~I ~  ~       ~



ind str   i ied 
dl.~~~~~~~~~~~~~~I log
PII4'';aid;'1I~jj';;






Entered according to Act of Coimgrcss, in the year 1S68, by
WILLIAM  T. ADAMS,
In the Clerk's Office of the District Court of the District of Massachusetta
ELECTROTYPED AlT erIE
Boston   Stereotype  Fouvdry,
No, 19 Spring Lane.



TO
8a,delloki-eetager in tIle Oteamsnind trsia
DURING A PLEASANT TRIP ACROSS THE ATLANTIC,
IN 1865,
STEPHEVN S. HOE,,
WHOSE NAME EVER REMINDS MIE OF MY PERSONAL INDEBTEDNESS
FOR MUCH OF THE PLEASURE OF THE VOYAGE; NOT ONLY
TO MY YOUNG FRIEND WHOSE NAME I MENTION HERE,
BUT ALSO TO HIMI WHO SAT OPPOSITE TO US AT
TABLE, WHOSE NAME, ASSOCIATED WITH
ONE OF THE PROUDEST ACHIEVEMENTS
OF AMIERICAN INVENTIVE GENIUS,
I NEED NOT MENTION, FOR
NO WORD OF MINE
COULD HONOR
IT,
~THIS  VOLUME
IS RESPECTFULLY DEDICATED.



YOUNG AMERICA ABROAD.
BY OLIVER OPTIC.
A Library of Travel and Adventure in Foreign Lands. First
and Second Series; six volumes in each Series. i6mo.
Illustrated.
First Series.
I. OUTWARD BOUND; OR, YOUNG AMERICA AFLOAT.
II. SHA3IR 0 CK AND THIS TLE; OR, YOUNG AMERICA
IN IRELAND AND SCOTLAND.
III. RED CROSS; OR, YOUNG AMERICA IN ENGLAND AND
WALES.
IV. DIKES AND DITCHES; OR, YOUNG AMERICA IN
HOLLAND AND BELGIUM.
V. PALACE AND COTTAGE; OR, YOUNG AMERICA
IN FRANCE AND SWITZERLAND.
VI. DOWN  THE  RHINE; OR, YOUNG AMERICA IN
GERMANY.
Second Series.
I. UP THE BAL TIC; OR, YOUNG AMERICA IN DENMARK
AND SWEDEN.
II. NORTHERN LANDS; OR, YOUNG AMERICA IN
PRUSSIA AND RUSSIA.
III. VINE AND OhI.VE; OR, YOUNG AMERICA IN SPAIN
AND PORTUGAL.
IV. SUNNT SHORES; OR, YOUNG AMERICA IN ITALY
AND AUSTRIA.
V. CROSS AND CRESCENT; OR, YOUNG AIERICA
IN GREECE AND TURKEY.
VI. ISLES OF THE SEA; OR, YOUNG AMERICA i-oM-iE
WARD BOUND.



PREFACE.
DIKES AND DITCHES, the fourth of the "YOUNG AMERICA
ABROAD " series, is a continuation of the history of the Academy Ship and her consort in the waters of IHolland and Belgium. As in its predecessors, those parts of the book which
lie within- the domain of history and fact are intended to be
entirely reliable; and great care has been used to make them
so. The author finds his notes so copious, and his recollections of the Low Countries so full of interest, that he has felt
obliged to devote a considerable portion of the work to the
geography and history of the country, and to the manners
and customs of the people; but there is so much that is novel
in the region itself, and so much that is stirring and even
"' sensational" in the history of the sturdy patriots of Holland, that he hopes his young friends will not complain of
the proportion in which he has mingled his material. It
would be a very great happiness to him to have excited a
sufficient degree of interest in these countries to induce the
boys and girls to read Mr. Motley's inimitable works, "The
Rise of the Dutch Republic," and " The History of the United
Netherlands." The writer is confident that young people will
find these volumes quite as attractive as the story books of
the day.
1*                             (5)



6                      PREFACE.
DIKES AND DITCHES has its independent story of the adventures of the students. Though the Acadefmiy Squadrbn
has thus far been remarkably fortunate in the character of
its instructors, Professor Hamblin proves to be an exception,
and the crews of the ship and her consort are unhappily
plunged into sundry disciplinary tribulations by his overstrained dignity, and by his want of discretion. The young
commander of the Josephine suffers from the evils of a divided
authority, which brings him into conflict with the senior instructor before experience suggests the remedy. WNhile the
principal is compelled to punish the students for their misconduct in " hazing" the obnoxious professor, he also finds
it necessary to abate the nuisance of a conceited, overbearing,
and tyrannical pedagogue. Boys cannot be expected to be
angels in school, until their instructors have soared to this
sublime height.
The author of the series, more than ever encouraged by
the hearty and generous favor of his readers, submits this
volume to their consideration, trusting that they will at least
appreciate his earnest efforts not only to please, but to instruct them.
HARRISON SQUARE, MIASS.,
April 9, 1868.



CON TENTS.
CHAPTER                                       PAGE9
I. THE PROFESSOR AND THE CAPTAIN...    I I
II. A SQUALL IN THE GERMAN OCEAN...  27
III. SOMETHING ABOUT DIKES....  43
IV. UP THE SCHELDT TO FLUSHING.           59
V. CAPTAIN SCHIMMELPENNINK..76
VI. PROFESSOR HAMBLIN CHANGES HIS MIND.       93
VII. THE LECTURE ON BELGIUM.... IIO
VIII. ANTWERP ANTD RUBENS.                    129
IX. TROUBLE ON BOARD THE JOSEPHINE...   i46
X. WHO WAS CAPTAIN OF THE JOSEPHINE..          62
XI. ON THE VWAY TO GHENT....        179
XII. IN BELGIUM'S CAPITAL.,              I95
XIII. THREE CHEERS FOR THE KING OF BELGIUM.. 213
XIV. THE VICE-PRINCIPAL...... 230
XV. THE PROFESSOR'S CHARGE..... 245
(7)



8                  CONTENTS.
CHAPTER                                      PAGE
XVI. CAPTAIN KENDALL'S DEFENCE.           262
XVII. MORE ABOUT THE DIKES AND DITCHES.. 278
XVIII. AN EXCURSION AMONG THE DIKES.. 293
XIX. A RUN THROUGH HOLLAND.... 310
XX. ADIEU TO HOLLAND AND PROFESSOR HAMBLIN.  328



DIKES AND DITCHES.
(9)






DIKES AND DITCHES;
OR,
YOUNG AMERICA IN HOLLAND AND
BELGIUM.
CHAPTER I.
THE PROFESSOR AND THE CAPTAIN.
HE Young America, with every rag of canvas
set, including studding-sails alow  and aloft,
rolled and pitched gracefully on the long swells of
the German Ocean. The wind was very light from
the north-west, and there was hardly enough of it to
give the ship steerage-way. A mile oWf, on her starboard bow, was the Josephine, beclouded in the quantity of sail she carried, but hardly leaving a wake in
the blue waters behind her. The hummocks and the
low land of the shores of Holland and Belgium were
in sight; but, with the present breeze, there was but
little hope of reaching the mouth of the Scheldt that
night, though it was hardly twenty miles distant.
The regular course of instruction was in progress
in both vessels, the starboard watch of each being
in tihe steerage, attending to their studies, while the
port watch were on,deck, in charge of the sailing
(11)



12           DIKES AND DITCHES, OR
department. Mr. Lowington paced the deck of the
ship, and, with the habit of an old sailor, frequently
cast his eyes aloft to see what sails were drawing. Occasionally, from a custom begotten of his solicitude for
his charge, he glanced at the Josephine.
The squadron did not make even a mile an hour;
and when the watch was changed, at four o'clock,
there was not a breath of air to ruffle the glassy waves.
The ship rolled and pitched on the swells, and the
sails slapped against the masts and rigging under the
effect of her motion. The young seamen on deck,
without being in a hurry, were annoyed and vexed, as
all sailors are in a calm. They partook of the heaviness of the scene, and gaped and yawned, from mere
inactivity, and the want of something to occupy their
minds.
The calm was only the prelude of a lively scene.
To the westward, beyond the low coast line dimly
seen in the distance, was a dense mass of black clouds,
rising rapidly towards the zenith. Low, muttering,
muffled thunder came over the sea. The sun went
into the inky veil; and then the lightnings flashed,
faintly at first, but glaring brighter and brighter as
the darkness increased.
Mr. Lowington still paced the deck; but, instead of
looking aloft now, he cast frequent glances at the officer of the deck, who was watching the dense black
clouds. The principal said nothing; for, whatever
views he had in regard to the working of the ship, it
was his policy never to interfere until absolutely necessary. The officers were encouraged to do their own
thinking, and were expected to take all necessary



YOUNG AMERICA IN HOLLAND AND BELGIUM. I3
precautions for the safety of the ship at the right time.
The second lieutenant was in charge of the deck, and
as yet he had taken no step which indicated that he
was conscious of any peril.
"Mr. Lavender," said he, at last, when the,principal's movements had begun to be a little nervous.
The second midshipman, who was the third officer
in rank on duty, stepped up to the lieutenant and
touched his cap.
"' Tell the captain there is a shower coming up, and
that the clouds look squally," added Mr. Ellis, the officer of the deck.
Lavender touched his cap, and went down into the
steerage, where the captain was reciting his French
lesson to Professor Badois.
" Excuse me," said Captain Haven. " I must go
on deck, for I suppose Mr. Lowington wouldn't give
an order to take in sail if the masts were blown out
of the ship."
The commander of the Young America went on
deck in a hurry.  He and all below had observed
the sudden darkness which pervaded the steerage, and
they were rather glad to have something stirring occur
to break up the monotony of the calm. The captain
looked at the black clouds, and promptly directed the
officer of the deck to take in the studding-sails, which
was done by the watch.
The clouds wore that peculiar appearance which
indicates wind - an aspect which the old sailor readily
recognizes. Captain HIaven was familiar enough with
the weather signs to understand what was coming;
but the young sailor is almost as much afraid of taking
2



14            DIKES AND DITCHES, OR
in sail too soon as of being too tardy in doing so.
There is as much vanity in carrying sail as in wearing fine clothes. The captain did not wish to be too
cautious, for that would cause a smile upon the faces
of the ship's crew.
He looked at Mr. Lowington, who seemed to be
perfectly satisfied, or rather his attention was directed
entirely to the Josephine, which had not yet taken in
her huge fore square-sail. Then he studied the threatening pile of black clouds, which had now nearly
reached the zenith; while the thunder rattled, and
the lightnings flashed with blinding glare.'" Take in topgallant-sails and royals," said Captain
Haven to the officer of the deck, now satisfied that his
reputation for carrying sail could not suffer in the face
of such admonitory indications.
Mr. Ellis called on the entire starboard watch to
obey his orders; for only a quarter watch was required
to handle the ship under ordinary circumstances, the
other portion of the watch being idlers on deck. The
light sails were taken in; and Mr. Lowington made
no comment, as he sometimes did, after an evolution
had been perfbrmed, in order to express his approval
or otherwise of the action of the captain.
The Josephine was most strangely deficient in caution on the present occasion, and the principal was
evidently much disturbed bythe conduct -of her captain, who was usually very prudent, without being
timid.-  There she was, with all her extra sail set
and flapping in the calm, while a tempest was brewing before her.
" Captain Kendall must be asleep," said Mr. Low



YOUNG AMERICA IN HOLLAND AND BELGIUM. I5
ington, nervously, to Peaks, the adult boatswain of the
ship.
" And the officers too," replied the old salt, hitching up his trousers.  " We ought to fire a gun to
wake them up."
" It is not like Captain Kendall to be caught napping when a squall is gathering," added the principal.
" I should think the thunder would wake them up.
It's heavy for these parts. That squall will come all
at once when it does come. It will take their sails
right out of the bolt-ropes."
Mr. Lowington walked aft again, and on the quarterdeck met Flag-officer Gordon, who had also been observing the Josephine, and wondering at her continued
neglect of the most ordinary precautions.
" Mr. Lavender," said the commander of the squadron.
The midshipman, ever ready to do the meagre duties
assigned to him, touched his cap to Captain Gordon.
"Pass the word for the signal-officer," added the
flag-officer.
" That's right, Captain Gordon!" exclaimed the
principal. " If the officers of the Josephine don't do
better than this, they must be broken.  I am astonished."
" So am I, sir. Captain Kendall is usually very
careful, and what he don't see isn't worth seeing."
" Be as expeditious as possible, for the squall will
soon be upon us."
The signal-officer appeared with the midshipman
and quartermaster in charge of the signals. Captain
Gordon ordered the number, " Take in sail," to be set.



I16          DIKES AND DITCHES, ORPaul Kendall was severely criticised on board of the
ship; but, before he has suffered too much in the estimation of his sympathizing friends, let our readers
be transferred to the steerage of the Josephine, in
which, as the consort of the Academy Ship, the same
rules and regulations prevailed. The port watch were
at their studies, while the starboard watch had the
deck, in charge of Mr. Terrill, the first lieutenant.
This was the captain's study time, for he was a member of the several classes, and in school hours was
subject to the discipline of the professors, the same as
other students.
When the squall began to gather, Professor Hamblin
was hearing the recitation in Greek. The learned gentleman did not think a scholar knew anything unless
he possessed a considerable knowledge of Greek. It
was his favorite branch, and the class in this language was his pet. He was a strict disciplinarian, and
never allowed anything to interrupt the recitation in
Greek if he could possibly avoid it. No scholar, not
even the captain, as the regulations then were, could
leave the class without his permission. It is true, the
rule had not been made, or even been considered, with
special reference to the commander of the vessel; but
Paul had always quietly submitted to it, even at some
inconvenience and sacrifice to himself. No emergency
had arisen, since the Josephine went into commission,
which required the setting aside of the rule, and it
was supposed the professors would have judgment
enough to use it with proper discretion.
Professor Hamblin, so far as Greek roots were concerned, was not lacking in judgment; but he knew no



YOUNG AMERICA IN HOLLAND AND BELGIUM. 17
more about a ship than Cleats, the boatswain, did
about Greek. He was a very learned man, and lived
in a Greek and Latin atmosphere.  The dead languages were the chief end of man to him. He was
cold, stern, and precise, except that, when hearing a
class in Greek, he warmed up a little, and became
more human, especially if the students manifested a
becoming interest in his favorite branch.
Unfortunately for Paul Kendall, he was not an enthusiastic devotee of the Greek language and literature.
He lived too much in the present to be enamoured of
anything so old, and, as it seemed to him, so comparatively useless. But he was faithful in the discharge of
all the academic requirements of the institution, not
excepting even those branches which he disliked.
Though he was always very respectful to Professor
Hamblin, he was candid enough to say that he did
not like Greek. He was, therefore, no favorite of the
learned gentleman, who thought his abilities and his
scholarship were over-estimated - because he did not
like the dead languages.
"1 Mr. Terrill directs me to inform you that a squall
is coming up," said Ritchie, the third master, as 1,_
touched his cap to Captain Kendall.
" No interruption! No interruption!  interposed
Professor Hamblin, very ill-naturedly.
The third master touched his cap, as the captain
bowed to him in acknowledgment that he had heard
the message, and then retired.  The professor was
vexed: perhaps he was a little more ill-natured than
usual, on account of being slightly seasick - an effect
produced by the uneasy roll of the vessel in the calm.
2 *



i8           DIKES AND DITCIIES, OR
" Now, Mr. Kendall, go on with the dual of a6fojv,%
added he, as Ritchie retired.
" I must beg you will excuse me, Professor HambN
lin," said Paul, with the utmost deference, as he rose
from the bench on which he was seated.' Go on with the dual! " replied the professor,
sternly.
Paul looked at the snapping gray eye of the learned
gentleman, and was assured that he had a will of his
own. As the captain of the Josephine, he did not
wish to set an example of insubordination, which
others might adopt before they were certain that the
emergency required it. He had not seen the gathering clouds, and he had full confidence in the judgment
and skill of Terrill, who was in charge of the deck.
The rule was that the professors should be obeyed in
study hours. This had always been the regulation on
board the ship; but, then, the principal, who was a
sailor himself, was always present to prevent any
abuse of power.
Paul decided to yield the point for a time, at least,
and he recited his lesson as directed by the professor.
Half an hour later, Ritchie appeared again, with
another message from the first lieutenant, to the effect
that the squall was almost upon them. This was
about the time that Flag-officer Gordon had sent for
the signal-officer, on board of the ship.
" You must excuse me now, Professor Hamblin,
for I must go on'deck," said Paul, as respectfully as he
could speak.
" I can't spare you; I haven't finished the exercise
yet," replied Mr. Hamblin, sourly.  "This is a plan



YOUNG AMERICA IN HOLLAND AND BELGIUM. 19
to break up the lesson in Greek, because some of the
young gentlemen  don't like to study it."
" I beg your pardon, sir; but the officer of the deck
sends me word that the squall is upon us.  You
can hear the thunder and see the lightning," added
Paul.
1" I am not afraid of thunder and lightning," growled
the professor. "' My classes are not to be broken up
on any frivolous pretences. Mr. Lowington assured
me I had full powers over all during study hours;
and I tell you to be seated, and go on with your recitation."
" But the vessel is in danger, sir," protested Paul.' I'm not afraid, and. you need not be. Take your
seat, sir, or I will report you to the principal."
Paul's face flushed. No officer or professor had before ever threatened to report him to Mr. Lowington.
Mr. Hamblin was as ignorant as a baby upon nautical
matters, and while the Josephine rolled easily on the
waves, and the sails flapped idly against the masts, he
could imagine no peril.
" I am sorry to disobey your order, sir; but in this'
instance I must," said Paul, firmly, though his voice
trembled with emotion.
"Very well, sir," replied the professor, angrily;
" I shall report you to the principal, and if I have any
influence with him, you will be removed from youi
present position."
Paul did not wait to hear any more, but hastened on
deck. His quick eye discovered the peril of the moment. The squall was indeed upon them. At the
peak of the Young America hung the signal which



20           DIKES AND DITCHES, OR
had been hoisted; but it was not necessary to look in
the book for its meaning.
" Mr. Terrill, call all hands - quick! " said Captain
Kendall, in sharp tones.
"All hands on deck, ahoy! " roared the boatswain's
mate, as he piped his shrill whistle at the main hlatclh.
The students flew friom their seats at the mess
table, deserting the two professors without an apology.
With only two exceptions, tile officers and crew of the
Josephine were all old sailors.  Most of them had
been on board the ship for two years, and a sudden
squall was no new thing to them. They leaped into
their stations, and when the orders were given they
knew exactly what to do.
" Stand by sheets and halyards!" shouted the first
lieutenant. " Man the jib, and flying jib halyards, and
downhatils!"
" All ready forward, sir," reported the second lieutenant, whose place was on the forecastle.
"' Man the topgallant clewlines and buntlines!" continued Terrill.
CAll ready, sir!"
" Ease off the sheets! Settle away the halyards!
Clew up! Lay aloft, and furl topgallant-sail!"
The topgallant men sprang up the rigging like so
many cats, for all hands had been thoroughly waked
up by the impending peril.
"Let go the flying jib halyard! Haul down! Lay
out and stow the flying jib!"
" Man the topsail clewlines and buntlines! 
"All ready, sir," replied the second lieutenant.
" Let go the topsail sheets! Clew up! Settle away
the halyards!  Haul taut the braces!"



YOUNG AMERICA IN HOLLAND AND BELGIUM. 21
All this was done in half the time it talkes to read
it; and the light sails of the Josephine were furled.
The main gaff-topsail was taken in, and then the
schooner had only her jib, foresail, and mainsail. It
was not necessary to take these in until the peril became more imminent; but Paul ordered the foresail
to be lowered, and reefed, for the vessel was supposed
to lie to best under this sail. The Young Amierica
had furled everything except her topsails, jib, and
spanker.
Professor Hamblin had not yet recovered from his
astonishment, and he was as indignant as a learned
Greek scholar could be. Professor Stoute and himself were the only persons left in the steerage; but
while the former lauglhed, the latter stormed.
" I have been insulted, Mr. Stoute," said the learned
gentleman. " That boy has disobeyed me, as though
I were a person of no consequence."
" Why, he was perfectly respectful to you," laughed
the good-natured professor. " You must remember
that he is the captain of the ship, and that everything
depends upon him."
" He left the class contrary to my orders; and not
satisfied with that, he calls all the rest of the students
on deck," added Mr. Hamblin, wrathfully.' I had
not finished the Greek lesson."
" But there's a squall coming up," pleaded Mr.
Stoute.
" What if there was a squall coming up. The principal assured me there were hands enough on deck to
work the vessel under all ordinary circumstances."
"But you don't understand the matter, Mr. Hamblin," continued the jolly professor.



22           DIKES AND DITCHES, OR
" Do you mean to insult me too, Mr. Stoute?" demanded the irate fountain-head of Greek literature.
"Certainly not; I beg your pardon, Mr. Hamblin,"
replied Mr. Stoute, laughing more heartily than before. "I do not profess to comprehend these nautical
afiairs; but I presume it was necessary to call all
hands, or the captain would not have done so."
"It was not necessary. I am willing to take the
responsibility of that assertion myself, and I shall report this disrespect and disobedience of the captain
to Mr. Lowington. If he chooses to sustain the delinquent in such gross misconduct, I will leave the
vessel at the first port we enter."
" Mr. Lowington will certainly do justice to both
of you."
"' Excuse me, Mr. Stoute; he must do justice to mnze.
I have been a schoolmaster and a professor in college
all my lifetime, and I do not wish to have any one
speak'of settling a case between me and one of my
pupils. There is only one side to such a question,"
replied Mr. Hamblin, whose dignity was terribly damaged by the incident of the afternoon.
"Well, Mr. Hambl-in, I wish to be respectful; but
I also mean to be candid. I feel compelled to say
that I believe you are all wrong."
"All wrong, sir! "
"Yes, sir; all wrong. Look at the question for
one moment."
" I don't wish to look at it. Between teacher and
pupil there can be no issues of any kind. It is my
place to command, my scholar's to obey, in the schoolrloomn.'



YOUNG AMERICA IN HOLLAND AND BELGIUM. 23
"Now, really, Mr. Hamblin," continued the laughing professor, rubbing his hands, as though he enjoyed the controversy, "' while I agree with you on the
general principle, I must differ from you in its application to this particular case. Your pupil is the commander of the vessel. Our very lives depend upon
his prudence and skill. It was necessary to take in
sail."
"' Very well. Wasn't half the crew on deck for that
purpose?" interposed Mr. Hamblin.
" But who shall determine whether it is necessary
or not to take in sail?"
" The officer who has the care of the vessel for the
time being, of'course. Then there are Mr. Cleats;
and Mr. Gage, and the servants to help them reduce
the sails, if needed. There is not the least necessity
for disturbing the classes."
" But no one except the captain can give the order
to take in a single sail in the daytime. This vessel is
under naval discipline, you are aware; but I think you
cannot have read the rules. Here they are," added
Mr. Stoute, taking the printed regulations of the ship
from his pocket. 1" Officer of the Deck. He is not
to make or take in sail in the daytime, except in
a squall, without directions from  the captain; but
in the night he may take in sail, acquainting the
captain with his reasons, which he must enter on
the log."
" XVell, this is a squall - isn't it?" growled Mr.
Ham blin.
"Perhaps it will be; but it seems to me quite
proper that the captain should go on deck when



24           DIKES AND DITCHES, OR
there is any danger.  For my part, I have some
regard for my fat body, and I don't care about leaving
it here at the bottom of the German Ocean,"  chuckled
Mr. Stoute; and he always laughed with especial gusto
when he had said anything which he thought was
funny.'" The captain can leave any of my classes
when he is sent for to look out for the vessel."
" Mr. Stoute, this is a question of discipline; and
higher considerations than those of merely personal
comfort and security should be brought to bear upon
it. It would be impossible for me to impart to my
pupils a knowledge of that noblest language of the
historic past, if they are to be permitted to leave the
class when they choose to do so. I shall refer this
matter to Mr. Lowington for his decision.  He must
suspend the captain, or he must suspend me. If I
cannot control my scholars, I will not attempt to instruct.' It would be preposterous to do so. I shall
take a boat, and go on board of the ship at once, for
this difficulty admits of no delay."
Professor Hamblin, in high dudgeon, tookl his hat,
and went up the ladder. Mr. Stoute shoolk his fat
sides, laughing at the ire of his distinguished and
learned associate.  He was desirous of seeing his
companion start for the ship in the approaching tempest, and he followed him on deck.
-" Captain Kendall," said Mr. Hamblin, sternly, as
he walked up to the young commander, heedless of
the rattling thunder and the flashing lightning.
Paul bowed politely, and looked at the professor,
intimating that he was ready to hear him. It was
noticeable that Mr. Hamblin always called the com



YOUNG AMERICA IN HOLLAND AND BELGIUM. 25
mander " Mr. Kendall" when he was in the steerage
attending to his studies, and "Captain Kendall" on
deck, or in the cabin. The professor intended to indicate, by this choice of terms, that he was captain
during school hours.
" Captain Kendall, I desire a boat immediately,"
added Mr. Hamblin.
" A boat! " exclaimed Paul, astonished at the request at such a time.
" I said a boat, Captain Kendall. I purpose to refer
the matter of your disobedience to MINr. Lowington
without any unnecessary delay."' But, Mr. Hamblin, there is a squall cominig up."
" I am aware of that; but I demand the boat."
" It would be dangerous, sir. The boat would certainly be swamped."
" I will take the responsibility of that."
"' I should be very happy to furnish the boat, sir;
but I cannot expose a crew to such a storm as will
soon break upon us," replied Paul.
" You refuse - do you? " demanded the professor,
angrily.
" I feel compelled to do so, sir."' In my hearing, Mr. Lowington instructed you to
furnish the professors with a boat at any time. when
they desired it."
" I will furnish the boat, sir; but I will not expose
the crew to such peril. I will hoist out the third cutter
for you, sir, if you wish."
" I demand a sufficient number of sailors to row the
boat."
"You will pardon me, sir; but I will not send any
3



28           DIKES AND DITCHES, OR
but there isn't any reason in leaving the ship without
the captain's orders."
" But the captain says I may have the boat; and I
only want a couple of men to row it."
"I will pull the boat with the greatest pleasure, sir,
if the captain orders me to do so; or the first lieutenant, for that matter, sir. I always obey orders, sir,
if it sinks the ship."',' I have a complaint to make against the captain
for disobedience of my orders, and he will not permit
me to go on board of the ship to prefer the charge."
"W lrhew! " whistled the boatswain, as long and
loud as though the sound had been made with his
own shrill pipe. " A complaint against the captain!
I beg your honor's pardon, but that can't be. Nobody
can have a complaint against the captain."
" I do not wish to argue the matter with you. Will
you do what I ask, or not?"
"' I beg your honor's pardon, but I will not," replied
Cleats, who seemed to have no doubt in regard to his
own course, whatever rupture there might be among
the powers above him.
" That's enough," growled Mr. Hamblin, turning
on his heel.
" There's a big squall coming, your honor," added
Cleats, loud enough for the professor to hear him.
"The boat wouldn't live a mninute in it."
" I am not afraid of the squall," replied the learned
gentleman, pausing. " Will you row the boat?"
"'No, sir; I would rather not," answered Cleats,
shaking his head.
At this moment a heavy roaring, rushing sound



YOUNG AMERICA IN HOLLAND AND BELGIUM. 29
came over the sea fiom the direction of the land. The
water was covered with a dense white mist.  The
sound increased in volume till it vied with the booming thunder, and the surface of the sea was lashed
into a snowy foam by the coming tempest.
" Down with the jib and mainsail! " shouted Captain Kendall, sharply.
" Stand by the mainsail halyards!" said Terrill,
through his speaking trumpet. " Man the jib halyards
and downhaul!"
"' All ready, sir," replied the second lieutenant, forward; for all' hands were still'at their stations, in
anticipation of the emergency.:" All ready, sir," added the fourth lieutenant, whose
place was on the quarter-deck.
" Let go the mainsail halyards! " added the first
lieutenant; and the order was repeated by the fourth
lieutenant.  "' Down -with it, lively!"
The heavy sail, assisted by twenty pairs of willing
and eager hands, rattled down in an instant, and was
speedily secured.
" Let go the jib halyards! Haul down! " said the
second lieutenant, on the forecastle, when the order to
take in the jib reached him.
The hands " walked away" with the downhaul,
and the jib was on the bowsprit in an instant.
" Lay out and stow the jib! " added the officer.
"Mind your eye there i The squall is upon us!"
The roar of the squall - heard at first miles away
- swept along over the ocean, carrying a tempest of
foam and spray before it, and came down upon the
Josephine. Though she carried no sail, the force of
3*



30           DIKES AND DITCHES, OR
the wind was enough to heel her down, while the
spray leaped over her decks in the furious blast. The
scene was grand and sublime. The thunders roaredl;
the lightnings seemed to hiss in their fury, as they
darted through the moist atmosphere; and the wind,
har-dcly less than a hurricane, howled in unison with
the boolming thunderbolts.
At first, on the long swells of the ocean, which a
moment before had been as smooth and glassy as a
mirror, thousands of little white-capped waves gathered, throwing up volumes of fine spray, which was
borne away by the tempest; so that the air was laden
with mnoisture. Though the squall came heavy in the
beginning, it did not attain its full power for several
minutes. The effect even of the onslaught of the tempest was tremendous, and officers and crew clung to
the rigging and the wood-work of the vesselb fearful
that the savage blast would take them bodily fiom
their feet, and bear them away into the angry ocean.'Down with the helm!" roared Captain Kendall
tolthe quartermaster, who, with four of the strongest
seamen, had been stationed at the wheel.
The action of the fierce wind upon the vessel's side
was powerful enough to give her steerage-way without any sail, and her head came up to the gale, so that
she took the blast on her port bow. Thus far, the
effect upon the ocean did not correspond with the violence of the tempest; for even the severest blow does
not immediately create a heavy sea. But, if the tempest continued even for a few minutes, this result was
sure to follow. There is no especial peril in a squall,
if the seaman-has had time to take in sail, unless in a



YOUNG AMERICA IN HOLLAND AND BELGIUM. 31
heavy sea; but it does not take long for a hurricane,
in the open ocean, to stir up the water to its maddest
fury.
Professor Hamblin was walking up and down in
the waist, - a very pretty type of the squall itself, -
when the initial stroke of the tempest came upon the
Josephine. His " stove-pipe" hat, as non-nautical as
anything could be, which he persisted in wearing, was
tipped from his head, and borne over the rail into the
sea. This accident did not improve his temper, and
he was o5 the point of asking the captain to send a
boat to pick up his lost tile, when the full force of the
squall began to be expended upon the vessel. He
found himself unable to stand up; and he reeled to
the mainmast, where Professor Stoute was already
moored to the fife-rail.
" Wouldn't you like the boat now, Mr. Hamblin?"
chuckled the jolly professor, hardly able to speak without having his words blown clown his throat.
"I've lost my hat," growled the learned gentleman,
almost choked with ill-nature within, and the ill-wind
without.
"Ask the captain to send a boat for it," laughed
Mr. Stoute. " There he stands! Upon my word, he
is a wonder to me! He handles the vessel like an
old admiral who has been imbedded in salt for forty
years!"
"Any boy could do it! " snarled the irate professor.
"It is fortunate that Captain Kendall went on deck
when he did," added Mr. Stoute. "c TWe should all
have gone to the bottom if they hadn't taken in sail in
season."
32:



32           DIKES AND DITCHES, OR' You distress yourself with  mighty bugbears,"
sneered Mr. Hamblin.  " I am very sorry to see
you encouraging insubordination among your pupils,
and -"
And a blast more savage than any which had before
struck the vessel ended the professor's speech; for,
while it drenched him with salt water, it gave him all
he wantedl to do to hold on for his life. He worked
himself round under the lee of the mainmast, and
held on with both hands at the fife-rail, his breath
blown down into his lungs by the wind.
The squall was not one of those which come and
go in a few moments; and, in a short time, the sea
had been lashed into a boiling, roaring, foam-capped
maelstrom. The Josephine rolled and pitched most
fearfully. Below there was a fierce crashing of everything movable, while the winds howled a savage
storm-song through the swaying rigging.  By the
captain's order, the crew had, with great difficulty,
extended several life-lines across the deck, for the
safety of those who were compelled to move about
in executing the various manceuvres which the emergency required.
The angry professor began to cool off under the
severe regimen of the tempest. He was drenched to
the skin by the spray, and it required the utmost activity on his part to enable him to keep his hold upon
the fife-rail. Now the vessel rolled, and pitched him
upon his moorings; and then rolled again, jerking
him, at arm's length, away from them, his muscles
cracking tinder the pressure. Professor Stoute, determined to be on the safe side, had passed the end of



YOUNG AMERICA IN HOLLAND AND BELGIUM. 33
the lee topgallant brace around his body, and secured
himself to one of the belaying pins.  Nothiing ever
disturbed his equanimity, and though he was doubtless fully impressed by the sublimity of the storm, he
was just as jolly and good-natured as ever.
The captain and the executive officer were holding
on at one of the life-lines on the quarter-deck. Paul
looked, as noble and commanding as though he had
been a foot taller, with a full beard grown upon his
face. He appeared to be master of the situation, and
Professor Stoute regarded him with an admiration
strongly in contrast with the disgust of his fellowteacher.  The  competent captain  of the ship is
always little less than a miracle of a man to his passengers, especially in a storm, when he is confident
and self-reliant. They feel that everything —their
very lives, and the lives of those they love - are dependent upon him, and they look. up to him as to an
oracle of skill and wisdom.
" It's coming heavier and heavier," said Terrill, as
the Josephine gave a fearful lurch.
"Ay, ay   It's nothing less than a hurricane," replied Paul.
" It's the biggest squall I ever was in," added Terrill, blowing the salt water out of his mouth, after a
pint of spray had slapped him in the face.
"It is kicking up an awful sea."
"That's so."' Keep your helm hard down, Blair! " shouted
Paul to the quartermaster in charge of the wheel.
" She don't mind it now, sir!" yelled the quartermaster, at the. top of his lungs.



