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Page 76
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 ship 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 principal.
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 principal; 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 shillings--half a sovereign."
"From whom did you win it?"
"From Sanborn."
"Return it to him."
Wilton obeyed. Adler had won about a dollar from Sanborn, which he was
also compelled to restore. Mr. Lowington was satisfied that others had
gained or lost by gambling, but as he did not know who the other
gamblers were, he did not attempt to have the ill-gotten money restored;
for he never made himself ridiculous to the students by endeavoring to
do what could not be done.
Mr. Lowington then made a very judicious address upon the evil of
gambling, pointing out its dangerous fascination, and the terrible
consequences which sooner or later overtook its victims. He illustrated
his remarks by examples drawn from real life. The chaplain followed him,
detailing the career of a young man whom he had attended in prison, and
who had been utterly ruined by the habit of gaming, contracted before he
was of age.
These addresses seemed to produce a deep impression on the boys, and one
would have judged by their looks that they all regarded the dangerous
practice with well-grounded horror. Mr. Lowington took the stand again,
and followed with another address upon "the root of all evil;" adding
that, having money in their possession, they would be tempted to gamble.
"Now, young gentlemen, I propose that you all deliver your funds to me,
taking my receipt for whatever amount you deliver to me. When you have
any real need of money, apply to me, and I will restore it," added Mr.
Lowington.
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