“I suppose we are,” replied Wilton.

“Who proposed the plan?”

“Wilton first spoke to me about it,” answered Monroe.

“And you induced the others to join you?”

“Yes, sir.”

“As the ringleaders, Wilton and Monroe will lose twenty marks each, and remain in their mess rooms to-morrow.  The other twelve lose ten marks each,” continued Mr. Lowington.  “Young gentlemen, those who have engaged in this scheme are not to be trusted.  I have nothing further to say.”

The crew were dismissed, and all the students were disposed to laugh at the mildness of the punishment, compared with the enormity of the offence.

“Mr. Shuffles,” said the principal, as he stepped down from the hatch, “I am very much obliged to you for the zeal and energy which you have exhibited in the discharge of your duty.  Not only was your disposition to do your duty highly commendable, but your plans displayed skill and forethought.”

“Thank you, sir,” replied the third lieutenant; “I am very glad to have pleased you.”

Mr. Lowington bowed, and descended to the cabin to finish his supper, which had been interrupted by the event described.  What the professors said about the affair was not known to the boys; but Shuffles was warmly praised for the moderate but skilful measures he had used in the capture of the rebels.

At sundown, a shore boat came alongside with an abundant supply of fireworks, which had been ordered by Mr. Lowington.  They were hoisted on board, and deposited in a safe place.  At the usual hour, the boys turned in to dream of the good time which these squibs and crackers suggested to them—­all but Monroe and Wilton, who had something else to think about.  The latter was disappointed and surly, while the former congratulated himself upon getting out of the scrape so easily.  Wilton was very angry with Shuffles, who might have permitted him to land, if he had been so disposed; and he determined to take what he considered an ample vengeance upon the traitor.  As soon as he had an opportunity to speak to Mr. Lowington, he intended to tell him all about the plan for a mutiny, and he was fully satisfied that Shuffles would be sent in disgrace from his pleasant position in the after cabin, to take up his abode in the steerage again.

On the morning of the ever-glorious Fourth, all hands were mustered on the deck of the Young America at four o’clock.  Crackers were served out, and for two hours there was a tremendous racket from stern to stern, among the younger boys.  At six o’clock, the port watch were piped to breakfast, and all the crackers having been burned, the decks were swept, and everything put in perfect order, by the starboard watch.  A band of music, engaged for the day, came off, and the enlivening strains of the national airs sounded through the ship.

At seven o’clock, when all hands had breakfasted, an hour earlier than usual, the crew were piped to muster, wondering, as they always did, what was going to be done.