“But they don’t choose to do any thing of the kind. It was no more Scott’s fault that you were rolled into the scuppers, than it was mine; and I’m sure I had nothing to do with it,” added Marline. “I don’t believe it: the fellow laughed in my face when I spoke to him. If he comes into the cabin, as I directed him to do, and makes a suitable apology for his conduct, I will pass over his offence as lightly as possible.” “Scott obeyed orders, and he couldn’t help himself.” “He did not want to help himself,” persisted Mr. Primback. “I will resign my position before I will submit to such treatment.” Just then the Tritonia tacked, and the vessel gave a tremendous lurch, as if to illustrate the argument of the boatswain. The professor was hurled from his seat, and Marline helped him up. “You don’t think that I did that, do you, Mr. Primback?” asked the old salt. “Of course you did not. Have you any control over these boys, Mr. Marline?” inquired the professor in a tone of contempt. “None at all in the absence of the vice-principal,” answered the boatswain. “Then they may take us anywhere, and do what they please with us, if I understand the situation.” “I suppose so, sir.” “Then I never comprehended my position before,” added the professor, with increasing disgust. “The trouble, if there is any, is all on account of the absence of the vice-principal, who is authority in all matters.” “I had trouble enough with these boys before he came on board. I supposed in his absence that I took his place.” “But your honor is no sailor; and you couldn’t handle the vessel if you tried.” “I have no desire to handle the vessel; but, if these boys can insult me with impunity, it is time for me to know it.” The conversation, which did not promise to end in any happy result, was interrupted by the appearance of third master Lingall, who politely touched his hat, and stood waiting to deliver his message. “What do you want?” demanded Mr. Primback. “The captain desires to see Mr. Marline on deck,” said Lingall. “Tell the captain that Mr. Marline is engaged with me,” interposed the professor testily. “I will report to the captain myself,” added Marline, who was in a better frame of mind than the “philosopher.” “Wait till I have done with you.” “I beg your honor’s pardon, but I always obey the captain,” replied the boatswain; and touching his hat, and scraping his right foot across the floor, he hastened on deck. “Stop!” called Mr. Primback. “I have something more to say to you.” “I will see your honor as soon as I can,” added the boatswain; and he ran up the steps. Mr. Marline could see that the professor was very unreasonable, considering there was a steamer in distress depending upon the Tritonia for assistance. He touched his hat to the captain, and waited for further orders. “What do you think of the sea now, Mr. Marline?” asked Wainwright. “It has improved a good deal during the last hour.” “Do you think it is prudent to get out a boat?”