“There is a great deal of force in what you say, Dr. Winstock.”

“Money will be the root of all evil to these boys, most emphatically.  Those who are disposed to gamble will do so while they have money.”

“The inference to be drawn from your remarks is, that the students should not have pocket money.”

“Most decidedly that is my opinion.  If I had a son, I wouldn’t allow him a penny of pocket money.”

“That would be rather hard,” said the chaplain.

“I know it, but it would be the best thing in the world for the boy.  I don’t mean to say that I would never permit him to have money; but he should have no stated allowance; and when he had a dollar, I should want to know how it was to be expended.”

“This question of money allowances has been under serious consideration with me.”

“You can’t handle the boys in Europe with money in their pockets.  A regiment of soldiers could not keep them straight.”

“I think you are right, doctor.  I am tempted to take their money from them.”

“Do it, by all means!” exclaimed Dr. Winstock.

The chaplain regarded the measure as rather high-handed.  He thought it would belittle the boys, and deprive them of some portion of their self-respect.  The instructors came into the cabin at seven bells, and their opinions were taken.  Four of the six were in favor of taking all money from the boys.  Mr. Lowington had already reached this view of the case, and it was resolved to take the important step at once, as the best means of effectually putting a stop to the practice of gambling.

Mr. Fluxion had been unable to attend this conference for more than a few moments, for he was the instructor in mathematics, which included navigation, and he was compelled to superintend the observations, which were made with separate instruments by himself and by the two masters of the forenoon watch.  The position of the ship was found, and marked on the chart, and the “dead reckoning” compared with the result obtained by calculation.

At one bell in the afternoon watch, all hands were piped to muster, and the gamblers readily understood that this call was for their especial benefit.

“Wilton,” said Mr. Lowington, from his usual position.

The culprit came forward.

“With whom were you gambling in mess room No. 8, this forenoon?” asked the principal.

Wilton looked up at the stern dispenser of discipline.  If he did not know, it was not his business to tell.

“Answer me.”

“I don’t know.”

“You are telling a falsehood.”

“I don’t remember their names now,” said Wilton.

“You do remember them; and for each falsehood you utter you shall suffer an additional penalty.”

“I’m not a tell-tale, sir,” answered Wilton, doggedly.  “I don’t want to tell who they were.”

“Very well; why didn’t you say that at first?  I have some respect for the student who dislikes to betray even his companions in error; none at all for a liar.  Adler and Sanborn,” added the principal; and the two gamblers stepped up to the hatch.  “Young gentlemen, you are charged with gambling.  Have you anything to say?”