"I have it," answered Paul, as he made the +motions.</p> + +<p>"Then you will scratch your chin with the thumb +nail of the left hand, and he will reply by blowing his +nose."</p> + +<p>"Let's see if I can do all that," laughed Paul, very +<span class="pageno"><a name="Page_304" id="Page_304">{304}</a></span> +much amused at the mystic indications of membership +In the secret association.</p> + +<p>He made the signs to Pelham, who replied to them, +several times, until he was perfect in his part.</p> + +<p>"All right. I will remember them," said Paul.</p> + +<p>"But you haven't got the whole of it yet. When +you have made the signs, and he has answered them, +he will say, '<i>Is</i> that so?' with strong emphasis on the +first word."</p> + +<p>"<i>Is</i> that so?" repeated Paul.</p> + +<p>"Then you will reply, '<i>That</i> is so,' with the stress +on <i>that</i>."</p> + +<p>"<i>That</i> is so," added Paul.</p> + +<p>"Then you must place yourself so as to look directly +forward or aft. If you look forward, he must +look aft."</p> + +<p>"I understand you."</p> + +<p>"Now I want to know who the other fellows were +that played 'Don't know Beans' that day."</p> + +<p>"Captain Gordon was one."</p> + +<p>"Will you post him up in what I have told you?"</p> + +<p>"I will, and the other fellows who voted for Shuffles, +if you say so."</p> + +<p>"Thank you. I wish you would. Let them all tell +him they desire to change their votes; but have them +do it one at a time."</p> + +<p>Paul Kendall promised to do what was required of +him; and in the course of the following forenoon he +initiated "the outsiders who had voted for Shuffles" +in the secret machinery of the supposed society, but +in fact of the Chain League. Being off duty during +<span class="pageno"><a name="Page_305" id="Page_305">{305}</a></span> +the second part of the afternoon watch, he encountered +Shuffles in the lee side of the waist.</p> + +<p>"Well, Shuffles, we are almost up with the coast +of Ireland," said Paul, as he scratched the tip of his +nose with the second finger of his right hand, agreeably +to the instructions given him by Pelham.</p> + +<p>"Yes; and I suppose by Saturday, if the wind holds +fair, we shall be off Cape Clear," replied the captain-elect, +as he took the lower part of his left ear between +the thumb and forefinger of the left hand.</p> + +<p>Shuffles did not suppose that the second lieutenant +was a member of the league, and pledged to assist in +the capture of the ship; but as he had made the sign, +probably accidentally, he replied to it.</p> + +<p>"There is a prospect of fair weather for some days +to come," continued Paul, as he scratched his chin +with his left hand, which was the second step towards +a recognition in the "Chain."</p> + +<p>Shuffles was duly and properly astonished at this +exhibition of intelligence on the part of the officer; +and it was now quite certain that Paul had joined the +league, or that he had obtained its tremendous secrets.</p> + +<p>"I hope it will be good weather now during the +rest of the passage," added the captain-elect, as he +took his handkerchief from his breast pocket and blew +his nose, for he was determined to satisfy himself +whether or not the second lieutenant was a member +of the League.</p> + +<p>"<i>Is</i> that so?" demanded Shuffles.</p> + +<p>"<i>That</i> is so," answered Paul.</p> + +<p>Shuffles was almost overwhelmed with astonish +<span class="pageno"><a name="Page_306" id="Page_306">{306}</a></span>ment +to find that one who was a model of fidelity and +propriety had actually joined the Chain.</p> + +<p>"Shuffles, I voted for you the other day," added +Paul.</p> + +<p>"I know you did."</p> + +<p>"I wish to change my vote."</p> + +<p>"Change it!" exclaimed Shuffles.</p> + +<p>"Yes? I voted in the dark. I wish now to vote for +the other candidate."</p> + +<p>"For whom?"</p> + +<p>"For Pelham, of course."</p> + +<p>"You are too late."</p> + +<p>"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.</p> + +<p>"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.</p> + +<p>"I don't think it was quite fair for you to obtain +my vote as you did."</p> + +<p>"No matter for that. Do you think Pelham would +make a better captain than I should?"</p> + +<p>"A better what?"</p> + +<p>"Do you think he will command the ship any better +than I shall."</p> + +<p>"Command the ship!" repeated Paul, bewildered +by this extraordinary question. "I wasn't aware that +either of you were to command the ship."</p> + +<p>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. +<span class="pageno"><a name="Page_307" id="Page_307">{307}</a></span> +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.</p> + +<p>"Mr. Kendall, may I ask what you now suppose +you were voting for?" asked Shuffles, with easy assurance.</p> + +<p>"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.</p> + +<p>Indeed, he was so true himself that he was not suspicious +of others; and he did not even perceive that +he had obtained an advantage.</p> + +<p>"Exactly so," added Shuffles; "for orator of the +day? but we don't speak the idea out loud, or call it +by its proper name."</p> + +<p>"What did you mean by commanding the ship, +Shuffles?" laughed Kendall.</p> + +<p>"I meant orator of the day. We keep this thing to +ourselves," added Shuffles, who had no idea what was +meant by his companion.</p> + +<p>"Of course; I understand all about that," said Paul, +knowingly. "I don't think I had any right to vote; +and in my opinion the trick you played on Pelham +was decidedly wrong."</p> + +<p>"It was merely a joke," answered Shuffles.</p> + +<p>"But do you intend to use the advantage you gained +by this trick?"</p> + +<p>"Certainly not."</p> + +<p>"I'm very glad of that." +<span class="pageno"><a name="Page_308" id="Page_308">{308}</a></span></p> + +<p>"It was only for the fun of the thing," added Shuffles +at a venture.</p> + +<p>"It may have been funny; but I don't think it was +honest."</p> + +<p>"I didn't intend to make any use of it," continued +Shuffles. "What did Mr. Pelham say to you, Mr. +Kendall?"</p> + +<p>"He told me all about it," replied Paul.</p> + +<p>"Did he, indeed?"</p> + +<p>"He said that you, by causing me to vote, had made +me a member."</p> + +<p>"Just so."