34           DIKES AND DITCHES, OR
" She's falling off, Mr. Terrill," added Paul.
" I see she is, sir."
" We must keep her head up to it, or our decks will
be washed.  Hard down, Blair!"
" She don't mind it, sir i
" Set the close-reefed foresail, Mr. Terrill," said the
capfain.  "But be careful of the hands."
Terrill, with the trumpet in his hand, sprang firom
the life-line to the fife-rail, so as to be nearer to the
hands who were to execute the captain's order.  The
unpleasant plight of Mr. Hamblin attracted his attention, in spite of the pressure of the emergency. His
gyrations, as he bobbed about under the uneasy motions of the vessel, gave him a ludicrous appearance,
which even the positive expression of suffering on his
face did not essentially mitigate.  He had evidently
come to a realizing sense of the perils of the sea,
and was a pitiful sight to behold.
" Man  the foresail outhaul!"  shouted  Terrill,
through his trumpet.  " Mr. Martyn! "
" Here, sir!" replied the second lieutenant; but
his voice sounded like a whisper in the roar of the
hurricane.'Double the hands on the outhaul! " added Terrill.
" Stand by the brails!"
"All ready, forward, sir! " reported Martyn.
" Stand by the fore-sheets! - Mr. Cleats! " continued the executive officer.
" Here, sir! " said the old sailor, who, with the carpenter, was holding on at the weather-rail.
" Will you and Mr. Gage assist at the sheet?"
" Ay, ay, sir! This is heavy work. I hope she'll
carry that foresail."



YOUNG AMERICA IN HOLLAND AND BELGIUM. 35
" She must carry it, or carry it away," added Ter,
rill. " We are falling off badly."
" So we are; it ought to be done," answered the
boatswain, as he began to overhaul the sheets.
It was with the greatest difficulty that any one could
stand up on deck. The billows were momentarily increasing, and the Josephine had fallen off into the
trough of the sea, aind rolled helplessly in the surging
waves, so that her fore yard appeared almost to clip in
the brine. The outhl.oll was rLun out on the deck, and
manned by all the hands that could get hold of it.
The lee sheet was extended in like manner, and the
whole after guard, besides the two adult forward officers, were called to walk away with it.
" O, dear! " groaned Mr. Hamblin, after the vessel
had given an unusually heavy lee lurch, the jerk of
which had nearly knocked the breath out of his body.' VThat's the matter, your honor? " demanded Cleats,
who always pitied.a landlubber in a gale.
"'Do you think there's any danger, Mr. Cleats?"
gasped the professor.
"' Danger! Bless your honor's heart! there's never
any danger in a good ship, well manned," replied the
veteran tar, as he knocked a kink out of the sheet.
"Look at the captain! When he gets scared, you
mIay."
"' It is really terrible! " puffed the learned professor.
"' Wouldn't your honor like the boat now? " growled
the boatswain, with a hearty chuckle.
" All ready at the sheets, sir! " screamed Robinson,
the fourth lieutenant, who had charge of the waist at
quarters.



36           DIKES AND DITCHES, OR
" Hold on, Mr. Terrill! " shouted the captain, as the
Josephine rolled on her lee side till the water bubbled
up in her scuppers. " Wait till I give you the word!"
Paul was waiting for a favorable moment, when the
blast should lull a little, to set the reefed foresail.'" You must get out of the way, gentlemen! " said
Terrill, roaring out the words through his trumpet.
" The sheet blocks will knock you over! "
Mr. Stoute unmoored himself, and made a dive at
the life-line, where the captain was holding on; but,
being rather clumsy in his obesity, he missed his aim,
and was thrown into thi scuppers. Mr. Cleats went
to his assistance, and pjicked him up while he lay
upon his back, with his legs and arms thrown up like
a turtle trying to turn over. Mr. Hamblin was not
encouraged by this experiment of his associate.'" Why don't you go below, sir?" shouted Terrill,
placing his trumpet close to the professor's head.
" I can't move," replied he.' Mr. Gage will help you," added the lieutenant.
The carpenter assisted Mr. Hamblin to the companion-way, while the boatswain had succeeded in
rolling Mr. Stoute up to the same point. The doors
were opened, and the head steward helped them down
the ladder.
"All ready!" shouted Captain Kendall, when the
favorable moment came for setting the foresail.
"Let go the brails 1 " bellowed the executive officer.
" Iaul out! "
The ready seaman promptly obeyed the order, at
the instant when the vessel, having rolled over as far
as her centre of gravity would permit her to go in the



YOUNG AMERICA IN HOLLAND AND BELGIUM. 37
trough of the sea, was poised as it were on a balance,
waiting for the recoil of the wave that was to throw
her down on the weather roll. The close-reefed foresail flew out from  the brails, and began to thresh tremendously in the fierce blast.
" Slack the weather vang i " continued Terr-ill to the
hands who had been stationed at this rope.  " Walk
away with the sheet!"
It required a tremendous pull to haul home the
sheet of the foresail, banging fiuriously in the temrn
pest; but there was force enough to accomplish it,
though not till the vessel had made her weather roll,
which lifted half the line of seamen from their feet.
The close-reefed foresail was trimmed so as to lay the
schooner to with her head up to the sea. The billows
were increasing in volume so fearfully that it was no
longer prudent to permit the vessel to roll in the,
trough of the sea, where she was in danger of being
overwhelmed by the combing waves.
" Mind your helm, Blair! " called the first lieutenant, springing aft to the wheel. "' Port a little! Don't
let the sail be taken aback!"
The head of the Josephine came up handsomely to
the sea, and it was thus proved that the double-reefed
foresail was just the sail for such an emergency. It
was only to be demonstrated whether the sail would
be blown out of the bolt-ropes or not. If it had been
an old one, such would probably have been its fate;
but being nearly new, and of the best material, it
stood the strain to the end.
" Mind your eye, Blair!" roared Terrill.  "Starboard!"
4



38           DIKES AND DITCHES, OR
" Starboard, sir!" replied the quartermaster.
" Touch hcr up when it comes so heavy," added
the lieutenant.
The vessel had fallen of;, and tookl the wind so far
on the beam thu.t she Iuried her scuppers deep in the
Waves. The order to "touch her up," or luff her up
into the wind, so as partially to spill the sail, was
given to ease of tile tremendous pressui e.  The Josephine minded her helmn, and luffed so that she righted
herself.'i Steady, Blair! " called the lieutenant.  " Port!
Not too much, or you'll broach her to!"
" Sail ho! " suddenly shouted several of the seamen
in the forward part of the vessel.
"W Vhere away? "
" Right over the lee bow! She has capsized!"
Paul and Terrill ran to the rail, and discovered a
small vessel, 1x:ing over on her beam ends.
" That's a Dutch galiot! " exclaimed Cleats, who
promptly recognized the craft. "That's a trick they
have of turning bottom upwards."
" Port! " shouted Terrill, who did not take his eye
off the foresail of the Josephine for more than an
instant at a time.
The attention of the quartermaster and the helmsman had been attracted by the announcement of the
wreck, and they had permitted the Josephine to luff
up until the foresail began to shake.  The atmosphere
was so thick that the galiot was seen but for an instant,
and it then disappeared in the dense mists.  Captain
Kendall trembled with emotion when he saw the disabled vessel; but it was impossible to do anything for
her until the hurricane subsided.



YOUNG AMERICA IN HOLLAND AND BELGIUM. 39
Fortunately the worst of it had already passed, and
a few moments later it ceased almost as suddenly as it
commenced. The rain began to fall in torrents, while
a fresh breeze and a tremendous sea were all that remained of the hurricane - for such it was, rather than
an ordinary squall.
"' Set the jib and mainsail, Mr. Terrill," said Captain Kendall.    W ~Te must endeavor to find that
wreck."
These sails were accordingly hoisted, the Josephine
came about, and stood off in the direction towards
which the galiot was supposed to have drifted. The
Young America had not been seen since the squall
came up; but Paul conjectured that she had run away
before it. He was deeply interested in the fate of
those on board of the wreck, and trusted he should
be able to render them some assistance, if all on board
of her-had not already perished.
The rain poured down furiously; but it did not
dampen the enthusiasm  of the young officers and
crew, though they were already drenched to the skin.
The reefed foresail was taken in, for it was found that
the jib and mainsail were all the schooner needed.
She stood on for an hour or more, without obtaining
a sight of the wreck, though every eye on board was
strained to catch the first glimpse of it.
" We must have passed her," said the captain.
" It is so thick we can't see her, even if we should
go within half a mile of her."
"' Come about, and stand a little more to the southward! " added Captain Kendall."  Let the fog-horns
be blown. We may get a signal of some kind fiom
them."



40           DIKES AND DITCHES, OR
"I am afraid they were lost overboard; and that
there is no one left to make a signal," answered Terrill, sadly.
The vessel was put about, and headed as indicated
by the captain. The fog-horns were blown at intervals, and every one on board listened eagerly for a
reply. These efforts were not unavailing, for a response was obtained after the Josephine had run half
an hour on her present course. A hoarse shout was
heard on the weather beam, lwhich was unmistakably
a cry of distress.
" Steady as she is! " said Paul to the executive officer, as soon as the sounds were reported to him, and
the direction from which they came.
"Are you not going about, Captain Kendall?"
asked Terrill, with a look of anxiety on his dripping
face.
"' Certainly; but if we go about here, we should
fall to leeward of the wreck," replied Paul.
The Josephine stood on for a few moments longer,
and then tacked.
"Blow  the horns, and keep a sharp lookout forward," added the captain, who was quite as anxious
as any other person on board; but he kept apparently
cool, in deference to the dignity of his high office.
" I see her! " shouted Wheeler, the boatswain, who
had gone out on the flying jib-boom.
" VWhere away is she?" demanded Martyn, from
the forecastle.' Well on the lee bow, sir."
" Are we headed for her?"
"Ay, ay, sir! We shall go clear of her to wind
ward."



YOUNG AMERICA IN HOLLAND AND BELGIUM. 41
" Wreck on the lee bow, sir," reported the second
lieutenant to Terrill, who in turn reported to the
captain.
" Clear away the first cutter, Mr. Terrill," said
Paul.
"All the first cutters, ahoy!" shouted the boatswain's mate.
" Mr. Pelham will have charge of the boat," added
Captain Kendall, who had great confidence in the
zeal and ability of this officer.
"' The wreck! The wreck! " shouted all hands, as
the disabled galiot came into view.
On the rail of the vessel, whose starboard half was
completely submerged in the water, were two men,
making violent gestures, and shouting to the crew of
the Josephine. Not a word they said could be understood, but it was easy enough for Yankees to guess the
meaning of their words. The schooner was thrown
up into the wind, the jib lowered, and she lay to under
the nmainsail. Pelham and the crew of the first cutter
took their places in the boat, and were lowered into
the stormy sea. The falls were cast off the instant
she struck the water; the coxswain gave his orders
rapidly, and the cutter went off, rising and falling on
the huge waves like a feather.
The distance was short; but even this was a hard
pull in such a violent sea. Pelham was cool and
steady, and his self-possession encouraged the crew to
their best efforts. The boat ran up under the lee of
the wreck, and made fast to one of the masts. As
soon as -it was secured, both of the men on the rail
began to jabber in an unintelligible language.
4*



42          DIKES AND DITCHES, OR
"Parlez-vous franzctis?" shouted Pelham, who
had some knowledge of the polite language.
But the men made no response; and it was evident
that no long speeches need be made on the present occasion.  Pelham made signs to them to come down
into the boat, which they did. They were not satisfied, but continued to talk in their own language, and
to point earnestly to the after part of the wreck. One
of them repeated a word so many times, that the officer
of the boat was enabled at last to separate it ffrom the
confused jumble of sentences.
" Vrow? " said he.
The man nodded earnestly, and pointed with redoubled vigor to the after part of the galiot.
Vrow means wife; and Pelham concluded that the
skipper's lady was in the cabin, but whether dead or
alive he did not know.



YOUNG AMERICA IN HOLLAND AND BELGIUM. 43
CHAPTER  III.
SOMETHING ABOUT DIKES.
IT was evident to those on board of the Josephine
that there was some reason for the delay of the
boat in not bringing off the survivors of the wreck.
The energetic motions of the men on the disabled vessel could be dimly seen through the mist and rain.
"Hoist the jib, Terrill,'" said Captain Kendall.
"'/Ve will run tip to the wreck, and ascertain what
the trouble is.";" Man the jib halyards! Stand by the jib sheet! "
added Terrill.
"All ready, sir i"
" Let go the downhaul!  Hoist away!" continued
the first lieutenant. "' Port the helmn! "
The mainsail was trimmed, the jib sheet hauled
down, and the schooner filled away again. She ran
close under the lee of the galiot, just far enough off
to clear her masts.
"' What's the matter, Mr. Pelham?" called Terrill
through  his trumnpet.
"' There's a woman in the cabin," replied Pelham.
"Clear away the gig!" said Captain Kendall, as
the Josephine passed out of hailing distance of the
wreck. "' Mr. Martyn will take charge of the boat."



44-          DIKES AND DITCHES, OR
The gig's crew were piped away, and the falls were
manned. The second lieutenant stood ready at the
gangway to take his place in the boat. The operation
of hoisting out a boat was not so difficult and dangerous as it had been when the first cutter went ofi, for
the sea was every moment abating its fury.
" Mr. Cleats and Mr. Gage will go in the boat with
a couple of axes," added the captain, who had been
studying the position of the wreck.
The first lieutenant gave the order to the adult forward officers, who presented themselves at the gangway provided with their implements, ready to do the
work assigned to them. By this time the weather
had begun to clear off, and a streak of blue sky appeared in the west. The low land and the white clifis
and sand hills were seen again; but the coast was
different from that which they had observed before the
tempest burst upon them.
" Mr. Martyn, you will cut away the masts of the
wreck; but first endeavor to save the woman in the
cabin," added the captain, when the crew of the boat
had taken their places, and everything was in readiness to lower the boat.
" I will do the best I can," replied Martyn, as he
stepped into the gig.' If the galiot does not right when the masts'are cut
away, report to me."
The boat went off on her mission of mercy, and
those left on board of the schooner watched her progress with the most intense interest. All felt that they
were not "' playing sailor " then, but that the issues of
life and death depended upon the exertions of the two
boats' crews.



46           DIKES AND DITCHES, OR
fathoms was indicated at any time. Cleats and Gagewith their sharp axes, wei-e dealing heavy blows at the
masts of the galiot, while the crew of the gig and first
cutter vVere clearing away the standing rigging. By
the time the schooner reached the position to windward of the wreck, the work had been accomplished.
The two boats had backed away from the wreck, and
suddenly the hull righted. A few more strokes of the
axes severed the shrouds, which could not be reached
while the vessel lay upon her side.
Pelham, who was on the deck of the vessel when
she righted, rushed to the companion-way, which had
been submerged before. He was closely followed by
the two men. The cabin was half full of water; bhlt
be found there a woman and a young girl of sixteen,
who had been clinging for life to an upper berth. I he
gallant lieutenant plunged up to his middle in the
water, and bore the girl to the ladder. At the same
time, the older of the men performed a similar service
for the woman. He was evidently the husband of the
woman and the father of the girl. When he returned
to the deck, he embraced the woman and the girl, and
lavished upon them the most tender caresses.
"Mr. Pelham, you will convey these people to the
Josephine, and report what has been done to the captain," said Martyn, who was the superior officer.
The first cutter was hauled up to the gangway of
the galiot, and Pelham by signs invited the family to
embark. They comprehended his meaning, and the
females were assisted into the boat. The older man,
who was apparently the skipper of the vessel, exhibited some reluctance at leaving his craft. His heart



YOUNG AMERICA IN HOLLAND AND BELGIUM. 47
seemed to be broken by the calamity which had befallen him, and he wept bitterly, uttering piteous exclamations, which could not be understood by the
Josephines, as Pelham hurried him into the cutter.
The party continued their sad wailings till the boat
reached the schooner. The women were assisted to
the deck, where they stood staring with blank amazement at the vessel and her crew. The skipper was
bewildered by the misfortune that overshadowed him.
" I am glad to see you, sir," said Paul, as the disconsolate captain camne up the accommodation ladder.
"No use, Captain Kendall," said Pelham, smiling.
"~ They can't speak a word of English."
" Do you know anything about the vessel? " asked
Paul.
"I read her name on the stern, as we came back,
and wrote it down; for a Yankee would choke to
death in uttering it," replied Pelham, as he produced
a piece of wet paper.  "It is the'Wel tevreeden,
Dordrecht.'-"
" That's Dutch. She hails from Dort," added Paul.
" Where are the professors? " asked Terrill. " Can
they speak Dutch?"
The professors, who had seen enough of rough
weather for one day, had been making themselves as
comfortable as possible in the cabin. The Dutchman
and his family were conducted below by the first lieutenant.
" What have you here?" demanded Mr. Stoute,
who had just come from his berth, in which he had
bolstered himself up, in order, as he expressed it, to
know exactly where he was.



48           DIKES AND DITCHES, OR
"We have just saved them  from the wreck of a
Dutch galiot. They can't speak a word of English,
and we wish you to talk to them."'In Dutch?" laughed Mr. Stoute.  " I cannot
do it."
"What is the matter, Mr. Terrill?" inquired Professor HIamblin, who had also taken to his berth tosave his limbs from being broken.
" A vessel has been wrecked, and we have saved
two men and two women. Can you talk Dutch?"
asked the first lieutenant, going to the door of the
professor's state-room.
Mr. Hamblin proved to be no wiser than his associate, so far as the Dutch language was concerned;
and it was found to be impossible to hold any communication with the wrecked persons except by signs.
They were committed to the care of the steward, by
whom everything was done to render them comfortable.
The captain's state-room was given to the women, and
they were supplied with hot coffee and other refreshments.
" What is the condition of the wreck, Mr. Pelham?"
asked Captain Kendall, as soon as the unfortunate
persons had been provided for.
" She is half full of water," replied the second master. " The crew of the gig were pumping her out
when we left."'" Do you know anything about her cargo?"' No, sir. Her hatches were battened down, and
we could not see what was in the hold."
The first lieutenant was directed to detail a working
party for the wreck, to assist in pumping her out,



YOUNG AMERICA IN HOLLAND AND BELGIUM. 49
and the first cutter returned to the galiot with sixteen
hands. Orders were sent to Martyn to use every exertion to save the vessel and her cargo. It was now
nearly dark; but the weather was favorable, and Paul
hoped to get the dismasted galiot into port on the following day.
The cutter reached the wreck, and the crew of the
gig, who had been pumping and baling diligently,
were relieved by fresh hands. The work went on
with renewed energy. The hatches had been taken
off, and the cargo was found to. consist of butter,
cheese, and manufactured goods. The boatswain had
explored the hold. and declared that the merchandise
was npt badly damaged. The galiot had taken in
less water than was supposed, from her position on the
waves. After four hours of severe toil by the young
seamen, the pumps sucked. The hull was tight, and
the working party were greatly encouraged by the
success of their efforts.
The boatswain and carpenter, assisted by the boys,
rigged a jury-mast out of the foremast of the galiot,
which had been saved for the purpose. A jib and
foresail were bent upon it, and the " Wel tevreeden"
was in condition to make a harbor. It was midnight
when the work was completed, and the report sent to
Captain Kendall. Martyn, Pelham, and a crew of
ten, to be assisted by Cleats and Gage, were detailed
to take the galiot into the Scheldt.
During the first part of the night it had been a dead
calm, which had greatly assisted the labors of the
working party. About foLur o'clock, on the morning
of Sunday, a light breeze frolm- the westward sprang
5



50           DIKES AND DITCHES, OR
up, and the order was given by signal for the galiot to
make sail, and to follow the Josephine. There was
hardly a four-knot breeze, with the tide setting out;
and the progress of the galiot, under her short sail,
was very slow.
Nothing had been seen of the Young America since
the storm shut down upon her and concealed her from
the view of those on board of the Josephine. Paul
knew that Mr. Lowington would be exceedingly anxious about him and his vessel; but he was proud and
happy in the reflection that he had carried the Josephine safely through the perils which had surrounded
her. He had not closed his eyes during the night, as
indeed no one connected with the sailing department
of the schooner had done. The professors and the
wrecked party had all turned in as usual, while Paul
kept vigil on deck with the first lieutenant.
"~ Sail ho! " cried the lookout forward, about seven
o'clock in the morning.
A small vessel was discovered approaching the Josephine from the direction of the shore, or rather of
the mouth of the Scheldt, whose western estuary
forms a broad bay about twelve miles in width. As
the small craft came near, it was evident that she was
a pilot boat. She carried a red flag at her mast-head,
on which was a number in white figures.  On her
principal sail there was a large letter " P," and under
it " ANTWERPEN."  When she hove in sight, the jack
was hoisted at the foremast-head of the Josephine,
which is the signal for a pilot. As the little cutter
rounded to, the words " Bateau Pilote," with her
number, were seen on the stern.



YOUNG AMERICA IN HOLLAND AND BELGIUM. 5X
She was a Belgian pilot-boat. The mouth of the
Scheldt, and its course for forty miles, are in Holland,
and off the mouth of the river both Dutch and Belgian pilots offer their services to inward-bound vessels; but the sea pilots take vessels only to Flushing,
the river pilotage being a separate charge. Mr. Lowington had instructed Paul, as the squadron was bound
to Antwerp, to prefer a Belgian pilot, who would take
the vessel up to that city, and charge the pilotage in
one bill.
A canoe put off from the "Bateau Pilote," and a
weather-beaten Belgian sailor leaped upon the deck.
He opened his eyes very wide when he had taken a
single glance at the vessel and her crew. He seemed
to be as much confounded as the Liverpool pilot had
been on a similar occasion. The professors were at
breakfast in the cabin, and not a single man appeared
on deck.
" L'Amerique? " said the pilot, glancing at the flag
which floated at the peak.
" Oui," replied Paul, laughing.
" Ok' est le caphitine, nzonsieur? " added the pilot,
looking around him again.
" e suis capitlaine," replied Paul.
" Est-il possible!"' C'esltpossible. You speak English? — parez-vous
anglais?" added Paul.
"I speak un iere," replied the pilot. "What vessel that is? " he continued, pointing to the galiot, which
was following in the wake of the Josephine.
" She is a Dutch vessel, that was upset yesterday.
We saved her- The captain and his family are on



52           DIKES AND DITCHES, OR
board, but none of us have been able to speak a word
to him."
" Where bound are you?"
"To Antwerp. We have a crew on board of the
galiot. WVe will not attempt to take her to Antwerp."
She have taken a pilot," said the Belgian, as another man.fromt the " Bateau Pilote" boarded her.
" She shall be taken to Flushing."
" You will put into Flushing, then, so that I can obtain the men on board of her."
" I will - yes."
"Did a ship - the Young America - go up the
river last night?" asked Paul.
"No; no ship. We see a ship off the Rabs when
the storm came. She come about, and go to sea before the wind."
This was what Paul supposed the Young America
had done. He had no'fears in regard to the safety of
the ship as long as she had plenty of sea room. She
would soon return, and the pilot-boat would be able
to report the Josephine to the anxious people on board
of her. The Belgian pilot took charge of the vessel;
and after he had headed her towards the channel by
which he intended to enter the river, he began to ask
questions in regard to the juvenile officers and crew.
He did not speak English any more fluently than Paul
did French, and they did not get along very well.
Mr. Stoute, having finished his breakfast, came on
deck. He taught the French in the Josephine, and
was very happy to find an opportunity to air his voc.abulary.'he skipper of the galiot came tp from the cabin



YOUNG AMERICA IN HOLLAND AND BELGIUM. 53
soon after with his family. As the pilot spoke Dutch,
the story of the unfortunate captain was obtained.
last. The vessel had been caught in the squall, and
knocked down. Two men on deck had been washed
away and drowned., The companion-way being open,
the water had rushed in and prevented the vessel fiomn
righting. The women, who lived on board all the
time, as is frequently the case with the families of
Dutch skippers, had climbed up and obtained a hold
upon the berths on the port side of the cabin. By
these means they were saved from drowning; but the
cabin doors, being on the starboard side, were under
water, so that tley could not escape while the vessel
lay on her beam-ends.
The, Josephine, followed by the " Wel tevreeden,"
entered the river. It was a beautiful day, warm and
pleasant; and the officers and crew, in spite of the
hardships of the preceding night, were eager to obtain
their first view of the new country whose waters they
were now entering. It was still over sixty miles, by
the course of the Scheldt, to Antwerp; but the sights
on the river and on the shore were novel and interesting. The vessels which sailed up and down the river
were essentially different from any they had ever seen,
with the exception, perhaps, of the wrecked galiot.
They looked more like huge canal-boats than sea-going
vessels. - Some of them had wings, or boards, at their
sides, which were let down when the craft was going
on the wind, thus serving the same purpose as a centreboard. Others were rigged so that their masts could
be lowered to the deck in passing bridges.
Maps, guide-books, and other volumes of reference
5*



54           DIKES AND DITCHES, OR
were in great demand among the students, and Professor Stoute was continually questioned by all hands.
Mr. Hanmblin was too grout)' to permit any such familiarity, and doubtless he was saved from exposing
his ignorance of the interesting country which the
voyagers had now entered.
The West Scheldt, upon whose waters the Josephine was now sailing, is sometimes called the Hond.
On the left, and in plain sight from the deck, was
Walcheren, the most extensive of the nine islands
which constitute the province of Zealand, the most
southern and western division of the kingdom  of
Holland. Zeeland, or Zealand, means sea-land; and
its territory seems to belong to the ocean, since it is
only by the most persevering care that the sea~is prevented from making a conquest of it. These islands
are for the most part surrounded and divided by the
several mouths of the Scheldt, all of which are navigable.
Our readers who have been on the sea-shore where
the coast is washed'by the broad ocean, or any considerable bay, have observed a ridge of sand, gravel,
or stones thrown up from ten to twenty feet higher
than the land behind. This was caused by the action
of the sea. The exterior shore of Holland, that is,
the land bordering upon the open ocean, has generally
a ridge of sand of this description. The sand-hills or
hummocks which are observed on the shores of Holland and Belgium are produced by the ceaseless beating of the stormy waves.
In Holland, these ridges, or chains of sand-hills, are
called "' dunes."  They extend, with little interruption,



YOUNG AMERICA IN HOLLAND AND BELGIUM. 55
from the Straits of Dover to the Zuyder Zee. The
ridge is fiom one to three miles wide, and rising from
twenty to fifty feet in height. The sand of which the
"' dunes" are composed is generally so fine that it is
readily blown by a sharp wind; and they were as
troublesome as the sands of Sahara in a simoom. In
a dry and windy day, the atmosphere would become
dim from the sand smoke of the dunes, and the material was conveyed in this manner far into the interior
-of the country, covering up the rich soil, so that it
became necessary to dig up the sand. To overcome
this evil, a kind of coarse reed grass is annually sown
on the dunes, which forms a tough sod, and prevents
the sand from being blown away.
The dunes form a natural barrier to the progress of
the sea; but these, of themselves, are insufficient to
accomplish the purpose; for in the highest tides the
waters sweep through the openings or valleys between
the sand-hills. Immense dikes and sea-walls are erected to complete the security of the country from the
invasions of the ocean.  The embankments which
protect the islands of Zealand are over three hundred
miles in length in the aggregate, and involve an annual expense of two millions of guilders - more than
eight hundred thousand dollars - in repairs.
"The great dike of West Kappel is there," said the
pilot to Captain Kendall, as he pointed to the land on
the northern shore of the estuary.' I don't see anything," replied Paul.
" There is nothing particular to see on this side of
the dike," interposed Professor Stoute, laughing at the
astonishment of the captain. "' What did you expect
to see?"



56           DIKES AND DITCHES, OR
"I hardly know. I have heard so much about the
dikes of Holland, that I expected to see a big thing
when I came across one of them," added Paul.
"They are a big thing; but really there is very
little to see."
" But what is a dike, sir?" asked Paul, curiously.
"'I never supposed it was anything more than a mud
wall."
" It is nothing more than that, only it is on a very
large scale, and it must be constructed with the nicest
care; for the lives and property of the people depend
upon its security. When they are going to build a
dike, the first consideration, as in putting up a heavy
building, is the foundation. I suppose you have seen
a railroad built through a marsh, or other soft place."
" Yes, sir; the railroad at Brockway went over the
head of the bay, where the bottom was very soft. As
fast as they put in gravel for the road, the mud squashed
up on each side, making a.ridge almost as high as the
road itself. They built a heavy stone wharf at Brockway, the year before we sailed, and the weight of it
lifted up the bottom of the shallow bay a hundred feet
from it, so that boats get aground there now at half
tide."
" That is the idea exactly: The foundation is not
solid; and that is often the chief difficulty in building
a dike. The immense weight of the material of which
it is constructed crowds the earth out from under it,
and it sinks down faster than they can build it. In
such places as this they find it necessary to drive piles,
to build the embankment on."
" They must cost a heap of money, then."



YOUNG AMERICA IN HOLLAND AND BELGIUM. 57' The annual expense even for repairs of dikes in
Holland is about three millions of dollars of our
money.  Speaking of that very dike of WVest Kappel,"
added the professor, pointing to its long, inclined escarpment, " it is said if it had been originally built
of solid copper, the prime cost would have been less
than the amount which has since been expended upon
it in building, rebuilding, restoring, and repairing it.
But the money spent on dikes is the salvation of HIolland. The entire country would be washed away in
a few years, if they were suffered to decay."
1" I see there are trees growing on the shore, farther
up the river," added Paul.
"Those trees are willows; and wherever it is possible for them to thrive, they encourage their growth
for two reasons: first, because the roots of the trees
strengthen the dike; and, secondly, because the willow
twigs are wanted in repairing and securing the embankment. The foundations of sea-dikes vary from
a hundred and twenty to one hundred and fifty feet in
width. The rampart is made of clay, which, as being
impervious to water, forms the entire structure when
the material is available in sufficient quantities. The
maximum  height of the dikes is forty feet; but of
course they vary in this respect with the elevation of
the land to be protected by them."'But I should think the mud and clay would be
washed away by the beating of the sea."
" So they are sometimes; and to guard against such
- an event, which is a calamity in this country, the dike
is covered with a kind of thatch-work of willow twigs,
which has to be renewed every three or four years.



58            DIKES AND DITCHES, OR
Occasionally the outer surface of the embankment i{
faced with masonry, the stone for which has to be
brought from Norway."
"A ship there is coming in," interrupted the pilot,
pointing to seaward.
She was several miles distant, standing in under all
sail.  She was examined with the spy-glasses, and
every one was rejoiced to learn that it was the Young
America.



YOUNG AMERICA IN HOLLAND AND BELGIUM. 59
CHAPTER IV.
UP THE SCHELDT TO FLUSHING.
AM  very glad to see the ship again," said Paul to
Professor Stoute.
" I supposed she would get in before us, we were
detained so long by the wreck," replied Mr. Stoute.
" Probably she stood off and on during the night,
seeking for us," added Patul, as he again looked
through the spy-glass at the ship.  " She seems to
be sound in all her upper works, so far as I can see."
"' I dare say the ship would be safe enough as long
as Mr. Lowington and Mr. Fluxion are on board of
her."
"Yes, sir; I didn't suppose any harm had come
to her'; but Mr. Lowington will naturally be; very
anxious about us. He has made us out by this time,
and is satisfied that we are still on the top of the
water.  There are the steeples of a town," said
Paul, pointing to the Walcheren shore. " That must
be Middleburg."
"' This island was inundated in I8o8," continued Mr.
Stoute, after the pilot had assured him that the steeples
seen in tlie interior of the island were those of Middleburg.' Though the sea is as diligently watched
as the advance-guard of an invading army, the great



6o           DIKES AND DITCHES, OR
dike of West Kappel broke through, and a large
part of the island was under water. Middleburg has
its own dikes and ditches, the former constituting the
wall of the town, upon the top of which there is a
public promenade.  This dike or mound kept the
water out of the city after the sea-dike had given
way. The inundation rose as high as the roofs of
the houses in the town, but was fortunately kept at
bay by the strength of the walls."
" Were you ever in Holland, Mr. Stoute?" asked
Paul, with a significant smile.
" Never," laughed the professor; "but the schoolmaster must not be abroad when boys ask as many
questions as the students on board of this vessel. As
soon as I learned that we were coming to Holland, I
read up everything I could find relating to the country,
and I assure you my interest in the country has been
doubled by my studies. ~ We have in our library quite
a collection of works relating more or less directly to
Holland. The New American Encyclopedia contains
very full and reliable articles on the subject. We have
a full list of Murray's Hand-Books, which form  a
library in themselves, and which impart the most
minute information. Indeed, half the books of travel
which are written are based upon Murray's invaluable
works. Then we have Motley's History of the Dutch
Republic, and the two volumes of his United Netherlands which have been published. My knowledge
of Holland and Belgium  comes mainly from these
works."
" I haven't had time to look up these matters yet.
I have given considerable extra time to my French.



