“I don’t know.  There are many ropes in the ship, and you have a great deal to learn before I shall be willing to trust you with the anchor at the cat-head.”

“What is the cat-head, sir?” asked Kendall

“Do you wish to go to sea without knowing what the cat-head is?” replied the principal.  “You shall know in due time.  To-morrow we shall select the officers, fifteen in number, who are to occupy the after cabin.”

This announcement created a decided sensation among the eighty-seven boys gathered in the waist, for the subject had been full of interest to them.  The after cabin had thus far been a sealed book; the door was locked, and they had not even seen the inside of the apartment.  They were curious to visit this cabin, and to know who were to occupy it.

“After the organization of the school, it is my intention to give these offices to those who obtain the highest number of merit marks, which will be given for good conduct, good lessons, and progress in seamanship.  The best boy, who is at the same time the best scholar and the best seaman, shall be captain.  We have no marks now by which to make the selection, and I intend to have you elect him the first time, reserving to myself the right to veto your choice if it is obviously an improper one.”

As Mr. Lowington uttered this last remark, he glanced, perhaps unconsciously, at Shuffles, who stood directly in front of him.

“Young gentlemen, the ballot will take place to-morrow morning, at nine o’clock.  I have given you this notice, that you may be able to consider the matter and, if you choose, to make nominations for the several offices,” continued the principal.

“What are the offices, sir?”

“The first and most important one, of course, is the captain.  The others are four lieutenants, four masters, two pursers, and four midshipmen.”

“What are they to do?” asked Kendall.

“I will not explain their duties now; it would require too much time.  I mentioned them in the order of their importance.  Now, young gentlemen, you should select your candidates for these offices by merit, not by favor.  I am aware that a few of you have been to sea, but probably none of you are competent to handle a ship; and your choice should be based mainly on good character and good conduct.  I hope I shall be able to approve the choice you may make.  You are dismissed now.”

“Three cheers for the principal!” shouted one of the boys.

“Silence, young gentleman!  Let me say now, that no expressions of approbation or disapprobation are to be allowed.”

The boys separated into groups, and immediately gave their attention to the important subject suggested to them by Mr. Lowington.  It must be acknowledged that violent symptoms of “log-rolling” began to be exhibited.  There were fifty, if not eighty-seven young men who wished to be captain, and sit at the head of the table in the after cabin.  Some of them went down into the steerage, and in five minutes there was a confused jabbering in every part of the ship.