Part 34 (1/2)
”You can't handle the boys in Europe with money in their pockets. A regiment of soldiers could not keep them straight.”
”I think you are right, doctor. I am tempted to take their money from them.”
”Do it, by all means!” exclaimed Dr. Winstock.
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.
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 s.h.i.+p was found, and marked on the chart, and the ”dead reckoning” compared with the result obtained by calculation.
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.
”Wilton,” said Mr. Lowington, from his usual position.
The culprit came forward.
”With whom were you gambling in mess room No. 8, this forenoon?” asked the princ.i.p.al.
Wilton looked up at the stern dispenser of discipline. If he did not know, it was not his business to tell.
”Answer me.”
”I don't know.”
”You are telling a falsehood.”
”I don't remember their names now,” said Wilton.
”You do remember them; and for each falsehood you utter you shall suffer an additional penalty.”
”I'm not a tell-tale, sir,” answered Wilton, doggedly. ”I don't want to tell who they were.”
”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 princ.i.p.al; and the two gamblers stepped up to the hatch. ”Young gentlemen, you are charged with gambling. Have you anything to say?”
”Nothing sir,” they all replied.
”Wilton, how much money have you lost at play?”
”None, sir.”
”How much have you made?”
”Ten s.h.i.+llings--half a sovereign.”
”From whom did you win it?”
”From Sanborn.”
”Return it to him.”