|
Main
- books.jibble.org
My Books
- IRC Hacks
Misc. Articles
- Meaning of Jibble
- M4 Su Doku
- Computer Scrapbooking
- Setting up Java
- Bootable Java
- Cookies in Java
- Dynamic Graphs
- Social Shakespeare
External Links
- Paul Mutton
- Jibble Photo Gallery
- Jibble Forums
- Google Landmarks
- Jibble Shop
- Free Books
- Intershot Ltd
|
books.jibble.org
Previous Page
| Next Page
Page 77
"Take our money from us!" exclaimed several; and it was evident that the
proposition was creating a tremendous sensation among the students.
CHAPTER XIII.
PIPING TO MISCHIEF.
After the offensive announcement that the students were to deliver up
their money to the principal, and take his receipt for it, the crew were
dismissed from muster, after being informed that the business of
receiving the funds would be immediately commenced in the steerage. The
three gamblers were not punished, except by the mortification of the
exposure, even by the loss of their marks, though Wilton was confined in
the brig one hour for each falsehood he had uttered. Mr. Lowington knew
that at least a dozen of the boys were guilty of gambling; and as the
matter now came up for the first time, he did not deem it expedient to
punish those who had been discovered hoping that the preventive measures
he had adopted would effectually suppress the evil.
Many of the students regarded the taking of their money as an indignity.
Only a few of them, comparatively, had engaged in gambling, though many
of the occupants of the steerage knew of the existence of the practice
on board the ship. They were willing to believe, and did believe, after
the impressive addresses to which they had listened, that games of
chance were a perilous amusement, but they were not quite willing to
acknowledge the justice of Mr. Lowington's measures.
Most of the officers, and many of the crew, cheerfully complied with the
new regulation. They handed their money to the pursers, and received a
receipt for the amount, signed by the principal. Others emptied the
contents of their exchequer sullenly, and under protest; while not a few
openly grumbled in the presence of Mr. Lowington. Some of "our fellows"
attempted to keep back a portion of their funds, and perhaps a few
succeeded, though the tact of the principal exposed the deceit in
several instances. Whatever may be thought of the justice or the
expediency of depriving the students of their money, it was evidently an
exceedingly unpopular step.
In the second dog watch, when Shuffles and Paul Kendall were off duty,
they happened to meet in the waist; and the exciting topic of the day
came up for discussion, as it had in every little group that collected
that afternoon. Shuffles had accomplished his purpose; he had
accomplished far more than he intended. He had expected nothing more
than a general onslaught upon gambling, followed by increased stringency
in the regulations, and a closer watch over the students in their rooms,
which would produce sufficient irritation among the boys to suit his
purposes. Now the crew, and even some of the officers, were in a ferment
of indignation, and ripe for a demonstration of any kind.
"The business is done," said Paul Kendall, as he met the conspirator.
"I'm afraid it's overdone," answered Shuffles, seriously, though he was
actually in a state of exultation over the effect which had been
produced by the new regulation.
"I hope not. I did not mention your name to the principal in connection
with the matter," added Paul.
"Didn't he ask you?"
"He did? but when I stated the case to him, and told him the person who
had given me the information had let it out accidentally, and did not
wish to be known, he asked no more questions."
"Thank you, Mr. Kendall. This last measure is so unpopular that I should
have been cast out like an unclean bird, if it were known that I gave
the hint."
"No one shall know anything about it from me, Shuffles. You did a good
thing for the ship, and for every fellow in it."
"They wouldn't be willing to believe that just now," said Shuffles,
laughing.
"Perhaps not? but it is a fact, none the less."
Previous Page
| Next Page
|
|