e principal. It was mean business--I
really think so; and while we were trying to overreach each other, the
game slipped through our fingers. I am really grateful when I think what
an awful scrape we have avoided."

"Perhaps you are right," replied Shuffles, thoughtfully; "but there was
fun in the scheme."

"There might have been, if we had succeeded; but it would have been
anything but fun if we had failed. Some of us would have found quarters
in the brig, and we should not have been allowed to go on shore when we
reached Queenstown."

"A fellow won't want to go on shore without any money," growled
Shuffles, who was not wholly cured of his discontent.

"Since I went overboard I have been thinking a great deal of this
matter. I have come to the conclusion that Mr. Lowington is not the
worst man in the world."

"He is harsh and tyrannical."

"I don't think he ought to have taken our money from us; but I judge him
from all his acts, not by one alone."

Pelham seemed to have turned over a new leaf, and to be sincerely sorry
for his attitude of rebellion. Shuffles was not to be convinced; he was
to be overwhelmed in another manner.

The rivals separated, with their differences removed and with full
confidence in each other. Pelham wrote thirty-one orders on the
principal for ten shillings each, in favor of the surgeon, during his
off-time on that day, which were to be signed and handed to Paul
Kendall. As opportunity occurred, the "situation" was explained to the
members of the League; and though many of them growled at the idea of
giving a present to Mr. Lowington for taking their money from them, not
one of them refused to sign the orders; none of them dared to refuse.

In due time Dr. Winstock had possession of all these little drafts,
amounting in the aggregate to fifteen pounds, ten shillings, which would
purchase quite a respectable piece of plate. Paul Kendall was the
happiest student on board, for the presentation heralded the era of good
feeling. The League was virtually dead for the present, if not forever.
The inherent evil of the organization, with the bickerings and bad
passions of its members, had killed it--the turtle had swallowed his own
head.

The weather continued fine; the routine of ship's duty and the studies
went on without interruption. On the twenty-fourth day out, at three
bells in the afternoon watch, a tremendous excitement was created on
board.

"Land on the port bow!" shouted one