mr. lowington read the merit roll, announcing the officers as he proceeded. the occupants of the after cabin, who were appointed for the succeeding three months, during which time the ship crossed the atlantic, and visited various european ports, were as follows:—

charles gordon, captain.

joseph haven, first lieutenant.

paul kendall, second "

samuel goodwin, third "

augustus pelham, fourth "

william foster, first master.

henry martyn, second "

thomas ellis, third "

joseph leavitt, fourth "

joseph o. rogers, first purser.

edward murray, second "

george w. terrill, first midshipman.

john humphreys, second "

mark robinson, third "

andrew groom, fourth "

{123} the students mentioned in the list made the required promise to behave themselves like gentlemen, and faithfully discharge the duties of their several offices, and were duly installed in their new positions in the after cabin. most of them had been officers before, but all of them were higher in rank than at any former period. richard carnes had been captain four terms, for no one could get ahead of him.

the new captain had been first lieutenant, during the preceding year, three terms out of four, and was certainly the best qualified student on board for the command. he was a young man of high moral aims, with much dignity of character and energy of purpose.

the officers went to the after cabin, put on their uniforms, and assumed their proper places. the choice of berths in the steerage proceeded as usual, according to the merit roll, and the petty offices were given to the highest in rank. the new boys took the unoccupied berths by lot. the organization of the ship was now completed, and the students were directed to put their berths and lockers in order. the remainder of the day was fully occupied in preparing for the voyage. great quantities of ice and fresh provisions were taken on board, and packed away in the store rooms of the hold, and all was bustle and confusion.

on thursday morning the ship was put in order again. the vessel had been duly cleared at the custom house, and every article required for the voyage had been received. the boys were ordered to put on their best suits, and at nine o'clock a steamer came {124} off, having on board a large number of the parents and friends of the students. the forenoon was given up to this interesting occasion. it was a beautiful day, with a gentle breeze from the westward, and at twelve o'clock, all hands were mustered on deck for religious services, to be performed by the chaplain, in the presence of the friends of the pupils.

mr. lowington was a religious man, and the position of the rev. mr. agneau, as chaplain on board, was by no means a sinecure. services had always been held twice a day on sunday. at five minutes before eight in the morning, and at the same time in the evening, prayers were said on deck, or in the steerage, in the presence of the entire ship's company. on the point of leaving the shores of the united states, it seemed highly appropriate to invoke the blessing of god on the voyage and the voyagers, and the principal had directed that the service should be conducted in the presence of the parents and friends.

the prayer and the remarks of the chaplain were very solemn and impressive, and even the roughest of the students were moved by them. at the conclusion of the religious service, mr. lowington addressed the visitors, explaining the details of his plan more fully than he had done in his circulars, and saying what he could to inspire the parents with confidence in regard to the safety of their sons. it need not be said that there were many tears shed on this occasion.

at the close of the speech a collation was served to the visitors, in the cabins and steerage, after which another hour was allowed for social intercourse; and then the ship was cleared, the visitors going on board {125} the steamer again, which was to accompany the young america below the lighthouse. the boys were sent below to change their clothes again.

"all hands, up anchor, ahoy!" piped the boatswain; and the crew sprang to their stations with more than usual alacrity.

this was a greater event than they had ever known before. the anchor, which was now to be hauled up, was not to be dropped again for about a month, and then in foreign waters. they were going out upon the waste of the ocean, to be driven and tossed by the storms of the atlantic. they were bidding farewell to their native land, not again to look upon its shores for many months. they were boys, and they were deeply impressed by the fact.

the capstan was manned, and the cable hove up to a short stay. the topsails and top-gallant sails were set; then the anchor was hauled up to the hawse-hole, catted and fished. the young america moved; she wore round, and her long voyage was commenced. the courses and the royals were set, and she moved majestically down the bay. the steamer kept close by her, and salutations by shouts, cheers, and the waving of handkerchiefs, were continually interchanged, till the ship was several miles outside of the lower light.

the steamer whistled several times, to indicate that she was about to return. all hands were then ordered into the rigging of the ship; and cheer after cheer was given by the boys, and acknowledged by cheers on the part of the gentlemen, and the waving of handkerchiefs by the ladies. the steamer came about; the {126} moment of parting had come, and she was headed towards the city. some of the students wept then; for, whatever charms there were in the voyage before them, the ties of home and friends were still strong. as long as the steamer could be seen, signals continued to pass between her and the ship.

