“I think not, sir, in this case,” interposed Mr. Pelham. “Speers is a very ambitious young man: he jumped from the steerage to first master of the Tritonia and contrived to avoid going to London to meet Judge Rodwood because he was not willing to leave the vessel. He desires to finish his course; and there is not a better sailor or a more faithful student in the squadron.” “I am glad to hear you speak so well of him; but this letter contains a request that he be discharged from the academy, and be sent to London. I am asked to telegraph that he is on his way.” “It is too late to do any thing of that kind now,” added Mr. Pelham. “Speers did not open the letter which enclosed this one till the Tritonia was at sea; and he did not open the telegraph despatch for the reason that he did not believe it was for him.” “He has managed it very well. This letter contains a request from his former and from his present guardian; but the young man is not here, and I cannot discharge him. Should I do so, it is not probable that he would find his guardian in London if I sent him there: I shall therefore do nothing till I receive further instructions,” continued the principal. “But this is a matter of little consequence compared with the cruise of this French steamer.” Again the principal inquired into all the circumstances of the parting of the vessels in the fog. Both of the vice-principals assured him that the captain of the Ville d’Angers was an entirely reliable student in every respect, and that he was too high-toned to go off on an independent cruise. “I supposed the steamer had got in ahead of us while we were standing to the southward, and that we should find her in Funchal on our arrival,” explained Mr. Fluxion. “If that were the case, she ought to have been here yesterday,” replied the principal. “What do you suppose can have detained her?” “I can imagine a dozen circumstances which may have delayed her, and none of them may be the proper explanation,” answered the senior vice-principal. “There was a smart gale in the night, after we parted; but I can hardly conceive of such a thing as the Ville d’Angers, which was a nearly new vessel, and seaworthy in every respect, foundering in such a light storm. She may have broken her shaft, or deranged her machinery.” “That would compel her to come in under sail,” suggested the principal.