YOUNG AMERICA IN HOLLAND AND BELGIUM. 6i
As soon as we are moored, I suppose Mr. Mapps will
give us his lecture on the country; and I intend to
make that the basis of my reading."
" Then I will not say anything nmore about the
dikes," laughed Mr. Stoute.  "You can do the matter up more systematically by your intended course."
" I am very glad to get all I can without the trouble
of hunting it up," replied Paul, as he glanced again at
the Young America. " I may have more time than I
want to study up these subjects."' WVhy so?"
"I suppose I am to be court-martialed for disobedience as soon as Mr. Lowington arrives," replied
Paul, fixing his eyes upon the deck. " Mr. Hamblin
has not spoken to me since I left the class yesterday
afternoon."
" It is not proper for me to say anything about that
to you, Captain Kendall," added Mr. Stoute.
" I feel that I have tried to do imy duty; and, whatever happens to me, I shall endeavor to be satisfied."
Professor Stoute walked away, apparently to avoid
any further conversation on the disagreeable subject.
Paul did not feel quite easy about the difficulty which
had occurred between him and the dignified professor.
He had hoped and expected that the storm would justify his action in the opinion of the learned gentleman;
but Mr. Hamblin carefully avoided him, and he was
confident he intended to prefer charges against him as
soon as the principal arrived.
The Josephine was now entering the port of Flushing. The pilot was talking with the Dutch skipper
very earnestly, and occasionally glancing at the
6



62           DIKES AND DITCHES, OR
" Wel tevreeden."  The latter seemed to be very uneasy, and to manifest a great deal of solicitude in
regard to his vessel, notwithstanding she was safe,
though the cargo had been damaged, and she had lost
her masts and part of her standing rigging.
" Captain Schimmelpennink to you wish to talk,"
said the pilot, stepping up to Paul.
"Who?" exclaimed Paul, almost stunned by the
sound of the Dutchman's name.
The pilot repeated it, but not much more to the edification of the young commander than before.
" I can't talk Dutch," laughed Paul.
" I for you will speak the English," added the Belgian.
This was hardly more encouraging than the Dutch
of the disconsolate skipper; but Paul consented to the
conference.
" The galiot to you belongs for the labor you have
to save him," continued the pilot.
With some difficulty, with the assistance of Mr.
Stoute, who, however, was not familiar with French
nautical terms, Paul learned that Captain Schimmelpennink was much disturbed about the ultimate disposal of the " Wel tevreeden." According to maritime
law, recognized by all countries, the captain, officers,
and crew of the Josephine were entitled to salvage
for saving the vessel. As, without assistance, it was
probable that the galiot would have been totally lost,
the salvors would be entitled to the greater part of the
value of the wreck when it should be sold. One half,
two thirds, or even three fourths, is sometimes awarded to those who save a vessel, the proportion depending
upon the condition of the wreck.



YOUNG AMERICA IN HOLLAND AND BELGIUM. 63
It appeared that the captain of the galiot was much
distressed on this account. He declared that he was
a poor man; that his Vessel was all the property he
had in the world; that one of the men lost overboard
in the squall was his own brother, and the other his
wife's brother; and misery had suddenly come upon
him in an avalanche. By the exertions of Martyn and
others from the Josephine, a portion of the sails and
standing rigging of the galiot had been saved, so that
only about one fourth of the value of the vessel had
been sacrificed by the tempest. But now the skipper was in great trouble because two thirds or three
fourths of the remaining value of his property was to
be decreed to the salvors by a maritime court.
Paul did not feel that it would be right for him to
settle, or even discuss, this question, and he referred
the skipper to Mr. Lowington, assuring him that he
was a fair man, and would deal kindly with him.
But this did not satisfy the unfortunate man. It was
bad enough to lose one fourth of his property, - for
the vessel was not insured, - without having the
greater part of the remainder wrested from  him by
a court.
"All hands, moor ship, ahoy!" shouted the boatswain, when the schooner was approaching one of the
great canals of Flushing, or Vlissingen, as the Dutch
call it.
The anchor was let go, the sails lowered and stowed,
and the Josephine was once more at rest. The galiot
came in, and anchored a cable's length from  her.
Communication between the two vessels was immediately opened, and Lieutenant Martyn made his



64           DIKES AND DITCHES, OR
report of the voyage since he sailed from Thornton's
Ridge. No events of any importance had occurred,
and his story could not be said to be at all sensational.
In less than dn hour the Young America ran into
the port, and moored near the Josephine. The moment her anchor had buried itself in the mud of the
harbor, her officers and crew were' in the rigging,
gazing earnestly at the consort. It was possible they
had noticed the galiot under a jury-mast, and in some
manner connected her with the Josephine; but they
could have had no other clew to the exciting incidents
which had transpired since the two vessels parted
company the day before.
" I desire to renew my request for a boat, Captain
Kendall," said Professor Hamblin, stiffly, the moment
the rattling cable of the ship was heard.
" Certainly, sir.  I shall be very happy to furnish a
boat for you," replied Paul, politely.  "Mr. Terrill,
you will pipe away the first cutters for Mr. Hamblin."
" Yes, sir," replied the first-lieutenant, touching his
cap. " Boatswain, pipe away the first cutters for Mr.
Ilamblin."
"' Mr. Terrill, you will pipe away the crew of the
gig for me. I will go on board of the ship," added
the captain.
"Yes, sir," answered Terrill.  " Boatswain's mate,
pipe away the gigsmen for the captain."
"All the first cutters, on deck, ahoy! " shouted the
boatswain.'' All the gigsmen, on deck, ahoy I " piped the boatswain's mate.
Professor Hamblin stamped his foot on deck when



YOUNG AMERICA IN HOLLAND AND BELGIUM. 65
he heard these orders, given almost in the same breath.
He did not seem to consider that there was anything
to be done except to attend to his affair.
"Captain Kendall," said he, walking up to the
young commander, with a brisk, nervous step, "I
wish to see Mr. Lowington alone."
"' Certainly, sir; I will not object to your seeing him
alone. If I can do anything to favor your views, I
shall be happy to assist."
"You have ordered your gig, and you said you
were going on board the ship," added the learned
gentleman, his wrath not at all appeased by the conciliatory reply of Paul.
" I am, sir."
"Am I to understand that you are going to see the
principal in reference to my communication with
him? " demanded Mr. Hamblin.
" No, sir. It is my duty to report any unusual
event which occurs in the navigation of this vessel,"
answered Paul, respectfully.'" It is quite proper for you to regard your own disobedience as an unusual event," retorted the professor.
" I was not thinking of that, sir. I am quite willirig to leave that Inatter with Mr. Lowington, and to
abide by his decision. I refer to the storm, and the
wreck of the Dutch galiot.  Those were unusual
events."
"' It would be more proper, and more respectful to
me, for you to defer your affairs till after I have seen
the principal. This is the Sabbath day," added Mr.
Hamblln, solemnly. " I do not desire to have this
controversy opened to-day."
5*



66           DIKES AND DITCHES, OR
"Then, sir, I suggest that you defer it until to.
morrow," added Paul.
" This is a question of discipline, and admits of no
delay. If the professors of this vessel are to be disobeyed and insulted, it is not proper for me to remain
in her another hour."
"Insulted, sir?" exclaimed the young commander,
blushing under this charge.
" Yes, sir; insulted, sir!" replied Mr. Hamblin,
angrily. " Did you not leave the class?  That was
disobedience, which, under the circumstances, perhaps I might have forgiven, if you had not added insult to injury. Not contented with your own misconduct, you immediately ordered all hands tq be called,
and every member of my class was taken away."
"' As to-day is Sunday, sir, I will not attempt to explain my conduct. I ain very sorry that any difficulty
has occurred; but I think Mr. Lowington will understand the matter. Your boat is ready, Mr. Hamblin,"
added Paul, pointing to the gangway, where the third
lieutenant was waiting for his passenger.
" Do I understand that you insist upon going on
board of the ship immediately?" demanded the professor.
" Yes, sir. It is my duty to report to the principal
without delay. There is a signal at the peak of the
ship now," replied Paul.
" Signal for the captain to report on board of the
ship, sir," said the signal-officer, touching his cap to
his commander.
Mr. Hamblin went over the side into the first cutter, which pulled away towards the ship. The gig



YOUNG AMERICA IN HOLLAND AND BELGIUM. 67
immediately took her place, and the captain stepped
into her. The cutter reached the Young America
first, and the angry professor ran up the ladder with
unwonted briskness. The principal was standing on
the quarter, waiting to see the captain of the Josephine, for he was anxious to learn whether she had
sustained any damage or lost any one overboard in
the fierce storm. He knew that nothing but the most
skilful seamanship could have prevented the decks of
the schooner from being washed in the tremendous
sea that prevailed during the hurricane.
To Mr. Lowington every moment of time since the
two vessels of the squadron parted company the day
before had been burdened with the most intense solicitude for the fate of the consort and her crew. The
fact that she had been dilatory in taking in sail, when
no one could know at what instant the squall would
break upon her, had indicated a degree of recklessness
which increased his anxiety. Mr. Fluxion had been
sent to the fore cross-trees with a powerful glass early
in the morning, and the Josephine had been discovered
by the ship 16ng before the Young America was seen
by the pilot.
During the night the ship had cruised off and on in
search of her consort, but the Josephine had drifted to
the southward, and had sailed in that direction, aftef
the fuiry of the tempest had wasted itself, in looking
for the wreck of the galiot. The report of Mr. Fluxion on the cross-trees that she was entering the Hond,
relieved the principal's anxiety in part; but he was
still fearful that some of her crew had been washed
overboard. As soon as the anchor was let go, he



68           DIKES AND DITCHES, OR
had ordered the signal for Captain Kendall to be
hoisted.
Mr. Hamblin was the first person from the Josephine
who presented himself to the principal.  There was
something in the professor's countenance which looked
ominous, and Mr. Lowington's fears seemed to be confirmed by the unusual solemnity of the learned gentleman's expression. Mr. Lowington's heart rose up
into his throat; for independently of the sorrow which
the loss of one or more of the Josephine's crew would
cause him, he realized that such a calamity would be
the death-blow to his favorite experiment. The entire
charge of her had been committed to a boy of sixteen,
and he blamed himself severely because he had not
placed an experienced officer on board of her, who
might at least act in great emergencies. Though Mr.
Cleats was an old sailor, he was not a navigator.
The principal was in this state of suffering, bordering upon anguish, when the irate professor of Greek
and Latin cai-ne on board. Mr. Lowington tried to
think that nothing had happened, but it was impossible. If any one had been lost, the Josephine's flag
would be at half mast, or some other signal would have
been made. Mr. Hamblin's face looked like death
itself, only his brow was contracted, and his lips were
compressed as though anger and sorrow were combined in his expression.
" What has happened, Mr. Hamblin?" demanded
the principal, manifesting more emnotion than any one
on board had ever before observed in his manner.
" I am  sorry to say, Mr. Lowilgton, that an unpleasant event has occurred on board of the Josephine," the professor began, very solemnly.



YOUNG AMERICA IN HOLLAND AND BELGIUM. 69
" I feared it," gasped Mr. Lowington.  "Who
was it?"
" The captain- "
" Captain.  Kendall!"  groaned Mr. Lowington,
striking  his bewildered  head with both  hands.
"' Good Heaven'! I am responsible for this! "
" What is the matter, Mr. Lowington? " demanded
the astonished professor.'" What did you say about Captain Kendall? " asked
the principal, catching at the straw which the learned
gentleman's question seemed to hold out to him.
" I prefer to speak to you alone about it, Mr. Lowington," added the professor, glancing at the group
of officers and instructors that were gathering around
him. " I will endeavor to control my emotions in
stating this unpleasant business."
Mr. Lowington, apparently happy to have even a
moment's respite firom the grief and gloom  which
must follow the sad intelligence of the loss of Captain
Kendall, led the way to the professors' cabin.
" Now, sir, what is it?  Let me know the worst! "
exclaimed the principal, dropping upon the sofa like
a man whose strength had all been taken from him.
" I have been dreading it for many long and weary
hours."
"Dreading it?" repeated the confused professor.'' Dreading what, sir? "
" That the Josephine had suffered severely in the
storm," replied the principal, impatiently.  "' You
have come to tell me that Captain Kendall was lost
overboard?"  And Mr. Lowington heaved a long
sigh.



70           DIKES AND DITCHES, OR'" No, sir," protested Mr. Hamblin.
" Didn't you say that a very unpleasant aflair had
happened on board? " demanded the principal, eagerly.
"I did; but it was not the loss of the captain."
" Tho was it?" asked Mr. Lowington, catching
his breath, in the heaviness of his anxiety.
" I really don't understand you, sir," said the learned
gentleman, astonished and confounded by what he regarded as the singular conduct of the principal.
" Has any one been lost overboard fiom the Josephine?" demanded Mr. Lowington, in a loud tone,
for he was impatient undcr the shtiffling manner of
the professor.
"No, sir; no one, that I am aware of."
"That you are aware of! " exclaimed Mr. Lowington, sternly.
i" Of course, if any one had been lost, I should have
heard of it," answered Mr. Hamblin, who did not
quite like the tone of the principal.
"Then the officers and crew are all safe — are
they? "
" They are, sir - all safe."' Thank God! " ejaculated Mr. Lowington, heartily,
an awfully heavy load removed from his mind.
"' I have come on board, sir, to make a complaint
against the captain of the Josephine. This is the unpleasant business which brings me here," added the
learned gentleman, decidedly.
" Indeed!"
But even this, disagreeable as it was, came as a relief to the overcharged heart of Paul's best friend, who
had received a terrible shock from the confused state



YOUNG AMERICA IN HOLLAND AND BELGIUM. 71I
ment of the professor. Yet it was very strange that
any one should have a complaint to make against
Paul Kendall, who had always been noble and manly,
gentle and conciliating.
"c Yesterday, just before the storm  came on, Mr.
Kendall was reciting -with the Greek class," continued
Mr. Hamblin. " Word came to him that his pi-esence5
was required on deck.  lHe asked my permission to
go on deck. As I could not see the necessity of his
leaving the class before the lesson was finished, I refused to give him permission."
"' Did le leave then? "'" Not then; but half an hour later another message
came to him, and he left, contrary to my orders, and
contrary to my protest," added the professor, waxing
indignant as he recounted his wrongs.
"'What was the message that came the second
time? " asked Mr. Lowington, mildly.
"' I do not remember precisely what it was - I am
not versed in sea terms; but I do remember that Mr.
Kendall left the class contrary to my express order.
Not contented with this, he called all hands, and
broke up the school, when there was no need of it.
Such conduct is utterly subversive of school discipline,
and -"
"1 Excuse me, Mr. Hamblin, but as to-day is Sunday,
I must defer hearing any more of your complaint until
to-morrow," continued Mr. Lowington, rising from his
chair.
" I desire to have this question settled before I resume my position in the Josephine," said the professor, cut by the apparent coolness of the principal.



72           DIKES AND DITCHES, OR
"'I will hear what Captain Kendall has to say
about it."
"Sir," exclaimed the learned gentleman,'" am I
to understand that you are not satisfied with the truth
of my statement?"
"' By no means. I wish to hear from Captain Kendall his excuse for leaving the class. I am not able to
determine whether it was satisfactory."
" I have already determined that question myself.
I think I observed to you that there was not a sufficient excuse for his leaving the class."
" I will defer the discussion of the matter till tomorrow," replied Mr. Lowington.
" I do not object to the delay, sir; but I do object
to having any of the statements of the pupil counterbalance those I have made."'" Do you wish me to condemn him without a hearing?"
"I do not wish you to condemn him  at all. I
simply ask to be sustained in the discharge of my
duty as a teacher."
"' I will hear what more you have to say to-morrow,
Mr. Hamblin."
" Very well, sir; but you must allow me to remain
on board of the ship until to-morrow, for I cannot return
to the Josephine till this unpleasant matter has been
adjusted."
"As you please," replied the principal, as he hastened on deck, where a cheer, half suppressed in
deference to the day, had a few moments before been
heard.
As Paul came down from the rail of the ship, he



YOUNG AMERICA IN HOLLAND AND BELGIUMS. 73
was greeted with applause; for, without knowing what
had occurred after they lost sighit of the consort, the
students in the ship realized that Paul had taken his
vessel safely through the storm. He bowed and blushed
at this demonstration, and hastened to meet }Mr. Lowington, who was just comning up from his interview
with the professor. He had purposely delayed his
passage to the ship, in order to afford Mr. Hamblin
time to make his charges. It was plain that le had
done so now, and Paul was not a little anxious for the
result.
6 Captain Kendall, I am very glad to see you," said
Mr. Lowington, warmly, as he extended his hand to
the young commander.' Thank you, sir; I am just as glad to see you," replied Paul, talking the proffered hand, and concluding
that the professor had not materially prejudiced the
principal against him.
"; I have been very anxious about you, Captain Kendall," added Mr. Lowington.' I have imagined that
all sorts of terrible things had happened to you and
the Josephine. Is all well on board?"
"' Yes, sir; but we are all very tired. We were up
all night, and the crew had to work very hard."
66 All nilght?
" We went to the assistance of that galiot, sir. We
saved four persons, and brought the vessel in, as you
see her now. She was knocked down in the squall,
and lost two men. We found her on herl beam-ends."
" Indeed, Captain Kendall, you have had your hands
full," replied Mr. Lowington, pleased with the gallant
conduct of his young friend.
7



74           DIKES AND DITCHES, OR' The captain of the galiot,- he has a name as long
as the main royal-mast backstay, and I can't remember it,- the captain is on board of the Josephine, and
wishes to see you very much. I referred the whole
matter to you, sir."
" I will see him at once."
" He don't speak a word of English - only Dutch."
" Mr. Fluxion speaks Dutch, and he shall go with
me. I will- return with you in your boat," added the
principal.
The professor of mathematics was called, and they
embarked in the Josephine's gig. On the way Paul
briefly detailed the events which had occurred since
the squall came on, expliining the means by which
the shipwrecked party had been saved; and the vessel
righted. He generously bestowed great praise upon
his officers and crew for their zealous efforts both in
working the Josephine, and in saving the galiot and
her crew.
" I have been worried about you, Captain Kendall.
You did not seem to be as prudent as usual when the
storm was threatening. Ten minutes before the squall
came up you had every rag of canvas set, including
your fore square-sail. You ought to have reduced sail
half an hour sooner, especially as there was no wind,
and not a sail was drawing.  You should have taken
your precautions sooner, for you can't tell the precise
moment when a hurricane will burst upon you. All
light sails and all extra ones should be taken in when
there is a possibility of a squall."
"I was attending the Greek class," replied Paul;
but he resolved to make no allusion to the difficulty
between Mr. Hamblin and himself.



76           DIKES AND DITCHES, OR
CHAPTER V.
CAPTAIN SCHIMMELPENNINK.
A  T the request of the principal, Mr. Fluxion acted
as interpreter in the conversation with the Dutch
skipper. The unfortunate man stated his case, and
bewailed the heavy loss to which he had been subjected
by the tempest.
"' Call all hands, if you please, Captain Kendall,"
said Mr. Lowington, when he had heard the statement
as translated by Mr. Fluxion.
Paul gave the required order, and in a few moments
the crew were at quarters. The principal took his
place on the main hatch, and all the Josephines waited
with interest to hear what he had to say.
" Young gentlemen, since we parted company in
the squall yesterday, I have suffered a great deal of
anxiety on your account. The ship ran off before the
gale, w.hile the Josephine lay to. If you had not sailed
to the southward after the tempest, we should not have
lost sight of you for more than a few hours. I acknowledge that I reproached myself severely for intrusting
the vessel to the sole care of students. But I find that
she has been as well handled as though shle had been
under command of an old and experienced man. I
wish to say to you that Captain Kendall has acquitted



DIKES AND DITCHES, OR
upon another, in the hour of shipwreck and disaster,
unites the seamen of all nations in one firaternity.
Young gentlemen, you have done something for your
ship, and something for your country; for every true
American feels proud and happy when he learns that
an American vessel has saved even a single shipwrecked mariner. I am  sure your friends will be
proud of you when they read your record for the last
twenty-four hours.
"According to maritime law, young gentlemen, you
are entitled to salvage upon the vessel you have saved.
Under ordinary circumstances, you would be justified
in claiming firom one half to three fourths of the value
of this vessel. The galiot, I am informed, was not
insured. The value of the vessel and cargo is perhaps four or five thousand dollars. I have no doubt
the court would give you what would amount to two
or three thousand dollars, at least; for without assistance the vessel would probably have been a total loss.
" Captain Schimmelpennink, I am told, is the sole
owner of the' Wel tevreeden.' He and his family lived
on board of her. It was their only home, and she
was their only worldly possession.  At an expense
of a few hundred dollars, he can restore her to her
original condition. If sold in her present state, she
would not bring -half her actual value. Deducting
the salvage from this amount, the unfortunate captain
would lose at least three fourths of his property, the
accumulation of his lifetime."
" We'll no rob the poor mon," interposed McLeish.
the Scotch boy, who was now on his good behavior.
" It will be no robbery, McLeish. You would take



YOUNG AMERICA IN HOLLAND AND BELGIUM. 79
hut your just dues," replied the principal, with a
smile.
"We'll no tak it," added McLeish.
i'No, sir! " "No, sir!"  "No, sir!" responded
the students in every direction.
" Not a dollar of it, sir! " said Paul, warmly.
" Thank you, young gentlemen," continued Mr.
Lowington, whose face indicated the pleasure he felt.
" You have voluntarily suLggested what I was about to
propose to you. To-day is Sunday, and your conduct
is worthy of the day. I should not have mentioned
the matter iuntil to-morrow, if I had not desired to relieve the unfortunate captain friom his anxiety and suspense.  Your conduct will gladden his heart. WVe
will take a vote on this question, that-there may be no
mistake in regard to your intentions. Those in favor
of abandoning the claim for salvage will signify it by
raising the right hand."
Every hand was raised, and most of the boys added
an emphatic " Ay! " to the hand vote.
" All up!" shouted the students, looking around
them to find any one who was behind the others in
this benevolent deed.
"Every one," replied Mr. Lowington, smiling.
" Mr. Fluxion, I will thank you to commniunicate to
the master of the galiot the action of the ship's company."
The Dutchman stood watching the proceedings of
the party with a look of sad bewilderment. His wife
and daughter were near himl, as sad and confused as
himself. The boys looled at hirn with interest as the
professor of mathematics explained to him what had



80           DIKES AND DITCHES, OR
taken place.  The expression which lighted up his
face, as he comprehended the action of the students,
was an ample reward for their generous conduct.
" Tell him he may take possession of his vessel as
soon as he pleases," added the principal.
Mr. Fluxion communicated this permission to the
skipper; and when he heard it he cast a longing
glance af the " Wel tevreeden,"  which he seemed to
regard in the same light as his wife and daughter.'" How  much will it cost to repair the galiot?"
asked one of the students, stepping forward from  a
group which had been whispering together for a moment very earnestly.
"' I do not know the price Qf materials in Holland,"
replied Mr. Lowington.  " Perhaps the captain and
the pilot may be able to give you some information on
this subject."
Mr. Fluxion, the pilot, and the master of the galiot
consulted together for some time. The jib and foresail, and a portion of the standing and runlling rigging,
had been saved, and the Belgian and the Dutchman
made a computation of the cost of labor and material.
" About twelve hundred guilders," said Mr. Lowington, after Mr. Fluxion had reported the result of
the conference.
" How much is that, sir?" asked one of the boys,
blankly.
"' One hundred pounds, English," said Paul, who
had already studied up Dutch currency.  "About five
hundred dollars."
" I move you, sir, that a subscription paper be
opened to raise the money to repair the galiot," said
Lynch.



YOUNG AMERICA INh HOLLAND AND BELGIUM. 8I
"Second the motion," added Groesbeck.
" Young gentlemen, I think you have done all that
could be expected of you," said Mr. Lowington. "I
do not mean to represent to you that Captain Schimmelpennink is an object of charity, though I am informed that he has not the means of paying for these
repairs. But, since you desire it, I will put thle matter
to vote."
The motion was carried unanimously, as the one
remitting the claim for salvage had been. The principal suLggested that it was proper to appoint a committee to attend to the subscriptions; an4 Terrill, PelLhan, and  Lynch were appointed to perform  this
duty. Nothing was said to the skipper of the galiot
about this proposition; and Mr. Lowington having
warmly co mmlended the students for their generous
sympathy with the unfortunate man, the crew were
dismissed.
A boat was sent to the " Wel tevreeden" with the
captain and his party. The subscription paper was
immediately opened. Ter-rill took the paper to Mr.
Lowington first, who hea-ded it with sixty guilders.
The principal and the students seemed to make their
financial calculations in English money, on the basis
of twelve guilders to the pound. Mr. Fluxion put
down twenty-four guilders, and the students twelve
guilders. each; for no one was willing to be behind
thle others.
Mr. Lowington returned to the ship; and when dinner was over, most of the Josephines turned in, for
there was a fearful gaping on board as soon as the
excitement had subsided.  Hardly any of the crew



YOUNG AMERICA IN HOLLAND AND BELGIUM. 83
board. He told them what we had done, and what
we intended to do. The fellows in the ship wanted
to have a finger in the pie; and   believe every one of
them has put down his twelve guilders."
"I am very glad to hear that; for I pitied the Dutch
captain frown the bottom of my heait," added Pautl.
" All the professors gave twelve guilders, except old
Hamblin -"
"Professor Hamblin," interposed Paul, gently rebuking his firiend for using that disrespectful appellative.
" Professor Hamblin; but I have no respect for hinm,
and I can't always help speaking what I think. I-Ie
is a. solemn old lunatic, as grouty as a crab that has
got aground.'
" We will not speak of him," said Paul, mildly.
" Well, they all subscribed except him; and I'm
sure I've got more than twelve hundred guilders.
Why, even the cooks and stewards gave something."
" I'm glad you have been so fortunate."' Captain Spunkenfungle's eyes will stick out a foot
or two when he hears what we have done for him."
" And I'm sure we shall be as happy as he; for stuch
gifts, you know, are twice blessed."
The sums on the subscription papers were added up
by Terrill and Pelham.
"Sixteen hundred and  fifty-four guilders!" exclaimed the former, when the result had been reached.
" Four hundred and fifty-four guilders more than
the sum required," added Paul, delighted by the intelligence.
"Shall we give it all to the slipper?" asked Pelham.



84            DIKES AND DITCHES, OR
" I don't know. We will leave that to Mr. Lowington," replied Paull.' I don't think we ought to give him any more than
enougll to make up lhis loss.  Thlat woul( tempt him
to wreckl his galiot again, if there was an American
flag in sight," said Terlrill.
"I see no reason why he should be left any better
off than before the disaster,;" continued the captain.
N' We can keep the money as a charity fund; anti I
have no doubt we shall soon find a chance to make
good use of it."
The elnbarrassment of having a sl urlols  was better
than that of a deficiency would have been, and. the
sleepy officers of the Josephine were not likely to be
kept awake by it. All hands turned in at an earlier
hour than usual.  The anchor watch were as sleepy
as the othlers; but the discipline of the vessel was
rigidly adhered to, for the principal did not believe in
neglecting any necessary precaution simply because
the crew were tired. As seamen,-the students were
taught to realize that fatigue and want of sleep on
shipboard would not justify any disregard of their
regular routine duty.
In the morning everything went on as usual~ It
had not been the intention of Mr. Lowington to put
into Flushing, and no one was allowed to go on shore..The wind was fortunately fresh from the westward;
the pilots wvere still on board; and the signal for sailing was hoisted on board of the Young America.
Just before the squadlron weighlel  anchor, Mri. Fluxion
went on board of the galiot, and informned the skipper
that all the expenses of the repairs of his vessel would



YOUNG AMERICA IN HIOLLAND AND BELGIUM. 85
be paid by the students of the institution. The professor reported that the poor man was beside himself
with joy when lie received this intelligence.  He expressed his gratitulde in extravagant terms, which had
no English equivalents. Mr. Fluxion gave himl eighty
pounds in gold, and promised to see him again before
the repairs were completed.
Orders to weigh anchor were given, and the two
vessels stood out of the port of Flushing into the broad
river. At Paul's invitation, Dr. WVilstock c:lme on
board for, the passage up the river. Mr. Hamblin still
remained a guest of the ship, and the surgeon volunteered to take his place, though he acknowledged that
his Greek roots were little better than decayed stumps
in his memory.
There is nothing picturesque on the Scheldt; and
it was. no great hardship for the students to be compelled to attend to their lessons in the steerage half
the time during the trip. The country is very, low 
some of it below the level of the sea; and there was
little to be seen on shore, though the students on deck
found enough to inteiest them.
Mr. Hamblin was the only unhappy person in the
squadron, even the Knights'of the Red Cross finding
enough in this new and strange land to occupy their
time without plotting mischief. The learned gentleman did not like the way in which the principal appeared to be "' sustaining" him. Mr. Lowington had
called the crew together, and told themt what the Josephines bad done, praising them in what seemed to the
professor to be the most extravagant language. He
did not like it: it was hardly less than an insult to
8



86           DIKES AND DITCHES, OR
commend the student against whom lhe had preferred
charges of disobedience and insubordination.
He was vexed that no notice was taken of his complaints - that the nmatter had been deferred a single
hour. In his opinion, Captain Kendall should have
been promptly suspended. The moral effect of such
a course would have been grand. Mr. Hamblin had
spoken; and he felt that he had spoken. If lhe was
not sustained, he could not return to the Josephine.
He had spoken; and it was the principal's place to
speak next.
Mr. Lowington did not speak. He was busy all the
morning; and when the vessels sailed, not a word had
been said in allusion to the topic which, in Mr. Hamblin's estimation, overshadowed all others.  If the
principal did not think of it all the time, he ought to
do so; for the academic branch of the institution would
be a failure if discipline was not enforced. The ship
stood on her way before the friesh westerly breeze, and
still Mr. Lowington did not mention the matter. The
professor waited till he felt he was utterly ignored, and
was sacrificing his dignity every moment that he permitted the question to remain unsettled.
" Mr. Lowington," said he at last, with a mighty
effort, - for it was the principal's duty to speak first, -
" I made a complaint to you yesterday. Thus far no
notice whatever seems to have been taken of it."
"Perhaps the longer we wait the easier it will
be to settle the question," replied Mr. Lowington,
pleasantly, though he dreaded the discussion that must
ensue.
"If I am not to be sustained in the discharge of my



YOUNG AMERICA IN HOLLAND AND BELGIUM. 87
duties, it is useless for me to attempt to perform them
to your satisfaction or my own."' You shall be sustained in the discharge of your
duties, Mr. Hamblin. But we will discuss this matter
in the cabin, if you please," added the principal, as he
led the way below.
"' Unless an instructor is sustained, of course he can
do nothing," said the professor, as he seated himself
in the cabin.
" Certainly not. I will hear your complaint now,
Mr. Hamblin," replied the principal.
The learned gentleman stated his grievance in about
the same terms as on the day before.
" You say that a message was sent down to the captain. Do you know what that message was?" asked
the principal.
" I do not remember it precisely. It was something
about a squall."
"Very likely it was," answered Mr. Lowington,
dryly. " There was a squall coming up at the time -
was there not?"
" I knew there was a shower coming up."
*" You declined to let him go on deck? "
" I did, sir. The recitation in Greek was not half
finished," replied the professor, who deemed this a
sufficient reason for declining.
" Captain Kendall did not go on deck when the first
message was sent down?"'4 o, sir; we continued the recitation for half an
hour longer without interruption. Then the messenger came again. I told Mr. Kendall not to leave the
class; but, in direct opposition to my order, he went



88           DIKES AND DITCHES, OR
on deck. Not satisfied with this, though he knew that
half the students were engaged in the recitations, he
ordered all hands_ to be called. Of course the students
were glad enough to get away froxm their lessons; and
all of them stampeded from the steerage, in spite of
my protest, and without even a word of apology."
" Did they?" added Mr. Lowington, with difficulty
avoiding the disrespect of laughing in the face of the
learned gentleman.
" They did; and it must be as clear to you *as it is
to me, that such conduct is utterly subversive of anything like good discipline."
"'May I ask what punishminent you propose as suitable for such an offence as that of Captain Kendall?"
" I am perfectly willing to leave that matter to you,
sir; but I should think that simple suspension fi-rom
his office would be sufficient, considering the position
of Mr. Kendall."
M ir. Hamblin, it is your misfortune, not your fault,
that you were brought up on shore instead of at sea,"
added the principal.  "You have made a very great
mistake, sir."
"I, sir!" exclaimed the learned gentleman, springing up from his seat as though such an event as that'
indicated by Mr. Lowington had never occurred in
his life.' Captain Kendall also made a mistake," continued
the principal.
" He did indeed, sir. It is always a very great mistake to disobey one's teacher."
" I do not mean that."
" May I ask what you do mean, sir?"



