Part 14 (2/2)

”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 s.h.i.+p, or not?”

”No, of course I won't,” replied the discomfited chief of the malcontents.

”You had better, my dear fellow. There comes Mr. Lowington.”

”I didn't think this of you, Bob Shuffles,” said Wilton, reproachfully.

”I told you I should do my duty; and I shall, to the end. If you will return, all right; if not, I shall take you back.”

”No, you won't.”

”I think I will,” added the third lieutenant, quietly. ”Stand by to give way!” he continued, to the c.o.xswain.

”Two can play at that game,” said Wilton, as he gave the same order to his crew.

”Give way!” shouted the c.o.xswain of the first cutter, with energy.

”Give way!” repeated Wilton, in the barge.

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.

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.

Shuffles did not give it up, notwithstanding the great odds against him. Letting out the stern line far enough to allow s.p.a.ce 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 princ.i.p.al.

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 princ.i.p.al 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 t.i.tle of ”mister,” had not the courage to resist the strong arm of his authority. As the second cutter backed up to the barge, the princ.i.p.al stepped on board of her, and took a seat in the stern-sheets.

”Young gentlemen, you will return to the s.h.i.+p,” said Mr. Lowington, sternly, as he took the tiller-ropes in his hands. ”Give way!”

The malcontents had no thought of further resistance. The presence of the princ.i.p.al 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 s.h.i.+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 the first instance of flagrant insubordination which had occurred since the organization of the s.h.i.+p's company, and the students were not a little anxious to learn how it would be treated. It was singular that Shuffles, who on sh.o.r.e had always been the ringleader in enterprises of mischief, had been the means of defeating the scheme of the runaways.

The boats were hoisted up at the davits, and the boatswain was ordered to pipe all hands on deck. The princ.i.p.al looked calm, but stern, as he took the position on the hatch which he usually occupied when he addressed the students.

”Wilton and Monroe,” said he.

The culprits came forward, hanging their heads with shame.

”I learn that you are the ringleaders in this movement. Is it so?”

”I suppose we are,” replied Wilton.

”Who proposed the plan?”

”Wilton first spoke to me about it,” answered Monroe.

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