"Suppose we go to Lowington, and state the case to him," suggested Adler.
"What's the use of that? Of course the first lieutenant spoke by the card. He had his orders to say what he did, and I'm sure they came from Lowington."
"There can be no doubt of that; but it would be better to have it from him."
"I'm willing to ask Lowington for the day, if the fellows want me to do so; but it won't do any more good than it would to bark at the mainmast," continued Wilton. "I have an idea in my head, if the fellows will stand by me," he added, in a lower tone, as he looked over the rail at the swinging boom, to which the boats in constant use were made fast.
"Keep shady, for a while. How many fellows can we muster?"
"Well, don't stir the matter yet. Here comes Lowington and we will talk to him first. Come, fellows, let's make a dive at him."
Wilton, attended by his companions, walked up to the principal, as he was going forward. Touching his cap respectfully, as the discipline of the ship required, he opened the case.
"Mr. Lowington, some of the students would like to go on shore to-morrow, to celebrate the Fourth. Can't we have liberty?"
"You know the rule; you should apply to the first lieutenant for leave of absence," replied Mr. Lowington.
"Then there is nothing more to be said. The first lieutenant speaks with authority."
"I beg your pardon, sir, but are we to stay on board all day to-morrow?"
"That is certainly the arrangement, Wilton."
"Some of us would like to celebrate the day, sir, and we think it is rather hard to be obliged to do duty on the Fourth of July."
"I intend to have the day celebrated in a proper manner. I have made preparations for a gala day on board."
"If you please, sir, we would rather go on shore."
"I am very sorry, for your sake, that I shall be unable to reverse the answer of the first lieutenant. If I permit one or a dozen to go ashore, I cannot refuse any, and all must go. I think the boys will be satisfied with the arrangements I have made for the day."
"I never was kept in school on the Fourth of July before, sir," growled Wilton.
"Then this will be a new event in your experience," answered Mr. Lowington, coldly, as he turned from the petitioners, and went forward.