"Perhaps I should be better able to judge if I were informed in regard to the nature of the conspiracy," suggested Cantwell, as he readjusted his eye-glasses. "I shall be happy to inform you. They intend to apply to the principal to have the tenure of office in the ship changed," replied Scott, in a very impressive manner, as though he were revealing a startling fact. "The tenure of office!" repeated Cantwell, with a puzzled look. "Yes. Beckwith was kind enough to explain to me what it meant. I dare say you know, without any explanation, Mr. Cantwell." "Of course I know the meaning of the phrase, but I don't understand its application to the affairs of the squadron." "Then you will excuse me for telling you." And Scott explained in full the nature of the proposed changes. "This is a plan, you will perceive, to cut me off." "Indeed!" "I have been a good boy, and learned my lessons this month; and, under the present regulation, I should be the captain of the ship next month. I think that is clear enough." Cantwell arranged his glasses again, and looked earnestly into the face of the joker; but he was as serious as though he had been at a funeral. "I was not aware that you stood so high on the record," added the fourth master, more puzzled than before. "Of course you are aware that you stand very high yourself," said Scott. "I know that I have not had a single imperfect lesson, or been marked down on any exercise." "Just so. Then the highest office lies between you and me," replied Scott, rubbing his chin. "The conspiracy is against us. If you should get in ahead of me, I never have any hard feelings. I am willing to abide by the regulations, and take whatever place belongs to me, even if it should be that of captain or first lieutenant. I never complain of my lot when there is fair play." "And so the students are trying to have the highest officers chosen by ballot," mused Cantwell. "That's so; and it's a plot against you and me--a conspiracy against our rights; and we must oppose it with all our might." "It seems to me a very strange movement, just before the first of the month." "You are right; and we must go to work. The conspirators have had it all their own way so far. We can make it lively for them.--Well, Laybold, what is it?" said Scott, as the student addressed approached them. "I am sent to notify you both of a meeting of all the students of the squadron, at that flat rock on the top of the island," said the messenger. "The fellows are going to appoint a committee to wait on the principal, and ask for a change in the manner of giving out the offices." "We shall be there to vindicate our rights, and protest against this conspiracy. How do you stand, Laybold?" "I don't care much about it, any way," replied the messenger, glancing at Cantwell. "Then go against the change. This thing is got up to keep me from being captain next month."