YOUNG AMERICA IN HOLLAND AND BELGIUM. 89
" His mistake was in not going on deck when the
messenger sent to him by the officer of the deck reported that a squall was coming up."
" But I refused the permission," said the professor,
warmly.
" Then he should have gone without your permission," added Mr. Lowington, decidedly.';AAm I to understand, sir, that you counsel disobedience among the boys on the Josephine?"
" No, sir; I counsel obedience to the laws of God
and man, and to the orders of one's superior. Mr.
Hamblin, is it possible that you could not understand
the circumstances of that occasion?" continued the
principal.'; A squall was coming up, and you desired
to detain the captain of your vessel in the steerage!"
" But half the crew were on deck. I am told that
Mr. Terrill is a competent seaman. ~ He knew enough
to take down the sails, if necessary."
" Such a course would have been without a precedent, and in violation of one of the rules of the ship."
" Did you not tell me that all the students, including
the captain, - you mentioned him especially, - were
subject to the orders of the professors in school hours?"
" " I certainly did; but if I had supposed that there
was an instructor in either vessel so utterly wanting
in discretion, I -should have qualified the statement.
Captain Kendall is in command of the Josephine. He
is responsible for the safety of the vessel and for the
lives of those on board."
" He might have sent up word to take down the
sails," growled Mr. Hamblin, disgusted beyond measure at the decision of the principal.
8*



90           DIKES AND DITCH-IES, OR'i Did any one ever hear of a captain working his
vessel while in the steerage? " retorted Mr. Lowington,
impatiently, as he. took a pen and wrote a few lines on
a sheet of paper. "WVas Captain Kendall respectiful
to you?"
"No, sir."
" What did he say that was disrespectful?"
" Disobedience is always disrespectful. He used no
disrespectful words."
" I did not suppose he did. In a word, if Captain
Kendall had gone on deck when the first messenger
went to him, I should have justified and sustained him.
I will go a step farther: he ought to have done so."
" Then I am to understand that I am a mere-cipher
on board of the Josephine," demanded Mr. Hamblin.
Y ou are to understand, sir, that the first duty of
the captain of a ship is to his vessel and fo those on
board of her. Why, sir, I thought the young gentleman was insane, and I was intensely anxious, when I
saw his vessel with all her light sails on while a squall,
so clearly indicated as that of Saturday, was impenditg, I blamed him very much. The squall was as
likely to come half an hour sooner as when it did
come. If it had struck her with all sail set, it would
have taken the masts out of her - perhaps foundered
her. If several of the students had been lost, what
satisfaction would it be to me or their friends to know
that the disaster occurred because the professor of
Greek refused to let the captain go on deck!"
" Perhaps I was wrong, sir."
" Perhaps you were I If you do not know that you



YOUNG AMERICA IN HOLLAND AND BELGIUM. 9 I
were, you are not fit for the position to which I assigned you."
" I see that you fully sustain Mr. Kendall," groaned
the professor.
" I only blame him because he did not disobey you
the first time instead of the second."
" Was it necessary for him to call all hands? " de,
manded Mr. HIamblin, triumphantly.
"It was, emphatically necessary! If he had gone
on deck when the first message reached him, it might
not have been necessary, though I should lhave sustained him in doing so; for the safest side is always
the best side. May I ask you to read this order?"
added the principal, as he handed the sheet upon which
he had written to the learned professor.
Mr. Hamblin read the order aloud.
Captain Kendall is hereby authorized and directed
to leave any class in which he may be engaged, whenever, in his own judgment, the management of his vessel requires him to do so. The instructors in the consort are requested to respect this order.
R. LOWINGTON.
Professor Hamblin dropped the paper, took off his
spectacles, looked on the floor a moment, and seemed
to feel that the nautical academy was not the paradise
of schoolmasters.
"Mr. Lowington, I feel obliged to tender my resignation of the position I occupy," said the learned gentleman, haughtily.



92             DIKES AND DITCHES, OR
"' \Yc~v well, sir. Though the want of an instructor
in yourL department will be a serious inconvenience to
me, I shall accept your resignation if you are not willing to respect this order," replied the principal.
That ended the p:trpie'lce,   and Paul was sustained.



YOUNG AMERICA IN HOLLAND AND BELGIUM   93
CHAPTER VI.
PROFESSOR HAMBLIN CHANGES HIS MIND.
pROFESSOR HAMBLIN went on deck, walked
Lup and down, and made himself as miserable as
possible. He was the senior instructor of the Josephine, and was the superintendent of her academic
department.  He had been a schoolmaster or a professor for forty years, and was fully steeped in the
dogmatism of the pedagogue.  He was disposed to
be overbearing and tyrannical, though perhaps his
profession, rather than  his nature, had implanted
this tendcencyv in his character. Certainly the almost
absolute sway of the schoolmaster encourages such
an unfortunate development of the lower faculties of
human nature.
It is necessary that the parent or the teacher should
have this absolute sway. Practically, his will is law,
and the child has no alternative but to rebel or obey.
The limit to his authority is only placed on the line
where tyranny ends and actual abuse begins.  It is
true that public opinion has its influence upon the
teacher or parent; but there is room. for much petty
oppression before the limit of endurance is reached.
A man may be an efficient teacher, and produce
splendid intellectual results, while he is a tyrant and



94 D I       DIKES AND DITCHES, OR
an oppressor; indeed, his tyranny and oppression may
be the very means by which his success is accomplished.
The rights of the pupil are not recognized by such
men. The scholar is regarded as a machine, rather
than an immortal soul. Though Mr. Hamblin was
a very pious man, in his own way, and was very
careful in his observance of all the forms of law
and tradition, he was a tyrant at heart.  IIe ruled
with an iron.will, and willingly sufi'ered no one in
the school-room  to hold an opinion different from
his own. He was not popular in the Josephine; he
had never been a popular teacher anywhere, though
he had been a successful one, so far as intellectual results were concerned. His success seemed to justify
him, and certainly it added to the strength of his
tyrannical will.
The good schoolmaster recognizes and respects the
rights of the scholar.  While he is an unflinching
disciplinarian, expecting an unquestioning obedience,
he does nlot believe in his own infallibility.  He is
kind and considerate, and regards his pupil as an
embryo  man, " endowed with certain  inalienable
rights," which none may trample upon with impunity. He is both just and merciful, his heart being
filled with love to God and love to mail.
Such was not Mr. Hamblin. The greatest sin of
a student was to have a will of his own.. He had not
the power or the i lclination to harmonize that will
with the requirements of duty, and he broke it down,
not by coarse abuse, but by making the pupil so uncomfortable that a total submission was better than



YOUNG AMERICA IN HOLLAND AND BELGIUM. 95
a reasoriable independence. In mild-tempered boys,
like Paul Kendall, the task was an easy one, when no
principle was at stake.
The professor walked up and down the deck, brooding over his grievances.  He could- not afford to
abandon his situation on the one hand, and it seemed
impossible to acknowledge that he was wholly wrong
on the other hand.  \When he had thoroughly cooled
off, he was willing to own that it was necessary for
the captain to go on deck, and that if he had comprehended the situation he should have given hitm permission to do so.  But he knew nothing about the
management of a vessel.  I-low should a professor
of Greek and Latin be expected to understand a imatter which even the most ignorant could comprehend,
and of which even a boy of sixteen had made himself
master?  Boys could play base-hball, but he did not
know how; and it seemned just as much beneath his
dignity to be familiar with practical navigation.
He was sorry now that he had not given Captain
Kendall permission to go on deck; for it was impossible to refute the arguments of the principal; but at
the same time he had not overstepped the duties of
his office. He had been informed that all the students,
even to the captain, were subject to his will and pleasure during school hours, and therefore he had a perfect right to detain the captain. It was not his fault
that a blunder had been made; he had not made it.
The order which Mr. Lowington had shown him
would remedy the difficulty in future, and prevent
its repetition; but if that order was promulgated,
it would assure the pupils that Captain Kendall had



96           DIKES AND DITCHES, OR
been fully sustained, and that the professor had not
been sustained.  Mr. Hamblin shuddered  at the
thought; for justifying a student at the expense of
the instructor wvas an enormity which he could not
countenance.  The captain's will would remain uinbroken, and the professor would occupy a secondary
position on board of the Josephine.
The learned gentleman walked the deck hour after
hour, endeavoring to devise a plan by which he could
return to his position without the sacrifice'of any portion of his dignity. Mr. Lowington, in saying that
the professor's resignation would be a serious inconvenience to him, had left the door open for him to
revise his final action. The squadron was eventually
to.visit Greece and other classic lands, and he was
very anxious to continue his travels, not only without
expense to himself, but while in the receipt of a handsome salary.  Such an opportunity to see Europe
could never again be presented to him, and he was
not willing to sacrifice it.
Professor Hamblin was becoming more reasonable;
but there was the untamed will of Captain Kendall,
an unconquered fortress, in his path. Perhaps Mr.
Lowington, now that the excitement of the first interview had subsided, might help him out of the embarrassing dilemma, though his decided manner was not
very encouraging. The professor determined to hlave
another interview, and.as soon as he saw the principal
alone he opened the subject again.'. TVhat you said about my resignation, Mr. Lowington, gives me some uneasiness. It is not my wish to
subject you to any inconvenience by leaving you, in



YOUNG AMERICA IN HOLLAND AND BELGIUM. 97
a foreign land, where much delay must necessarily
ensue before you can obtain a suitable person to fill
my place," said he, in a tone of embarrassment.
"' It would disturb my plans very much; but I cannot endanger the vessel and the lives of those on board
of her. The position of Captain Kendall is anomalous,
you will perceive."
" I am quite willing now to say that if I had understood the situation, I should have permitted Mr. Kendall to leave the class."
" And I am quite willing to say that your services
as an instructor are entirely satisfactory to me," added
the principal, with a smile.
They were more satisfactory to him than they were
to the students of the Josephine.
" Then we seem to be in full accord with each other
on these points," replied the professor, hopefuilly.  "I
trust some arrangement may be made to reconcile the
differences of opinion on the question of discipline.
You do not sustain me, MIr. Lowington."
" I cannot, sir. If I did, I should expect the Josephine to go to the bottom with all on board, in the
first gale of wind she encounters, should Captain
Kendall happen  to be reciting his Greek at the
time."
" I think I understand the matter better now, and
in a similar emergency I should permit him to leave
the class."
"1In matters of seamanship and navigation, I have
more confidence in the judgment of Captain Kendall
than in yours. He must be absolute in his position
as captain of the vessel."
9



98           DIKES AND DITCHES, OR
" Of course, sir; and in the composition of a soup
doubtless you would have more confidence in the
judgment of your cook than in mine," added the
professor, cynically; for, intellectually, the cook and
the captain appeared to be on the same level to himl;
and as a professor of Greek, he did not regard it as
any more derogatory to his dignity not to know anything of the principles of seamanship than to be ignorant of the art of making a soup.
" The order which I have written, and which I shall
transmit to Captain Kendall as soon as the squadron
comes to anchor, will set the matter right," said Mr.
Lowington.
"Do 3OLI insist on issuing that order?" asked Mr.
Hamblin.
"I do."
"Let me say that Mr. Stoute did not indorse my
course, and that in future I will give Mr. Kendall
permission to leave the class whenever he desires
to do so."
"LThat is very well, sir; but, under the circurnmstances, I cannot permit the captain to be embarrassed even by the necessity of asking permission.
If, by any diffidence on his part, he should delay
asking leave to go on deck, serious mishaps might
OCCur."
"' Then I am to be subject to the will of that boy?"
said the professor, disgusted at the thought.' Not unless you are connected with the sailing department of the vessel.  You are simply prevented
from exercising your will over him, to the detriment
of his duties as a navigator."



YOUNG AMERICA IN HOLLAND AND BELGIUM. 99
" In this light the case looks different to me," added
the professor, who was laboring to recede from his
position as gracefully as possible.  " I am willing to
permit the captain to have his own will in all matters
pertaining to the management of the vessel, as I ala
to allow the cook entire freedom in making his soup."
" Then nothing more need be said, and you can resume your position on board of theJosephine at once."
" I am not entirely satisfied about that order, -Mr.
Lowington," added Mr. Hamblin.
"Why not?"
" Because that sustains Mr. Kendall and condemns
me in a public and formal manner."
" That is precisely what I intend to do."
"It amounts to sacrificing me, by placing me in a
derogatory position. I have not transcended the pow er
given me, and it is not right that I should be formally
condemned."
" The order passes no judgment upon the past; it
relates to the future only.  Captain Kendall must
understand that he has full liberty to go when and
where he pleases, in the discharge of his duty.  I
am confident he will not abuse this liberty."
" But I am to stand before him in this business as
a whipped puppy. Couldn't you give him the order
verbally, and explain my position to him? "
" What is your position?" demanded the principal,
with a smile.
" I mean simply that in detaining him  I erred
through a want of knowledge of seamanship."' I can explain that; but I think it would be better
for you to do so."



o00         DIKES AND DITCHES, OR
" For me! " gasped the professor. " Why, sir, that
would he an apology! "
" It would be merely an explanation, which would
come more gracefully from you than from any other
person."' I don't think so, sir. It would be lowering myself before him."
" As you please, Mr. Hamblin. I will explain the
matter myself, when I give him the order."
"' If you could give him the order verbally, it would
be better."
" No; he must have the written order to show to
allny professor who disputes his authority. But Cap'
tain Kendall will never give you any trouble. He is
manly and gentle, and he will not take advantage of
his position."
"' I think he. will have abundant ground to manifest
his triumph."
" lile will not do anything of the kind. If any officer
of the Josephine treats you with disrespect, he shall be
suspended at once from office."
"LThat is very proper, sir," added Mr. Hamblin,
heartily.
The learned gentleman let himself down as easily
as possible. He had consented to remain rather than
subject the principal to the great inconvenience and
delay of procuring a new instructor. Captain Kendall was to be independent only.in the sailing department, in which he had no disposition to interfere,
any more than with the cook. IHe regarded it as a
bitter necessity which compelled him to return to
tdie Josephine; for he could not forego the pecuniary



YOUNG AMERICA IN HOLLAND AND BELGIUM. 10I
advantage and the opportunity of visiting the classic
lands which the voyage presented; but, though he
yielded with what grace he could command, he was
dissatisfied with Mr. Lowington, and more dissatisfied with Paul.
To go back to the consort unsustained was almost
like going to a dungeon for a capital crime, to which
nothing but personal interest induced him to submit.
If the captain did not enjoy his triumph, it would be
a degree of forbearance which be could not comprehend.  But he was quite certain that the captain
would " put on airs," abuse his absolute liberty, and
perhaps snub his teacher before the class.  Mr.
Hamblin expected this, and made up his mind to
be on the lookout for it.
After dinner Mr. Lowington suggested that his services must be much needed on board of the Josephine,
and proposed to send him to her at once. Mr. Hamblin consented, and as the consort kept astern of the
ship, the latter was hove to, and the professor's barge
lowered. Mr. Lowington went with the learned gentleman, and agreeably to his promise, made a fuill explanation to Paul, while the instructor, without a word
to any one, hastened to the steerage, and called his
class, just as though nothing had occurred. It was
observed that he was unusually sour, crabbed, and
precise, and all the students were. anxious to know
how the question of discipline had been settled.
" Read this order, if you please, Captain Kendall,"
said the principal, when he had conducted him to the
cabin, where they were alone.
"I have no desire to leave my class, unless my duty
9*



102          DIKES AND DITCHES, OR
to the vessel requires it," added Paul, after he had read
the order.
" I did not suppose you had; but 3you will keep that
order ill your pocket, and remember that your first duty
is to your ship and crew."
" I suppose you have learned by this time, sir, the
reason why we did not take il sail sooner on Saturday," continued Paul, blushing deeply.
" I have. Professor I-Iamblin feels very badly about
this matter. At the time of it, he believed he was right,
for he knows less about a vessel than even the chaplain of the ship.  He acknowledges now that he was
in error.  Our rules did not before apply with sufficient distinctness to your particular case, as captain of
the vessel, responsible for her proper navigation. Mr.
Hlamblin did not overstep the letter of his duty in
refusing you permission to go on deck, and I only
blame him for his want of judgment.  By this order,
which corrects the ship's rules, you are made independent in all imatters relating to the management of
the vessel."
" I think there can be no trouble now, sir," rev
plied Paul, delighted to find that his conduct was
approved.
" I hope not; and I do not expect any."
Mr. Lowington returned to the ship, satisfied that
he had healed the wounds of both the sufferers. Paul
was happy, and he determined to treat the professor
with the utmost deference and kindness, and thus
remove the remembrance of the difficulty.  At four
o'clock, after the squadron had passed Beveland, and
entered the Belgian territory, Paul went down to



YOUNG AMERICA IN HOLLAND AND BELGIUM. i03
recite his Greek, as usual. He could not help seeing
that Mr. HIamblin's lip quivered, and that he was
laborinlg under strong emotions, when he took his
place at the mess table. The captain was hardly less
embarrassed, but he hoped an opportunity would soon
occur for him to perform some kind act for the irritated gentleman.
When the recitation was nearly finished, and both
parties had recovered their self-possession, the vessel
gave a sudden'. bump," which nearly tipped the professor off his stool; but he righted himself, and was
too much absorbed in his favorite study to think of
the incident for a moment.' Mr. Terrill directs me to report to you that the
vessel is aground!" said one of the midshipmen, in
breathless haste, touching his cap to the captain.
Paul blushed deeply, and was intensely annoyed at
this repetition of the circumstances of Saturday; but
there was no alternative but for him to go on deck.
"Will you excuse me, Mr. Hamblin? " asked Paul,
rising.
The professor bowed, but made no reply in words.
He wondered if the vessel had not been run aground
on purpose to mortify and annoy him. He was inclined to think that such was the case, and that it had
been done to enable the captain to display his absolute
authority.
Paul went on deck; but the pilot assured him that
the accident would not subject the vessel to half an
hour's delay, for the tide was rising very rapidly. He
hadt run her a little too near a shoal, while the Young
Ainerica, by keeping in mid channel, had gone cleanr.



104          DIKES AND DITCHES, OR
There was nothing for the captain to do on deck, and
he returned to his class. The Josephine came off
the ground within the half hour, and by putting on
more sail overhauled the ship before she reached
Antwerp.
" Here is the city, Paul," said Dr. Winstock, as the
Josephine rounded a bend in the river. "You can
see the spire of Antwerp Cathedral."
" I see it, sir. I have heard a great deal about it.
This is farther than we have been from the sea since
we sailed."
"Yes, it is a long pull from the sea for a sailing
vessel; but Antwerp is the only convenient port fbr
visiting the greater part of Belgium. We are only a
short distance from  Brussels, Ghent, Malines, and
Liege. I suppose we shall visit no other port in Belgium; indeed, there is no other convenient one, except
Ostend."
" There is a whole fleet of British steamers at anchor
opposite the town," said Paul, when the Josephine had
gone a little farther.
" A great many merchant steamers come up the
river. There are regular lines to London and Harwich. By the latter route you may leave Antwerp at
four in the afternoon and be in London at nine the
next morning, though the Ostend or Calais line is
quicker and better."
" Those are large steamers," added Paul, as the
squadron approached the fleet at anchor.
" Why, that's the Victoria and Albert! " exclaimed
the doctor, pointing to the largest of the ships. "' That
is the yacht of the Queen of Englancd2.'



YOUNG AMERICA IN HOLLAND AND BELGIUM. 105
" It is a pretty large yacht," replied Paul. " What
are the other steamers?"
"They are the consorts of the yacht. The one
that lies nearest to her is the Osborne, which was formerly the queen's state vessel. - The others are merely
a kind of guard of honor."
" Does it take five steamships to bring the queen over
to Antwerp?'" asked Paul, laughing.
" She must go in state when she goes," added the
doctor. " The Victoria and Albert is a ship of twenty-four hundred tons. I hope we shall have an opportunity to go on board of her."
"I hope we shall; but that is hardly to be expected."
" They do not exhibit her when she is in English
waters, but I think they do whenl she is abroad."
" All ready to moor ship, Mr. Terrill," said Paul, as
the Young America gave the signal.
The Josephine ran up to a point near the ship, and
within a couple of cables' length of the royal squadron let go her anchor. Port officers came on board,
and explained the harbor regulations s; among them,
one whose duty it was to determine the amount due
the pilot. This official " hooked " the vessel, or measured her draught. As the Josephine drew about ten
feet of water, the charge was one hundred and ninety.
eight francs.
Everything was made snug on board; the ropes
were carefully coiled, and all the running rigging
hauled taut; for, lying near the queen's yacht, Paul
desired to have the vessel present her best appearance.
The work of the day was ended, and the students were



Io6          DIKES AND DITCHES, OR
at liberty to observe the strange scenes around them.
There was the city of Antwerp, but it was not much
difi'erent firom any other city. The Scheldt formed a
crescent in front of the town, and there was a multitude of vessels lying at the quays, as the space on the
shore is called. The river is about fifteen hundred
feet wide, and deep enough to float a ship of the line.
The city is very strongly fortified, on both sides of the
river.
[-IHere we are, for a week or two," said Pelham  to
the first lieutenant, after all the ship's duty had been
performed.
" I suppose so," replied Terrill. " It seems to me
just as though we had been sailing down hill ever
since we came into the river. Hark i "
It was just six o'clock, and the chime of bells on the
great Cathedral played a silver-toned melody which
was almost enchanting.
1' I should not object to hearing that every hour,"
said Pelham, when the tune was finished. " Do they
play the same tune over again?"' I'ml sure I don't know," replied Terrill.
" They have a different tune for each hour of the
day, and play the entire music of an opera," interposed Dr. Winstock. " They give a short strain
at the quarter hour, and a longer one at the half
hour."
"' That will be music all day long."
" Yes, and all night long," added the surgeon, as he
walked away with the captain.
" I wish he were going to stay on board instead of
that solemn old lunatic, the Greek and Latin humn



YOUNG AMERICA IN HOLLAND AND BELGIUM. 107
bug," said Terrill, who had a habit of speaking his
mind very plainly.
" Do you know how the row was settled between
him and the captain? " asked Pelham.
" I do' not; but I am confident Mr. Lowington sustained the captain," answered Terrill.  " I was in
hopes that we had got rid of him when he went on
board of the ship yesterday, and I was mad when I
saw him coming back to-day noon."
" There is not a fellow in the Josephine that didn't
have the same thought," added Pelham. " I don't see
why a man need try to make himself as disagreeable
as he does. All the students were willing to treat
him with respect, and get their lessons well; but he
is as crank as an alderman."
", I wish we could get rid of him," suggested
Terrill.
"' Of course we can't do that," replied Pelham, who
was not disposed to get into any more scrapes.
" We might inake the Josephine uncomfortable for
him," suggested Terr-ll.
" We might; but I think we had better not," added
the prudent Pelham, made wise by experience, as the
bell for the cabin supper rang.
Professor Hamblin looked unusually gloomy and
morose, but he labored perseveringly to keep up his
dignity. Paul sat at the head of the table, ordinarily
with his officers on each side of him in the order of
their rank; but oh the present occasion, Dr. Winstock
occupied the place at. his right. At the opposite end
of the board was Mr. Halmblin, with the fat professor
on his right. Behind the captain's chair stood the



to8         DIKES AND DITCHES, OR
head steward, while the second steward was stationed
near the instructors.
Mr. Hamblin occasionally cast a furtive glance at
the young commander; but Paul seemed to be as
composed as though nothing had happened to disturb the friendly relations between them. Though he
did not observe it, Terrill persisted that the learned
gentleman looked " ugly," and would make another
row as soon as he could get a chance.
"I can see through the mainsail when there is a
hole in it," said the executive officer to Pelham, when
they went on deck again. c If there wasn't mischief
in Mr. Hamblin's eye, there never was mischief in any
man's eye."
" What do you mean?" asked Pelham.
" You know the old lunatic threatened to have the
captain suspended for leaving the class. He failed in
that, and if he don't try it again, I'm mistaken in the
man."
" Of course he won't make any more complaints
till he has something to complain of, and Paul won't
give him a chance."
" I don't suppose he will voluntarily; but his conduct will be distorted. I tell you the professor is
ugly, and he hates the captain as badly as a Christian
can."
" He hasn't improved his popularity on board by
what he has done."
" Every fellow on the Josephine is down upon him.
There'll be a row on board soon, in my opinion,"
added Terrill, as Dr. Winstock and Paul came on
deck.



YOUNG AMERICA IN HOLLAND AND BELGIUM. 109
A boat was lowered to send the surgeon on board
the ship. Paul accomnpanied him; and on the way
they went up to the gangway of the Victoria and
Albert, and ascertained that visitors would be admitted to the ship on the following day, from ten till
four.
I0



I TO         DIKES AND DITCHES, OR
CHAPTER VII.
THE LECTURE ON BELGIUM.
A LL hands, attend lecture on board ship, ahoy!"..L Jshouted the boatswain of the Josephine, as the
signal to this effect appeared on the.Young America.
Ordinarily this call was not an agreeable one; for
the students had voted that it was " dull music" to
listen to a stupid lecture on geography and history;
but in the present instance it was not so. The information communicated in regard to England and
Scotland was so fimiliar to them that it was robbed
of its interest; but the school-books contained only
very meagre allusions to Holland and Belgium. Many
of them had read Mr. Motley's eloquent descriptions
of the bravery and devotion to principle of the Dutch
people in their civil wars and in their terrible conflict
with the Spaniards, and they were desirous of knowing more about the country and its inhabitants.
Holland is in itself an exceedingly interesting country. The students had seen something of its dikes and
ditches, and were anxious to see more. The region
seemed to be very much like a ship; for it was necest
sary to keep the water out as much as possible, and to
pump out that which leaked in or rained in. The
boys were to go on shore, and they desired to under



YOUNG AMERICA IN HtOLL.AND AND BELGIUM. I II
stand something of the history of the country, in order
to appreciate the various objects which commemorated
mighty events in the past. The citadel of Antwerp
was in sight at a bend up the river, and they were
curious to know its antecedents.
On both vessels the libraries had been ransacked foi
information by the more enthusiastic of the pupils, and
many interesting facts had been gleaned fiom the volumes; but those who knew the most about the country
were the most anxious t6 know more. With only a
few exceptions, therefore, the " call to lecture," on the
present occasion, was a welcome one. The boats were
lowered, and all hands in the Josephine, including the
professors, went on board of the ship, leaving the vessel in charge of the adult forward officers.
Mr. Mapps had already made his preparations in
the steerage, and on the foremast hung a large Dutch
map of the Netherlands. The students filed in and
took their seats.  The professor looked unusually
pleasant and enthusiastic, probably because he felt
that his wares were in demand.' Young gentlemen, before you is the map of the
Netherlands," hie began. " For our present purpose,
the termn must include both Holland and Belgium; for
until 1830 the two were one country, the latter having
had, for no long period, a separate political existence
till that time.'" The Dutch name of the country is _Aederlande;;
the French name, Pays-Bas; both of which have the
same meaning -I low countries.' By this time you
have realized the literal significance of the term; for
nearly all the region consists of an immense low plain,



-12          DIKES AND DITCHES, OR
intersected by rivers or arms of the sea. A reference
to the physical geography of Europe shows you that
the great northern plain, containing nine titmes the
area of France, or about one half the area of Europe,
extends from  the Ural Mountains to the German
Ocean.
"Doubtless the whole re-ion now included in the
Netherlands was once a mere swamp, a wild and useless morass, unfit for the habitation of nlan. Three
great rivers, you perceive on the map, have their
course, in whole or in part, through Holland and
Belgium - the Rhine, the Maas, or Meuse, and the
Scheldt.
"By a reference to your navigation charts, young
gentlemen, you will often find banks and bars thrown
up at the mouths of rivers.  At the mouth of the
Scheldt, several miles from  the shore, there are
Thornton's  Ridge, The  Rabs, Schouwen  Bank,
Steen Banks, and others of similar formation.  At
the mouth of the Mississippi, in our own country,
you are aware that large vessels find great difficulty
in getting over the bar.  If we take a tumbler full
of Mississippi water, after heavy rains in the northwest, and let it stand a few moments, a thick sediment
settles at the bottom.  This sediment forlms thie bar
at the mouth of the river.  The sand and inmud are
carried down by the current, and when the water
has a chance to rest, it deposits its burden upon the
bottom."'; But why in that particular place?" asked an interested student.
*" Because the current of the river comes to a halt



YOUNG AMERICA IN HOLLAND AND BELGIUM. 113
where it meets the inflowing tide of the gulf, or
when it has spent its force.  These bars are sometimes formed by currents resultilng from  the combined action of the sea and the flow of the river, or
by winds. A heavy gale has been known to change
the aspect of a coast, to shut up a harbor, or to open
one where there had before been no inlet. Cape Cod
presents some remarkable instances of these physical
revolutions.
"~ The great rivers of the Netherlands, in like manner, have brought down their sands and mud, and deposited them on what now forms the slhore of the
country.  The forces of the ocean, against which
the Dutchman of to-day has to contend for the preservation of his life and property, assisted in making
this country.a habitable region. Certain westerly e:nd
south-westerly winds drive the waters of the Atlantic
into the German Ocean. The coast of the country,
yov see by the map, is exposed to the longest sweep
of the wind from the north-west, and the most violent
tempests to which Holland is exposed come firom that
direction. Now, what is the effect of these storms?"
" They pile up the sand-bars," replied Captain
Kendall.
" Precisely so; the dunes and ridges of sand which
border the country from the straits of Dover to the
Texel are caused by these violent winds firom the
north-west. The effect of this piling up of the sands
was eventually to limit, in a measure, the boundary
of the sea. The dunes and ridges formed the foundation for the dikes which the industrious and persevering Dutchman has erected upon them, and by
10 *



.II4         DIKES AND DITCHES, OR
which he has made his country.  For the want of
time, I shall defer the physical features of Holland,
and a more particular description of its dikes and
ditches, to a future occasion.  In what country are
we now?"
"In Belgium, sir," replied McLeish, who always
answered when he could, though in general knowledge he was far behind his American classmates.' "What is the French name?"
Lca Beigiz2.e."
" The German?"
" Belgien."
"What is the French adjective?"
11 Belge."' There is a liberal newspaper published at Brussels, the capital of Belgium, which is often quoted as
political authority in the United States, called the
Indfejendcance Belge. What does the term mean?"
"' The Belgian Independent,' or' The Independent
Belgian,' " laughed Pelham.
" But the first word is a noun."' The Belgian Freeman,' or something of that sort."
"Doubtless it will bear that rendering, though it
means literally'Belgian Independence.'  Belgium
is bounded on the north, and partly on the east, by
Holland; mostly on the east by the Rhenish provinces of Prussia, forming a part of Germany; on the
southll-west by France; and on the north-west by the
German' Ocean. It has an area of eleven thousand
three hundred and thirteen miles; that is, it is about
the size of Maryland, or of Massachusetts and Connecticut united.



YOUNG AMERICA IN HOLLAND AND BELGIUM. I I5
" Its population in 1863 was about five millions,
equal to the aggregate of New York and MRassachusetts.  In New  England, in I86o, there were fifty
persons to the square mile; in Massachusetts, which
is the most densely peopled of the United States, one
hundred and seventy; but Belgium has four hundred
and forty souls to the square mile, and is the most
thiclkly-settled country in the world.
" Belgium contains nine provinces, the largest of
which, in area, is Luxembourg, though it is one of the
smallest in population. The largest in population is
East Flanders."
" Flanders! " exclaimed Terrill; " I was hoping
you would say something about Flanders, for I had
an idea it was Belgium."
"' It is a part of it. Flanders has belonged to France,
Spain, Austria, and Holland, at times; but it was divided into two provinces by the King of Holland, and
became a part of the United Kingdom  of Belgium
when it was established in 1830. It figures largely
in history, and' our army in Flanders' is a proverb.
" The soil of Belgium is generally sandy and poor;
but, by skill and industry, the people obtain large
crops from it. In a country so densely peopled there
could not be many large farms, and the majority of
the farmlers cultivate what would not be more than
a garden in Atnerica; but the system of agriculture
is not surpassed by that of any country in the world.
Flax-raising is the principal occupation of the farmers; but grasses and roots receive particular attention.
Horses, cattle, and sheep are raised in great numbers.' The manufactures of Belgium are very celebrated.



I I6         DIKES AND DITCHES, OR
The laces of Brussels and Mechlin (Malines) have the
highest reputation.  Linen goods, carpets, woollens,
cottons, hosiery, are largely produced.  The foreign
and domestic commerce of Belgium, largely carried
on through the port of Antwerp, is extensive.
" Belgium is a flat country, as'we have said. There.are no mountains, though in the provinces of Liege
and Brabant the American traveller will find a variety
of scenery similar to that in the eastern part of Massachusetts and Connecticut. This portion of Belgium
is a beautiful garden.
"The government, according to the charter of I83I,
is a constitutional, representative, and hereditary monarchy; that is, it has a constitution, a parliament, and
the oldest son of the king is his successor. The king's
person is declared to be sacred, and his ministers, instead of himself, are held responsible for the government acts. The legislative branch consists of a senate
and a chamber of representatives; -but the king must
sign their acts before they can become laws.
"The members of both houses of the legislature
are chosen by the people, and are called deputies.
Only citizens who pay a certain amount of direct
taxes can vote.  The deputies who live out of the
town in which the session is -held are paid sixty-two
dollars a month.  They are:elected for four years,
half every two years.  The political privileges of the
people are only less than those of our own country.
"The present king is Leopold I.*  He is seventyfour years old, and for the last fifty years has been a
* Leopold I. died Dec. Io, i865, and was succeeded by his
son, Leopold II.