</p> + +<p>Shuffles did not dare to say much, though it was +evident, from the words and the manner of the second +lieutenant, that Pelham had not yet betrayed the real +object of the Chain. If he had, the captain elect was +satisfied he would have been in irons, confined in the +brig, before that time.</p> + +<p>"I told Mr. Pelham I fully approved the purpose, +and would help him out with it."</p> + +<p>"What purpose?" asked Shuffles, anxious to know +what Paul meant.</p> + +<p>"Why, don't you know?"</p> + +<p>"Of course I do; but I wish to know precisely +what Mr. Pelham told you."</p> + +<p>"He will tell you himself," laughed Paul, as he +walked aft, in order to afford the other "outsiders" +who had voted an opportunity to communicate with +Shuffles, for he perceived that they were waiting their +turns.</p> + +<p>As the second lieutenant went aft, the captain went +forward on the lee side of the deck. +<span class="pageno"><a name="Page_309" id="Page_309">{309}</a></span></p> + +<p>"Shuffles!" called Captain Gordon, as the chief +conspirator was going forward.</p> + +<p>The captain elect turned and walked towards the +commander, and touched his cap with becoming +respect.</p> + +<p>"What do you think of the weather?" demanded +Captain Gordon, scratching the tip of his nose.</p> + +<p>Paul had instructed the "outsiders" to talk about +the weather while they went through with the mystic +routine of the signs.</p> + +<p>"I think we shall have good weather," replied +Shuffles, who, though he was confounded and amazed +to be saluted from this quarter with the language of +the "Chain," dared not refuse to give the signs, after +he had done so with the second lieutenant.</p> + +<p>"I wish to change my vote? for I don't think it +was fairly given before," said the captain, when he +had gone through all the forms of the recognition.</p> + +<p>"Certainly, Captain Gordon, if you desire to do so."</p> + +<p>Fortunately for Shuffles, the captain did not prolong +the conversation; for others were waiting an +opportunity to make themselves known to the conspirator. +One after another, they saluted Shuffles in the +waist, inquiring about the weather, and making the +requisite signs. The captain elect was filled with +indignation and rage against Pelham, who had played +off this trick upon him; but he was compelled to meet +all who came, and go through the signs with them, +while the "outsiders," scattered about the deck, stood +watching the motions with intense delight. He would +fain have fled, but he could not leave the deck; and +he was afraid that any impatience, or a refusal to +<span class="pageno"><a name="Page_310" id="Page_310">{310}</a></span> +answer the signs, would involve him in a worse difficulty.</p> + +<p>At last the nine illegal voters had "made themselves +known," and having requested that their votes might +be changed, Shuffles was released from torture. He +was both alarmed and indignant. He had not been +able to ascertain what was meant by "the orator of +the day;" and he began to fear that Pelham had exposed +the whole, or a part, of the real purposes of +the League. He was enraged that he had revealed +anything. Even the captain and the second lieutenant +had made all the signs, and they could not have done +so without the assistance of a traitor.</p> + +<p>"It's all up with us, Wilton," said Shuffles, as they +met near the foremast.</p> + +<p>"What is?"</p> + +<p>"Pelham has blowed the whole thing."</p> + +<p>"No!" exclaimed Wilton, almost paralyzed by the +information.</p> + +<p>"He has. The captain and several of the officers +made all the signs to me just now. We shall spend +our time in the brig for the next month."</p> + +<p>"Did Pelham do it?"</p> + +<p>"Yes."</p> + +<p>"That was mean," added Wilton, his face pale with +terror.</p> + +<p>"He will fall overboard accidentally some day," +added Shuffles, shaking his head.</p> + +<p>"Don't do that, Shuffles," protested the frightened +confederate.</p> + +<p>"I will, if I get a chance." +<span class="pageno"><a name="Page_311" id="Page_311">{311}</a></span></p> + +<p>"You will only make the matter ten times worse +than it is."</p> + +<p>Monroe joined them, and was informed of the desperate +situation of the League.</p> + +<p>"It's all your fault, Shuffles," said Monroe, indignantly +"I don't blame Pelham."</p> + +<p>"You don't! He has told a dozen outsiders how +to make the signs, and let them into the secrets of the +Chain, for all I know."</p> + +<p>"If he has, we may thank you for it, Shuffles. +You cheated him, and played a mean trick upon +him," replied Monroe. "I wouldn't have stood it if +I had been he."</p> + +<p>"Pelham is a traitor, and you are another."</p> + +<p>"No matter what he is, or what I am. You got +all those fellows to vote for you, and cheated him out +of the place that belonged to him."</p> + +<p>"Did you think I was going to have him captain, +after I had got up the Chain, and done all the work?"</p> + +<p>"You agreed to leave it out to the fellows who +should be captain. They voted, and you cheated," +added Monroe. "I've had enough of the Chain; and +if any fellow makes the signs again, I shall not notice +them."</p> + +<p>"Humph! It's a pretty time to talk so, after the +whole thing is let out."</p> + +<p>"Well, I will face the music, and get out of it the +best way I can. I was a fool to join the Chain."</p> + +<p>"So was I," said Wilton.</p> + +<p>There was no difficulty in arriving at such a conclusion +after the affair had been exposed; and the +sentiments of Wilton and Monroe were, or would +<span class="pageno"><a name="Page_312" id="Page_312">{312}</a></span> +soon be, the sentiments of all the members of the +League. Shuffles realized the truth of the old adage, +that rats desert a sinking ship, and he began to feel +lonely in his guilt and his fear of exposure. But he +could not forgive Pelham for his perfidy, forgetting +that each had been treacherous to the other.</p> + +<p>In the first dog watch on that day, while Shuffles' +heart was still rankling with hatred towards the alleged +traitor, the rivals met in the waist, which was +common ground to officers off duty and seamen.</p> + +<p>"I want to see you, Pelham," said Shuffles, in a +low tone.