human
replied Paul, pointedly.
gpt
I didn't mean to do it,
human
I do not say that you did. If the professor cannot walk the deck without being drenched with water, it is time those who are so careless should be sent out of the Josephine.
gpt
Mr. Hamblin was behind the mast, and I thought he had gone below, sir.
human
I have no time nor inclination to argue the matter. If you think any injustice has been done to you, the principal will hear your complaint, and I shall be as willing as you are to abide by his decision. Mr. Martyn, you will report the case as it is to Mr. Lowington. McDougal, consider yourself under arrest, and take your place in the boat.
gpt
Captain Kendall, said Professor Hamblin, stepping up to the young commander,
human
I request that you will detain that boat for a moment or two.
gpt
Certainly, sir, if you desire it,
human
May I ask for a few moments' private conversation with you?
gpt
I protest against your action in this matter,
human
Indeed, sir! I supposed you would protest if I did not take decided action.
gpt
I am sorry to feel obliged to say, that you do not use good judgment in this case, continued Mr. Hamblin, solemnly.
human
When that rope was thrown upon me, you took no notice of it. I do not hear that the crew of the first cutter have been called to account for their carelessness in throwing me into the water last night; but, in this instance, where the guilty party has begged my pardon on his bended knees, and shown a degree of sorrow which it would be inhuman to disregard, you resort to the severest punishment known on board.
gpt
You will excuse me, Mr. Hamblin, but I think my action is fully justified by the circumstances.
human
I think not. You are extremely severe in this case, while the more flagrant act of throwing me into the river, whether it was a wilful or a careless one, was passed over in silence.
gpt
It was not passed over in silence. I examined the officer of the boat, and I found that the accident was caused by the breaking of a boat-hook in the hands of one of the bowmen. If you will pardon me for being entirely candid with you, Mr. Hamblin, the mishap was caused by your own carelessness, rather than by that of the boat's crew.
human
Do you mean to insult me?
gpt
Most assuredly not, sir. If you had kept your seat in the stern-sheets of the boat, as a passenger should, until the cutter was properly secured, you could not possibly have fallen overboard when the boat-hook broke,
human
I do not ask your judgment upon my actions, Mr. Kendall,
gpt
Excuse me, sir; but I alluded to your movement only in defence of the boat's crew. If the bowmen had actually intended to throw you into the water, they could not have done it if you had kept your seat.
human
It is not proper for you to criticise my action.
gpt
I protest against your action in punishing McDougal. He apologized to my satisfaction; and, as this is an affair personal with me, I am surprised at your taking any step without consulting me.
human
It is a case which affects the discipline of the vessel; and, as such, it was proper that I should dispose of it.
gpt
It was a personal matter, I say,
human
I have such information, sir, as leads me to believe that the act of this morning was intentional.
gpt
That's a want of judgment on your part, and I protest against your action. I object to your sending McDougal to the ship, and I demand that your order be rescinded.
human
I shall send him to the ship, sir!
gpt
Shall you! Do you mean to insult me?
human
No, sir; I repeat that I do not mean to insult you.
gpt
I say that boy ought not to be sent to the ship. Why, such a lack of judgment--
human
Mr. Hamblin, I command this vessel!
gpt
Do you, indeed?
human
I am responsible for all I do to Mr. Lowington. You will oblige me by not interfering with the discipline of the crew.
gpt
How dare you use such language to me?
human
Mr. Terrill, direct Mr. Martyn to pull to the ship, and execute my order as I gave it.
gpt
This is infamous! stormed Mr. Hamblin.
human
Am I to be snubbed by a boy, by one of my own pupils?
gpt
I have nothing more to say, Mr. Hamblin,
human
Stop, you puppy!
gpt
Come, come, Mr. Hamblin, you are disgracing yourself,
human
The puppy! gasped Mr. Hamblin.
gpt
He insulted me!
human
Don't lower yourself in the eyes of your pupils by such undignified conduct.
gpt
Am I to be insulted by a boy?
human
Mr. Terrill, send Mr. Cleats and Mr. Gage aft,
gpt
Mr. Kendall--
human
Captain Kendall, if you please,
gpt
One word, Mr. Hamblin, before you proceed any farther,
human
Here, sir,
gpt
Stand by; I may want you, replied Captain Kendall.
human
Mr. Hamblin, he proceeded, turning to the furious professor,