lor, and confine him
in the brig," said the principal, with no little agitation.

This strong speech looked like the dawn of reason to Mr. Hamblin, and he
hastened to produce his evidence. The letter and several exercises
written by Paul were first placed on the cabin table, to enable Mr.
Lowington to compare the penmanship.

"There is a strong similarity in them, I grant; but they are all written
in the common school-boy hand of the United States," added the
principal.

"There is a stronger resemblance than that. The capital A's are the
same; the small r's are identical."

"But the small a's are different."

"Doubtless he disguised his hand to some extent."

"Is this all the proof you have?" asked Mr. Lowington, somewhat
relieved.

"No, sir," replied the professor, triumphantly, as he exhibited the
paper he had taken from Paul's state-room, which was different from any
he had been able to find in either vessel. "The paper is identical, you
perceive."

"I see that it is."

"And no other student has such paper."

"The ship has provided paper for the students, but none like this," said
Mr. Lowington, with a sigh.

"I think you will consider the case proved," added Mr. Hamblin,
exultingly.

"By no means. Enough has been shown to warrant an inquiry. I will make
an investigation immediately."

This was all Mr. Hamblin could ask; and, confident that Captain Kendall
would be convicted, he left the cabin, as the captain of the Belgian
steamer came in to settle for the towage.

CHAPTER XVI.

CAPTAIN KENDALL'S DEFENCE.

The squadron remained off Flushing long enough for Mr. Fluxion to visit
the shore, and ascertain the condition of the "Wel tevreeden." The
repairs were going on, but were not completed, and the cost of them
could not yet be determined. The vice-principal, however, obtained such
information in regard to the probable expense, as to enable him to make
a final settlement. Captain Schimmelpennink came off to the Josephine
with him on his return. It was certain that eleven hundred guilders
would cover the whole expense of putting the galiot in perfect repair,
and the balance of this sum was handed to the skipper.

If there ever was a grateful man in the world, that man was the captain
of the "Wel tevreeden." In addition to the energetic speeches he made
through the interpreter, he indulged in some very pretty and significant
gesticulations, which the officers and crew could comprehend. Th