"captain gordon, has the first master given the quartermaster the course yet?" asked mr. lowington, when the steamer had disappeared among the islands of the bay.

"no, sir; but mr. fluxion told him to make it east-north-east."

"very well; but the masters should do this duty," added mr. lowington, as he directed the instructor in mathematics to require the masters, to whom belonged the navigation of the ship, to indicate the course.

william foster was called, and sent into the after cabin with his associates, to obtain the necessary sailing directions. the masters had been furnished with a supply of charts, which they had studied daily, as they were instructed in the theory of laying down the ship's course. foster unrolled the large chart of the north atlantic ocean upon the dinner table, and with parallel ruler, pencil, and compasses, proceeded to perform his duty.

"we want to go just south of cape sable," said he, placing his pencil point on that part of the chart.

"how far south of it?" asked harry martyn.

"say twenty nautical miles."

the first master dotted the point twenty miles south of cape sable, which is the southern point of nova scotia, and also the ship's position, with his pencil. {127} he then placed one edge of the parallel ruler on both of these points, thus connecting them with a straight line.

a parallel ruler consists of two smaller rulers, each an inch in width and a foot in length, connected together by two flat pieces of brass, riveted into each ruler, acting as a kind of hinge. the parts, when separated, are always parallel to each other.

foster placed the edge of the ruler on the two points made with the pencil, one indicating the ship's present position, the other the position she was to obtain after sailing two or three days. putting the fingers of his left hand on the brass knob of the ruler, by which the parts are moved, he pressed down and held its upper half, joining the two points, firmly in its place. with the fingers of the right hand he moved the lower half down, which, in its turn, he kept firmly in place, while he slipped the upper half over the paper, thus preserving the direction between the points. by this process the parallel ruler could be moved all over the chart without losing the course from one point to the other.

on every chart there are one or more diagrams of the compass, with lines diverging from a centre, representing all the points. the parallel ruler is worked over the chart to one of these diagrams, where the direction to which it has been set nearly or exactly coincides with one of the lines representing a point of the compass.

the first master of the young america worked the ruler down to a diagram, and found that it coincided {128} with the line indicating east by north; or one point north of east.

"that's the course," said thomas ellis, the third master—"east by north."

"i think not," added foster. "if we steer that course, we should go forty or fifty miles south of cape sable, and thus run much farther than we need. what is the variation?"

"about twelve degrees west," replied martyn.

the compass does not indicate the true north in all parts of the earth, the needle varying in the north atlantic ocean from thirty degrees east to nearly thirty degrees west. there is an imaginary line, extending in a north-westerly direction, through a point in the vicinity of cape lookout, called the magnetic meridian, on which there is no variation. east of this line the needle varies to the westward; and west of the line, to the eastward. these variations of the compass are marked on the chart, in different latitudes and longitudes, though they need to be occasionally corrected by observations, for they change slightly from year to year.

"variation of twelve degrees," 1 repeated foster, verifying the statement by an examination of the chart. that is equal to about one point, which, carried to the westward from east by north, will give the course east-north-east.

the process was repeated, and the same result being obtained, the first master reported the course to {129} mr. fluxion, who had made the calculation himself, in the professors' cabin.

"quartermaster, make the course east-north-east," said the first master, when his work had been duly approved by the instructor.

"east-north-east, sir!" replied the quartermaster, who was conning the wheel—that is, he was watching the compass, and seeing that the two wheelmen kept the ship on her course.

there were two other compasses on deck, one on the quarter-deck, and another forward of the mainmast which the officers on duty were required frequently to consult, in order that any negligence in one place might be discovered in another. the after cabin and the professors' cabin were also provided with "tell-tales," which are inverted compasses, suspended under the skylights, by which the officers and instructors below could observe the ship's course.