</p> + +<p>"Well, you do see me—don't you?" laughed Pelham +who, feeling that he was now even with his +rival, was in excellent humor.</p> + +<p>"Things are going wrong with us."</p> + +<p>"O, no; I think not."</p> + +<p>"Will you meet me on the top-gallant forecastle, +where we shall not be disturbed?" asked Shuffles.</p> + +<p>"That is not exactly the place for an officer."</p> + +<p>"You are off duty, and you can go where you +please."</p> + +<p>"What do you want of me?"</p> + +<p>"I want to have an understanding."</p> + +<p>"I suppose you think we have too many members—don't +you?" asked Pelham, lightly.</p> + +<p>"The more the better."</p> + +<p>"I'll meet you there."</p> + +<p>Shuffles went to the place designated at once, where +he was soon followed by the fourth lieutenant.</p> + +<p>"Well, Shuffles, what is it?" demanded Pelham, +as, with one hand on the sheet of the fore-topmast +<span class="pageno"><a name="Page_313" id="Page_313">{313}</a></span> +staysail, he looked over the bow at the bone in the +teeth of the ship.</p> + +<p>"What is it? Don't you know what it is?" replied +Shuffles, angrily.</p> + +<p>"Upon my life, I don't know."</p> + +<p>"You have been a traitor," exclaimed Shuffles, with +savage earnestness.</p> + +<p>"O! have I?"</p> + +<p>"You know you have."</p> + +<p>"Perhaps you would be willing to tell me wherein +I have been a traitor," added Pelham, laughing; for +he was enjoying the scene he had witnessed in the +waist, when, one after another, the "outsiders" had +made the signs to his rival.</p> + +<p>"You have betrayed the secrets of the Chain."</p> + +<p>"Have I?"</p> + +<p>"Didn't you give the signs to Paul Kendall, the +captain, and half a dozen others?"</p> + +<p>"But, my dear fellow, they are members," replied +Pelham, chuckling.</p> + +<p>"They are not? and you know they are not."</p> + +<p>"But, Shuffles, just consider that all of them voted +for you."</p> + +<p>"I don't care for that."</p> + +<p>"I do. You recognized them as members first, +and I couldn't do less than you did."</p> + +<p>"You are a traitor!" said Shuffles, red in the face +with passion; and the word hissed through his closed +teeth.</p> + +<p>"Well, just as you like: we won't quarrel about +the meaning of words," replied Pelham, gayly; for +he enjoyed the discomfiture of his rival, and felt that +<span class="pageno"><a name="Page_314" id="Page_314">{314}</a></span> +Shuffles deserved all he got, for the foul play of which +he had been guilty on the ballot.</p> + +<p>"You pledged yourself to be honest, and stand by +the vote, fair or foul."</p> + +<p>"Very true, my dear fellow? and I do so. Give +me your orders, and I will obey them."</p> + +<p>"But you have exposed the whole thing," retorted +Shuffles. "What can we do now, when Kendall and +the captain know all about it?"</p> + +<p>"They don't know any more than the law allows. +Besides, they are members. Didn't they vote for you? +Didn't they know beans?" continued Pelham, in the +most tantalizing of tones.</p> + +<p>"Do you mean to insult me?" demanded Shuffles, +unable to control his rage.</p> + +<p>"Not I. I respect you too much. You are the +captain—that is to be—of the ship," laughed Pelham. +"The captain, the second lieutenant, and all +the flunkies, voted for you? and, of course, I couldn't +be so deficient in politeness as to insult one who——"</p> + +<p>At that moment Pelham removed his hand from +the sheet, and Shuffles, irritated beyond control at the +badinage of his companion, gave him a sudden push, +and the fourth lieutenant went down into the surges, +under the bow of the ship.</p> + +<p>As Pelham disappeared beneath the waves, Shuffles +was appalled at his own act; for even he had not +sunk so low as to contemplate murder. The deed was +not premeditated. It was done on the spur of angry +excitement, which dethroned his reason. The chief +conspirator had so often and so lightly used the language +of the League, about "falling overboard acci +<span class="pageno"><a name="Page_315" id="Page_315">{315}</a></span>dentally," +that he had become familiar with the idea; +and, perhaps, the deed seemed less terrible to him +than it really was. When the act was done, on the +impulse of the moment, he realized his own situation, +and that of his victim. He would have given anything +at that instant, as he looked down upon the dark +waves, to have recalled the deed; but it was too late. +Self-reproach and terror overwhelmed him.</p> + +<p>"Man overboard!" he shouted with desperation, +as he threw off his pea-jacket, and dived, head foremost, +from the forecastle into the sea.</p> + +<p>His first impulse had been to do a foul deed; his +next, to undo it. Shuffles was a powerful swimmer. +The ocean was his element. He struck the water +hardly an instant after Pelham; and the ship, which +was under all sail, making nine knots, hurried on her +course, leaving the rivals to buffet the waves unaided.</p> + +<p>"Man overboard!" cried officers and seamen, on +all parts of the ship's deck.</p> + +<p>"Hard down the helm, quartermaster! Let go the +life-buoys!" shouted Kendall, who was the officer of +the deck.</p> + +<p>"Hard down, sir. Buoy overboard," replied Bennington +the quartermaster at the helm.</p> + +<p>"Clear away the third cutter!" added Kendall.</p> + +<p>The orders were rapidly given for backing the main-topsail, +while the courses were clewed up; but the ship +went on a considerable distance before her headway +could be arrested.</p> + +<p>When Pelham went down into the water, he had +been injured by the fall; and though he struck out to +save himself, it was not with his usual skill and vigor; +<span class="pageno"><a name="Page_316" id="Page_316">{316}</a></span> +for, like his companion in the water, he was a good +swimmer. Shuffles had struck the waves in proper +attitude, and was in condition to exert all his powers +when he came to the surface. He swam towards +Pelham, intent upon rendering him the assistance he +might require.</p> + +<p>"Do you mean to drown me?" gasped Pelham, +who supposed his rival had followed him overboard +for the purpose of completing his work.</p> + +<p>"I mean to save you, Pelham," replied Shuffles. +"Can you swim?"</p> + +<p>"I'm hurt."</p> + +<p>"Give me your hand, and I will support you."