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Page 35
"I didn't think this of you, Bob Shuffles," said Wilton, reproachfully.
"I told you I should do my duty; and I shall, to the end. If you will
return, all right; if not, I shall take you back."
"No, you won't."
"I think I will," added the third lieutenant, quietly. "Stand by to give
way!" he continued, to the coxswain.
"Two can play at that game," said Wilton, as he gave the same order to
his crew.
"Give way!" shouted the coxswain of the first cutter, with energy.
"Give way!" repeated Wilton, in the barge.
The rope straightened, Shuffles stood up in the stern-sheets of the
cutter, to prevent the line from being cast off, and the contest began,
to ascertain which should drag the other. It was rather ludicrous, in
spite of the serious question of discipline involved in the affair, and
the boys in the cutter were intensely amused, as well as excited. Both
crews struggled with all their might, and each leader urged his
followers to renewed exertions.
The discipline of the first cutter was on the point of carrying the
contest in favor of law and order, when Monroe, seeing that his friend
was nearly worsted, backed the third cutter up to the bow of the barge,
and took her painter on board, which he made fast at the stern. Resuming
his oar, he ordered his crew to give way together. Then law and order
appealed to be at a discount, for the eight oarsmen in the first cutter
were not a match, even in the cause of discipline, against the fourteen
in the barge and third cutter.
Shuffles did not give it up, notwithstanding the great odds against
him. Letting out the stern line far enough to allow space for a new
manoeuvre, he directed the starboard oarsmen to lay on their oars, while
those on the port side pulled the boat round. Then all gave way
together, and the barge was dragged round sideways, until her oars
fouled with those of Monroe's boat. At this stage of the exciting
proceedings the second cutter came up with the principal.
Mr. Fluxion sat in the stern-sheets, shaking his sides with laughter at
the singular contest which was going on; but Mr. Lowington, though
evidently amused, maintained his gravity, and was as dignified as usual.
The appearance of the principal ended the struggle. A glance from him
was quite sufficient to take all the stiffening out of the runaways, and
even Wilton, though he talked valiantly behind Mr. Lowington's back, and
neglected even to give him the simple title of "mister," had not the
courage to resist the strong arm of his authority. As the second cutter
backed up to the barge, the principal stepped on board of her, and took
a seat in the stern-sheets.
"Young gentlemen, you will return to the ship," said Mr. Lowington,
sternly, as he took the tiller-ropes in his hands. "Give way!"
The malcontents had no thought of further resistance. The presence of
the principal was sufficient to overcome all insubordination; they did
not dare to disobey him. Mechanically they bent to their oars, and
without a word pulled back to the ship.
Mr. Fluxion, by direction of Mr. Lowington, had taken his place in
Monroe's boat, and followed the barge, the two cutters bringing up the
rear. This was the first instance of flagrant insubordination which had
occurred since the organization of the ship's company, and the students
were not a little anxious to learn how it would be treated. It was
singular that Shuffles, who on shore had always been the ringleader in
enterprises of mischief, had been the means of defeating the scheme of
the runaways.
The boats were hoisted up at the davits, and the boatswain was ordered
to pipe all hands on deck. The principal looked calm, but stern, as he
took the position on the hatch which he usually occupied when he
addressed the students.
"Wilton and Monroe," said he.
The culprits came forward, hanging their heads with shame.
"I learn that you are the ringleaders in this movement. Is it so?"
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