by the League,
a hint had unwittingly been given to Paul, whose simple integrity
rendered him the most dangerous person on board to the interests of such
an institution as the Chain.

"Mr. Kendall, may I ask what you now suppose you were voting for?" asked
Shuffles, with easy assurance.

"For the orator of the day, of course," replied Paul, who was too free
from wiles or arts to make any use of the advantage gained.

Indeed, he was so true himself that he was not suspicious of others; and
he did not even perceive that he had obtained an advantage.

"Exactly so," added Shuffles; "for orator of the day? but we don't speak
the idea out loud, or call it by its proper name."

"What did you mean by commanding the ship, Shuffles?" laughed Kendall.

"I meant orator of the day. We keep this thing to ourselves," added
Shuffles, who had no idea what was meant by his companion.

"Of course; I understand all about that," said Paul, knowingly. "I don't
think I had any right to vote; and in my opinion the trick you played on
Pelham was decidedly wrong."

"It was merely a joke," answered Shuffles.

"But do you intend to use the advantage you gained by this trick?"

"Certainly not."

"I'm very glad of that."

"It was only for the fun of the thing," added Shuffles at a venture.

"It may have been funny; but I don't think it was honest."

"I didn't intend to make any use of it," continued Shuffles. "What did
Mr. Pelham say to you, Mr. Kendall?"

"He told me all about it," replied Paul.

"Did he, indeed?"

"He said that you, by causing me to vote, had made me a member."

"Just so."

Shuffles did not dare to say much, though it was evident, from the words
and the manner of the second lieutenant, that Pelham had not yet
betrayed the real object of the Chain. If he had, the captain elect was
satisfied he would have been in irons, confined in the brig, before that
time.

"I told Mr. Pelham I fully approved the purpose, and would help him out
with it."

"What purpose?" asked Shuffles, anxious to know what Paul meant.

"Why, don't you know?"

"Of course I do; but I wish to know precisely what Mr. Pelham told you."

"He will tell you himself," laughed Paul, as he walked aft, in order to
afford the other "outsiders" who had voted an opportunity to communicate
with Shuffles, for he perceived that they were waiting their turns.

As the second lieutenant went aft, the captain went forward on the lee
side of the deck.