YOUNG AMERICA IN HOLLAND AND BELGIUM. I I 7
tnan of mark in Europe. He was for some time in
the service of the Emperor of Russia, and went to
England with the allied sovereigns, in I814, where
he became acquainted with, and afterwards married,
the Princess Charlotte, daughter of George IV.; but
she died within two years.  In I83o Leopold was
elected King of Greece; but he finally refused the
crown, because the conditions he made were not
complied with. In I83I he was elected King of the
Belgians, and was crowned the same year.  The
next year he married Louise, the daughter of Louis
Philippe, King of France.  Leopold, Duke of Brabant, will succeed him.  He has several other sons
and daughters, among them  Marie Charlotte, wife
of Maximilian, Archduke of Austria, who has been
elected Emperor of Mexico. Leopold is one of the
richest men in Europe.
" Nearly all the people of Belgium are Roman
Catholics, there being but about thirteen thousand
Protestants and two thousand Jews; but the largest
religious liberty is allowed to all sects.  A portion
of the salary of ministers of all denominations is paid
from the national treasury. While the Catholics receive seven hundred thousand dollars from the state,
the Protestants obtain eleven thousand, and the Jews
two thousand dollars. The salary paid by the state
to the archbishop is four thousand two hundred dollars, and to a bishop about three thousand.
" The history of Flanders is substantially the early
history of Belgium. Many changes were made in the
territorial limit of the country firom time to time, in
the hands of its different owners. The first mention



I18          DIKES AND DITCHIES, OR
of this country in history is in the time of Julius Cmesar,
who conquered tile Low Countries, and the Romans
held them till the year 400, when they were joined to
the empire of the Franks. They formed part of the
vast realm of Charlemagne.
"After the Romans had abandoned the territory,
several independent nobles established themselves in
the southern part of the Netherlands. Among them
were the Counts of Flanders, who became very powerful and influential men. They are to be regarded as
the founders of the Flemish provinces.  I-Having no
male heirs, their possessions went to the house of
Burgundy. Philip, Duke of Burgundy, married Margaret, Countess of Flanders, and, upon the death of
her father, she brought to him the country of Flanders
and other valuable possessions.
" During the succeeding hundred years, Namur,
Brabant, Limbourg,  Hainault, Holland, Zealand,
Friesland, and Luxembourg, all of which now belong
to Holland and Belgium, were added to the territories
of the Dukes of Burgundy. At this period appears
the powerful but rash and cruel Charles the Bold.
His life was spent in open or secret strife with Louis
XI., king of France, whose suzerain, or nominal vassal, he was. The king was instrumental in stirring up
rebellion in several cities of the Low Countries, which
the duke put down with his accustomed severity.
" Charles, in revenge, having leagued with some
discontented French princes, Louis secretly fomented
an insurrection in Li6ge. When the blow was first
struck, the crafty king was paying a visit to his
cousin of Burgundy, as he called the duke, who,



120          DIKES AND DITCHES, OR
this work will do so, as many of you can, here in the
midst of the scenes described in its glo!u.w'ng pages.'Philip was a bigot and a tyrant, and his despotism,
which included tlhe establishlincat of tile Inlqi:isition,
drove t!ie people to madness, and provoked them to
rebellion. During the reigan of Charles V. tile Reformation had made considerable progress in Germany,
and its principles were firmly planted in the Low
Countries.  Philip imposed upon himself the duty of
rooting out the obnoxious doctrines, and of restoring
the supremacy of the Catholic church.
"After his accession to the Netlerlands, the king
remained four years in the country, and then departed
for Spain, froin which he did not again return. Ilie
made his sister regent, and she was to be assisted by
Granvelle, Bishop of Arras.  WVilliam, Prince  of
Orange, and the Counts Egmont and Horn, were associated with the bishop as councillors, but they had no
real power or influence.
" The despotic conduct of Granvelle, and the attempt on his part to introduce the Inquisition, by order
of his royal master, excited the most desperate opposition.  The people organized under the lead of the
Prince of Orange, and Egmont and Horn, and an insurrection broke out in Flanders, in I566.  These
Protestant rebels have been styled iconoclasts, or image-breakers, for they broke into the churches, overturned the images, defaced the valuable paintings, and
otherwise injured the church property.
" The famous Caoti.ecI of Notle Dame, which you
can see from the deck of the ship, was ravaged by the
mob. The statues of Christ, the Virgin, and the Saints



122          DIKES AND DITCHES, OR
which the Dutch suffered up to the limit of human
endurance, and displayetc  a lheroismn which is without
parallel in the history of the nations.
"The Prince of Orange was created Stadtholder;
almost unlimited powers were conferred upon him,
and for years he struggled against the most stupendous obstacles.  The Dutch, being a maritime people, established a navy, which inflicted many heavy
blows upon the Spanish power. The severity of Alva
so goaded the Netherlanders that the whole country
was in arms against him. He failed to reduce themn to
subjection, and was recalled. - His next two eminent
successors died of fever, and the Duke of Parn-a was
then sent as regent of Philip. In I579 the northern
provinces declared their independence, and established
the Dutch Republic, or the Seven United Provinces,
of which the Prince of Orange was stadtholder.
" Philip was so incensed at the success of the Prince
of Orange that he offered a large reward to any one
who would take his life, and a fanatical Burgundian
shot him at Delft, in I584. WVith this event Mr. Motley closes his History of the Rise of the Dutch Republic.' Belgium  adhered to Spain, or, rather, the Duke
of Parma succeeded in reducing it to subjection after
the murder of the stadtholder.  In I598 Philip gave
the Flemish provinces to his daughter Isabella. But on
her death without children, the country again reverted
to Spain. After more than a century of strife, including the Thirty Years' VTar, the repeated quarrels between England and Spain, and France and Spain, and
the War of the Spanish Succession, during which



YOUNG AMERICA IN HIOLLANTD AND BELGIUM. I 23
period the Low Countries were often the battle-ground,
Belgium passed into the hands of the Austrians.
" In settling up the disastrous strife of the century,
the treaty-mnaking powers had given several of the
Belgian fortresses to Holland, in order to check the
ambition of France, and the Dutch closed the Scheldt.
After an interval of peace under Maria Theresa of
Austria, her son, Joseph II., attempted to break
through portions of the treaties, and obliged the troops
of Holland to evacuate his territory, but he could not
open the river~ He was rash in his proceedings, and
a rebellion was organized against him.
"About this time commenced the French Revolution, whose influence extended to the Low Countries,
and in I789 the Austrian garrison at Brussels was
forced to surrender. But the people were not united,
and their dissensions enabled the Austrians to regain
their power. The French Directory sent an army to
assist the Belgians, the Austrians were driven firom
the country, and Belgiumn  was incorporated with
France.
" Napoleon, while lie controlled the destinies of
France, devoted much attention to the Flemish provinces, and especially to the city of Antwerp. WVhen
you go on'hore you will see immense docks and fortifications built by him.  He intended to make it a
great naval station, and it would have been of vast
importance to him in carrying out his plans for the
invasion of England. The works on the opposite side
of the river, called' Tete de Flandre,' were the be,
ginning of an immense military town.  During this
period England was almost continually at war. with



124         DIKES AND DITCHES, OR
France, and several expeditions were sent against
Holland and Belgium.
"' When Napoleon abdicated, the Flemish Provinces
were restored to Austria; but when the allies who
had overthrown Napoleon finally disposed of their conquests, Holland and Belgium were united, and given
to the Stadtholder, who had adhered to the allies. He
was styled William I., King of the Netherlands.
" The two sections could not agree; the Dutch regarded Belgium as a conquered province, and were
not at all conciliatory in their treatment of the new
acquisition.  The Belgians were essentially French
in their habits, and disliked the Dutch.  In I830
they revolted against their masters, the insurrection
extended to the principal cities, and the king called
upon the great powers who had given him the country. A congress assembled in London at his request,
which, however, decreed the independence of Belgium.
" The people first elected a son of Louis Philippe
king; but he declined, and Leopold was then chosen.
King William, of Holland, protested, and in spite of
the treaty, held the city of Antwerp. A French army
was sent to the assistance of Leopold; Antwerp capitulated, but it was not till 1839 that Holland made a
treaty with Belgium, acknowledging her independence. Leopold strengthened his position by marrying a daughter of the King of France; and his son
and heir, the Duke of Brabant, was married to Marie,
Archduchess of Austria.
" In I848, when Louis Philippe was overthrown in
France, some disturbance occurred, and Leopold



YOUNG AMERICA IN HOLLAND AND BELGIUM. I25
offered to abdicate; but his proposition was not accepted, and he wisely and skilfully led his government
through all the troubles of that excitable period. He
is a wise and prudent statesman, and as such hlas had
a great deal of influence in Europe.
"Now, young gentlemen, I trust you will not be
satisfied with this meagre sketch of the interesting
country we are now visiting, but will read up the subject so that you will understand it better."
Mr. Mapps left his position, and the studies of the
morning were commenced.  After dinner the usual
shore liberty was given, the allowances paid inll
French francs, a supply of which had been procured
in London, and the students were landed. Instead of
going on shore immediately, Dr. WVinstock and Paul
paid a visit to the Victoria and Albert.
At the gangway they found the steward of the ship,
who volunteered to conduct them  through the vessel.
There was nothing strikingly peculiar in the exterior
of the yacht, except that she had large, square windows, composed of a single pane of glass, in her upper
saloons and cabins; but the steward informed the visitors that these were replaced in heavy weather by
wooden shutters, having only the small, round ports
in them.
Between the paddle-boxes was a large open space,
covered over by the hurricane deck. On each side,
abaft the wheels, was a small apartment, or pavilion,
with large glass windows, elegantly cushioned and
furnished, where the royal passengers could sit in
rough weather, and look out upon the sea. On the
hurricane deck was a spacious dining-saloon.
II *



126          DIKES AND DITCHES, OR
From the open space between the wheels, the steward conducted Dr. Winstock and Paul to a passageway, at the after end of which was a salcon called
the breakfist-room. Its length corresponded with the
width of thle vessel, and one side was round, being
formed at the stern of the vessel, in which were several of the large square windows, so that the apartment was very light and pleasan-t.
On each side of the passage-way were several apartments, arranged in suits. Returning to the open space
amidships, the party entered the forward room on the
starboard side.
" This is the room of the first lady in waiting," said
the steward, as they went in.'" I should say the first lady in waiting was well
accomrmodated," said Paul, laughing, as he glanced at
the spacious apartment.
" But she may be a countess," replied the steward,
leading the way to the next room.  "This is the
queen's bed-chamber."
There was a large bed in this room, which looked
just like anybody's bed; but it was by no means so
elegant as the young republican  had  anticipated.
The apartment was rich and costly in its furnishings,
but there was none of the magnificence which one
would have expected to find in the room of a queen.
"This is the dressing-room of Prince Albert," added
the steward, entering the next room.  "Her majesty
allows no one to occupy it since the death of his
highness."
Beyond this, on the same side, were shown several rooms appropriated to the use of the princesses.



YOUNG AMERICA IN HOLLAND AND BELGIUM. I27
They corresponded in style with those of the queen;
but in nothing connected with the yacht was there any
gaudy display. The party went to the opposite side,
and were shown several rooms like those they had just
seen, which were occupied by the princes. The forward room on the port side was the drawing-room.
It was larger than any other except the breakfast-room,
but did not appear to be extravagantly furnished;
everything seemed to be provided for comfort rather
than show.
The conductor then led them forward, where, on
each side of a passage, were four rooms, each provided with a handsome, narrow  bedstead, which the
steward said were for the use of the lords and ladies
in waiting. Forward of these, in the bow of the vessel, was the kitchen, a three-cornered room like that
on the Young America, with a large galley or cooking-range in the middle.
Below the royal apartments, in the after part of the
ship, were the cabins for the servants. As the steward
led his guests towards the gangway, Dr. Winstock
took out his purse.
"Never mind that just now," interposed their con,
ductor, " especially as there is the captain."
Paul Wondered if the doctor intended to insult a
person of so much consequence as the steward of the
queen's yacht must be, by ofIfering him money. He
glanced at the captain, who was a fine-looking man,
in naval uniform, as the steward led the way to the
accommodation steps.  The doctor slyly slipped a
couple of English shillings into the man's hand, and
they went down into their boat.



128          DIKES AND DITCHES, OR'What did you give him, sir?" asked Paul.
Two shillings."
"Well, it seems to me the steward of any American
passenger steamer would be angry if you gave him
two shillings for his services."
"If I had not met these men before, I should not
have dared to do it; but it is expected,"' replied the
doctor.
The boat pulled up to the Qlai Vandyck, and Paul
for the first time put his foot upon the continent of
Europe.



YOUNG AMERICA IN HOLLAND AND BELGIUM. 1 Z9
CHAPTER  VIII.
ANTWERP AND RUBENS.
~;67OHERE  shall we go first, Paul?" asked Dr.. Winstock, when they landed upon the quay.
" I don't know, sir; I think I shall be interested
wherever we go. This is a big city - isn't it?"
" Its population is hardly more than half of what
it was in the days of its greatest prosperity. In the:
days of Charles V. it is said that twenty-five hundred
vessels were frequently seen at one time in the river.
It had two hundred thousand inhabitants, and was'
then the richest and most thriving commercial city in
Eturope. You perceive that this long line of quays
affords plenty of wharf room. Indeed the name of
the city is. said to be derived from a Flemish phrase,' aen't wve.f/,' which means on the wharf, or on the
quay."
"' Mr. Motley tells another story -about its name.
He says the people claim that the city is very old, and
that a giant by the name of Antigonus, established
himself on the river at this place, and set up a kind
of custom-house. He required half the merchandise
of those who went up the river. He used to cut off
the right hands of those who attempted to smuggle,
and throw them into the river. In this-way Hand



YOUNG AMERICA IN I-IHOLLAND AND BELGIUM. I31
elegant establishment. He had a great number of
pupils, and at one period in his career they painted
no inconsiderable part of his pictures. He had orders
from all the crowned heads of Europe, and in many
of his works he could only make the designs and give
the finishing touches to them. IHe was very industrious, and painted rapidly, as he mnust have done to
produce so many pictures."' He humbugged his customers then - didn't he?"
" His assistants did only the heavy work, while
Rubens furnished the design, and gave the work its
finishing touches. The celebrated sculptors do not
perform all the drudgery of chiselling out a statue.
Wherever you go in Antwerp, you will hear of
Rubens. You will find his works in all the galleries, you will visit his house in the Rue Rubens, his
pictures will be shown to you in every church, and
you will see his tomb in St. Jacques."
" They have Rubens on the brain, as we should say
at home," laughed Paul.
"' Yes, and they have it badly. From this point you
have a good view of the Cathedral," added the doctor,
as they paused near the statue of Rubens, where they
could see the building over the tops of the trees.
" The steeple is very handsome. It is of the most
beautiful and delicate workmanship you will see."
"'I should think it would blow down."
" It is banded together with a framework of iron,
and the stones are held together with copper bolts."
"' How high is it? " asked Paul, as he gazed up at
the lofty spire.
"'There you have me, Paul! I don't know. In



1,34         DIKES AND DITCHES, OR
curse of the people. They do not receive the reward
of their labor. The government and the church take
the lion's share of their earnings, and thus keep them
down. This Cathedral was commenced in I352, and
finished in 14II, though another spire was to have
been built. Nearly sixty years were employed in its
erection, and probably it cost millions of dollars. Of
course the people had to pay for it. The greater portion of the expense of it lies dormant here, it being
merely an ornamental structure. It gratifies people's
tastes, it is true; but God could be acceptably worshipped in a less costly edifice. If the capital locked
up in this church had been invested in schools, colleges, and other educational institutions, it would be
a blessing to the country. What is paid in Europe
to build these grand structures for worship, and to
support the trappings of royalty, is in our own country appropriated to public schools; and the nation
reaps the benefit of themn every year of its existence."
" That's so," replied  Paul, emphatically; " and
when any foreigner says anything to me again about
our want of costly cathedrals, I shall call his attention to our schools."
1" That's right; you are an American to the core,"
laughed the doctor.
"But I don't see any reason why we should not
have as great painters in the United States as in
Europe," added Paul.
"I do see the reason. Probably we have just as
much talent for art in our nation, but the people find
that it doesn't pay so well as developing the resources
of a new country. WVhen it is possible in America



YOUNG AMERICA IN HOLLAND AND BELGIUM. 135
for a man to win the wealth and distinction which
Rubens won, we shall be as successful in art as
Europe has been; for Washington Allston, Benjamin
WVest, and others have demonstrated the capacity of our
people in this direction. The encouragement which
artists receive makes the men. There are not many
persons in our country who are willing to pay ten,
fifty, or a hundred thousand dollars for a picture. So
much money in a painting is dead capital among an
energetic people who need all they can get to carry
on agricultural, commercial, and manufacturing enterprises."
" Of course people will follow that calling which
pays best, either in money or in reputation."
" Certainly, and the number of Dutch and Flemish
artists assures us that painting has been a cherished
art in the Low  Countries.  Vandyck was another,
celebrated painter of this country. He was born in
Antwerp, and was a pupil of Rubens. There is a
story that The Descent from the Cross was thrown
down by the carelessness of a student, and badly
injured by the fall. Vandyck, who was then a pupil
of the great Flemish master, undertook to repair the
mischief with his brush, and did it so well that
Rubens declared the work was superior to his own.
This story is current in the guide-books, and in the
mouths of the commizz'ss'onaires, who point out the
places on the face of the Virgin and on the arm of
one of the Marys where the pupil touched it up.
But there is no truth in it, since the picture was hung
up in the Cathedral before Vandyck entered the studio
of Rubens."



136          DIKES AND DITCHES, OR
"I suppose these people like to tell good stories,
whether true or not."
"Yes; and you will find a man tip in this steeple
who believes that his spire is the tallest in the
world," added Dr. Winstock.
They continued on their long ascent till they
reached the region of the bells, where they found the
attendant who glories in magnifying the wonders of
the chimes and the spire. He had a small furnished
apartment, which the visitors were invited to enter,
and where he dispensed refreshments, of which no
total abstinence man could partake.  The doctor,
knowing what the nman had to say, skilfully turned
his attention away from his favorite topic, until they
were sufficiently refreshed - not by the eau de vie and
noycau, but by the rest - to explore the bell towers.
The bells composing the chime were fixed in the
lofts, which were filled with wires, cranks, and other
machinery, used in operating them. In one place
there was a bank of keys like those of an organ,
where a person could play any tune he pleased upon
the bells. The keeper had a history to relate of each
bell, many of which were contributed by kings,
princes, and lords, and bore their names. In another tower there was an immense bell, at the baptism
of which - for church bells are duly consecrated in
Catholic countries —the Emperor Charles V. stood
as godfather. It requires sixteen men to ring it; but
its peals rouse the Antwerpers only on great occasions, such as a visit of the king.
Dr. Winstock and Paul waited among the chimes
till they had played the hourly tune, and then contin



YOUNG AMERICA IN HOLLAND AND BELGIUM. 137
ued their progress to the heights above. The custodian of the steeple said there were six hundred and
sixteen steps from the bottom to the top, and a person
does not care to make the journey more than once in
his lifetime. The winding stairs passed close to the
Gothic openings of the tower, and they had an opportunity closely to observe the delicate workmanship of
the structure, which Charles V. said should be kept
in a glass case, and Napoleon compared to Mechlin
lace.
At last, out of breath, they reached the highest point
of the spire. and looked far down upon the lofty roof
of the church. The buildings of the city looked like
card houses, and a company of Belgian soldiers, marching in the streets, appeared like the pygmies who inhabited them. In the distance could be seen the towers
of Ghent, Brussels, Mechlin, and Flushing, the wandering Scheldt, and the lowv country for a vast distance. The magnificent view, and the information it
afforded, amply repaid them for the toil of ascending,
and Paul made the Cathedral the subject of an entire
letter to Miss Grace Arbuckle.
It was easier to go down than to come up, and
when they had passed out into the Place Verte, the
doctor declared that he must lunch before he walked
any farther.- The Hotel de 1'Europe faced the Park,
and Paul was desirous of seeing the interior of it.
They entered through an archway, there being no
doors on the street. There was a spacious area, or
court-yard, through which alone the house could be
reached.  In other respects the establishment was
similar to those in the United States.
I2 *



138          DIKES AND DITCHES, OR
On the continent, as in England, none but working
people take breakfast much before nine o'clock, and
the hour varies fromn this time till noon. Of late
years the practice in American hotels corresponds
with that of European ones. In the dining-room  of
the Hotel de l'Europe there aile many small tables, and
one or two long ones, the latter being used at table
d'hote, which is served at five o'clock. A hotel bill is
added, to give the reader an idea of the prices:"'HOTEL DE L'EUROPE.
Place Verte.
ANVERS.
Note "a MI. Smith,
Chambre No. 40o, A.             Fr. Cen.
Aofit 4.    Poulet et Salade,...   3.0o
I The6 Conmplet,.... I.50
Appartement,....   2.50
Bougie,......50
Service,                             I.00
5. I DejeuinT et Bifstek,               3.00
I Bifstek, Pomme de Terre,..   1.50
I3.00
Pour Acquit,
J. W. BARBER."
" One The Complet" consists of simply tea and
bread and butter, and as a franc is about twenty cents,
its price is thirty cents. A centime is the hundredth
of a franc, and fifty centimes is ten cents. If the guest
adds a beefsteak and potatoes, or any other dish, to his
meal, it just doubles the cost. The "bougie" is a



YOUNG AMERICA IN HOLLAND AND BELGIUM. I39
candle, which is charged all over Europe, at from a
quarter of a franc up to a franc. The traveller also
pays for his soap, or provides it himself. When an
" old stager" pays a franc for a candle, or a piece of.
soap, he rolls the part unused up in a paper and puts
it into his trunk; and, if at his next stopping-place, he
finds a candle in his room, he orders the waiter to remove it, and will not submit to be charged for it.
Table d'h6te is a more formal meal, and in some
large hotels much parade is made over it. The bill
of fare is usually very meagre compared with that of
the Fifth Avenue Hotel in New York, and every dish
in the programme is presented to the guest. The
charge for this meal, at first-class houses outside of
Paris, is usually four fiancs, or eighty cents.
Dr. WVinstock and Paul took a seat in the Salle d
maczger.  The student was principally anxious to
know what they had to eat, and in what manner they
served it, for he was of an inquiring mind, and fond of.making comparisons.  The most common lunch consists of cold chicken and salad, the latter being simply
lettuce prepared with oil and vinegar. Paul was disappointed, for the lunch differed hardly a shade from
the same thing at horne. Even the gentlemanly Belgian vwaiter, dressed in seemly black, spoke good English, and the " demi-poulet" was wasted upon him.
" Where shall we go now, Paul? " asked the doctor,
as they left the dining-room.
" I leave that to you, sir. You seem to be quite at
home here," replied Paul.
"' We will take a carriage, and we can'do up the
city in a few hours."



I40          DIKES AND DITCIES, OR
A  one-horse barouche was called, and a commissionai're - a kind of guide or interpreter, who assists
strangers in doing their business, or in seeing the
sights of the city - presented himself to be employed;
but Dr. Winstock, who was familiar with the place,
declined his services.
"' What was that man?" asked Paul, as the carriage
drove off to the Rue des Scurs Noires, where the Dominican Church of St. Paul is located.
" He is a conmmissionacire, interpreter, or valet de
place.  Many travellers regard such men as swindlers; but for my own part I have found them very
useful. When I first visited Antwerp I employed one.
I found him intelligent and gentlemanly, and, so far
as I could judge, not disposed to swindle me himself
or to let others do so. I paid him five francs a day,
and I amn sure he saved me more money than I paid
himtn, besides taking me in the easiest and most convenient way to the various points in the city."
"I should think such men would be very necessary-,
especially to those who cannot speak the language."
" In Amsterdam and Rotterdaml   I should have been
on my beamn-ends without them.  I never could imagine where they obtained their bad name, unless it
was from Englishmen, who are genetrally afrtaid of
being cheated, and take the alarm before there is any
real danger."
The driver stopped before the Church of St. Paul,
and the passengers alighted.  There was nothing
worthy of note in the church; but outside of it, in a
kind of garden, one of the most singular and remarkable exhibitions is open to the visitor.  It is called



142          DIKES AND DITCHES, OR
Such was the opinion of Paul Kendall, who could
hardly conceal his disgust; and ten minutes in the
place exhausted his patience. He was silent, so deep
was his feeling of dissatisfaction, until he was again
seated in the voizizre.  The next objects of interest
were the docks and basins, which were reached after
a short drive from St. Paul's. They merely passed
along the quay, making no stop, as the works could be
seen from the carriage.
"That is the house of the Hanseatic League," said
the doctor, pointing to a large ancient building.
" Vhat is the Hanseatic League?" asked Paul, who
had never even heard of it.
"' It was a commercial alliance between some of the
cities of Germany for the protection and development
of their trade. It had its origin in the thirteenth century, for the purpose of preventing piracy and shipwreck, and to encourage commerce, and, indeed, all
branches of industry. It established great warehouses
or factories in different parts of Europe, and became anl
exceedingly powerful asssociation, so much so that it
dictated the policy of sovereigns on their thrones, and
even declared and carried on war with several of the
powers of Europe.  In the fourteenth century, the
League defeated the King of Norway and Sweden. It
unseated the King of Sweden, and gave his crown to
another, and having declared war against Denmark,
sent a fleet of two hundred and fifty ships, and
thousands of troops to carry it on. In fact, the association prepared for war with England, and Edward
IV. made important concessions to avoid it.  Of



YOUNG AMERICA IN HOLLAND AND BELGIUM. I43
course the crowned heads were jealous of its power
and influence, and it was eventually broken up; but it
laid the foundation of the commercial policy of the
nations.  The League died out in I630; but I-Iamnburg, Lubec, and Bremen formed a new one, under
the name of the HIanse Towns; and Frankfort-on-theAMain afterwards joined theml."
" I have heard of the Hanse Towns," added Paul;
" but I never knew what the term meant before."
"The docks and basins here are mainly the work
of Napoleon. The great conqueror intended to make
Antwerp the first seaport of the north. The mouth
of the Thames is less than a hundred amiles friom the
mouth of the Scheldt, and he knew that, with a naval
station equal to any in the possession of England, he
could, in time of war, cripple or destroy the commerce
of his great rival.  HIe expended ten millions of dollars on these docks, basins, and fortifications.  The
English were alarmed, and in iSo9 sent the WValcheren
expedition, which obtained a foothold on that island,
but were defeated by disease and death, for seven
thousand British soldiers perished by marsh fever.
By the peace of Paris in 1814, after the battle of
Waterloo, it was stipulated that the dock-yards should
be destroyed, for they were a standing threat to the
malitime   powers; but these basins were preserved for
commercial purposes. The largest one will accomodate
thirty-four ships of the line."
The travellers continued on their way through some
of the principal streets till tzhey airrived1 at the Church
of St. Jacques, wlhich is richer iin its ornaments than
the Cathedral, containing exquisitely wrought marbles,



144         DIKES AND DITCHES, OR
carved wood, painted glass. This magnificent church
contains the burial vaults of the noble families of the
city, and among them  that of Rubens, which is
marked by a white marble tablet with a long inl
scription upon it, embedded in the pavement of his
private chapel. The Holy Family, which forms the
altar-piece of the church, was painted by the great
master.  In 1793, when the mob, incited by the
furious spirit of the French Revolution, broke into
the church, pillaging altars and tombs alike, that of
Rubens was spared from desecration by the universal
respect for his memory, though not another tomb in
St. Jacques escaped their impious touch.
The house of Rubens, situated in a street of the
same name, was visited; an outside view  of the
Bourse, or Exchange, the Hotel de Ville, or Town
Hall, and of other public buildings, was obtained.
The Citadel, built under the direction  of the cruel
Duke of Alva, to overawe the rebellious Antwerpers,
was an object of interest.  After the expulsion of
the Spaniards in I577, the people, includiug those
of high and low degree, men, women, and children,
assisted in its demolition; but it was speedily rebuilt,
and has played an important part in subsequent
sieges and insurrections. The city is surrounlded by
a continuous line of fortifications and ditches, extending from a point on the river below the city to
a point above it; and outside of this line there are
a number of detached forts to keep a hostile force
from approaching near enough to the city to shell it.
WVhen the carriage reached the Quai Vandyck, most
of the students had returned, and the boats.were in



YOUNG AMERICA IN HOLLAND AND BELGIUM. 145
waiting. They chattered like magpics about the wonders they had seen. When Captain KIendall went on
board, the nlail-bag was handed to him, and the boys
were eager to obtain their letters from home and elsewhere.
"' A letter for you, Mr. Hamblin," said the captain,
as he handed the professor a formidable envelope,
postmarked "Anvers."
The learned gentleman seemed to be astonished,
and bore the missive to his state-room.
I3



i&6         IDIKES AND DITCHES, OR
CHAPTER IX.
TROUBLE ON BOARD TH-E JOSEPHINE.
A LMOST every one on board of the Josephine
had a letter. and some had two or three. Paul
had one firom Grace, dated at Parl-is, in which she expressed a hope that, as she was to travel a few months
with her father, she might see hinm in some of her
wanderings. The young captain hoped so too, and
he read the letter a second time. Probably he read it
a third time after he went to his state-room, and a
fourth before he retired; for boys of his age are apt
to be enthusiastic in this direction.
Professor Stoute sat in the cabin. He had been all
over Antwerp, and had walked a larger part of the
distance than a man of his obesity could well endure
in a warm day. Though he was very tired, he was
very good-natured; indeed, thus far, nothing had ever
occurred to disturb his equanimity. He was exceedingly popular with the boys, and if he had fallen overboard, every one of them would have jumped in after
him. No one ever thought of disobeying him, and
consequently he never had any trouble.
While he sat there Illniing himlself with a newspaper, Mr. Hamblin came out of his state-room with
the huge envelope he had received in his hand. The



YOUNG AMERICA IN HOLLAND AND BELGIUM. I47
learned gentleman looked perplexed; in fact, he always wore an anxious expression, as though he were
in constant fear that somebody would infringe upon
his dignity, or that some of the boys did not believe
he was the wisest man since the days of Solomon.
He always walked just'-so; he always sat just so; he
always moved just so. He never was guilty of using
a doubtfitl expression. He was stern, rigid, and precise, and from the beginning all the boys had disliked
him; but since lie had behaved so unreasonably in the
squall, they could hardly endure him.
The lean professor walked up to the fat professor,
and took a stand before him. He had removed the
letter from the formidable envelope, and held it unfolded in his hand. He looked at the letter, and then at
Mr. Stoute. The fat professor laughed, but the lean
professor frowned. The jolly one knew just what the
precise one wanted, but he waited patiently for the
exordiu mn.'" Mr. Stoute, may I trouble you?" he began, after
he had put himself in proper position.' Certainly, sir," replied the fat gentleman.
" If this letter had been written in Greek or Latin,
I could have read it," continued Mr. Hamblin, glancing at the sheet.
"Precisely so; if it had been written in Greek or
Latin I could not read it," laughed Mr. Stoute.
"My French, as I have had occasion to acknowledge to you with deep humiliation, has. been neglected
for more important studies. This letter appears to
have been written by solme distinguished person, but
unfortunately he has chosen to indite it in French."



