Beckwith walked away, for he saw Cantwell approaching him. By this time the fourth master was conscious that something which concerned him was in progress among his shipmates, for, as he came near the little groups which were discussing the proposed change in the "tenure of office," he observed that they either separated or suddenly changed the conversation. His approach, wherever he went, invariably produced a sensation. All hands watched him, and avoided him with even more care than usual. Possibly his self-conceit prevented him from knowing that he was very unpopular among his companions; but they did not avoid him generally, as at the present time. He had no suspicion of the nature of the agitation among the students; but his observation of their conduct led him to the conclusion that they intended to play off some practical joke or trick upon him. He was on his guard from that moment; but he was fully resolved to be the victim rather than the assailant on this occasion. Scott stood just where Beckwith had left him. Instead of walking away, as the others had done, when Cantwell approached, he looked at him, and his expression was remarkably good-natured, and rather inviting for an interview. He was almost the first one he met who did not avoid him. The fourth master walked towards the joker, who, though not required by the regulations to do so when off duty, promptly raised his cap, and manifested a rather extravagant deference towards his superior. Cantwell was a tall, slender young man of seventeen. Like many other great students, he was somewhat near-sighted, and wore eye-glasses. He was an exceedingly well-formed person, and was scrupulously nice in regard to his dress. He had captured one of the new uniforms served out when he was promoted to his present rank, and it was a much better fit than the officers usually obtained. "Do you happen to know the drift of all these private conferences which I observe, Scott?" asked Cantwell, raising his head so that he could see through the eye-glass, which had slipped down upon his nose. "Yes, sir, I happen to know; and, as the matter concerns me more nearly than any other fellow in the squadron, I don't object to telling you; and I hope you will give me your sympathy and support," replied Scott, putting on a most lugubrious face. "Indeed! I don't know that I quite comprehend you. I notice that all the students carefully avoid me this afternoon. If I approach any two or more of them engaged In conversation, they stop talking, or separate, and look very mysterious. I had come to the conclusion that I was to be the subject of some practical joke." "O, no. It is no joke, I assure you. It is a conspiracy, find I am to be the first victim. Beckwith, the first master, was even impudent enough to invite me to take a part in the amputation of my own nose! Did you ever hear anything so absurd?"