human
I have been insulted, Mr. Stoute, said the learned gentleman.
gpt
That boy has disobeyed me, as though I were a person of no consequence.
human
Why, he was perfectly respectful to you, laughed the good-natured professor.
gpt
You must remember that he is the captain of the ship, and that everything depends upon him.
human
He left the class contrary to my orders; and not satisfied with that, he calls all the rest of the students on deck, added Mr. Hamblin, wrathfully.
gpt
I had not finished the Greek lesson.
human
But there's a squall coming up,
gpt
What if there was a squall coming up. The principal assured me there were hands enough on deck to work the vessel under all ordinary circumstances.
human
But you don't understand the matter, Mr. Hamblin,
gpt
Do you mean to insult me too, Mr. Stoute?
human
Certainly not; I beg your pardon, Mr. Hamblin, replied Mr. Stoute, laughing more heartily than before.
gpt
I do not profess to comprehend these nautical affairs; but I presume it was necessary to call all hands, or the captain would not have done so.
human
It was not necessary. I am willing to take the responsibility of that assertion myself, and I shall report this disrespect and disobedience of the captain to Mr. Lowington. If he chooses to sustain the delinquent in such gross misconduct, I will leave the vessel at the first port we enter.
gpt
Mr. Lowington will certainly do justice to both of you.
human
Excuse me, Mr. Stoute; he must do justice to _me_. I have been a schoolmaster and a professor in college all my lifetime, and I do not wish to have any one speak of settling a case between me and one of my pupils. There is only one side to such a question,
gpt
Well, Mr. Hamblin, I wish to be respectful; but I also mean to be candid. I feel compelled to say that I believe you are all wrong.
human
All wrong, sir!
gpt
Yes, sir; all wrong. Look at the question for one moment.
human
I don't wish to look at it. Between teacher and pupil there can be no issues of any kind. It is my place to command, my scholar's to obey, in the school-room.
gpt
Now, really, Mr. Hamblin, continued the laughing professor, rubbing his hands, as though he enjoyed the controversy,
human
Very well. Wasn't half the crew on deck for that purpose?
gpt
But who shall determine whether it is necessary or not to take in sail?
human
The officer who has the care of the vessel for the time being, of course. Then there are Mr. Cleats, and Mr. Gage, and the servants to help them reduce the sails, if needed. There is not the least necessity for disturbing the classes.
gpt
But no one except the captain can give the order to take in a single sail in the daytime. This vessel is under naval discipline, you are aware; but I think you cannot have read the rules. Here they are, added Mr. Stoute, taking the printed regulations of the ship from his pocket.
human
Officer of the Deck. He is not to make or take in sail in the daytime, except in a squall, without directions from the captain; but in the night he may take in sail, acquainting the captain with his reasons, which he must enter on the log.
gpt
Well, this is a squall--isn't it?
human
Perhaps it will be; but it seems to me quite proper that the captain should go on deck when there is any danger. For my part, I have some regard for my fat body, and I don't care about leaving it here at the bottom of the German Ocean, chuckled Mr. Stoute; and he always laughed with especial gusto when he had said anything which he thought was funny.
gpt
The captain can leave any of my classes when he is sent for to look out for the vessel.
human
Mr. Stoute, this is a question of discipline; and higher considerations than those of merely personal comfort and security should be brought to bear upon it. It would be impossible for me to impart to my pupils a knowledge of that noblest language of the historic past, if they are to be permitted to leave the class when they choose to do so. I shall refer this matter to Mr. Lowington for his decision. He must suspend the captain, or he must suspend me. If I cannot control my scholars, I will not attempt to instruct. It would be preposterous to do so. I shall take a boat, and go on board of the ship at once, for this difficulty admits of no delay.