148          DIKES AND DITCHRS, OR'
" In a word, you wish me to read it to you.'' That is what I was about to request of you. May
I ask you to retire with me to our state-room?" continued Professor Hamblin, glancing at the officers who
were reading their letters in the cabin.
" Excuse me, Mr. Hamblin; you forget that I carry
round with me two hundred and odd pounds of flesh,
besides bone and muscle, and that I have been on my
feet three hours. I think, sir, if I knew this vessel was
going to the bottom  of the Scheldt this instant, I
should go down with her rather than move. Have
me excused, I pray you, and have compassion on mine
infirmities," laughed Mr. Stoute.
Mr. Hamblin was vexed, but he gave the letter to
his associate, who turned the sheet and glanced at the
signature.
4" Ah!" exclaimed he, looking at Mr. Hamblin.
" What is it?  Do me the favor to read it," replied
the learned gentleman, impatiently.
" It is fromi  Monsieur Charles Rogier, the president
of the council, -and minister of foreign affairs," added
Professor Stoute. " He is the man who organized the
revolutioni of 1830, and the greatest man in Belgium,
King Leopold excepted."
"Is it possible!" ejaculated Mr. Hamblin, struggling to keep down the smile in which his vanity
sought to manifest itself. " Wahat does he say?"
" lHe says that just as he was leaving Antwerp for
Brussels, he heard that the very learned and distinguished Professor Hamblin was on board of a vessel
at anchor in the river."
" Does he say that?" asked the learned gentleman,



YOUNG AMERICA IN HOLLAND AND BELGIUM. I49
who, knowing that Mr. Stoute had a horrid vein of
humor running through his fat frame, had, perhaps,
a suspicion that he was making fun at his expense.'' That is precisely what it says."
" How  should Mr. Rogier know  me?" queried
Mr. Hamblin.
" I was about to read his explanation on that point:
Ie says he heard of you through a friend who was in
London a few weeks since. He wished to see you
and extend to you a welcome to the kingdom of Belgium; but the command of his royal master required
him to leave Antwerp by the next train; and he was
7deprived of the pleasure of extending to you in person the expression of his distinguished consideration.
He hopes when you visit Brussels you will do him
the honor to call upon him at the Palais de la Nation,
Rue de la Soie."
";Hulmph!" ejaculated the learned professor, prolonging the interjection, and trying to suppress the
smile which had a sad tendency to overwhelm his dignity.
"You are fortunate, Mr. Hamblin," added Mr.
Stoute; "of course he will present you to King Leopold."
" Possibly," replied the Greek savanl, stroking his
chin, and frowning, to counteract the sinister influence
of the smile he could not wholly overcome.
Mr. Hamblin took the letter and read the signature.
It was certainly "' Charles Rogier," with a flourish extensive enough for any great man. From the letter
he glanced at the fat professor, who, being always
good-natured, was so now. He could not get rid 9f a
13 -



150         DIKES AND DITCHES, OR
lingering suspicion that his undignified associate was
imposing upon him. It was a great misfortune that
his own knowledge of French was so limited, and if
it had not been so late, he would have gone on board
of the ship to ask Professor Badois to translate the
epistle to him.
Instead of doing this, he went to the record book
of the Josephine, and ascertained that Duncan was
marked among the highest in French. Now Duncan
was a very polite and respectful stiudent,' and Mr.
Hamblin had a greater regard for him than for most
of his companions. Finding this promising young
man on deck, he invited him to the sacred precincts
of the professor's state-room. Duncan was even more
polite and obliging than usual. At the request of his
present host, who did not offer any explanations, he
wrote out a translation of the important letter. Mr.
Hamblin thankced him, and he retired.
There was no material difference between the translations of Mr. Stoute and Duncan, and the learned
professor congratulated himself upon the distinction
he had attained. His fame as a savant had preceded
him  across the ocean.  The king's chief minister
courted his acquaintance.  This was the homage
which greatness paid to learning, and Mr. Hamblin
was willing to believe that it was a deserved tribute.
Hie soon worked himself into a flutter of excitement,
in anticipation of being taken by the hand by the
king's chief minister, and he slept but little during
the night, so absorbed was he in the contemplation
of the distinguished honor which awaited him.
"Professor HIamblin is going to court," said Dun



YOUNG AMERICA IN htOL,AND AND BELGIUM. 151
can to his old friend the captain, when they mnet on
deck after supper.
"To court whom?" laughed Paul.
"He has had an invitation to go to court to see the
big bugs. I translated a letter for him from the mrninister of foreign affairs; and I suppose he's about the
biggest toad in the Belgian puddle," added Duncan.
" You won't be able to touch him with a ten-foot pole
after that."
" We shall get along very well with him, if we
only do our duty," said Paul.
" The fellows are not very fond of him; and if he
puts on any more airs, they won't be able to stand it."
4" Why, what's the matter, Ben? " asled Patil, anxiously, for generally everything had gone on so well
on board of the Josephine, that he dreaded any
trouble.
" 0, nothing, nothing!" laughed Duncan; " only
the fellows don't like him."
" Ben, there's something up," said Paul, earnestly.
" If the fellows think anything at all of me, they
won't make any trouble. If I don't complain of Mr.
Hamblin, they needn't."
" I don't find any fault with him myself," protested
Ben.'; I don't like him, but I have always got along
very well with him."
" What did you mean by mentioning this matter to
me, Ben?" asked Paul.
" Nothing; only I shouldn't be surprised if the fellows were to haze the venerable patriarch a little in
a quiet way. They are all down upon him."
" I am sorry for that. I hope all the fellows will



-152         DIKES AND DITCHES, OR
do their duty, and not get into any scrapes, replied
Paul, very seriously.' I am sorry, but I can't say that I blame them
much."
" I shall blame them  if they commit any act of
disrespect," said the captain, decidedly. " I hope you
will say what you can forward to keep the fellows
from doing anything that would hurt Mr. Hamblin's
feelings."
"What can I do? The old fossil doesn't treat the
students like gentlemen; and if he behaves so, what
can you expect of the fellows?  IHe is cross, crabbed,
and tyrannical."
" Have they just found it out?"
" No, but they were willing to bear it rather than
make any trouble on board. After what he did last
Saturday, they are not disposed to be so patient; and
I can't blame them much."
" What happened last Saturday was between Mr.
Hamblin and me, and the students needn't trouble
themselves about that."
"But the fellows all like you first rate, even the
worst ones we have on board; and there are some
pretty hard boys here," laughed Duncan.
" If they like me, they will not get up a row."
" I will take care that all of tlhem know just how
you feel," said Duncan, concluding to end the conversation at this point, for the subject of these remarks had just come on deck.
The learned gentleman appeared to carry his head
even higher, and to be more dignified, stiff, and reserved, than usual. With an invitation in his pocket



YOUNG AMERICA IN HOLLAND AND BELGIUM. 153
to visit the greatest statesman in Belgium, he felt like
a very exalted personage; for not even Mr. Lowington had been so highly favored. Mr. Hamblin was
puffed up and swelled out by the honor the great man
had done him, and as he walked up and down the
deck, the students might have known by his air, if
they had not been told of the fact, that greatness had
suddenly been thrust upon him.
It presently occurred to hirm that the principal had
not been informed of the distinguiisled consideration
in which the government of Belgium regarded the
Josephine's senior instructor. It was important that
he should know it, for the fact would certainly elevate
him in the estimation of the principal, and cause him
to regret that in the recent difficulty lie had not more
fully sustained his notable professor.  Besides, he
wished to make some arrangements which would
permit him to visit the Palais de la Nation, and to
dine with the minister, if he should be invited, as he
had no doubt he should be.
With as much sternness on his wrinkled face as he
could assume, he walked forward to demand a boat
of Captain Kendall. As he was passing in the waist,
a coil of signal line dropped down from  the gaff
above, square upon the top of his hat, forcing it far
down upon his head.  Mr. Hamblin immediately
threw himself into an undignified passion. When he
had with some difficulty extricated his head from the
linings of his hat, he looked tip to see who had been
guilty of this act of flagrant disrespect.
" I beg your pardon, Mr. Hamblin," shouted
Grimme, a seaman, whose legs were twined around



154          DIKES AND DITCHES, OR
the end of the gaff, while he was in the act of passing
a signal halyard through an eye.
The captain had received orders firom the principal
to have the Josephine ready for the visit of a distinguished person on the following day, and Mr. Cleats
was preparing to dress the rigging.
" You scoundrel! " roared Mr. Hamblin, gazing up
at the unfortunate youth who had been the cause of
his misfortune.
"Did it hurt you, sir? " asked Paul, stepping up to
the professor.
"' WTas that done by your order, Mr. Kendall?" demanded the irate savant.
" No, sir; it was not," replied Paul, blushing with
indignation at such an insinuation.'It is very singular that the rope should faill just at
the moment! was passing," added Mr. Hamblin, sourly, as he straightened out his crumpled tile.
" I am sorry it occurred, sir," said Paul, who uttered
no more than the literal truth.
Mr. Hamblin glanced around the deck at the students who were collected there. They did not seem
to be sorry; on the contrary, there was a look of diabolical satisfaction in the expression of most of them,
and not a few were actually laughing.
" I demand the immediate punishment of the offender," said Mr. Hamblin, irritated by this manifestation
on the part of the students.
By this time Grimme had descended from his perilous perch, having completed the reeving of the halyard. Without a moment's delay, he hastened to the
spot where the angry man stood, and touched his cap
witl the utmost deference.



YOUNG AMERICA IN HOLLAND AND BELGIUM. I55
"I beg your pardon, Mr. Hamblin. I hope you
will excuse me," said Grimme, who really wore a
very troubled look.
"' You did it on purpose, you scoundrel!" growled
the professor, savagely; for he could not fail to see
the ill-suppressed chuckling of the students in the
waist.
"No, sir! I did not, sir!" protested Grimme. " I
had the end in my niouth, and was just going to drop
the coil when I saw you."
" And you did drop it when you saw me."
" I did not mean to drop it then. I was going to
wait till you had passed; but my foot slipped, and, in
catching hold of the gaff with my hand, I let go the
coil. If I hadn't dropped it, I should have fallen myself," replied Grimme, who seemed determined *to
make the explanation strong enough to meet the
emergency.
" I don't believe a word of it! You meant to insult me!" exclaimed Mr. Hamblin, still goaded on to
intemperate speech by the ill-concealed jeers of the
students.  " Mr. Kendall, it is your duty to punish
that insolent fellow."
" I will inquire into the matter, sir. If it appears
that he did the act on purpose, he shall certainly be
punished," replied Paul, who, after his conversation
with Duncan, could not help suspecting that this was
the first step in the hazing process to which his friend
had alluded.
" Inquire into it! " sneered Mr. Hamblin, with deep
disgust. " I complain of the boy: that is enough."
Paul did not think so; but he made no reply to the



156           DIKES AND DITCHES, OR
angry man, though he ordered the alleged culprit to
the mainmast, which is the locality of the high court
on shipboard.
" Mr. Kendall, I desire to have the gig, for the purpose of visiting the ship."
"L The gig, sir! " exclaimed Paul, to whom thie professors were not in the habit of designating which boat
they would have.
" I said the gig, sir'," repeated Mr. Hamblin, loftily.
4" I beg your pardon, sir; but the gig is the captain's
boat," replied Paul, with deference.
" The captain's boat!" puffed the professor.
"'  Mr. Lowington directed me to use the first cutter
for the professors," added Paul.
" Am I to understand that you again refuse me a
boat?"
" No, sir; by no means," said the captain, ready to
weep with vexation at these disagreeable incidents.
He turned from  Mr, Hamblin, and directed the
first lieutenant to pipe away the first cutters; and
in a few moments the boat was ready. The fourth
lieutenant was sent in charge of the cutter. The professor went over the side into the boat; and as he
made no objections, the officers concluded that he did
not know the difference between the gig and the first
cutter. At certain stages of the tide, there is a threemile current in the Scheldt, with strong eddies, formed
by the sweep of the river. By a miscalculation of the
coxswain, the cutter fell astern of the ship, and had to
pull up to her, which prolonged the passage somewhat,
thereby increasing the ill nature and impatience of Mr.
Hamblin.



YOUNG AMERICA IN HOLLAND AND BELGIUM. 157
"In bows!" said the coxswaiin, as the boat approached the ship; and the two bowmen tossed their
oars and boated them, taking position in the bowgrating, with the boat-hooks in their hands.
" Way enough!" added the coxswain; and the rest
of the crew tossed their oars.
At the gangway of the ship stairs had been rigged,
at the foot of which there was a platform, for the convenience of those boarding or leaving the ship by the
boats. The bowmen fastened their boat-hooks upon the
platform, in readiness to haul the boat alongside, so
that the passenger could step out without inconvenience.
But the current was strong, and soiie delay ensued.
"There! let me get out! " exclaimed Mr. Hamblin,
rising in the boat, and walking between the oarsmen
to the bow.
" Steady, sir!" said Humphreys, the officer, as he
took the arm of the professor, to prevent hiln from
falliig.' Pull the boat up, so I can step out!" said Mr.
Hamblin, impatiently, to the bowmen.
They were hauling her up closer to the platform,
against the strong current, which, being in a direction
contrary to the wind, made considerable sea, causing
the boat to roll and jerk uneasily. WlThen she was
within a couple of feet of the platform, the professor
attempted to step out.
"Steady, sir!" said Morgan, one of the bowmen,
as Mr. HIamblin was about to take the step; but at
that instant the boat receded'firom the platform, and
the learned gentleman, with one foot on the plank and
the other on the bow of the boat, made a very long
I4



158          DIKES AND DITCHES, OR
straddle, toppled over into the water, and disappeared
in the eddies.
"My boat-hook broke!" protested Morgan, holding
up the implement, from which the iron had drawn
out; and after what had occurred on board of the consort, he probably deemed it necessary to make an immediate defence.
"Man overboard!" shouted several students in the
ship; and immediately there was an immense commotion on board of her.
Mr. Hamblin rose to the surface an instant later,
and shouted for help.  The accident was observed
from the Josephine, and the gig piped away in double
quick time.
" Up oars!  Let fall! Give way!" shouted Robinson, in the first cutter, as she drifted away from the
gangway of the ship, without waiting for the orders
to be repeated by the coxswain.
A few, vigorous strokes of the oars brought the cutter to the spot where the professor was struggling with
the dirty current. The bowmen seized him by the
collar, and the crew, after no little labor, owing to tile
excitement of the unfortunate gentleman, succeeded
in getting him into the boat. He was placed in the
stern sheets, and Robinson afforded him such assistance
as the circumstances would permit.
The gig, with Paul and Pelham on board, was darting through the current towards the first cutter. It
was too late to be of any service; but it continued on
its way, and the captain manifested his interest and
sympathy as well as he could. Mr. Hamblin pressed
the water from his hair, wiped his face with his wet



I6o          DIKES AND DITCHES, OR
" I am very confident it was.  I can read the expression on the faces of the boys;' and I am certain
there is a conspiracy amnong them to knock out my
brains or drown me in the river."
"Boys will be boys, and they are very prone to look
at the ludicrous aspect of an accident," added the stout
professor.  "I should not give a serious interpretation
to any little signs of mirth I happened to see."
" Mr. Stovtte, you allow yourself to be hoodwinked,
deceived, overwhelmed, by these artful boys. You
should maintain more dignity in your intercourse with
them."
" There is a true and a false dignity, Mr. Hamblin.
I shall endeavor to avoid the one, and cling to the
other," replied Mr. Stoute, warmly, but good-naturedly.
" You are aware that I asked for the gig before I
started for the ship? " continued Mr. Ha1lmblin, imlpressively.
" I am; and I was also aware that the first cutter
had been appropriated to the use of the instructors."
-' I demanded the gig. It was refused.  What did
that mean?"
" It meant just what the captain said - that the
principal required himl to furnish the first cutter for
our use."
" That is not what it meant," persisted Mr. Hamblin.  " The crew of the first cutter had been instructed to tip me into the river. W\hen I called for the gig,
it deranged the plan.  I am only sorry that I did not
refuse to take the cutter, and insist upon having the
gig; but I do nlot wish to make trouble."
" But why did you ask for the gig?"



,YOUNG AMERICA IN HOLLAND AND BELGIUM. I6i
"Because I saw Morgan, who, I knew, belonged in
the cutter, laughing when the rope fell on my head.
He would as lief drown me as not."
" I think you misjudge the boys."
"I am surprised that one who has been a teacher as
long as you have does not understand boys any better,"
replied Mr. Hamblin, coldly. " I am satisfied that
Kendall is at the bottom of all this mischief."
1" I am very sure he is not," said Mr. Stoute, decidedly.
"The crew of the cutter had been prepared for
their work."
It was surprising that two men who had been among
boys so long took such opposite views of theln; but
the difference of opinion was more in the men than in
the boys.
These events were the staple of conversation on
deck and in the steerage among the crew; and some of
the better boys heard certain indefinite remarks about
" the first step " and " the second step," used by " our
fellows; " but no real friend of law and order discovered anything which threw any new light upon the
two misfortunes that had overtaken the senior professor, though there was a suspicion that these were the
first and second steps hinted at by the doubtful ones.
I4 *



I62          DIKES AND DITCHIES, OR
CHAPTER X.
WHO WAS CAPTAIN OF THE JOSEPHINE?
"~1/~R. HAMBLIN, as before intimated, did not
sleep well on the night in question. The burden of bcilng  called to the state d(epartmenit, andl even
to the royal palaces of Belgiumtn, was very trying to
his nerves. When he slept, it was only to dream of
the great statesman and revolutionary leader of the
Low Countries, in the act of taking him by the hand
or of presenting him to his majesty Leopold,' Roi de
Belge."
He prepared himself with great care, in his reflections, for the stupendous occasion. He studied up
courtly bows, and imagined just how he would look
when in the act of making one of them. He pictured
to himself various gracefil gestures which he intended
to use, in order to impress upon the great man the
dignity of his character.  He arranged  the little
tableau of his presentation to the king, with all the
speeches, interludes, and movements.  If the king
said certain things, he should say certain other things
in reply; and when the interview ended, he was with
becoming grace to latck out of the royal presence.
Leopold,'" Roi de Belge," would probably inform
him that he had, either directly or through his faithful



YOUNG AMERICA IN HOLLAND AND BELGIUM. 163
minister, heard of the distinguished Greek savant;
that he had seen or heard of the Greek Grammar he
had published, the- Greek -Reader he had compiled,
and the Anabasis he had edited and annotated.  It
was more than probable that there were copies of
these learned and valuable works in the Royal Library; for no library could be complete without them. If
they were there, the king would graciously inform
him of the fact, as the highest compliment that could
be paid to his faime as a Greek scholar. To all this,
with his left hand upon his heart, with his right extended, palm prone, at an angle of forty-five degrees
with his peipendicular, his body bent in a courteous
but dignified bow, he was to reply that his majesty
did hiln too much honlor. It would be necessary to
deprecate, in some degree, the distinguished consideration awarded to him, and to declare his own unworthiness of the king's notice and flavor.
Then, perhaps, the royal Leopold would present
hi m a snuffibox, studded with pearls, diamonds, and
rubies, -  lmon1archs have.a habit of presenting snuffboxes to men who do not take snuff, — in token of
his princely appreciation of the learning of the distinguished American professor.  Or, perhaps, "Le
Roi de Belge " woLld informl  him  that he desired
to promote the study of the Greek language and literature in his kingdom, andc that he was graciously pleased
to appoint him Inspector of Greek, or Librarian of the
Greek portion of the Royal Library, with no active
duty but that of collecting his salary of twenty thousand francs -liberal princes, as rich as Leopold was
reilfted to be, often spent their money more fool.



164         DIKES AND DITCHES, OR
ishly than this, in rewarding distinguished men of
learning.
The learned gentleman did not feel a very strong
confidence that the king would thus reward his forty
years' patient study of the Greek; but zf he should
conclude to behave in this rather erratic but highly
honorable manner, it would give him a pleasant opportunity of waiting upon Mr. Lowington in his
cabin, and politely informing him that he could no
longer endure the insults of the Josephines, or countenance their want of appreciation of the privilege of
having such a professor of Greek as he was; and that
he felt compelled to resign his present position, in order that "Le Roi de Belge" might avail himself of
his valuable services.
It would be delightful to make such a call upon the
principal of the academy squadron. It would be a
grand occasion for a display of dignity. He did not
feel that such a pleasant event was likely to occur;
but it was not imnpossible. The fame of his Grammar and other works might have come over the
Atlantic while he was transplanting Greek roots in
the hard heads of stupid boys. He felt that he deserved some higher token of public appreciation than
had yet been bestowed upon him. Why should the
Secretary of Foreign Affairs send an autograph letter
to him, unless some especial notice was to be taken
of him?
An audible voice seemed to say, " Go up higher,
friendd;" but, alas! that was only the snoring of Professor Stoute, in the berth above him, which his fancy
had incorporated into words. There was no voice



YOUNG AMERICA IN HOLLAND AND BELGIUM. I65
only the guttural sounds of his obese room-mate, who
was so tired that he breathed with unwonted labor in
his sleep. There was no poetry in the snoring of his
companion, and the vision was rudely dissolved by the
reality. But the invitation to go to court was in his
pocket: he could not be cheated out of that, or of his
brilliant expectations.  Leopold might do the handsome thing, at least as to the snuff-box. It was rather
awkward, in view of the approaching interview, that
he could not speak French; but the king had lived in
London for a time, and doubtless spoke English fluently. Of course the Minister of Foreign Affairs could
speak English; but even if he did not, they could meet
on the same level in Latin or Greek.
Professor Hamblin did not sleep very well; and he
did not sleep any better because Mr. Stoute slept so
well, and made the state-room sonorous with the richest base snoring that ever tormented a nervous man.
Indeed, the heavy sleeper made it so lively for the
light sleeper that the lhitter was two or three times
goaded to the alternative of waking the former, or
abandoning the room.
In the course of the night the learned professor had
polished up all his little speeches to be recited before
the minister, and probably before the king; had nicely
adjusted all his bows and gestures, and laid up a magazine of expedients for possible emergencies, such as
the presence of the Duke of Brabant, Prince Leopold,
and even of'" La Reine de Belge;" but the dreamer
was glad when the morning came; for the night had
been very long, though he had probably slept three
quarters of the time; gladder still when hte heard the



i66          DIKES AND DITCHES, OR
water splashing on the deck above him,-as the watch
washed down the quarter-deck, for now he- coild get
up. He did get up, and went out to taste the freshness
of the early air.
The young seamen had finished their labor on
the quarters, and were at work in the waist. A
kind of force-pump, or fire-engine, was attached to
the Josephine, to save labor in washing down the
decks, and to be used in case of fire below. It was
provided with a sufficient length of hose to reach all
parts of the vessel, and was worked by a single brake,
manned by four hands. With this apparatus the boys
were deluging the decks with water, one of them
holding the pipe, and half a dozen scrubbing the
planks with long-handled brushes.
A fire-engine, or indeed anything that will squirt,
is a great'luxury to the boys, with whom " running
with the machine" is a constitutional tendency. The
novelty of the Josephine's force-pump had not yet
worn away, and it contributed in no small degree to
alleviate the hard and ungentlemanly labor of washing
down decks.
Mr. Hamblin was not a boy, and he had a constitutional dislike of fire-engines and all hydraulic appa-.ratus, partly, perhaps, because the boys liked it. The
quarter-deck was still wet with the drenching it had received, and the professor did not like to dampen his feet
on the one hand, or retreat to the close cabin on the
other. Ile did what Americans are very apt to do
when situated between the two horns of a dilemmahe compromised between the difficulties by seating himself on the fife-rail between a couple of belaying-pins.



YOUNG AMERICA IN HOLLAND AND BELGIUM. -67
He was careful to place himself ahaft the mainmast, so
that the wicked engine would not spatter him.
He sat on the fife-rail and began to think of the
king and the minister again; but his reflectionss this
time were very brief, and if his fancy burnedJ again
with glowing anticipation, the flame was suddenly
quenched by a stream of water directed at the foot of
the mast, which spattered his lower extremnities very
badly.
" What are you about, you rascal? " roared the
learned gentleman, springing from his perch to the
deck.
But it would have been better for him to remain
where he was, for the instant his feet strlucl the deck,
the full force of the stream from the hose-pipe saluted
him squarely in the face, filling his mouth with water,
and well nigh overthrowing him with its violence. This
was a sad accident. McDougal, one of the quartermasters, held the pipe. At the moment the professor
sprang from the fife-rail, the hoseman was looking
behind him, his attention having been called away
from his work by a remark of one of the hands at the
brake.
"What do you mean, you rascal?" sputtered Mr.
Ilamblin, attempting to free his mouth of the dirty
Scheldt water which had been forced into it.
" That's number three," whispered one of the brakemen to another.' Hush up!!" replied the one addressed, from the
corner of his mouth.
McDougal dropped the hose, and rushed aft to the
place where the unhappy savant stood.



I68         DIKES AND DITCHES, OR'"You impertinent puppy!" cried Mr. Hamblin,
soiling his white handkerchief with the foul water
upon his face.
" O0, dear! What have I done! " groaned McDougal,
clasping his hands in an agony of dismay.  "I
beg your pardon! I didn't see you, sir. 0, what
have I done! "  And the wretched hoseman actually
threw himself on his knees upon the wet deck, and
implored the forgiveness of the injured magnate of the
school-room.
"You meant to do it!" exclaimed the implacable
pedagogue.
"No, sir! Indeed, I did not! Won't you forgive
me?" pleaded'McDougal, still upon his knees.; WThat does all this mean?" demanded Pelhanm,
who was officer of the deck, as he rushed to the spot
from the topgallant forecastle, where he had gone to
keep out of the way of the splashing waters.
"0, Mr. Pelham," groaned the hoseman, "I am so
sorry!"
6" Get up! " said Pelham to the culprit, sternly, for
anything like servility was very disgusting to him, and
probably he had his own views in regard to Mr.
Hamblin.
McDougal obeyed this imperative command, and
though, ordinarily, a young man of nerve and of much
self-possession, he appeared to be trembling with
apprehension. His lips quivered, his knees smote
against each other, and he stood wringing his hands,
apparently in the most abject terror.
" I didn't mean to do it, Mr. Pelham," chattered the
miserable hosetnan.



YOUNG AMERICA IN HOLLAND AND BELGIUM. I69
" Mr. Pelham, in my opinion this act was deliberately contrived and carried out," said Mr. Hamblin,
severely, though he was evidently somewhat moved
by the misery of the culprit.
" I am very sorry for it, sir, whether it was done on
purpose or by accident," replied Pelham. " Where
were youL sir, when it happened?"
" I was sitting on that frame," answered Mr. Hamblin, pointing to the place.
" On the fife-rail?"
" Yes; if that is the name of the frame."
" Yes, sir; and he was behind the mast, and I didn't
see him," pleaded McDougal. 1" I saw some dirt on
deck at the foot of the mast, and I threw the stream
there. I couldn't see Mr. Hamblin - indeed I couldn't,
sir."
"~ I would not complain of the act if that had been
all, for I was simply spattered; but when I stepped
down, the stream was directed full into my face."
" I didn't mean to do it, sir. One of the brakemen hollered to me, and I turned to see what he wanted, and when I did so, I raised,,p the hose; and I
suppose that's'what made the stream hit Mr. Hamblin
in the face," groaned McDougal.
" Yes, sir," interposed the brakeman, who had designated the act as " number three."  "I saw Mr.
Hamblin, and I sung out to McDougal to turn the
hose. lie turned round and asked me what I said,
and before I could answer Mr. Hamblin cried out to
him."
"So far as I can see, it appears to be an accident,'5



I70'PIKES AND DITCHES, OR
sir," added Pelham; "but I will report it to the captain."
", Mr. Pelham, don't report me to the captain! "
begged McDougal. i' He will send me back to the
ship. I didn't mean to do it; it was an accident."
"It is useless to report it to the captain," said the
professor, with a palpable sneer.
"' Thank you, sir; you will forgive me, sir?" moaned
the culprit.
" I am willing to forgive you if it was an accident,"
replied the savant, more graciously.' It was an accident, sir."
"It is very singular that so many accidents happen
to me," said the professor, knitting his brow, and looking very savage, when he recalled the events of the
preceding evening. "This is the third time within
half a day that an accident has occurred to me."
Mr. Hamblin walked off; and descended to the cabin
to change his clothes again. The suit in which he
had fallen overboard had- been dried at the cook's galley, and was in condition for use. While changing
his garments, he recited to Mr. Stoute the new misfortune that had overtaken him.
Pelham sharply questioned the hands who had been
concerned in the outrage; but McDougal, who ap,
peared to be the only one implicated in the deed, pro,
tested that the circumstances were just as he had stated
them; nothing could be proved, for the boys all agreed
in their statements. The case was therefore dismissed/
to be called up again by the captain, if he thought
proper to do so McDougal walked forward to pick
up the hose-pipe again, and as he met the brakeman



YOUNG AMERICA IN IIOLLAND AND BELGIUM. II
who had exhibited some intelligence before, he gave
him a very sly wink.
The officer of the watch was more than suspicious.
Ile was an old hand at mischief himself, and not easily hoodwinkled by " our fellows."  He could not help
thinking that McDougal had overdone his part, for a
bold younLg mlan, like him, would not behave so much
like a coward under any circumstances. Just before
breakfast time the captain and first lieutenant came on
deck together, and Pelham reported "' number three"
to them.
" It was not an accident," exclaimed Paul, indignantly.
" I don't think it was myself," replied Pelham.
" But at the same time, what can you do? You can't
prove that it was done on purpose."
" I had a hint fi-om Duncan that the fellows intended to haze Mr. Hamblin, and if this thing isn't
stopped in the beginning, there is no knowing where
it will end," continued Paul, decidedly. "You will
pipe to muster the first thing after breakfast, Mr. Terrill."
The young commander was entirely satisfied in his
own mind that the unpleasant incident of the morning was a part of the hazing programme, if the two
on the preceding evening were not. He had already
decided to take prompt action, and put a stop to the
disgraceful proceedings.
After breakfast, agreeably to the order, all hands
were piped to muster. The two professors had come
on deck to ascertain the cause of this movement.
They had had a long talk together about thle second



172         DIKES AND DITCHES, OR
drenching of the senior, and Mr. Stou-te was obliged to
conclude that the deed had been wilfully done. tIe
acknowledged as much as this, and felt, as the captain
did, that prompt action was necessary; but to his sutrprise, Mr. Hamblin took opposite ground towards the
latter part of the interview, and declared that McDougal, on his knees, had begged his pardon. The learned gentleman appeared to be determined to keep his
opinion at variance with that of his associate.
Mr. Hamblin was one of those old fogies who could
not appreciate manliness in a boy. He demanded
abject servility and pusillanimous crouching on the
part of an offender.  When he frowned, the boy
ought to wither with fear rather than with the consciousness of guilt. McDougal had thrown himself
into a becoming attitude, in his estimation; had
groaned, trembled, and cringed. He was willing to
forgive McDougal, and had intimated as much as this
to him before he left the deck.
The young commander took his place on the hatch,
and made quite a telling speech in regard to what he
termed the disgraceful proceeding which had occurred
on board. He solemnly warned the boys that he
would not tolerate anything irregular and disorderly.
"Mr. Terrill, you will pipe away the second cutters," he continued, turning to the first lieutenant.
The crew of the boat were piped away, the cutter
lowered, and they took their places in her. The second lieutenant was detailed to take charge of her, and
waited near the captain for his orders.
" Pass the word for McDougal," added the captain,
when the second cutter was ready, as he stepped down



YOUNG AMERICA IN IIOLLAND AND BELGIUM. 173
from the hatch, and stood at the foot of the mainmast.
The culprit came forward, and touched his cap to
the captain.
" For your conduct this morning to Mr. Hamblin I
shall send you on board of the ship," said Paul, in
firm and decided tones.
" I couldn't help it, Captain Kendall," pleaded
McDougal; but he exhibited none of the servility
which had characterized his demeanor to the professor; he knew the captain too well to resort to such
an expedient.
" Perhaps you could not," replied Paul, pointedly.
"Perhaps you could not; but you were very careless."
"I didn't mean to do it," added McDougal.
"' I do not say that you did. If the professor cannot
walk the deck without being drenched with water, it
is time those who are so careless should be sent out
of the Josephine."
"Mr. Hamblin was behind the mast, and I thought
he had gone below, sir."
" I have no time nor inclination to argue the matter.
If you think any injustice has been done to you, the
principal will hear your complaint, and I shall be as
willing as you are to abide by his decision. Mr. Martyn, you will report the- case as it is to Mr. Lowington.,McDougal, consider yourself under arrest, and take
your place in the boat."
The culprit wanted to say something more, but
Paul ordered him into the boat with an emphasis
which he did not deem it prudent to disregard.
I5 -



YOUNG AMERICA IN HOLLAND AND BELGIUM. 175
the officer of the boat, and I found that the accident
was caused by the breaking of a boat-hook ilf the
hands of one of the bowmen.  If you will pardon
me for being entirely candid with you, Mr. Hamblin,
the mishap was caused by your own carelessness,
rather than by that of the boat's crew."
"Do you mean to insult me? " demand the professor, angrily.
"Most assuredly not, sir. If you had kept your
seat in the stern-sheets of the boat, as a passenger
should, until the cutter was properly secured, you
could not possibly have fallen overboard when the
boat-hook broke," answered Paul, gently and firmly.
"I do not ask your judgment upon my actions, Mr.
Kendall," growled the professor.
"Excuse me, sir; but I alluded to your movement
only in defence of the boat's crew. If the bowmen
hadc actually intended to throw you into the water,
they could not have done it if you had kept your
seat."
" It is not proper for you to criticise my action."
Paul bowed, and made no reply.'I protest against your action in punishing McDougal.  He apologized to my satisfaction; and, as this
is an afihir personal with me, I am surprised at your
taking any step without consulting me."
"It is a case which affects the discipline of the
vessel; and, as such, it was proper that I should dispose of it."
"It was a pcersonal matter, I say," repeated the
professor, g-rox ing more wra;thy when he found his
mighty will opposed.



I 76         DIKES AND DITCHES, OR
"I have such information, sir, as leads me to believe that the act of this morning was intentional."
"That's a want of judgment on your part, and I
protest against your action. I object to your sending
McDougal to the ship, and I demand that your order
be rescinded."
" I shall send him to the ship, sir! " replied Paul,
decidedly, his cheek coloring.
" Shall you! Do you mean to insult me?"
" No, sir; I repeat that I do not mean to insult
you."
" I say that boy ought not to be sent to the ship.
Why, such a lack of judgmnent - "
" Mr. Hamblin, I command this vessel! " exclaimed
Paul, with native dignity.
"Do you, indeed?"
"I am responsible for all I do to Mr. Lowington.
You will oblige me by not interfering with the discipline of the crew."
"' How  dare you use such  language to  me?"
snapped the professor, dancing about the deck with
rage.
" Mr. Terrill, direct Mr. Martyn to pull to the ship,
and execute my order as I gave it."
" This is infamous! " stormed Mr. Hamblin.  " Am
I to be snubbed by a boy, by one of my own pupils?"
" I have nothing more to say, Mr. Hamblin," continued Paul, bowing and mnoving away.
" Stop, you putppy  " roared Mr. Hamblin, follow.
ing him, and speaking loud enough for all the officers
to hear his of-ensivie remark.
" Come, come, Mr. Hamblin, you are disgracing
yourself," interposed Mr. Stoute.



YOUNG AMERICA IN HOLLAND AND BELGIUM. 177
" The puppy! " gasped Mr. H-amblin. " He insulted me!"
"Don't lower yourself in the eyes of your pupils by
such undignified conduct."
"Am I to be insulted by a boy? " replied Mr. Hamblin, breaking away from his associate.' Mr. Terrill, send Mr. Cleats and Mr. Gage aft,"
said Captain Kendall, hardly able to speak, so violent
were his emotions.
" Mr. Kendall-"
" Captain Kendall, if you please," interposed Paul,
as the professor, boiling over with rage, rushed up to
him.
" Mister Kendall, I will " -
" One word, Mr. Hamblin, before you proceed any
farther," continued Paul, struggling to be calm.
" Here, sir," reported the adult carpenter and boatswain.
" Stand by; I may want you," replied Captain Kendall. "Mr. Hamblin," he proceeded, turning to the
furious professor, " if you venture to call me a puppy
again, or to use any other offensive epithet, I will
order the carpenter and boatswain to arrest you. I
will send you in irons on board the ship. I beg to
remind you again that I am the captain of this
vessel."
Mr. Hamblin glanced at him, and then at the stalwart forward officers, who, he knew, would obey the
captain if the Josephine went down with them in the
act. If he did not feel that he had done wrong, he felt
that he could do nothing more. Professor Stoute again
interposed his good offices, and Mr. Hamblin defeated



I78          DIKES AND DITCHES, OR
— by himself rather than the captain-bolted from
the group, and rushed down into the cabin.
The entire ship's company had crowded aft to witness this exciting scene.'Three cheers for Captain Kendall!" shouted a
daring fellow. "One!"
They were given, in spite of Paul's cry for " silence,"
and then the crew scattered. The young commander
looked very pale, and went below attended by Terrill,
who had noticed his ghastly expression. IHe retired
to his state-room, and but for his friend's efforts would
have fainted away, so terribly had he suffered during
the painful scene.



