human
Mr. Lowington, said he at last, with a mighty effort,--for it was the principal's duty to speak first,--
gpt
I made a complaint to you yesterday. Thus far no notice whatever seems to have been taken of it.
human
Perhaps the longer we wait the easier it will be to settle the question,
gpt
If I am not to be sustained in the discharge of my duties, it is useless for me to attempt to perform them to your satisfaction or my own.
human
You shall be sustained in the discharge of your duties, Mr. Hamblin. But we will discuss this matter in the cabin, if you please,
gpt
Unless an instructor is sustained, of course he can do nothing,
human
Certainly not. I will hear your complaint now, Mr. Hamblin,
gpt
You say that a message was sent down to the captain. Do you know what that message was?
human
I do not remember it precisely. It was something about a squall.
gpt
Very likely it was, answered Mr. Lowington, dryly.
human
There was a squall coming up at the time--was there not?
gpt
I knew there was a shower coming up.
human
You declined to let him go on deck?
gpt
I did, sir. The recitation in Greek was not half finished,
human
Captain Kendall did not go on deck when the first message was sent down?
gpt
No, sir; we continued the recitation for half an hour longer without interruption. Then the messenger came again. I told Mr. Kendall not to leave the class; but, in direct opposition to my order, he went on deck. Not satisfied with this, though he knew that half the students were engaged in the recitations, he ordered all hands to be called. Of course the students were glad enough to get away from their lessons; and all of them stampeded from the steerage, in spite of my protest, and without even a word of apology.
human
Did they?
gpt
They did; and it must be as clear to you as it is to me, that such conduct is utterly subversive of anything like good discipline.
human
May I ask what punishment you propose as suitable for such an offence as that of Captain Kendall?
gpt
I am perfectly willing to leave that matter to you, sir; but I should think that simple suspension from his office would be sufficient, considering the position of Mr. Kendall.
human
Mr. Hamblin, it is your misfortune, not your fault, that you were brought up on shore instead of at sea, added the principal.
gpt
You have made a very great mistake, sir.
human
I, sir!