</p> + +<p>Shuffles took the offered hand of Pelham, who was +able to swim a little, and supported him till they could +reach the life-buoy, which had been dropped from the +stern of the ship when the alarming cry was given.</p> + +<p>"Where are you hurt?" asked Shuffles, as soon as +they had grasped the buoy.</p> + +<p>"My stomach struck the water," replied Pelham, +faintly.</p> + +<p>The third cutter had been lowered into the water as +soon as the ship's headway was stopped, and was now +within a few yards of the buoy.</p> + +<p>"Will you forgive me, Pelham? I was beside myself," +said Shuffles, when his companion had recovered +breath after his exertions.</p> + +<p>"You have saved me, Shuffles. I should have gone +down without you."</p> + +<p>"Will you forgive me?" pleaded the penitent. "I +did not mean to injure you." +<span class="pageno"><a name="Page_317" id="Page_317">{317}</a></span></p> + +<p>"Never mind it; we won't say a word about it," +answered Pelham, as the boat came up.</p> + +<p>They were assisted into the cutter, and the oarsmen +pulled back to the ship. When the party reached the +deck, a cheer burst from a portion of the crew; but +Wilton, Monroe, and a few others, believing that Pelham +had "fallen overboard accidentally," were appalled +at the probable consequences of the event.</p> + +<p>Pelham was assisted to the after cabin, where Dr. +Winstock immediately attended him. He was not +seriously injured; and the next day he was able to be +on deck, and do duty.</p> + +<p>"How was that?" asked Wilton, when Shuffles +had changed his clothes, and warmed himself at the +stove, as they met in the waist.</p> + +<p>Shuffles looked sad and solemn. He made no +reply.</p> + +<p>"Did he fall overboard accidentally?" demanded +Wilton.</p> + +<p>"Don't ask me."</p> + +<p>"You jumped in after him, and saved him, they +say," added Wilton; "so, I suppose, it was really an +accident."</p> + +<p>Shuffles still made no reply.</p> + + + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> +<h2><a name="CHAPTER_XX" id="CHAPTER_XX"></a>CHAPTER XX.</h2> + +<p><span class="pageno"><a name="Page_318" id="Page_318">{318}</a></span></p> + +<h4>THE END OF THE CHAIN LEAGUE.</h4> +<p class="returnTOC"><a href="#Contents">Return to Table of +Contents</a></p> + + +<p>The fact that Shuffles had plunged into the sea, +and labored so effectively for the rescue of the +fourth lieutenant, blinded the eyes of "our fellows," +who, knowing the penalty of treachery to the "Chain," +might otherwise have suspected that he had "fallen +overboard accidentally," or, in other words, that he +had been pushed into the water by his unscrupulous +rival. Wilton, Monroe, and Adler, had discussed +the matter, and reached the conclusion that Pelham +had been knocked over by the shaking of the staysail +sheet, or that he had really fallen accidentally. +They had been appalled and horrified by the event; +and those who were disgusted with the League were +not disposed to betray its secrets; for it was possible, +though not probable, that the mishap which had befallen +Pelham was an incident in the history of the +"Chain."</p> + +<p>When a wicked man or a wicked boy exceeds his +average wickedness, the excess sometimes produces a +moral reaction. A person who tipples moderately +may have the drunkard's fate vividly foreshadowed to +him by getting absolutely drunk himself, and thus be +induced to abandon a dangerous practice. That +<span class="pageno"><a name="Page_319" id="Page_319">{319}</a></span> +loathsome disease, small pox, sometimes leaves the +patient better than it finds him; and through, and +on account of, the vilest sin may come the sinner's +reformation.</p> + +<p>Shuffles had exceeded himself in wickedness; and +the fact that his foul design was not even suspected by +any other person than his intended victim did not diminish +his self-reproaches. He shuddered when he +thought of the remorse which must have gnawed his +soul during the rest of his lifetime if Pelham had been +drowned. He would have been a murderer; and +while so many knew the penalty of treachery to the +League, he could hardly have escaped suspicion and +detection.</p> + +<p>A reaction had been produced in his mind; but it +was not a healthy movement of the moral nature. It +was not so much the awful crime he had impulsively +committed, as the terrible consequences which would +have followed, that caused him to shrink from it. It +was an awful crime, and his nature revolted at it. He +could not have done it without the impulse of an insane +passion; but it was dreadful because it would +have shut him out from society; because it would have +placed the mark of Cain upon him; because the dungeon +and the gallows were beyond it,—rather than +because it was the sacrifice of a human life, of one +created in the image of God.</p> + +<p>Shuffles was in a state of terror, as one who has +just escaped from an awful gulf that yawned before +him. He was not sincerely penitent, as one who feels +the enormity of his offence. He was not prepared to +<span class="pageno"><a name="Page_320" id="Page_320">{320}</a></span> +acknowledge his sin before God, whose law he had +outraged.</p> + +<p>When Pelham came on deck, on the day after the +exciting event, he greeted Shuffles with his accustomed +suavity, and seemed not to bear any malice in his heart +against the author of his misfortune. Officers and seamen +as well as the principal and the professors, congratulated +him upon his escape from the peril which +had menaced him; and all commended Shuffles for +his prompt and noble efforts in rescuing him. Pelham +dissented from none of their conclusions, and +was as generous in his praise of the deliverer as the +occasion required.</p> + +<p>Shuffles was rather astonished to find himself a +lion on board, and at being specially thanked by Mr. +Lowington for his humane exertions in saving a shipmate. +He was so warmly and so generously commended +that he almost reached the conclusion himself +that he had done a good thing. He was not satisfied +with himself. He was in the power of Pelham, who, +by a word, could change the current of popular sentiment +and arraign him for the gravest of crimes. If +the fourth lieutenant spoke, Shuffles realized that he +should be shunned and despised, as well as hated and +feared, by all on board the ship. It was quite natural, +therefore, for him to desire a better understanding +with Pelham.