YOUNG AMERICA IN HOLLAND -AND BELGIUM. I79
CHAPTER  XI.
ON THE WAY TO GHENT.
Y  OU have made a very great mistake, Mr. Hamblin," said Professor Stoute, when they reached
their state-room.
i' Do you take part with the students, Mr. Stoute?"
snapped the angry savant.
The good-natured instructor concluded that it would
be useless for him to say anythling while his associate
continued in such an unhappy frame of mind; and
he condemned himself to silence for the present. It
was plain enough to him that the crew of the Josephine were in a state of mutiny, so far as Mr. Hamblin was concerned, and, that the academic discipline
of the vessel was at an end. If he understood the
humor of the boys, they would refuse to obey the professor of Greek. There must be a settlement of this
serious difficulty before anything more could be done.
Mr. Hamblin was silent also for a time. It would
have been curious to know what he thought of himself at that particular moment, though doubtless he
fully justified his conduct and regarded himself as an
injured man. A- gentleman so profoundly skilled in
Greek as he was, with an invitation in his pocket to
visit the king's chief minister, ought not to be ex



180           DIKES AND DITCHES, OR
pected to submit to the snubbing of a mere boy.
The two professors sat in the state-room  till the
silence became painful, and till the anger of MIr.
Hamblin had in a measure subsided.' I did not expect to see you take part with the
boys, Mr. Stoute," said the learned gentleman, in a
grieved tone.
" If I take any part at all, I hope it will be on the
right side," replied Mr. Stoute.
"Which means, I suppose, that I am on the wrong
side," replied Mr. Ham-Iblin, with a heavy sigh.
" It means exactly that," added the other, candidly.
"You think, then, that the boys have done precisely right - do you?"
W"Without saying that, I am compelled to believe
you were in the wrong."
" That boy threatened to arrest me," continued lMr.
HJamblin, with something like a shudder; 6"and all
the crew gave three cheers for Captain Kendall!"
"I could hardly resist the temptation to join with
them in giving the cheers," replied Mr. Stoute, consolingly. "The conduct of Captain Kendall filled
tne with admiration."
" Mr. Stoute, do you consider that a proper remark
to make to me?"
"You will not understand anything but the plainest
speech, and I intend to be perfectly candid with you.
You interfered with the discipline of the vessel, and
because the captain respectfully declined to recall the
boat, you threw yourself into a passion, and behaved
in a most ungentlemanly and undignified manner.
Positively, sir, I am ashamed of you! You called the
captain a puppy, sir  "



YOUNG AMERICA IN HOLLAND AND BELGIUM. 18I
"He's only a boy," answered Mr. Hamblin, in
whom this plain talk seemed to create a doubt in
regard to his conduct.
" Any boy has the right to be treated like a gentleman when he behaves like one, even if his opinion
does not agree with our own; and especially is this
true of the captain.'
"He was utterly lacking in judgment. The conduct of McDougal was a personal matter, and Mr.
Kendall should have consulted me."' Allowing that the captain was wrong,- though I
do not think that he was wrong, - it does not improve
the aspect of your conduct."
"Youil think Mr. Lowington will not sustain me -
do you?",6 Certainly not."
"I could hardly expect it, since he has a much
higher regard for that boy than for me," sighed Mr.
Hambli n.
" It is eight o'clock, and time for the recitations to
commence," said Mr. Stoute, consulting his watch.
" You must decide at once what you intend to do."'" What shall I do? " asked Mr. Hamblin, who had
become fully conscious that he had involved himself
in another " unpleasantness," and that the powers
that be, unmindfll of his claims, would probably
decide against him.'Shall we hear the recitations?  Are you willing
to go into the steerage, and proceed with your
classes?"
" I am."
Mr. Stoute had his doubts whether it would be pru
i6



I 82,        DIKES AND DITCHES, OR
dent for him to do so; but he was satisfied that Captain Kendall could control the crew, even if they
attempted a demonstration against the unpopular in.
structor.
"If I had made so great a blunder as you have,
Mr. Hamblin," added Professor Stoute, " I should go
to the captain, and apologize to him."
"Apologize to him! " exclaimed the savant.
" Yes, sir."
"To that boy, who insulted me, who threatened to
arrest me, and send me in ironrs to the ship, who had
the impudence to tell me thatiSe was the captain of
this vessel! No, sir!" 
"Very well, sir; suit yourself; I am going to the
steerage to attend to my classes."
Without waiting for his associate's final decision as
to what he intended to do, Mr. Stoute left the stateroom. By this time Paul had recovered firom  the
faintness which had oppressed him, and had ordered
the first lieutenant to " pipe to recitations."
" Are we to go on with the studies as usual, Captain Kendall?" asked Mr. Stoute, who could not help
taking the hand of the young commander and warmly
pressing it, though without any allusion in words to
Professor Hamblin.' Certainly, sir; the students will not be allowed to
neglect any regular duty," replied Paul.
" After the cheers which were given on deck, there
is danger of a disturbance."
"No, sir; I think not. If any officer or seaman
makes a disturbance, he shall be put under arrest
instantly."



YOUNG AMERICA IN HOLLAND AND BELGIUM. 183
" But suppose they all do it in concert."
"They will not, sir;" but Paul spoke in hope'rather than in faith, and dreaded the demonstration
suggested by the professor.
Mr. Stoute went into the steerage. The students
were all there, including the crew of the cutter which
had conveyed McDougal to the ship.  They were
more quiet and orderly than usual; but the calm often
precedes the storm. Captain Kendall passed into the
steerage, and his appearance was the signal for a general clapping of the hands, in which all the officers
joined. That he had won the day in his dispute with the
obnoxious professor; that he had threatened to arrest
Mr. Hamblin, and send-him in irons to the ship; that
he had actually called the willing carpenter and boatswain to execute the anticipated order,- were more
than enough to make the captain a hero with the ship's
company. Boys worship pluck, and are not always
particular that it should be displayed in a good cause.:" Silence, if you please," said Paul, moved by the
applause of the students.
Silence came instantly, for the captain was a "' little
god" just then, and had more influence over the ship's
company at that moment than ever before. It is true
they regretted the fate of poor McDougal, but there
was not one of them who did not believe that the
captain was right in his estimate of the culprit's guilt.
I wish to ask a favor of you," continued Paul, in a
rather embarrassed tone.
A clapping of hands assured him that he could ask
no favor that would not be unanimously granted.
"XVhatever happens, I wish you to make no dis



184         DIKES AND DITCHES, OR
turbance, and no demonstrations of approval or dissent.
Will you heed my request?"
" We will! " shouted the students with one voice.
" Thank you," replied Paul, who did not believe in
a display of force before it was necessary.
The boys commenced work upon their lessons, and
the captain, passing through the steerage, went on
deck to avoid the necessity of meeting Mr. Hamblin,
whose step he heard in the passage-way leading from'the cabin. ~As Paul disappeared, the obnoxious savant
entered the steerage. One of the students forward
hissed, but his companions silenced him instantly; andit is probable, if the captain had not-spoken to them,
Mr. Hamblin would have been greeted with a general
demonstration of disapprobation.
The learned gentleman was evidently much embarrassed; but he was very quiet and sublued in his
manner. He was less impatient and snappish than
usual; said nothing about "' stupidity" and "Iblundering," as was his habit. He seemed to be abstracted,
as well he might; but while he displayed less enthusiasm in his teaching, he was infinitely more gentlemanly and kind. As he gave no occasion for any
trouble, none came. Though the captain did not
appear at any recitation conducted by him, the professor made no comment upon the circutustance.
Paul was troubled, but he had made up his mind what
to do. Either Mri. Hamblin must leave the Josephine,
or he would respectfully ask to be relieved from the
command of her. It was simply impossible to live
with such a porcupine on board. It was a mystery
to him that Mr. Lowington had procured the services



r86          DIKES AND DITCI-HES, OR
the display was really quite imposing. The governor
went on board of the ship, was duly cheered by the
students, and he visited every part of the vessel. After
he had partaken of a collation in the main cabin, he
left the ship, accompanied by Mr. Lowington, and
visited the Josephine.  Everything appeared to the
best advantage, and his excellency expressed himself
as highly delighted with the naval institution.
All the officers and professors were presented to the
distinguished guest, who took a great deal of notice
of Paul, and hardly any of Mr. Hamblin - a muddling
of distinctions which sore puzzled and annoyed the
savant. Not even Mr. Lowington could have suspected that tle Josephines were in a state of feverish
excitement, and had been almost in a state of mutiny,
so fair and pleasant was the outside aspect of the
ship's company. The governor, having completed his
inspection of the vessel, invited all the officers to dine
with him, and was then landed with as much ceremony
as he had been received.
Mr. Lowington accompanied the governor to the
quay, and on his return he went on board of the Josephine to announce his programme for a visit to several
of the cities of Belgium. All hands were called, and
were informed that the next three days would be
devoted to sight-seeing, and that the students would
take the train for Ghent at half past two. The ship's
comb ny heard the intelligence with a coolness which
did n t escape the notice of the principal; but he
soon received an explanation of this apparent indifference.
" I am very sorry, Mr. Lowington," said Professor



YOUNG AMERICA IN HOLLAND AND' BELGIUM. I87
Hamblin, stepping up to him, as he.-descended from
the hatch, to be again compelled to complain to you
of the misconduct of Mr. Kendall. This morning he
threatened. to arrest me and send me in irons on board
of the ship - nze, sir! He actually sent for the boatswain and carpenter for this purpose."
"'Captain Kendall!" exclaimed the principal, annoyed beyond measure at this recital of grievance.
" There  must have been some strong provocation."
" Could anything justify such a threat, or such a
course?"
"' We will not speak of this subject here," added the
principal, when he saw that the eyes of every student
on board were fixed upon them.
" Something should be done immediately," replied
Mr. Hamblin, decidedly.
"  have not time to hear the case now. WVe take
the train for Ghent in less than an hour. I will see
you in the railway carriage."
Mr. Lowington moved towards the gangway, where
the barge was waiting for him; but Paul, his cheeks
all aglow, stepped up to him, and touched his cap.
"Mr. Lowington," said he, "I wish to make.a coniplaint against Mr. Hamblin.  He interferes with the
discipline of the vessel, is very insulting to me; and
I must ask that he be removed from the Josephine,
or that I may be permitted to resign."
"I am very sorry you are having any trouble here;~
but I cannot stay now to hear about it. I will see you
on the train."''" Excuse me, one moment, Mr. Lowing-ton," added
the savalzt of the Josephine, as the principal was



I88          DIKE S AND DITCIIES, OR
going over the side. "I wish to inquire if we make
any stay in Brussels?"
" Ve shall probably remain there one day."
"I have an invitation to visit Monsieur Rogier, the
chief minister of the King of Belgium, and should
like to accept it," added Mr. Hamblin, who thought
it would be well for the principal to know this fact*
before he thought much of the difficulty between
himself and the captain.
"You will have ample time," answered Mr. Lowington, as he stepped over the side into the boat.
At two o'clock all hands embarked in a ferry-boat,
which conveyed them to the Tete de Flandre, opposite Antwerp, where the Ghent railway station  is
located.  By the good offices of the governor of
Antwerp, a special train had been procured for
their accommodation, and the carriages were to be
at the disposal of the principal for the entire round
of the Belgian cities. By this arrangement, the tourists
were enabled to make the tour in the brief space allotted to it. They were to spend a day in the capital,
but only one or two hours in each of the other places.
In Belgium about two thirds of all the railways are
owned or leased by the government, which runs the
roads, and even those which are in the hands of corporations will eventually revert to the state. They
are exceedingly well managed, and very few accidents
occur upon them; but they run at a low rate of speed,
compared with the English railways. The fires are
about three cents a mile, which is below the average
in Europe.
Mr. Lowington selected a compartment in one of



YOUNG AMERICA IN HOLLAND AND BELGIUM. 189
the carriages, and arranged his party so as to transact
the disagreeable business on hand during the tdip.
Dr. Winstock and Paul sat at one end of the section,
and Mir. Stoute and Terrill at the other, while Mr.
Lowington and Professor Hamblin occupied the middle seats. The two students were allowed to occupy
the places at the windows, so that they could see the
country which they passed through; for the principal
deemed this as important for them, as their lessons; in
fact, it was a study of geography. The train moved
off, bearing the company through a low country, not
very attractive in itself, though the little farnis, gardens, villages and towns were full of interest to young
men like Paul.
" Now, Mr. Hamblin, I am ready to hear your complaints," said Mr. Lowington, after the train had passed
out of the station. " Captain Kendall, you may give
your attention to it, though you can look out of the
window at the same time."
"' Am I to be confronted with that boy?" demanded
the professor, indignantly.' hat boy I!" replied Mr. Lowington. - I am to
hear what you and Captain Kendall have to say. Go
on, if you please, sir."'~You will remember that one of the students,
McDoulgal, was sent on board of the ship this morning," Mr. Hamblin began, though he was utterly
disgusted because he was obliged to make his comlplaint in the presence of Paul.
"I remember it."'" The offence which that boy committed was against
me personally. As he explained the case to me, and



go190       DIKES AND DITCHES, OR
made a very humble apology, I was willing to forgive
him. I intimated to the officer of the deck that he
need not report the matter to the captain; but it was
reported to the captain, and when I went on deck,
after breakfast, I found the students had been assernbled. Mr. Kendall addressed them, with which I had
no fault to find. But- you can judge of my astonishment when he called tip McDougal, and ordered a
boat to convey himn on board of the ship, thus subjecting him  to the severest punishment known to
the students of the Josephine.
"I deemed it my duty to interfere, which I did in
the most civil manner. I respectfully protested against
the action of the captain. I say I deemed it my duty
to interfere."
Mr. Hamblin paused, and looked at the principal.
He wished him to say that he also deemed it his duty
to interfere; but Mr. Lowington did not say that, or.anything else, and waited till the professor was ready
to proceed.," I remonstrated with Mr. Kendall, and he saw fit
to disregard my protest. I demanded that his order
should be rescinded; but he was haughty and impudent in his manner. He told me that the boy should
be sent to the ship. He appeared to be utterly wanting in jucgminent, though, up to this time, I had remonstrated only in the mildest terms. He informed
me, in the most offensive manner, that he was the
captain of the vessel."
At this point Mr. Lowington bit his lips, to repress
a smile which was involuntarily manifesting itself on
his face.



192         DIKES AND DITCHES, OR
stances to you. Before the boat had shoved off, Mr.
Hamblin called me aside, and objected to my action.
He said the afair was personal with him, and he was
surprised that I had interfered with it. I replied that
the matter affected the discipline of the crew, and that
I should send McDougal on board of the ship. He
was angry then, spoke of my lack of judgment,.
and said the boy should not be sent to the ship. I
told him then, as decidedly as I knew how, that I
commanded the vessel."
"' Yes, sir; that he commanded the vessel!" said
Mr. Hamblin, with much excitement.
" Go on, Captain Kendall," added Mr. Lowington.
" He used some strong language then, and I told
him I had nothing more to say. As I was walking
away, he told me to stop, and called me a puppy. He
repeated the expression, and then I sent for Mr. Cleats
and Mr. Gage. They came, and I informed Mr.
Hamblin that if he applied another offensive epithet to
me, I would send him on board the ship in irons."
" Yes, sir! send me to the ship in irons! Could
you have conceived of such an indignity?" exclaimed the professor. Am I a common sailor? Am
I a servant?  Am I a student? or am I the senior professor of the consort?"
" Did you speak to Captain Kendall of his lack of
judgment, Mr. Hamblin?" asked the principal.' I did, most assuredly; and I am free to say that a
child would have exhibited more judgment than he
did," replied the professor, warmly.
"' Did you say that McDougal should not be sent on
board of the ship?"



YOUNG AMERICA IN HOLLAND AND BELGIUM. 193
"I did; it was an outrage upon the boy after he
had begged my pardon with his knees on the wet
deck; and it was an outrage upon me, who had forgiven his offence."
" Did you call Captain Kendall a puppy on the
quarter-deck of the Josephine?"
" I don't know whether it was on the quarter-deck
or the half-deck."
" Oblige me by answering my question."'' Perhaps I did," replied Mr. Hamblin, looking upon
the floor of the carriage; for this, he was conscious, was
his weak point.
" I must ask you either to affirm or deny that portion of Captain IKendall's complaint."
" If I did, it was because I had been.snubbed and
insulted by a pupil."
" You do not answer me, sir."
"' I did; and I am willing to acknowledge it was
highly improper; but I was- "
" It is not necessary to explain it," interposed Mr.
Lowington. " I desire now only to obtain the facts.
You applied this epithet twice to Captain Kendall
did you?"
i' Possibly I did. I was much excited."
" Affirmn or deny it, if you please."
" I will grant that I did, though I do not now distinctly remember. It was wrong for me to use such
language under any circumstances, but I have not
been in the habit of being snubbed by my pupils."
"' Is there any other material fact you wish to add,
Mr. Hamblin?" asked the principal.
" Nothing more is needed, I think," replied the proI7



194          DIKES AND DITCHES, OR
fessor, who really believed that he had overwhelmed
Paul, in spite of the conscious disadvantage he labored
under ill having used intemperate language himself.
" It is plain enough that Mr. Kendall and I cannot get
along together in the same vessel."
" That is plain enough," added Mr. Lowington.
c I had requested Professor Stoute and Mr. Terrill to
take seats in this carriage in order to aflord any information we might need; but I find the facts in the
case are not disputed. On the material points, there is
no difference of statement between Mr. Hamblin and
Captain Kendall. I shall reserve my decision till we
return to the vessels."
" It will be impossible for i-me to do my duty to the
students on board of the Josephine while Mr. Kendall
is in command of her," said the professor, who wanted
the decision at once, so confident was he that the
principal could not sustain the young commander this
time.
" I shall arrange it so that you and Captain Kendall
will no longer sail in the same vessels."
That was very indefinite, but something was to be
done; and this was all the comfort the professor received. Paul was much agitated, and Dr. Winstock
talked to him for half an hour before he could fix his
attention upon the novelties of the country hurried in
panorama before him.



YOUNG AMERICA IN HOLLAND AND BELGIUM. I95
CHAPTER  XII.
" IN BELGIUM'S CAPITAL."
G'AND!" shouted the guard, as he walked along
the step before the doors of the compartments,
just as the train entered the station.
" I suppose that means Ghent," said Paul.
"'Yes; Gand is the French name of the place,"
replied Dr. Winstock. " There are many cities in
Europe which you would not recognize by their foreign appellations."
As the train stopped the whistle of the Young
America's boatswain called the students together, and
Mr. Lowington told them they could stay only two
hours in the place.
"' Ghent is situated at the junction of the River Lys
with the Scheldt," said Professor Mapps, who, to the
astonishment of the boys, -seemed to be plumed for a
lecture.' The numerous branches of these rivers,
either natural or artificial, form canals which extend
in all directions through the city. The town may be
said to be composed of twenty-six islands, which are
connected together by no less than eighty bhridges.
The grand canal extends fiom the lower Scheldt to
the town, by means of which ships drawing eighteen
feet can come up to the basin. All these canals are



i96          DIKES AND DITCHES, OR
navigable for boats or vessels. It is surrounded by a
wall seven or eight miles in extent, for its defence.
On the grand canal, half way between the city and
the WVest Scheldt, there are sluices, by which the
whole country could be laid under water in case of
invasion by an enemy.
" Ghent has been called the Manchester of Belgium,
on account of its being so largely engaged in cotton
manufactures.  Its factories are operated by steam
power. The population in I863 was one hundred and
twenty-two thousand. The cultivation of flowers is
largely carried on here, there being ahout four hundred hot-houses in the immediate vicinijty of the city.
" Ghent is a very old city, and occupies a prominent
place in history. In the days of, Charles the Bold it
was the capital of Flanders.  Charles V., Emperor
of Germany, was born here. It was formerly a city
of vast importance, and at one time its wealth and
power had increased to such an extent, that it was
regarded as the rival of Paris.  I'7e nettrais Paris
dans mon Ganzd,' Charles V. used to say, as he proudly contemplated this great city. What does it mean?"
"' I could put Paris into nay glove," replied one of
the French scholars near the professor. " But gant
is the French word for glove."
"Near enough for a pun, and much nearer than
modern punsters often get it," continued Mr. Mapps.
" Ghent, in former clays, had the reputation of being
a turbulent city, and its people were bold and warlike.
They have always been forward in asserting and de,
fending their liberties; and you will find that the
burghers of Ghent figure largely in Mr. Motley's



YOUNG AMERICA IN HOLLAND AND BELGIUM. I97
Histories. I will not detain you longer now, but, as
we pass through the city, I shall have something more
to say about its historic character."
A sufficient number of vehicles had been gathered
during the professor's lecture to enable the students to
make the most of their limited time in Ghent. They
went first to the BetfJroi, or Belfry-tower. It is a kind
of watch-tower, two hundred and eighty feet high,
built in the twelfth century. The structure is square,
and is surmounted by a gilt dragon. It contains a
chime of bells, and a huge bell weighing five tons.
The records of the city were formerly kept in the
lower part of the building, which is now degraded
into a prison. The entrance to the tower is through
a shop, and the view fioln the top is very fine.
The Cathedral of St. Bavon, the Church of St.
Michael, and the Hotel de Ville, or Town Hall, were
pointed out, and the carriages stopped in the Marche
au Vendredi, a large square, or market-place, which
takes its name from the day on which the sale is held.
The phrase means Friday Market. Mr. Map.ps explained the use of the square, and pointed out the ancient buildings with Flemish gables, which look like a
flight of stairs on each slope, which surrounds it.
" This was the grand meeting-place of the citizens
of Ghent," he continued; " the counts of Flanders
were inaugurated here with great ceremony and
splendor.  Here the trades-unions, or societies of
weavers, used to meet. Here the standard of rebellion was planted, and the people rallied around it to
overthrow their oppressors. Here Jacques van Artevelde, the Brewer of Ghent, encountered a hostile
I7"



198         DIKES AND DITCHES, OR
association, and fought one of the most furious combats known in history. He was called the Brewer of
Ghent, because, though of noble family, he joined the
society of brewers to flatter the vanity of the lower
classes. His partisans were chiefly weavers, and his'
opponents the fullers. In the midst of the strife the
host-the consecrated bread and wine of the Catholic
mass - was brought into the square, in order to separate the furious artisans; but it was disregarded, and
the bodies of fifteen hundred citizens were left on this
spot.
" Van Artevelde, whose statue you see before you,"
added the professor, pointing to the object, " was a
person of great influence. He was the ally of Edward
III. of England, and had raised himself to the position of Ruwaert, or Protector of Flanders, by banishing its hereditary counts. By his advice, the- King of
England had added thef7teur de Uis, or lilies of France,
to the British arms, claiming to be King of France.
He courted the aid of the Flemish: people, who were
very powerful, - for it was said that Ghent alone could
furnish eighty thousand fighting men, - in order to
establish his cltirn to rule France.
" Edward o6tained the assistance of the Flemings;
but he did not conquer France, though he gained
some splendid -Tictories, in which the famous Black
Prince figured.. V'an Artevelde began to dread the
vengeance of the hereditary counts of Flanders, whose
power he had usurped, and in I344 he invited Edward
to meet him at Sluis. Here the Brewer proposed to
make Edward's son — the Black Prince -sovereign
of Flanders, in order to secure the protection of:



YOUNG AMERICA IN HOLLAND AND BELGIUM. I995
England. He relied upon his influence with the citizens to induce then  to submit to this arrangement;
but the stout burghers rejected the proposal with contempt and indignation.
" During Van Arteveldt's absence, a popular insurrection was fomented against him; and, on his return,
as he rode through the streets, he was made conscious
of the storm that was brewing against the Brewer.
He went to his house, and barricaded the doors; but
the street was soon filled by the mob. He addressed
them from a window; but they would not hear him,
and he attempted to escape by a back door into an
adjoining church. Failing to accomplish this purpose,
the infuriated people broke -in upon- him, and he was
killed.
"' In this square, also, were kindled tile fires of the
Inquisition by the Duke of Alva, at the command of
Philip II., and thousands perished in the barbarous
persecution.
"The rebellious spirit of the people of Ghent was
very trying to Charles V. He demanded of them an
enormous sum of money, to'enable him to carry on a
war against France. The burghers piut the town in a
state of defence, and privately offered ild-'ir allegiance
to Francis I. of France. He declinedi the offer, and
maliciously informed Charles of it, who marched an
army through France to punish thel tre:ason of his subjects in Ghent. Commanding this a-:iny, in person, he
reached the gates of the city, and si1rrounded its walls,
before the people were aware of his presence.
" The utmost consternation prevailed in the town,
and messengers were sent to the emperor to sue for



200          DIKES AND DITCHES, OR
forgiveness. Without granting any terms to the rebels,
he imperiously demanded that the gates should be
opened. His command was obeyed, and the Spanish
army marched into the town. The Duke of Alva
suggested that the entire city should be destroyed; but
Charles satisfied himself with beheading fourteen of
the ringleaders of the rebellion, and confiscating their
property. The principal officers of the city were ordered to appear before the emperor barefoot and'bareheaded, clothed in black gowns, and with halters
around their necks. They were compelled to sue for
pardon on their knees. As an additional penalty, the
magistrates were forbidden to appear in public without
a halter on their necks, as a badge of their ignominy.
The rope was worn; but, in the lapse of time, it became a silken cord, tied in a true-lover's knot, and was
regarded as an ornament which the magistrate could
not dispense with.
" In I570, when the people attempted to shake off
the Spanish rule, the citadel or fortress at the Porte
d'Anvers (which has been demolished) was besieged
by the Prince of Orange. It was gallantly defended
by the Spaniards for a long time; but, at last, three
thousand of the burghers of Ghent, clothed in white
shirts as a distinguishing mark, assaulted the citadel.
Their scaling-ladders were not long enough, and the
attack failed. On the following day, while preparations were in progress to renew the attack, the Spaniards capitulated.  When suitable terms had been
agreed upon, the garrison, only one hundred and fifty
in number, marched out under the command of a woman. It appeared then that the governor of the for



202          DIKES AND DITCHES, OR
to make any long speeches, though Bruges had a history hardly less exciting than that of Ghent. It takes
its name from the great number of bridges which it
contains; for the place, like Ghent, is cut up by canals.
Bruges was once a rich and powerful city, reputed
to contain two hundred thousand inhabitants; but, like
nearly all the Flemish cities, it has declined fi'om its
former grandeur, and now contains only fifty-one thousand, nearly a third of whom are paupers. In the
fifteenth century, the Dukes of Burgundy held their
court here; it had an immense foreign commerce, and
its warehouses were filled with the silks and woollens
manufactured in the vicinity. All this has passed
away, the town has the aspect of a ruined place,
and its lofty and elegant public buildings —the remains of former prosperity - seem to mock its present
desolation.
Fine houses may be hired in Bruges at a rent of
from sixty to a hundred dollars a year. It is said that
a house has not been built in the city for a century, for
the reason that its diminishing inhabitants were more
than supplied by those which had once accommodated
four times its present population. The place is dead
and dull. The streets are nearly empty. A man-servant finds himself upon a hundred dollars a year, and
a French teacher charges twenty cents an hour for his
services.
The Church of Notre Dame contains the tombs of
Charles the Bold and of his daughter Mary. La
Cihapelle du Saint Sang takes its name from several
drops of the blood of the Savior, which are said to
have been brought from the Holy Land. They were



204           DIKES AND DITCHES, OR
The boys could not help taking in the inspiration they
imparted; and when it transpired that Mr. Modelle,
the professor of elocution, had a copy of Longfellow
in his pocket, they almost unanimously insisted that
the poems relating to the scene should be read.  They
gathered around him, the circle closely flanked by the
men, women, and children of the dull old town, who
bad apparently been roused from their lethargy by the
advent of the young Americans.  In his deep bass
tones he read the Carillon first.
" In the ancient town of Bruges,
In the quaint old Flemish city,
As the evening shades descended,
Low and loud, and sweetly blended,
Low at times and loud at times,
And changing like a poet's rhymes,
Rang the beautiful wild chimes
From the belfry in the market
Of the ancient town of Bruges."
The students listened with almost breathless interest till the last line of the " Belfry" was read; there
was, something so grand and beautiful in the poem
itself, as the images of the past are brought up,"I beheld the pageants, splendid,
That adorned those days of old:
Stately dames like queens attended,
Knights who bore the Fleece of Gold," 
and sornething ill the association of the living lines
with the real belfiy of Bruges before them, that the
impression was one to be remembered for years.
After a hasty walk through a couple of the ancient



YOUNG AMERICA IN HOLLAND AND BELGIUM. 205
streets of the city, the students returned to the railroad station, and the train started for Brussels, a ride
of about two hours from  Bruges. It was half past
nine when they arrived at the capital of Belgium.
The party were greeted by Mr. Fluxion, who had been
sent direct from Antwerp to make arrangenments for
their stay over night. Captain Kendall, his officers
and crew, were sent to the Hotel Royal in the Rue
Fosse aux Loups. It was a small hotel, but very nice
and comfortable.  Mr. Molenschot, the proprietor,
spoke English, but he appeared to be the only person
in the house who could do so. He was very polite
and attentive to the students, and spoke familiarly and
pleasantly to them about 1" my hotel."
Mr. Fluxion himself had a faculty for keeping a
hotel, and understood precisely what tired travellers
wanted when they came in late in the evening; and
he had ordered, in addition to the tke comzplet, the b3fstek and ponzmze de terre. The boys were as hungry
as wolves, and the solid part of the entertainment was
very inviting.  Each dish of beefsteak was covered
over with nicely browned fried potatoes. In a few
moments there was hardly a vestige of the feast remaining on the table.
The Young America's ship's company were quartered at the H6tel de l'Univers, and the Hotel de
Suede, so that the party-was separated; and Paul was
rather glad of it, because there were some belonging
to the ship who were not influenced by the motives
which prevailed in the Josephine. He could control
his crew, even without the aid of Mr. Fluxion, who,
with several of the professors also lodged at the Royal.
is



206         DIKES AND DITCHES, OR
They were a jolly party at the supper table; and as
none of the waiters spoke a word of English, there was
a great deal of fun made in giving their orders; but
everybody was remarkably good-natured, including
the waiters themselves.
" WVaiter," called Lynch, who, as a general rule, was
not guilty of knowing.much about any of his studies,
" bring me the bur."
The servant took no notice of him.
" Call him a gcaron," said Grossbeck.
"Gdcrpon!" shouted Lynch.
".Ionsiczur," replied the man.
"Bring me the bur."
"You might as well call for a Canada thistle,"
laughed Duncan, who was one of the best French
scholars in the Josephine.
"I want some butter; I have eaten up all the 3bfz
slek, and all the hponmme de /erres, and now I want
some bread and butter. These fellows don't understand their own language."
"':AI/'apportez dai beurre," added Duncan.
"Oui, oui, oui!" exclaimed the waiter, producing
the required article.
"That's the idea," replied Lynch; "that man's
improving. But this beurre is so fresh I can't eat it;
I want some salt."
" Call for it, then," laughed Duncan.' I will; here's a go.  Garpon, mapperty sellier!"
"Good!" roared Duncan. "' If we had a saddle
of mutton for supper, I should suppose you would
want what you called for."
" I want the salt."



YOUNG AMERICA IN HOLLAND AND BELGIUM. 207
" I thought you did; and that's the reason why you
called for a saddler."
"I didn't call for any saddler. I said sellier."
"Precisely so; and that is a saddler."
"What shall I say?"
" Sel."
" Sel; sellier.  WTell, I knew there was a sell
about it somewhere."
"6 Precisely; but you were sold. I advise you not
to make any long speeches in French."
"You may bet your life I shall not," replied
Lynch.
"Just mention the thing you want in one word;
then you won't confuse the gcarpoo's intellect by flooding it with ideas."
" Garon - sel," added Lynch, acting upon this
excellent advice.
The waiter brought the sel, and nobody was sold
this time.
" I think I shall pick up the French language in
time," added Lynch, encouraged by his success.
" Perhaps you will, but the Hotel Royal will have
crumbled to dust before that happy event occurs."
There was any quantity of blunders made at the
table, and some of the students had nearly choked
themselves to death with laughing at them, and at
the blank looks of the waiters when spoken to in a
tongue which Mr. Fluxion declared sounded more
like Low Dutch than decent French. Mr. Molenschot
laughed too, and intimated that "' my hotel" had
never been so lively before.' "What now, Captain Kendall? " said Mr. Fluxion,
when the supper and the blunders had ended.



203         DIKES AND DITCHES, OR
"1 My officers and crew wish to take a little walk,"
replied Paul.
*6 What! to-night? It is after ten o'clock."' They wish to see how' Belgium's capital' looks
in the evening."
"Of course you can do as you think best; but I
advise you to be cautious with them. They may get
into trouble in a strange city, or get lost. If some of
them can't speak French any better than they did at
supper, they will have to go to the watch-house,
because they can't ask the way back."
"They can say H6iel Royal. None of my crew
have ever got into trouble since the ship's company
was organized," added Paul, who wanted to go out
himself, and could not deny to others what he took
himself.
The permission was given to walk till eleven
o'clock, but the boys were admonished to behave
properly, and to return punctually.  Lynch and
Grossbeck, who still clung together as fast friends,
left the hotel in company.
"'This is jolly - isn't it?" said Lynch, as they
passed out of the Rue Fosse aux Loups into the
Place de la Monnaie, a small square in front of the
Theatre Royal.'" For less than  an hour," added  Grossbeck,
gloomily.
"' We don't understand French, and so we can't
tell what time it is," laughed Lynch.
"' That won't go down. We were told to be back
at eleven."'
" But if we don't know what time it is, we can't be
tied to the bell-rope."