the log indicated that the ship was making six knots an hour, the rate being ascertained every two hours, and entered on the log-slate, to be used in making up the "dead reckoning." the young america had taken her "departure," that is, left the last land to be seen, at half past three o'clock. at four, when the log was heaved, she had made three miles; at six, fifteen miles; at eight, the wind diminishing and the log indicating but four knots, only eight miles were to be added for the two hours' run, making twenty-three miles in all. the first sea day would end at twelve o'clock on the morrow, when the log-slate would indicate the total of nautical miles the ship had run after taking her departure. this is {130} called her dead reckoning, which may be measured off on the chart, and should carry the vessel to the point indicated by the observations for latitude and longitude.

the wind was very light, and studding-sails were set alow and aloft. the ship only made her six knots as she pitched gently in the long swell of the ocean. the boys were still nominally under the order of "all hands on deck," but there was nothing for them to do, with the exception of the wheelmen, and they were gazing at the receding land behind them. they were taking their last view of the shores of their native land. doubtless some of them were inclined to be sentimental, but most of them were thinking of the pleasant sights they were to see, and the exciting scenes in which they were to engage on the other side of the rolling ocean, and were as jolly as though earth had no sorrows for them.

the principal and the professors were pacing the quarter-deck, and doubtless some of them were wondering whether boys like the crew of the young america could be induced to study and recite their lessons amid the excitement of crossing the atlantic, and the din of the great commercial cities of the old world. the teachers were energetic men, and they were hopeful, at least, especially as study and discipline were the principal elements of the voyage, and each pupil's privileges were to depend upon his diligence and his good behavior. it would be almost impossible for a boy who wanted to go to paris while the ship was lying at havre, so far to neglect his duties as to forfeit the privilege of going. as these {131} gentlemen have not been formally introduced, the "faculty" of the ship is here presented:—

robert lowington, principal.

rev. thomas agneau, chaplain.

dr. edward b. winstock, surgeon.

instructors.

john paradyme, a.m., greek and latin.

richard modelle, reading and grammar.

charles c. mapps, a.m., geography and history.

james e. fluxion, mathematics.

abraham carboy, m.d., chemistry and nat. phil.

adolph badois, french and german.

these gentlemen were all highly accomplished teachers in their several departments, as the progress of the students during the preceding year fully proved. they were interested in their work, and in sympathy with the boys, as well as with the principal.

it was a very quiet time on board, and the crew were collected in little groups, generally talking of the sights they were to see. in the waist were shuffles, monroe, and wilton, all feuds among them having been healed. they appeared to be the best of friends, and it looked ominous for the discipline of the ship to see them reunited. shuffles was powerful for good or evil, as he chose, and mr. lowington regretted that he had fallen from his high position, fearing that the self-respect which had sustained him as an officer would desert him as a seaman, and permit him to fall into excesses.

shuffles was more dissatisfied and discontented than {132} he had ever been before. he had desired to make the tour of europe with his father, and he was sorely disappointed when denied this privilege; for with the family he would be free from restraint, and free from hard study. when he lost his rank as an officer, he became desperate and reckless. to live in the steerage and do seaman's duty for three months, after he had enjoyed the luxuries of authority, and of a state-room in the after cabin, were intolerable. after the cabin offices had been distributed, he told monroe that he intended to run away that night; but he had found no opportunity to do so; and it was unfortunate for his shipmates that he did not.

"this isn't bad—is it, shuffles?" said wilton, as the ship slowly ploughed her way through the billows.

"i think it is. i had made up my mouth to cross the ocean in a steamer, and live high in london and paris," replied shuffles. "i don't relish this thing, now."

"why not?" asked wilton.

"i don't feel at home here."

"i do."

"because you never were anywhere else. i ought to be captain of this ship."

"well, you can be, if you have a mind to work for it," added monroe.

"work for it! that's played out. i must stay in the steerage three months, at any rate; and that while the burden of the fun is going on. if we were going to lie in harbor, or cruise along the coast, i would go in for my old place."

"but carnes is out of the way now, and your {133} chance is better this year than it was last," suggested monroe.

"i know that, but i can't think of straining every nerve for three months, two of them while we are going from port to port in europe. when we go ashore at queenstown, i shall have to wear a short jacket, instead of the frock coat of an officer; and i think the jacket would look better on some younger fellow."

"what are you going to do, shuffles?" asked wilton.

"i'd rather be a king among hogs, than a hog among kings."