</p> + +<p>The League had fallen into contempt, at least for +the present. Even "our fellows" would not have +spirit enough to strike the blow; besides, the terrible +gulf from which Shuffles had just escaped was too +vivid in his mind to permit him to place himself on +<span class="pageno"><a name="Page_321" id="Page_321">{321}</a></span> +the brink of another. So far the reaction was salutary.</p> + +<p>"When may I see you, Mr. Pelham?" said Shuffles +as they came together in the waist.</p> + +<p>"We will visit the top-gallant forecastle again, and +see if we can understand how I happened to fall overboard +for really I'm not in the habit of doing such +things," replied Pelham, with a smile.</p> + +<p>They walked forward together, and mounted the +ladder to the place indicated.</p> + +<p>"Shuffles, I never paid much attention to the snapper +of the toggle before, and never supposed it meant +anything in particular," continued Pelham, as he +placed himself in the position he had occupied before +he went over the bow. "Am I in any danger +now?"</p> + +<p>"No, Pelham, no!" replied Shuffles, earnestly. +"You provoked me so by your cool taunts that I +pushed you over before I thought what I was about."</p> + +<p>"Did you really mean to drown me?"</p> + +<p>"Upon my soul, I did not. If you knew how I felt +when I saw you strike the water, and realized what I +had done, you would forgive me."</p> + +<p>"I have done that already, Shuffles."</p> + +<p>"I would have given my own life for yours at that +instant, Pelham."</p> + +<p>"You saved me, after all, Shuffles. When I went +over, I either hit the side of the ship, or struck my +stomach on the water, for all the breath seemed to be +knocked out of me. I hardly knew what I was about +in the water till I saw you. At first I supposed you +had jumped overboard to finish your job." +<span class="pageno"><a name="Page_322" id="Page_322">{322}</a></span></p> + +<p>"You wronged me; I would have saved you, if I +had been sure of perishing myself."</p> + +<p>"You did save me, and I am willing to let that act +offset the other."</p> + +<p>"I'm grateful to you for this, Pelham. You treat +me better than I deserve."</p> + +<p>"Never mind it now; we will call it square," replied +Pelham, lightly. "How about the Chain, Shuffles? +We shall be in sight of land by to-morrow."</p> + +<p>"We can't do anything now."</p> + +<p>"Why not?"</p> + +<p>"How can we? After what has happened, I will +not reproach you for what you did. You know how +you provoked me. You have exposed the whole +affair to the officers."</p> + +<p>"Not a bit of it."</p> + +<p>"No."</p> + +<p>"Certainly not. Did you ever know Augustus +Pelham to violate his obligations?" demanded Pelham +with dignity.</p> + +<p>"Never before; but the captain, the second lieutenant +and seven others, who would no more join the +League than they would steal your pocket-book, went +through all the signs with me."</p> + +<p>"They all voted too," laughed Pelham.</p> + +<p>"I am willing to confess that I played off a mean +trick upon you."</p> + +<p>"And I have only made myself even with you. I +have not betrayed a single secret of the Chain to any +one not posted—except the signs. If I had, of course +you and I would both have been in the brig before +this time." +<span class="pageno"><a name="Page_323" id="Page_323">{323}</a></span></p> + +<p>"I was puzzled to find nothing was said," added +Shuffles.</p> + +<p>"No one knows anything. The Chain is as perfect +as ever. Give me your orders, and I will carry them +out."</p> + +<p>"The fellows have backed out now."</p> + +<p>"Then, of course, we must do the same. I doubt +whether we could have carried the thing out."</p> + +<p>"No matter whether we could or not; we must +drop it for the present. The fellows all suppose they +are caught now, and expect every moment to be hauled +up to the mast for an investigation."</p> + +<p>"They are all safe; at least we can purchase their +safety for ten shillings apiece," laughed Pelham.</p> + +<p>"Purchase it!" exclaimed Shuffles, mystified by +the language of his companion.</p> + +<p>"Just so—purchase it," added Pelham; and he +proceeded to inform his late rival of the trick he had +invented in retaliation for the one Shuffles had put +upon him.</p> + +<p>"It was tit for tat," said Shuffles.</p> + +<p>"I told nothing which would harm either of us, +for I am just as deep in the mud as you are in the +mire."</p> + +<p>"That's true. We must hang together."</p> + +<p>"I hope not," replied Pelham, laughing. "We +have got into this scrape, and we must get out of it."</p> + +<p>"Suppose the captain or the second lieutenant +should make the signs to one of our fellows, and he +should tell what we were going to do."</p> + +<p>"I told all my recruits not to answer any signs now, +whoever made them." +<span class="pageno"><a name="Page_324" id="Page_324">{324}</a></span></p> + +<p>"I did the same, when I found the captain knew +them."</p> + +<p>"Then we are safe; but the silver pitcher must be +forthcoming."</p> + +<p>"The fellows will all be glad enough to get out of +this scrape by paying ten shillings."</p> + +<p>"Very well; then every one of them must sign an +order on Mr. Lowington for ten shillings, payable to +Dr. Winstock," added Pelham.</p> + +<p>"They will do it. Are you sure nothing has leaked +out?"</p> + +<p>"Very sure; there would have been a tremendous +commotion before this time, if our real object had +been even suspected."</p> + +<p>"No doubt of that."</p> + +<p>"After all, Shuffles, do you really think we intended +to take the ship?"</p> + +<p>"I did; I know that."</p> + +<p>"I don't believe I did," said the fourth lieutenant. +"Nothing seemed exactly real to me, until I went +overboard."</p> + +<p>"It was more real to me then than ever before," +replied Shuffles. "What shall we do with the Chain +now?"</p> + +<p>"Nothing; we may want to use it again, some +time. Let every fellow keep still. When the principal +gets his silver pitcher, which the doctor will procure +as soon as he can go up to Cork, he will think +the members of the Chain are the best fellows on +board."