dissipation and crime; and he felt the responsibility
which rested upon him as a guardian and instructor of youth.

"Mr. Kendall, your information was correct; and I commend the zeal you
have displayed in bringing this fearful evil to light. How happened you
to discover it?"

"I had a hint from a source which I would rather not mention," replied
the second lieutenant, with some embarrassment.

"Indeed!"

"Yes, sir; one of the students, who berths in the steerage, happened
accidentally to let it out."

Paul said "accidentally," because he believed that Shuffles had been
betrayed into the revelation by their former intimacy.

"And he does not wish to be regarded as an informer," added the
principal.

"No, sir; after he had excited my curiosity, he told me where I could
find the gamblers at play."

"I understand his position, precisely," said Mr. Lowington; "and I will
not ask his name. The information proves to be painfully correct, and
there appears to have been no malice in giving it."

"No, sir; I don't think there was: indeed, I know there was not," added
Paul, when he considered that Wilton and the other gamblers were
Shuffles' intimate companions.

"This is a very serious matter, Mr. Kendall," repeated the principal,
thoughtfully.

"I think it is, sir; that is the reason why I came to you, instead of
going to the captain."

"Perhaps it is better that you did so, on the whole," replied Mr.
Lowington. "It has enabled me to see the evil for myself. Have you any
views in regard to what should be done, Mr. Kendall?"

The principal often asked the opinion of the officers concerning similar
matters under discussion, perhaps in order to teach them self-respect,
rather than with the expectation of obtaining valuable suggestions from
them.

"I think there should be stricter discipline in the mess rooms, sir,"
replied Paul, blushing to have his opinion asked. "The fellows----"

"The students, you mean," interposed the principal.

"Excuse me, sir," added Paul, blushing deeper than before at this gentle
rebuke.

The boys had a language of their own, which was not tolerated by the
faculty when it ran into coarseness and slang.

"What were you about to say, Mr. Kendall?" continued the principal,
smiling at the confusion of the young officer.

"The students can now do anything they like in the mess rooms. They have
plenty of money, and if they want to gamble, they can. They were playing
last night when the