CHAPTER XII.
THE ROOT OF ALL EVIL.
Paul Kendall, who had not occupied a berth in the steerage since the first organization of the ship, was greatly surprised and grieved to learn that some of the crew were addicted to vicious practices.

Gambling was an enormous offence, and he was not quite willing to believe that such a terrible evil had obtained a foothold in the ship.

He could hardly conceive of such a thing as boys engaging in games of chance; only the vilest of men, in his estimation, would do so.

Shuffles had told him so, apparently without malice or design, and there was no reason to doubt the truth of his statement, especially as he had given the particulars by which it could be verified.
The second lieutenant went down into the steerage.

Classes were reciting to the professors, and studying their lessons at the mess tables.