he dangerous
practice with well-grounded horror. Mr. Lowington took the stand again,
and followed with another address upon "the root of all evil;" adding
that, having money in their possession, they would be tempted to gamble.

"Now, young gentlemen, I propose that you all deliver your funds to me,
taking my receipt for whatever amount you deliver to me. When you have
any real need of money, apply to me, and I will restore it," added Mr.
Lowington.

"Take our money from us!" exclaimed several; and it was evident that the
proposition was creating a tremendous sensation among the students.

CHAPTER XIII.

PIPING TO MISCHIEF.

After the offensive announcement that the students were to deliver up
their money to the principal, and take his receipt for it, the crew were
dismissed from muster, after being informed that the business of
receiving the funds would be immediately commenced in the steerage. The
three gamblers were not punished, except by the mortification of the
exposure, even by the loss of their marks, though Wilton was confined in
the brig one hour for each falsehood he had uttered. Mr. Lowington knew
that at least a dozen of the boys were guilty of gambling; and as the
matter now came up for the first time, he did not deem it expedient to
punish those who had been discovered hoping that the preventive measures
he had adopted would effectually suppress the evil.

Many of the students regarded the taking of their money as an indignity.
Only a few of them, comparatively, had engaged in gambling, though many
of the occupants of the steerage knew of the existence of the practice
on board the ship. They were willing to believe, and did believe, after
the impressive addresses to which they had listened, that games of
chance were a perilous amusement, but they were not quite willing to
acknowledge the justice of Mr. Lowington's measures.

Most of the officers, and many of the crew, cheerfully complied with the
new regulation. They handed their money to the pursers, and received a
receipt for the amount, signed by the principal. Others emptied the
contents of their exchequer sullenly, and under protest; while not a few
openly grumbled in the presence of Mr. Lowington. Some of "our fellows"
attempted to keep back a portion of their funds, and perhaps a few
succeeded, though the tact of the principal exposed the deceit in
several instances. Whatever may be thought of the justice or the
expediency of depriv