All hands were piped to muster in form, for they had already come on deck to witness the expected arrival of the passengers from the wreck. The seamen laid hold of the life-lines and such parts of the vessel as afforded them a hold, and waited impatiently to learn what was to be done. Capt. Wainwright made a speech in which he explained the situation on board of the steamer. She was to be saved and sent into port if possible. This announcement was greeted with yells and cheers. “I purpose to select a crew to man the steamer,” continued Wainwright. “The work on board of her will be difficult, and some of it very dirty and disagreeable. I shall therefore call for volunteers.” “Stop, Wainwright!” suddenly interposed Mr. Primback, who had crawled on deck in season to hear the last part of the captain’s speech, after one of the stewards had informed him what was transpiring on board. “I beg your pardon, Professor Primback; but this business admits of no delay,” replied the captain, vexed at the interruption of the “philosopher.” “What do you mean, Wainwright, by sending half the students out of the vessel without saying a word to me?” demanded the irate instructor. “I have consulted with Mr. Marline, as you desired, sir; and I don’t think there is any other way to do.” “But I object. You have taken the ship a long way out of her course; and here you are wasting your time and mine in some Quixotic adventure.” “Have you been informed that Mr. Frisbone, the gentleman who presented the American Prince to the principal, is on board of that steamer, with his wife and her sister, sir?” “I have been so informed; but that don’t affect the case at all. You sent a boat to convey them on board of this vessel, which was a very proper thing to do, as it involved the possible saving of human life. To that I did not object: I do not now object to such just and proper action as may be necessary to insure the safety of any persons on board of the unfortunate vessel,” continued Mr. Primback, whose speech became more precise and dignified as he cooled off. “I do not propose to interfere with the management of the vessel; but when you indicate your intention to send away one-half of my pupils on a boyish expedition of very doubtful practicability, I feel it to be my duty to interfere as one having authority.” “I shall be very sorry to do any thing without your approval, Professor Primback,” replied Wainwright, in a very respectful tone. “Do I understand you to mean by that, you intend to proceed with the plan you have just announced without my sanction, and even in opposition to my direct prohibition?” demanded Mr. Primback, controlling his wrath as well as he could. “I hope you will not compel me to do any thing of the kind, sir.” “I understand you perfectly, Wainwright. You are prepared, I see, to set at defiance my authority,” continued the professor, biting his lips to repress his anger.