</p> + +<p>"I think you have sold the whole of us, Pelham," +<span class="pageno"><a name="Page_325" id="Page_325">{325}</a></span> +continued Shuffles, with a sheepish smile. "Here's +the end of the Chain——"</p> + +<p>"Yes, and we may be thankful that it isn't the end +of a rope instead of a chain," laughed Pelham. "The +penalty of mutiny is death."</p> + +<p>"I have had no fear of that; it would have been +regarded only as a lark. But it is really amusing to +think where we have come out," added Shuffles. "We +formed the 'Chain' because Lowington was tyrannical; +most of the fellows joined it because he took +their money from them."</p> + +<p>"Precisely so."</p> + +<p>"And we are going to end it by giving Lowington +a silver pitcher, in token of our respect and esteem!"</p> + +<p>"In other words, Shuffles, we have played this +game, and whipped out each other, without any help +from the principal. It was mean business—I really +think so; and while we were trying to overreach +each other, the game slipped through our fingers. +I am really grateful when I think what an awful +scrape we have avoided."</p> + +<p>"Perhaps you are right," replied Shuffles, thoughtfully; +"but there was fun in the scheme."</p> + +<p>"There might have been, if we had succeeded; but +it would have been anything but fun if we had failed. +Some of us would have found quarters in the brig, +and we should not have been allowed to go on shore +when we reached Queenstown."</p> + +<p>"A fellow won't want to go on shore without any +money," growled Shuffles, who was not wholly cured +of his discontent.</p> + +<p>"Since I went overboard I have been thinking a +<span class="pageno"><a name="Page_326" id="Page_326">{326}</a></span> +great deal of this matter. I have come to the conclusion +that Mr. Lowington is not the worst man in the +world."</p> + +<p>"He is harsh and tyrannical."</p> + +<p>"I don't think he ought to have taken our money +from us; but I judge him from all his acts, not by one +alone."</p> + +<p>Pelham seemed to have turned over a new leaf, and +to be sincerely sorry for his attitude of rebellion. +Shuffles was not to be convinced; he was to be overwhelmed +in another manner.</p> + +<p>The rivals separated, with their differences removed +and with full confidence in each other. Pelham +wrote thirty-one orders on the principal for ten +shillings each, in favor of the surgeon, during his off-time +on that day, which were to be signed and handed +to Paul Kendall. As opportunity occurred, the "situation" +was explained to the members of the League; +and though many of them growled at the idea of +giving a present to Mr. Lowington for taking their +money from them, not one of them refused to sign +the orders; none of them dared to refuse.</p> + +<p>In due time Dr. Winstock had possession of all these +little drafts, amounting in the aggregate to fifteen +pounds, ten shillings, which would purchase quite a +respectable piece of plate. Paul Kendall was the +happiest student on board, for the presentation heralded +the era of good feeling. The League was +virtually dead for the present, if not forever. The +inherent evil of the organization, with the bickerings +and bad passions of its members, had killed it—the +turtle had swallowed his own head. +<span class="pageno"><a name="Page_327" id="Page_327">{327}</a></span></p> + +<p>The weather continued fine; the routine of ship's +duty and the studies went on without interruption. On +the twenty-fourth day out, at three bells in the afternoon +watch, a tremendous excitement was created on +board.</p> + +<p>"Land on the port bow!" shouted one of the crew, +who had been stationed on the fore yard-arm as a +lookout.</p> + +<p>All on deck sprang into the rigging, to get a sight +of the welcome shore. It looked like a fog bank in +the distance; there was really nothing to be seen, but +the fact that the ship was in sight of land was enough +to create an excitement among the boys.</p> + +<p>At three bells, in the first dog watch, the land was +distinctly visible. It was the Island of Dursey, and +was now seen on the beam, while other land appeared +in sight ahead. It was Sunday, and all hands were at +liberty to enjoy this first view of the new continent. +The boys thought the land looked just like that they +had last seen on the shore of the western continent, +and perhaps some of them were disappointed because +everything looked so natural.</p> + +<p>The officers and crew were impatient to make their +destined port; but the wind subsided as the sun went +down on that quiet Sabbath day on the ocean. The +ship hardly made twenty miles before daylight in the +morning.</p> + +<p>At eight o'clock, on Monday, when Paul Kendall +had the deck, the Young America was off Fastnet +Rock, and not more than half a mile from it. It is +about ten miles from Cape Clear, and is a solitary +rock rising out of the sea, on which a lighthouse is +<span class="pageno"><a name="Page_328" id="Page_328">{328}</a></span> +located. The water around it was covered with small +boats engaged in fishing. The port watch were all on +deck, and the scene was full of interest to them. The +people whom they saw belonged to another continent +than that in which they lived. All was new and +strange to them, and all were interested in observing +the distant shore, and the objects near the ship.</p> + +<p>At one bell in the afternoon watch, when the Young +America was off Gally Head, all hands were piped to +muster. Mr. Lowington, on taking the rostrum, said +that he had received a petition signed by a majority of +the officers and crew.</p> + +<p>"A petition to go ashore, I suppose," said Shuffles +to Pelham.</p> + +<p>"I think not," laughed the fourth lieutenant, who +appeared to know what was coming.</p> + +<p>"Young gentlemen," continued the principal, whose +face wore an unusually pleasant smile, "a few days +since you were all filled with admiration at the noble +conduct of one of your number, who saved the life of +another at the peril of his own."</p> + +<p>"Want to go ashore, Shuffles?" whispered Pelham.</p> + +<p>Shuffles was too much confused to make any reply; +he did not know whether he was to be praised or +blamed.</p> + +<p>"I have received a petition, requesting me to appoint +Robert Shuffles second lieutenant of the ship, in place +of Paul Kendall, resigned," added Mr. Lowington.