"what do you mean by that?"

"no matter; there's time enough to talk over these things."

"do you mean a mutiny?" laughed wilton.

"haven't you forgotten that?"

"no."

"i wonder what lowington would say, if he knew i had proposed such a thing," added shuffles, thoughtfully.

"he did know it, at the time you captured the runaways, for i told him."

"did you?" demanded shuffles, his brow contracting with anger.

"i told you i would tell him, and i did," answered wilton. "you were a traitor to our fellows, and got us into a scrape."

"i was an officer then."

"no matter for that. do you suppose, if i were an {134} officer, i would throw myself in your way when you were up to anything?"

"i don't know whether you would or not; but i wouldn't blow on you, if you had told me anything in confidence. what did lowington say?"

"nothing; he wouldn't take any notice of what i said."

"that was sensible on his part. one thing is certain, wilton: you can't be trusted."

"you mustn't make me mad, then."

"i will keep things to myself hereafter," growled shuffles.

"don't be savage. you served me a mean trick, and i paid you off for it; so we are square."

"we will keep square then, and not open any new accounts."

"but you will want me when anything is up," laughed wilton. "what would you do without me in getting up a mutiny?"

"who said anything about a mutiny?"

"i know you are thinking over something, and you don't mean to submit to the discipline of the ship, if you can help it."

"well, i can't help it."

"there goes the boatswain's whistle, piping to muster," said monroe.

"confound the boatswain's whistle!" growled shuffles. "i don't like the idea of running every time he pipes."

very much to the surprise of his companions, shuffles, his irritation increased by the conduct of wilton, took no notice of the call, and went forward, {135} instead of aft. his companions, more wise and prudent, walked up to the hatch, which mr. lowington had just mounted.

"groom, tell shuffles to come aft," said the principal to one of the midshipmen.

the officer obeyed the order; shuffles flatly refused to go aft. mr. lowington descended from his rostrum and went forward to enforce obedience. this event created a profound sensation among the students.

"shuffles," said mr lowington, sternly.

"sir," replied the malcontent, in a surly tone.

"the boatswain piped the crew to muster."

"i heard him."

"you did not obey the call. i sent for you, and you refused to come."

"i don't think i ought to obey the boatswain's call."

"may i ask why not?"

"i've been an officer three terms, and i should be now if we had had fair play," growled shuffles.

"i am not disposed to argue this point in your present frame of mind. i order you to go aft."

"and i won't go!" replied shuffles, impudently.

"mr. peaks," said the principal, calling the senior boatswain.

"here, sir," replied peaks, touching his hat to the principal.

"mr. leech," added mr. lowington.

"here, sir."

"walk this young gentleman aft."

"let me alone!" cried shuffles, as peaks placed his hand upon him. {136}

"gently, my sweet lamb," said the boatswain, with affected tenderness.

"take your hands off me!" roared the mutinous pupil, as he struggled to release himself from the grasp of the stalwart seaman.

peaks took him by the collar with one hand, and held his wrist with the other, on one side, while leech did the same on the other side.

"walk him aft," repeated the principal.

"mr. fluxion, may i trouble you to bring up the irons?" continued mr. lowington, when the boatswain and carpenter had "walked" the rebel aft, in spite of his struggling and kicking.

"irons!" gasped shuffles, as he heard the request of the principal.

he trembled with rage as he uttered the word. the irons seemed to pierce his soul. probably he did not think that the son of a wealthy gentleman would be compelled to submit to such an indignity as being put in irons.

mr. fluxion came on deck with a pair of handcuffs. it was the first time they had been seen, and no student even knew there were any on board. the discipline of the ship had been as gentle as it was firm, and this was the first time such instruments were necessary.

"mr. peaks, put the irons on him!" said mr. lowington, his usual dignity unruffled by angry emotions.

"don't put them on me!" cried shuffles, making an effort to disengage himself from the grasp of his captors.

"put them on at once!" added the principal. {137}

"you shall not put them on me! i will die first!" roared the rebel.

it was easier to talk than to do, in the hands of two sturdy sailors, one of whom had used the cat in the navy, when its use was tolerated. shuffles did not die, and he was ironed, in spite of his struggles and his protest.