Part 20 (2/2)

”Mr. Peaks,” said the princ.i.p.al, calling the senior boatswain.

”Here, sir,” replied Peaks, touching his hat to the princ.i.p.al.

”Mr. Leech,” added Mr. Lowington.

”Here, sir.”

”Walk this young gentleman aft.”

”Let me alone!” cried Shuffles, as Peaks placed his hand upon him.

”Gently, my sweet lamb,” said the boatswain, with affected tenderness.

”Take your hands off me!” roared the mutinous pupil, as he struggled to release himself from the grasp of the stalwart seaman.

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.

”Walk him aft,” repeated the princ.i.p.al.

”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.

”Irons!” gasped Shuffles, as he heard the request of the princ.i.p.al.

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.

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 s.h.i.+p had been as gentle as it was firm, and this was the first time such instruments were necessary.

”Mr. Peaks, put the irons on him!” said Mr. Lowington, his usual dignity unruffled by angry emotions.

”Don't put them on me!” cried Shuffles, making an effort to disengage himself from the grasp of his captors.

”Put them on at once!” added the princ.i.p.al.

”You shall not put them on me! I will die first!” roared the rebel.

It was easier to talk than to do, in the hands of two st.u.r.dy 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.

CHAPTER IX.

THE WATCH-BILL.

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