</p> + +<p>Shuffles was overwhelmed with astonishment, and a +large proportion of the students received the announcement +with hearty applause.</p> + +<p>"Young gentlemen, I have only to say that the +<span class="pageno"><a name="Page_329" id="Page_329">{329}</a></span> +petition is granted. I ought to add, however, that no +officer will lose his rank, except Mr. Kendall, who, at +his own desire, will take the vacant number in the +steerage, now belonging to Robert Shuffles, promoted. +I take great pleasure in granting this petition, because +the request is honorable to you, and shows a proper +appreciation of the noble conduct of your shipmate. +But let me add, that you should divide your admiration +between the one who rescued his friend from +death, and him who voluntarily resigned his honorable +position in the after cabin, in order to make a place in +which merit could be acknowledged and rewarded. +Nothing but a matter of life and death could have +induced me to vary the discipline of the ship. Young +gentlemen, you are dismissed from muster."</p> + +<p>"Three cheers for Paul Kendall!" shouted one of +the boys.</p> + +<p>They were given.</p> + +<p>"Three cheers for Robert Shuffles!" added Paul; +and they were given.</p> + +<p>"Mr. Shuffles will repair to the after cabin, where +he will be qualified, and take his position at once."</p> + +<p>"Mr. Lowington, I must decline Mr. Kendall's +generous offer," interposed Shuffles, who was actually +choking with emotion.</p> + +<p>"This matter has been well considered, Shuffles," +replied the principal; "and as it is the desire of a +large majority of your shipmates that you should +accept the position, I think you had better do so."</p> + +<p>"There isn't a student in the ship who desires it +so much as I do," added Paul, with generous enthusiasm +"You know I told you I would like +<span class="pageno"><a name="Page_330" id="Page_330">{330}</a></span> +to be in the steerage, for I have always been an +officer."</p> + +<p>"Allow me till to-night, if you please, to consider +it, Mr. Lowington," replied Shuffles, as he grasped +the hand of Paul.</p> + +<p>"Certainly, if you desire it."</p> + +<p>Shuffles was overwhelmed by the magnanimity of +Paul and the kindness of the principal. At that +moment he would have given everything to be such +a young man as the second lieutenant; to be as good +and true, as free from evil thoughts and evil purposes, +as he was. A light had dawned upon the rebel and +the plotter which he had never seen before. Goodness +and truth had vindicated themselves, and overwhelmed +the guilty one.</p> + +<p>"Mr. Shuffles, I congratulate you on your promotion," +said the chaplain, extending his hand.</p> + +<p>"I cannot accept it, sir," replied the repentant malcontent +"I would like to speak with you alone, Mr. +Agneau."</p> + +<p>The chaplain took him to his state room in the +main cabin? and there, Shuffles, conquered and subdued +by the kindness of his friends, confessed the +terrible crime he had committed—that he had pushed +Pelham overboard.</p> + +<p>The chaplain was confounded at this confession, +but still more so when the self-convicted conspirator +revealed all the secrets of "The Chain." Shuffles +mentioned no names; he took all the guilt upon +himself.</p> + +<p>"I am astonished, my dear young friend," said the +<span class="pageno"><a name="Page_331" id="Page_331">{331}</a></span> +chaplain. "Is it possible the life you saved was +imperilled by your own violent passions?"</p> + +<p>"It is true, sir," replied Shuffles, hardly able to +control his feelings.</p> + +<p>"Then I think you had better not accept the +promotion that has been offered to you."</p> + +<p>"I will not; I would jump overboard first. I am +willing to be punished; I deserve it."</p> + +<p>"Shuffles, you have almost atoned for your errors +by confessing them; and your courageous conduct, +after you had pushed Pelham into the sea, proves that +you sincerely repented that act. Shall I tell Mr. +Lowington what you have said?"</p> + +<p>"Yes, sir; let him know me as I am; let him +despise me as I deserve," replied Shuffles, wiping +away a genuine tear of repentance.</p> + +<p>Mr. Agneau talked to the penitent for two hours; +and finally he prayed with him and for him. If never +before, the moral condition of the culprit was now +hopeful, and the chaplain labored earnestly and faithfully +to give him right views of his relations to God +and his fellow-beings.</p> + +<p>"Paul," said Shuffles, when he met his generous +and self-sacrificing friend in the waist, after the conference +in the state room, "I am the meanest and +vilest fellow on board."</p> + +<p>"No, you are not!" exclaimed Paul.</p> + +<p>"I would give the world to be like you."</p> + +<p>"No, no! You wrong yourself, and overdo me."</p> + +<p>"I have confessed all to the chaplain, and you will +soon know me as I am, Paul. I will not take your +place in the cabin. Your kindness and generosity +<span class="pageno"><a name="Page_332" id="Page_332">{332}</a></span> +have overcome me. You have convinced me that +doing right is always the best way."</p> + +<p>Paul did not know what to make of this remarkable +confession; but, after supper, all hands were piped to +muster again, the ship being off Kinsale Head, nearly +becalmed. The chaplain had informed the principal +of the substance of Shuffles' confession. Mr. Lowington +laughed at "The Chain League," the signs and +the passwords, and regarded the mutiny as a matter +of little consequence. He did not believe that Shuffles +or his followers, had really intended to take the +ship. The project was too monstrous to be credible. +The fact that the conspirator had attempted the life of +his companion was a grave matter, and it was treated +as such. Mr. Agneau was entirely confident of the +sincerity of the culprit's repentance. Shuffles had +refused to take the proffered promotion, which was +abundant evidence that he was in earnest.</p> + +<p>The penitent was sent for, and repeated his confession +to the principal. He did not ask to be exempted +from punishment; but he did ask to be forgiven. He +was forgiven; but when the crew were piped to muster +all the particulars of the intended mutiny were +exposed to the astonished "outsiders." Paul understood +it now. Mr. Lowington ridiculed the mutiny; +but he spoke very seriously of the consequences of +insubordination.