He went on deck again.  Shuffles was still there, and they met in the waist.

“You told me the truth,” said Paul.

“You did not think I was joking about so serious a matter—­did you?” replied Shuffles.

“No; but I hoped you might be mistaken.”

“How could I be mistaken, when I have seen, at one time and another, a dozen fellows engaged in gambling?  Of course such things as these will ruin the boys, and bring the ship into disrepute.”

“You are right.  My father, for one, wouldn’t let me stay on board a single day, if he knew any of the boys were gamblers.”

“It can be easily stopped, now you know about it,” added Shuffles.

“Perhaps it can.  I will inform Mr. Lowington at once.”

“Remember, if you please, what I said, Mr. Kendall.  I am willing to do a good thing for the ship; but you know how much I should have to suffer, if it were known that I gave the information.  I didn’t mean to blow on my shipmates; but you and I have been so intimate in the after cabin, that I spoke before I was aware what I was about,” continued Shuffles.

“I shall not willingly betray you.”

“Willingly!  What do you mean by that?” demanded the conspirator, startled by the words of the officer.

“Suppose Mr. Lowington should ask me where I obtained my information,” suggested Paul.

“Didn’t you see for yourself in No. 8?”

“He might ask what led me to examine the matter so particularly.  But, Shuffles, I will tell him honestly that I do not wish to inform him who gave me the hint; and I am quite sure he will not press the matter, when he finds that the facts are correct.”

“Don’t mention my name on any account,” added Shuffles.  “It was mean of me to say anything; but the ship was going to ruin, and I’m rather glad I spoke, though I didn’t intend to do so.”

“I will make it all right, Shuffles,” replied Paul, as he descended the cabin steps.

Mr. Lowington was in the main cabin, and the second lieutenant knocked at the door.  He was readily admitted, and invited to take a seat, for the principal was as polite to the young gentlemen as though they had been his equals in age and rank.

“I would like to speak with you alone, if you please, sir,” Paul began, glancing at the cabin steward, who was at work in the pantry.

“Come into my state room,” said the principal, leading the way.

“I hope your business does not relate to the discipline of the ship,” continued Mr. Lowington, when they were seated, and the door of the room was closed.  “If it does, you should have applied to the captain.”

“This is a peculiar case, sir, and I obtained my information while off duty,” replied Paul, with some embarrassment; for he had thought of communicating his startling discovery to Captain Gordon, and had only been deterred from doing so by the fear of betraying Shuffles.