“Nothing; he wouldn’t take any notice of what I said.”

“That was sensible on his part.  One thing is certain, Wilton:  you can’t be trusted.”

“You mustn’t make me mad, then.”

“I will keep things to myself hereafter,” growled Shuffles.

“Don’t be savage.  You served me a mean trick, and I paid you off for it; so we are square.”

“We will keep square then, and not open any new accounts.”

“But you will want me when anything is up,” laughed Wilton.  “What would you do without me in getting up a mutiny?”

“Who said anything about a mutiny?”

“I know you are thinking over something, and you don’t mean to submit to the discipline of the ship, if you can help it.”

“Well, I can’t help it.”

“There goes the boatswain’s whistle, piping to muster,” said Monroe.

“Confound the boatswain’s whistle!” growled Shuffles.  “I don’t like the idea of running every time he pipes.”

Very much to the surprise of his companions, Shuffles, his irritation increased by the conduct of Wilton, took no notice of the call, and went forward, instead of aft.  His companions, more wise and prudent, walked up to the hatch, which Mr. Lowington had just mounted.

“Groom, tell Shuffles to come aft,” said the principal to one of the midshipmen.

The officer obeyed the order; Shuffles flatly refused to go aft.  Mr. Lowington descended from his rostrum and went forward to enforce obedience.  This event created a profound sensation among the students.

“Shuffles,” said Mr Lowington, sternly.

“Sir,” replied the malcontent, in a surly tone.

“The boatswain piped the crew to muster.”

“I heard him.”

“You did not obey the call.  I sent for you, and you refused to come.”

“I don’t think I ought to obey the boatswain’s call.”

“May I ask why not?”

“I’ve been an officer three terms, and I should be now if we had had fair play,” growled Shuffles.

“I am not disposed to argue this point in your present frame of mind.  I order you to go aft.”

“And I won’t go!” replied Shuffles, impudently.

“Mr. Peaks,” said the principal, calling the senior boatswain.

“Here, sir,” replied Peaks, touching his hat to the principal.

“Mr. Leech,” added Mr. Lowington.

“Here, sir.”

“Walk this young gentleman aft.”

“Let me alone!” cried Shuffles, as Peaks placed his hand upon him.

“Gently, my sweet lamb,” said the boatswain, with affected tenderness.

“Take your hands off me!” roared the mutinous pupil, as he struggled to release himself from the grasp of the stalwart seaman.

Peaks took him by the collar with one hand, and held his wrist with the other, on one side, while Leech did the same on the other side.

“Walk him aft,” repeated the principal.