</p> + +<p>"Young gentlemen, Shuffles has not mentioned the +name of a single student in connection with this silly +conspiracy; he has asked to be excused from doing +so. I grant his request, and I hope that all who have +engaged in the affair are as sincerely sorry for their +<span class="pageno"><a name="Page_333" id="Page_333">{333}</a></span> +connection with it as he is. Under the circumstances, +Shuffles will not be promoted. Young gentlemen, +you are dismissed."</p> + +<p>"Shuffles was a good fellow to keep us in the dark," +whispered Sanborn to Wilton.</p> + +<p>"Keep still," replied Wilton. "We are lucky to get +out of the scrape on any terms."</p> + +<p>So thought all of them; and it was certainly magnanimous +on the part of the chief conspirator to be +willing to assume all the guilt, and suffer all the punishment. +There was enough of good in Shuffles to +save him from the evil of his nature.</p> + +<p>"Paul, there is one more thing I must tell you," +said Shuffles, that evening, while the ship lay becalmed +off Kinsale. "You remember when I told you about +the gambling in the steerage?"</p> + +<p>"I do."</p> + +<p>"I was deceiving you then. I only exposed the +fellows in order to make trouble. I knew that the +students would be closely watched, and the rules +more strictly enforced, which would make them +mad."</p> + +<p>"What did you want to make them mad for?"</p> + +<p>"So that they would join the League."</p> + +<p>"Well, you did a good thing for the ship and for +the fellows, if your motives were not good," replied +Paul. "It was good out of evil, any way."</p> + +<p>"I don't think half so many fellows would have +joined if Mr. Lowington hadn't taken their money +from them."</p> + +<p>"Have you seen any gambling since?"</p> + +<p>"Not a bit of it, Paul." +<span class="pageno"><a name="Page_334" id="Page_334">{334}</a></span></p> + +<p>"I am glad to know that."</p> + +<p>"One thing more; you know all the members of +the League, Paul."</p> + +<p>"I?"</p> + +<p>"Yes? you have their names on the orders, for ten +shillings each."</p> + +<p>"So I have; but we will make a general affair of +the presentation, and that will cover up the whole of +them."</p> + +<p>"Thank you, Paul. You despise me as much as I +like and respect you."</p> + +<p>"I don't despise you, Shuffles. You have done +wrong, but I respect you for undoing the evil you +had meditated. We are all weak and erring, and +we can't afford to despise any one. On the contrary +I like you," replied Paul, giving Shuffles his +hand.</p> + +<p>"You treat me better than I deserve, Paul; but if +you are my friend, I shall be all the better for it; and +I hope you will not be worse."</p> + +<p>The end of the conspiracy had been reached. +Before the ship came to anchor in the Cove, every +boy on board had drawn his order on the principal +for ten shillings, and the members of the League were +veiled beneath the mass of names.</p> + +<p>At sunrise, on Tuesday morning, the ship had a gentle +breeze; and at three bells in the forenoon watch, +she was off Roches Point, with the Union Jack at the +foremast-head, as a signal for a pilot. On this exciting +occasion, the studies and recitations were suspended +to enable all the students to see the shores, +and enjoy the scene. The pilot made his appearance, +<span class="pageno"><a name="Page_335" id="Page_335">{335}</a></span> +gave Mr. Lowington the latest Cork papers, and took +charge of the ship. The honest Irishman was not a +little surprised to find the vessel manned "wid nothing +in the wide wurld but by's;" but he found they were +good seamen.</p> + +<p>The Young America ran into the beautiful bay +through the narrow opening, with Carlisle Fort on the +starboard and Camden Fort on the port hand. The +students were intensely excited by the near view of +the land, of the odd little steamers that: went whisking +about, and the distant view of Queenstown, on the +slope of the hill at the head of the bay. They were +in Europe now.</p> + +<p>"All hands to bring ship to anchor!" said the +first lieutenant, when the ship was approaching the +town.</p> + +<p>The light sails were furled, the port anchor cleared +away, and every preparation made for the mooring +Then the orders to let go the topsail sheets, +clew up the topsails, and haul down the jib, were +given.</p> + +<p>"Port the helm! Stand clear of the cable! Let +go the port anchor!"</p> + +<p>The cable rattled through the hawse-hole, the +anchor went to the bottom, the Young America swung +round, and her voyage across the ocean was happily +terminated. Three rousing cheers were given in +honor of the auspicious event, and when the sails had +been furled, the crew were piped to dinner.</p> + +<p>And here, at the close of the voyage, we leave the +Young America, with her officers and crew wiser and +better, we trust, than when they sailed from the shores +<span class="pageno"><a name="Page_336" id="Page_336">{336}</a></span> +of their native country. They were now to enter +upon a new life in foreign lands; and what they +saw and what they did, on sea and shore, during the +following weeks, will be related in "SHAMROCK +AND THISTLE, or <i>Young America in Ireland and +Scotland</i>!"</p> + +<p class="center"> +THE END +</p> + +<hr class="quarter" /> + +<h3>Footnotes</h3> + +<p class="footnote"> +<a href="#footnotetag1">1.</a> +<a id="footnote1" name="footnote1"></a> + These calculations are merely approximate, being intended +only to illustrate the principle. <br /><br /> +</p> + +<p class="center"><a href="#ListNotes">(Return to List of Footnotes)</a></p> + + + + + + + + + +<pre> + + + + + +End of the Project Gutenberg EBook of Outward Bound, by Oliver Optic + +*** END OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK OUTWARD BOUND *** + +***** This file should be named 15920-h.htm or 15920-h.zip ***** +This and all associated files of various formats will be found in: + https://www.gutenberg.org/1/5/9/2/15920/ + +Produced by Juliet Sutherland, Norma Elliott and the Online +Distributed Proofreading Team. 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