YOUNG AMERICA IN HOLLAND AND BELGIUM. 209
"No use; the captain knows the boom from the
bobstay, and if he isn't a Knight of the Golden
Fleece, you can't pull wool over his eyes.  You
know he pilt McDougal through this morning."
"Well, come along.  We'll have a good time
while it does last," replied Lynch, apparently appalled by recalling the summary treatment of his
shipmate.
"Everybody seems to be having a good time here,"
said Grossbeck, as they passed a cafe, in front of which
were a great number of small tables, at which gentlemen were drinking, smoking, and carrying on noisy
conversation. "I don't see any reason why we should
not. What are they drinking there?"
"Beer, or wine, I suppose," answered Lynch, as
he led the way he knew not whither, turning to the
left, because the street in that direction looked more
lively than the others.
There was nothing to be seen, as most of the shops
were closed; but they continued on their way till
they came to a kind of arcade, a building which contained a broad passage-way, opening from the street,
with a large number of little shops on either side.
The interior was brilliantly lighted, and most of
the small stores were devoted to fancy goods and
other showy articles. The young seamen entered the
arcade, in which many people were promenading.
"They say this city is a second edition of Paris on
a small scale," continued Lynch. " This is very well
got up; but from what I have seen of the town, it
loosks like a one-horse city. The streets are not much
wider than a cow-path."
I8*



210          DIKES AND DITCHES, OR
" But they say it is like Paris," added Grossbeck.
" My eyes! there's a clock that speaks Englishl 
It is half past ten," exclaimed Lynch.'" Bult I'm not
going back to the Hotel Royal till I've had a little
fun. There's a what-y0ou-call-it, where they sell wine.
Let's go in, and see what it's like."
The place indicated was a wine-shop, and the two
boys entered, seating themselves at one of the little
tables. The prompt waiter came to them, bowed and
scraped, and flourished a napkin, and hinted that he
would be happy to take their order.
" WVhat will you have, Grossbeck?"
" I'll take a glass of wine."
" Let's see you take it!" laughed Lynch. " What
shall we call for?  I don't remember a word of
French, now that I want to use it."
" Perhaps the garfon can speak English.  Ask
him."
"Ask him?  WVhat shall I say?"' O, I know. Parlez-vous Angle/erre?" added
Grossbeck, turning to the.waiter.
"Non, monsieur," replied the waiter, who did not
speak " England."
"O, confound it! What's the Dutch for wine?"
demanded Lynch, impatiently.
" I know - eau de vie.  Garfon, eazt de vie,"
replied Grossbeck, confidently.
The waiter disappeared, and  presently returned
with a small decanter and two minute wine-glasses.
" I knew eau de vie would bring it," added Grossbeck, as he filled the little glasses.
" That's pretty strong wine," said Lynch, when



YOUNG AMERICA IN HOLLAND AND BELGIUM. 211
he had swallowed the contents of the glass with a
very wry face.
" That's so."
They looked about them till the clock indicated
that it was time to start for the hotel; but they
decided to repeat the dose from the decanter, and
did so.
"That's the strongest wine I ever drank," said
Grossbeck.
" How much is it?" asked Lynch.
"Let's see - combien? "
"Un franc cinquante centimnes," replied the waiter,
after he had glanced at a gauge on the decanter which
indicated the quantity of the fiefy fluid that had been
consumed.
Neither of them could understand the answer, and
Grossbeck handed the garpon a franc.  The man
shook his head, and held out his hand for more.
Lynch gave him another franc, and he returned a
half franc piece.
" Pour boire? " said the man with a winning
smile.' Poor bwar! Who's he?" demanded Lynch, in
whose head the strong water was producing its effect.
" He means' poor boy.' I say, Grossbeck, does he
think I'm - I'm sizzled?  I feel so myself. Come,
let's go."
They rose, and moved in a serpentine path to the
door.
" Pour boire?" repeated the garqon, following
them.
"That's what's the matter. I'm  a poor boy! I



212         DIKES AND DITCHES, OR
was a fool to drink more'n one nip of your camphene," hickuped Lynch. " Here, old fellow, here's a
half of one of those francs. Don't say nothing more
about it. I'm a poor boy, but I shall get over it."
The young tippler handed the half-franc piece to
the waiter, who bowed, scraped, flourished his napkin, and fled.



YOUNG AMERICA IN HOLLAND AND BELGIUM. 213
CHAPTER XIII.
THREE CHEERS FOR THE KING OF BELGIUM.
J SAY, Grossbeck, you and I are two bigger fools
than Napoleon was when he went to Russia," said
Lynch, as they reached the street again.
"That's so.'There was a sound of revelry by
night, and Belgium's capital'  got considerably
mixed," replied Grossbeck, whose head was not
quite so full as his companion's.
"What shall we do, my boy?" stammered Lynch.
"That wine was nothing short of camphene.  We
shall be seen by the captain, and we shall both be
sent to keep company with poor McDougal. We've
lost our mess on the Josephine."
" Stiffen up, Lynch. Don't give way to it. What
sort of a sailor are you, that can't bear two thimblefuls of wine?"
" That wine was camphene, I tell you. It feels just
like a whole bunch of friction matches touched off at
once in my stomach — that's so. I'm a poor boy and
no mistake, Grossbeck."
Lynch suddenly stopped, and grasped his companion by the arm.
" What's the matter," demanded Grossbeck.
" It's no use for me to drink wine. The eau de via



YOUNG AMERICA IN HOLLAND AND BELGIUM. 215
of a large clothing store, on the corner of the street in
which the hotel was located.'Thank you.  I am very much obliged to you,"
said he to the policeman, as he pointed to the street.' Oui," replied the officer, solemnly, though the
grateful acknowledgments of the juvenile tippler were
lost upon him, except so far as he could interpret them
by the motions of the speaker.
1" I feel meaner than Napoleon did after the battle
of Waterloo," groaned Lynch.
" Stiffen up, now. Here's the hotel," added Grossbeck.
"Well, what shall we do?  I can't walk straight,
and my head spins round like a top," pleaded Lynch.
" Dry up. Starch your back-bone. Here comes a
lot of the fellows."
"' Who are they?" asked Lynch, trying to stiffen his
back, and get the bearings of his head.
The party approaching proved to be half a dozen
of " our fellows," who stopped, and immediately discovered the condition of the two hopefuls.
" I say, McKeon, can't you help us out?" said
Grossbeck.
" Ay, ay; certainly we can," replied " our fellows,"
in concert, as they gathered closely around the inebriates, and, thus encircling them, marched into the hotel.
" Keep still, Lynch; don't say a word," whispered
Grossbeck, as they entered the hall, effectually concealed from the observation of the officers by their
companions.
Mdr. Fluxion stood at the door, and checked off the
names of the party as they entered, on the list he held,



I 6         DIKES AND DITCHES, OR
so as to be sure that all had come in. It was not an
easy thing for Lynch to ascend three flights of stairs;
but his companions supported him, and contrived to
screen him from the officers, till they reached the
room  where they were to sleep.  The door was
closed and fastened, and Grossbeck gratefully acknowledged the kindness of his friends in getting
them out of the scrape.
"What did you drink?" asked McKeon.' Wine," answered the tippler.
" What kind of wine?"
" I don't know- eau de vie."
"Eau de vie!" exclaimed Blount, whose knowledge of French was above the average of that of
" our fellows."
" That's what we called for," added Grossbeck.
" And it was as strong as camphene," said Lynch,
as he tumbled into bed.
" It was brandy! " laughed Blount.
The boys all laughed at the blunder, and Lynch
repeated his pledge not to drink any strong liquors,
wine, or beer again. Grossbeck defended his conduct
by saying that he had heard a great deal about the
light wines of Europe, which people drank like water,
and he did not suppose a couple of thimblefuls of
it would hurt them.
" Call for vin rouge next time," laughed Blount;
" that means red wine, or claret.  It isn't much
stronger than water."
"No, sir!" ejaculated Lynch, springing up in bed,
though with much difficulty; " I shall not call for red
wine, or anything of the sort. Fromn this time, hence.



YOUNG AMERICA IN HOLLAND AND BELGIUM. 2 I 7
forth and forevermore, I'm  a temperance man.  I
won't drink anything but water, and only a little of
that. I feel cheaper than Napoleon when he landed
on the Island of St. Helena."
The party turned in, and ill a short time all of them,
tired out by the fatigues of the day, were fast asleep.
Mr. Fluxion, before half past eleven, had reported all
the students in the house. At six o'clock in the morning all hands were turned out, and several squads of
them were exploring the city on their own account.
But it was not till after breakfast that a systematic
excursion was organized.  A number of omnibuses
and one-horse barouches, or voitures, had been engaged by Mr. Fluxion, and, seated in these, the ship's
company proceeded to the Grande Place, which is a
large square, with the Hotel de Ville on one side,
and the old Palace, or Broodhuis, on the other
side.
The H6tel de Ville is one of the most splendid municipal palaces in the Low Countries, where these
structures are always magnificent specimens of architecture. The spire, of open work, in Gothic style,
is three hundred and sixty-four feet high. The vane,
which is a gilded copper figure of St. Michael, is seventeen feet high. The building was erected in the
fifteenth century.
By the attention of the governor of Antwerp, several officials were in readiness to escort the visitors
through the city; and at their beck the doors of public
buildings and churches, and the gates of palaces and
gardens, were thrown open. The_ party entered the
Hotel de Ville, and in one of its large rooms an op-'9



218           DIKES AND DITCHES, OR
portunity was afforded for Mr. Mapps to expatiate a
little on the city of Brussels.
"Y oung gentlemen, what is the French name of
this city?" asked the professor, as he took the stand
occupied by the chief magistrate of the city.
"' Bruxelles," responded many of the boys; for they
had seen it often enough upon signs and in newspapers to know it.
"~ Unlike many of the cities of Belgium which we.have before visited, Brussels is a growing place.  Its
population has doubled in twenty years, and now numbers about three hundred thousand.  It is situated on
both sides of the little River Senne, one hundred and
fifty miles-from Paris, - which it imitates and resembles in some degree, - and twenty-seven tmiles from
Antwerp.  It is built partly on a hill; and the city
consists of two portions, called the upper and the
lower town, the latter being the older part, and contai:ing all the objects of historic interest.  In the
upper town are the Park, the king's palace, and the
public offices. The streets are irregular, narrow, and
crooked; but the city is surrounded by a broad highway, having different names in different parts, as the
Boulevard de Walerloo, the Boulevard de Flantdre,
and the Boulevard d'Anvers..'" The oldest part of the city is in the vicinity of
this square - the Grande P]lace, in which the Counts
Egmont and Horn were beheaded by the Duke of
Alva. You saw their statues in the square. In this
city, in an old palace burned in I733, Charles V. abdicated in favor of his son Philip II.  Here, also, was
drawn up that celebrated document called the Request.



220         DIKES AND DITCHES, OR
driven to the Place des Martyrs, where there is a large
monument erected to the memory of three hundred
Belgians, who fell in the Revolution of I830, which
made Belgium an independent kingdom. From this
point they passed into the broad Boulevards to the
Botanical Gardens, which, however, they did not
enter, but continued up the hill to the Park, a large
enclosure, beautifully laid out, and ornamented with
statues. In one corner of it is the Theatre du Parc,
while in the square which surrounds it are located the
king's palace, the palace of the Prince of Orange, the
Chamber of Representatives, and other public buildings. The students visited the king's palace; —but
his majesty usually resides at Laeken, and the establishment represents royalty on a small scale - and the
Chamber of Representatives, in which the two branches of the Belgian legislature convene. In the latter,
a woman showed them the Chambers, pointing out
some fine pictures, including portraits of the king and
queen, and the Battle of Waterloo, explaining everything in French.
" Where shall I find the Minister of Foreign Affairs,
Mr. Stoute?" asked Professor Hamblin, nervous and
excited at the near prospect of standing face to face
before the great man of Belgium, and of being complimented upon his great educational works.
"' I don't know; but his office must be somewhere
in this vicinity," replied the fat professor, laughing at
the excitement of his associate.
One of the officials in charge of the party volunteered to conduct them to the apartment of the distinguished revolutionist.



YOUNG AMERICA IN HOLLAND AND BELGIUM. 221
" You must come with me, Mr. Stoute," said the
professor of Greek. "If it turns out that Mr. Rogief
don't speak English, I should be in an unfortunate
dilemma."
" I will go with you with pleasure," laughed Mr.
Stoute, who was rather desirous of witnessing the
interview.
They were conducted to the apartments of the distinguished minister, and formally and ceremoniously
ushered into his presence. He bowed, and regarded
his visitors with cool indifference.
" Wlhom have I the honor to address?" asked the
minister, in good English, when Mr. Hamblin had
made his best bow.
"' I am Professor Hamblin, fiom the United States,
at your service," replied the learned gentleman, who
seemed to believe that this announcement would
bring the Belgian statesman to his feet, if not to his
arms - the professor's.
" Ah, indeed! " replied the minister, blankly.
"I had the pleasure of receiving a note from you
at Antwerp," added the American celebrity, annoyed
at the coolness of the revolutionist.
"A  note from me i " exclaimed the Belgian celebrity, curtly. " I never saw you or heard of you before
in my life."
Mr. Hamblin produced the formidable envelope,
and drew therefrom the epistle of sweet savor, which
had been such a comfort to him in his troubles. He
presented it to the minister, satisfied that this would
recall the matter to his recollection.
" This note is not from me. I did not write it,"
I9*



222          DIKES AND DITCHES, OR
said the Belgian, when he had glanced hastily at -the
page.
" Really, I beg your excellency's pardon; but it is
signed with your name."
" It is a forgery - what you Americans call a practical joke, probably. I haven't been in Antwerp for
months."
There was an apparent convulsion in the fat frame
of Mr. Stoute, who was evidently struggling to suppress his mirth, or keep it within decent limits.
"' I am very sorry, sir," stammered Mr. Hamblin.
" The letter is an imposition, sir. I never heard of
you before in my life," added the great Belgian, tossing the note back to the professor, with an impatience
which indicated that he never wished to see him
again.
That vision had exploded - no invitation to dinner,
none to visit the king, none to accept the position of
Librarian of the Greek portion of the Royal Library,
whose only duty was to consist in drawing his salary.
Mr. Hamblin bowed, and so far conformed to his
original programme as to back out of the office.
Doubtless he came to the conclusion, in his disgust,
that Belgium was a " one-horse" kingdom, and that
royalty was a humbug.
The vision exploded; so did the mirth of Mr.
Stoute, as soon as the door of the department of
foreign affairs had closed behind him. He laughed
till every ounce of his adipose fiame quivered.
"What are you laughing at, Mr. Stoute?" demanded the disappointed suitor for Belgian honors.
"You will excuse me, sir; but really I can't help
it," choked the fat professor.



YOUNG AMERICA IN HOLLAND AND BELGIUM. 223
"I really don't see anything to laugh at," added
Mr. Hamblinr, indignantly.
" I was intensely amused at the shuffling indifference of Monsieur Rogier. He evidently regards himself as a very great man, not to be disturbed by insignificant Greek scholars."
"' What do you mean by insignizficant, Mr. Stoute?"
asked the lean professor, solemnly.
"' WThy, the minister had never even heard of you,
of your Greek Grammar, Greek Reader, and Anabasis.
Such is fame! " chuckled the good-natured instructor.
"'I What we Americans call a practical joke,' were
the words of the minister. Do you regard this as a
joke, Mr. Stoute?" said the learned gentleman, very
seriously.
" I suppose it is a joke to all, except the victim."
" Do you know anything about the author of this
senseless piece of imposition? "'' Certainly not. I had not the least idea that the
ponderous document was not genuine till his excellency pronounced it a forgery."
W" \Vho could have done this?"
"' Some of the students, probably."' Probably," replied the professor, taking the note
from  his pocket again, and carefully scanning the
handwriting. "I have no doubt it was done by one
of the students. It is -another of their infamous tricks
the fourth that has been put upon me. Do the
other instructors suffer in this manner?"
"I have not heard of any other victims, and I am
inclined to think you are the only one."
"I do not see why I should be selected as the



224         DIKES AND DITCHES, OR
recipient of these silly and ridiculous, not to say
wicked, tricks.  A rope falls on my head, I am
pitched into the river, drenched with dirty water, and
now sent on a fool's errand to the king's chief minister! I don't understand why I am the only sufferer."
Professor Stoute did understand why Mr. Hamblin
had been so frequently sacrificed, but he had a habit
of minding his own business, and did not venture to
give an opinion on the subject, which probably would
not have been well received. What the fat professor
knew all the boys in the Josephine, and most of those
in the Young America, knew - that the cold, stiff,
haughty, tyrannical, overbearing manner of the lean
professor had made hitn exceedingly unpopular; that
the students disliked him even to the degree of hating
him; that if he had ever had any influence with them,
he had lost it by his ridiculous sternness and stupid
precision. Mr. Hamblin did not know this, but everybody else did.
" Don't you know this writing, Mr. Stoute? " demanded the irate man of Greek roots, after an attentive study of the note.
" I do not."
"I do!" added Mr. HIamblin, decidedly.'You are fortunate then. If we can unearth the
culprit, he will be severely punished."
" I am not so clear on that point. This note was
written by Captain Kendall."' Impossible!" exclaimed Mr. Stoute, seizing. the
note, and examining more attentively than he had
done before the writing it contained.
It did look like Paul's writing. It was his style,



YOUNG AMERICA IN HOLLAND AND BELGIUM. 225
and there were not more than two students in the Josephine who could have composed the French in the
document. Those two were Paul and Duncan. But
Mr. Stoute was unwilling to believe that the captain
would resort to such a proceeding.
"I shall charge him with it," added Mr. Hamblin.
"I advise you not to do it without Inore evidence
than you have yet obtained," said Mr. Stoute, seriously.
"' After we return to the vessel I shall probably be
able to obtain some proof," continued Mr. Hamblin,
as he put the letter in his pocket.
WVhen they went to look for the rest of the party,
they found them forming a line in the square. Present with Mr. Lowington was his excellency, the governor of Antwerp, who had just invited the company
to visit the palate gardens. In even lines, with the
officers in their proper places, the procession marched
across the park and through the gates, at which a file
of Belgian soldiers presented arms to them. In the
garden they formed a line on one of the walks. Near
the palace, walking to and fro, was an old gentleman,
but still erect and manly, with a glittering decoration
on his breast. Several other persons, most of them
dressed in uniform, or decked with orders, were standing near the old gentleman.
Presently the governor of Antwerp approached the
ship's company, attended by an officer to whom Mr.
Lowington was introduced. The three then walked
towards the old gentleman, to whom the principal was
presented. The venerable personage bowed gracefully,
but did not offer to shake hands, or indulge in any
republican familiarities.



YOUNG AMERICA IN HOLLAND AND BELGIUM. 227
"Captain Kendall, commander of the Josephine,"
said the gentleman, when Paul's turn came.
Paul bowed, blushing up to the eyes, when lie became conscious that the royal gaze was fixed upon
him; but he had self-possession enough not to overdo
the matter, and his salute was as dignified and graceful as that of majesty itself. The king smiled when
he saw the fine form and handsome face of the junior
captain.
" Do you command a ship?"- asked his majesty,
surveying the young officer from head to foot, with a
pleasant smile on his face.
6" I command the Josephine, your majesty; she is
not a ship, but a topsail schooner of one hundred and
sixty tons," replied Paul, satisfied that kings speak
just like other men.
" You are very young to command a vessel of that
size," added the king.
Paul bowed, but made no reply, as no question was
asked.
" Can you manage her in a gale?" asked his majesty.
" I think I can, your majesty; at least I have done
so within a week on the coast of your majesty's dominions."
The king actually laughed at this confident reply.
As he bowed slightly, Paul, for the first time in his
life, backed out, and continued to back till he reached
his station at the head of the Josephines. The king
then bowed to the whole line, and retired.  As he
did so, Flag-officer Gordon called for three more



228         DIKES AND DITCHES, OR
cheers.  The king turned and bowed again.  This
time the snapper, in the form of the tiger, was applied, which so astonished the royal personage that he
turned once more, laughed, and bowed.
Professor Hamblin looked very nervous and discontented. " That boy" had been presented to the king,
and he, who had compiled a- Greek Grammar, a Greek
Reader, and edited the Anabasis, had been " left out in
the cold." If it was possible for a great mind like
that of the savant to harbor such a vicious feeling as
envy, he certainly envied Paul Kendall his brief interview with the King of the Belgians.
The party retired fronm the garden, and returned to
the carriages. It appeared in explanation of this unexpected honor, that the governor of Antwerp had
waited on the king that day, and informed him casually of the presence of the students of the academy
squadron in the capital, and he had expressed a desire
to see them in a very informal manner. Mr. Lowington was no " flunky," and never sought admission to
the presence of royalty, for himself or his pupils.
As the procession of omnibuses and fiacres moved
down to the lower town, they were thrown into great
excitement by seeing many of the streets and houses
dressed with flags and other devices. On inquiring
at the hotel, Mr..Molenschot informed Paul that it
was a saint's day, and that a religious procession would
march through some of the principal streets.
" Go down into the Boulevard d'Anvers, and you
will have a good chance to see the show," added the
landlord.
"What is it?"



YOUNG AMERICA IN HOLLAND AND BELGIUM. 229' O0, it is really very fine and very grand; but go at
once, or you will be too late."
The students were permitted to go to the street indicated, and they had hardly secured a good place before
they heard martial music, playing a solemn dirge.
20



230          DIKES AND IjITCIHES, OR
CHAPTER XIV.
TIHE VICE-PRINCIPAL.
A     CROWD  of people preceded the procession,
as it came out of the Rue de Laeken into the
Boulevard d'Anvers. At the head of it marched the
military band, and the corte'ge was flanked by soldiers
of the Belgian army, indicating that the government
felt an interest in the display. The students were on
the tiptoe of excitement at the novel spectacle; and
Paul asked his friend, the doctor, a great many questions which he could not answer. The composition
and order of the procession were very nearly as follows:
A man bearing a cross on a pole.
Banner.
Little girls dressed in white, with flowers in their hands.
Little boys.
Banner.
Image of the Virgin borne by four men.
A lamb, very white and clean, led by a string, and
decorated with red ribbons, with boys on each
side, carrying various emblems.
Young ladies in white.
Another image of the Virgin.



q,,          Ijjl'i  
i?:ibi~~~~~~~~~~~.r~.~,,"-.~, —~ di,,~lii
I.9si
A   RELIGIOUS PROC;=/        JissroN  IN Ii BRSE. Pae20
i  il.-~~~~~~~~~~~~~n






23.2         DIKES AND DITCHES, OR
The line filed into the Rue Longue Neuve, which
was extensively decorated with flags, streamers, and
other national and religious emblems. In many windows burned a line of candles, in some cases before a
crucifix.  In this street the procession halted, and
several of the priests moved up an arch forming the
entrance to one of the better residences. In this recess
an altar had been erected, and was covered with all
the emblems of the Catholic faith. The priests knelt
before it, and chanted a portion of the service, and
then returned to the procession, which continued its
march up the street; the flowers and bits of colored
paper filling the air before it, and the people still reverently bowing down to the host. The solemn and
impressive chanting of the priests kindled the pious
enthusiasm  of the multitude, and as the line passed
the cafes and eslaminezs, or smoking houses, the
pipe, the drink, and the gay jest were abandoned, to
pay homage to the faith of the nation.
The faces of the little children and the white-robed
maidens in the procession presented an aspect of religious enthusiasm, solemn but not sad, which young
people. seldom wear. Everybody seemed to be carried away by the excitement of the scene; all hats
were removed, and the utmost respect was paid to the
representatives and to the emblems of the church in
the line.
As Paul and his friend followed the spectacle up the
street, they saw a Be'guine nun kneeling at the altar in
the arch, wringing her hands in an ecstasy of devotion,
while several women were regarding her with an admiring reverence, which seemed to indicate that they



YOUNG AMERICA IN HIOLLAND AND BELGIUM..233
envied her the enjoyment of the heavenly raptures
which thrilled her.' It is very solemn- isn't it? " said Paul, when they
had passed out of hearing of the procession.
" It is really moving, even while you have no sympathy with the church which makes these displays."
" I think I was never more moved in my life than I
was by the chanting of those priests. But what is the
occasion of all this? "
"'I don't know; except that this is some saint's
day - St. James, I believe  but there is something of
this kind in Brussels nearly every Sunday; and I
have seen several minor displays in the streets in the
evening."
" I am surprised to see how much respect the people pay to their religion. If they have these displays
often, I should think they would become stale."
" It appears they do not. I have a great deal more
consideration and respect for these exhibitions in Belgiuml than in some other parts of Europe, for the
reason that all religions enjoy the utmost toleration
here. The people are almost exclusively Catholic,
and yet they permit Protestants and Jews entire freedom in the exercise of their religion, and pay them
their fair share of the government money."
At two o'clock dinner was ready at the Hotel Royal;
and it need not be added that the boys also were ready.
Half an hour later the whole party had been loaded
into stage-coaches, which, in an hour and a half, set
them  down on the battle-field of Waterloo.  For
two hours they wandered about the field, or rather up
and down the two principal roads which pass through
20 X



234          DIKES AND DITCHES, OR
it. On the highest ground of the field, where there
is a mound two hundred feet high, surmounted by the
Belgic Lion, Mr. Mapps gave a brief account of the
great battle, pointing out the spots of the greatest interest, including the road by which Blucher arrived.
The subject is too vast for these pages; but it will be
alluded to in the summary of French history in a subsequent volume.
There are several monuments, and columns, and obelisks on the battle-field, which mark the fall of distinguished men or their burial-places.  Beneath the great
mound are buried thousands of all the armies represented in this historical conflict, which settled, for a
time, the fate of Europe. The field is the harvestground of a multitude of beggars, relic-hunters, and
guides, who bore visitors almost to death with old
buttons, musty rags, flattened bullets, bones, and other
articles, which they produce as keepsakes of the battle.
The stock of these things probably failed long ago,
and the traveller may well be suspicious of the genuineness of anything which may be offered to him by
these leeches.
At six the stages conveyed the tourists to the Groenendael Station, on the railway to Namur, where they
arrived after a ride of an hour, express time. This
place is the " Belgian Sheffield," being largely engaged
in the manufacturing of arms, cutlery, and hardware.
Its vicinity contains rich mines of iron, coal, and marble. Many battles and sieges have occurred in this
place; and Don John of Austria, sent by Philip II. to
subdue the country, was buried here. The city contains a population of twenty-six thousand, and is beau



YOUNG AMERICA IN HOLLAND AND BELGIUM. 235
tifully located at the junction of the Meuse and Sambre
Rivers. The train stopped here iut an hlour; and the
students roamed through some of the principal streets,
which, however, were too much like those of places
they had visited before to excite any especial interest.
Two hours later, they arrived at Liege, which was
to be the eastern limit of the excursion. As before,
Mr. Fluxion had preceded them, and engaged accommodations at the hotels.  The students were very
tired, and not disposed to explore the city of the bishops that night.  Before breakfast on the following
morning, Mr. Mapps gave them the history and other
interesting particulars relating to the city, when they
had assembled in the old citadel of St. Walburg, which
overlooks the town.
"Li6ege, whose Flemish name is Luik, contains one
hundred and nine thousand inhabitants, who are principally concerned in the various manufactures of iron,
and especially in the making of cannon and arms,"
said the professor. " I observed to you before, that this
part of the country bears some resemblance to New
England. As you have an opportunity to observe for
yourselves, the scenery is very fine, but rather of the
pleasant and quiet description.
"6 The province of Liege, of which this city is the
capital, was formerly governed by a line of bishops; and
those of you who have read Scott's Quentin Durward
will remember William  de la Marck, the Wild Boar
of Ardcennes, whose adventures are located in this vicinity. In the tenth century, the bishops of Liege were
made sovereigns by the German emperor, and received
the name of Prince-Bishops.  But the burghers of



236          DIKES AND DITCHES, OR
Liege, like those of Ghent, had a will and a way ox
their own, and frequently rebelled against the bishops,
in support of their rights; and Charles the Bold took
the rulers under his protection. Still they persisted in
revolting, and Charles destroyed the city, as a punishment, in I468.  Fifteen years later, William de la
Marck murdered the prince-bishop, in order to obtain
the mitre-crown for his son. This was the beginning
of the insurrection, in which, as I have related to you
before, Charles the Bold compelled the king of France
to march against the rebels.
"'The place was subsequently captured by the
French; the bishops were expelled at the commencement of the French Revolution, but were restored
by the Austrians two years later.  In I794 it was
annexed to France; but after the battle of Waterloo
it was incorporated into the new kingdom  of the
Netherlands. In I830 the old spirit of the burghers
of Liege revived, and they were among the foremost
promoters of the Belgian Revolution."
The students descended from  the heights, whose
fortresses command the city, took an outside view of
the Hotel de Ville, several churches, and other public
buildings, and breakfasted at nine. T-hough they had
by no means exhausted the city, the time wouild not
permit a further examination. The train was ready
for them;  and their next stop was at Louvain, which,
like Ghent and Bruges, had dwindled down from a
population of two hundred thousand to thirty-three
thousand. It contains a magnificent town hall, decorated in the most elaborate style.
From Louvain the party hurried on to Mechlin, or



YOUNG AMERICA IN HOLLAND AND BELGIUM. 237
Malines, a picturesque old city, still famous for its fine
lace. It is about the size of Louvain, and, like that,
presents a deserted appearance, being only the shadow
of its former greatness.  Its principal object of interest to the tourist is the Cathedral of St. Romuald, a
structure of the fifteenth century, and, like the great
churches at Cologne and Antwerp, still unfinished.
It was built with money obtained by the sale of the
pope's indulgences, which, happily, " gave out " at last.
Its spire, which was to have been six hundred and forty
feet high, remains incomplete, at little more than half
this height, which, however, is only eighteen feet less
than the cross on St. Paul's, in London. The church
is an immense structure, said to cover nearly two
acres of ground. It is the cathedral of the Belgian
archbishop, or primate.
" There, Paul, we have finished Belgium," said Dr.
Winstock, as the train started for Antwerp.
" I am glad of it; for I am tired of sight-seeing. It
seems to me now that I have no desire to see another
Cathedral, H6tel de Ville, or Grande Place," replied
Paul, languidly, as he settled himself back in his seat.
" A  new country will wake you up," laughed the
doctor. "I suppose we shall be in Rotterdam  tomorrow."
"I hope so, though I don't know but I should like
blue water better than being shut up in these rivers
and canals."
" You will get blue water enough before the season
is ended."
In half an hour from Malines, the train reached Antwerp. Mr. Fluxion had arrived before; and there



YOUNG AMERICA IN HOLLAND AND BELGIUM. 239
most dignified instructors in the squadron. WVe must
do Mr. Hamrblin the justice to say, that he did not
wish to prove any more than he believed to be true;
but it is very easy for a prejudiced person to believe
a great deal against one who has offended him. A
student who was not fond of Greek could not be a
very noble, or even a very upright one; and he was
confident that, when Paul's true character became
known, when he was no longer stimulated to great
deeds by his high office, he would prove to be a very
different person from what he now appeared to be.
Mr. Hamblin confiscated a half quire of the paper,
and secured several French exercises written by Captain Kendall, to be used as evidence against him. He
then searched the vessel for similar paper in the possession of other students, but found none. He -vent
on deck, to ascertain what was to be done; for Mr.
Lowington had assured him he would not be any
longer obliged to sail in the same vessel with the obnoxious student. A boat from the ship was alongside,
and Mr. Fluxion had just stepped on board. The
boatswain was hoisting his baggage out of the boat,
which indicated that he was to remain.
Paul was reading an order just handed to him by
Mr. Fluxion, which appeared to settle the difficulty
between him and the learned professor, The order
was in these words:
Mr. James E. Fluxion is hereby appointed viceprincipal of the academy squadron, and will be
obeyed and respected accordingly.
Mr. Fluxion is also hereby instructed temporarily



YOUNG AMERICA IN HOLLAND AND BELGIUM. 243' We must do as the J osephines did," added Perth,
in a whisper.
" What's that?"
" Get rid of him. This shall be the first job of the
Knights of the Golden Fleece. McDougal, who is
a capital fellow, told me all about how the fellows
in the Josephine managed it."
" I heard they had been hazing him."
" That they did," laughed Perth. " There is fun in
the thing. If the old fossil was a decent fellow, of
course we wouldn't disturb him. Just as soon as he
made a row on board, all the fellows took the captain's
part. Morgan dropped him into the river, by drawing out the nail that held the boat-hook in the wood;
Blount dropped a coil of signal halyards on his head;
and McDougal ducked him with the hose-pipe; and
the old fellow got a bogus letter from Antwerp, inviting him to visit some of those kings, or something
of that sort."
" Who sent the letter?" asked Wilton, greatly interested, as he always was, in anything of this kind.
"- Nobody knows; at least McDougal says so. When
we were at Brussels, the old Greek went to see some
big fellow there, - the king or some minister, - and
the big bug wouldn't look at him. One of our fellows
heard Stoute telling the doctor about it; and Fatty
was so tickled that he shook just like a freshly-baked
cup-custard.  There goes the boatswain's whistle.
We are off now," added Perth, as he sprang to his
place at the capstan.
The anchor had before been hove short, and in a
few moments the Young America, also in the warnm



24:4         DIKES AND BDITCHES, OR
embrace of a powerful steam-tug, moved down -the
river.
" All hands in the rigging!" shouted the first lieu-,tenant, as the ship approached the Victoria and Albert.
The students ran up the shrouds like monkeys, and;stationed themselves in the rigging.
" Three cheers for the Queen of England," called
Goodwin; and they Ywere given withl becoming zeal.
A  lady dressed -in black, who was walking the
promenade deck, near the dining  saloon, bowed
and waved her handkerchief. That lady was Queen
Victoria.  The Josephine at this moment cambe eup
on the other side, and delivered her round of cheers.
Mr. Fluxion'carried the intelligence on board that
the queen had returned, and that the yacht would
sail that evening; and all hands were on the look-out for her majesty.  She bowed and waved -her,handkerchief to the Josephines, as she had to the
students in the ship.
She was not very distinctly seen by the curious
students in either vessel, and appeared like a stout
"'dumpy" little woman, in no respect difierent from
any other lady. In spite of this fact, it was voted to
be a big thing to have seen the Queen of England;
and the king of:the little realm of Belgium sank into
insignificance, compared with her.
"She don't look like a queen," said Captain Haven
to Mr. Mapps, who stood next to him.:"Did you expect to see her with her crown and
coronation robes on, and with the sceptre in her
hand?" laughed;tlhe professor.
"Not exactly; but I was not prepared -to see a lady



Z246        DIKES AND DITCHES, OR
CHAPTER XV.
THE PROFESSOR S CHARGE.
SAY, Perth, I've been a good boy for more than
L a week, and I begin to be ashamed of myself for
my want of activity," said Wilton, who had seated
himself on the bowsprit-cap, while his companion
was reclining on the flying jib. "I shall spoil if there
is not something going on soon."
"'We'll go on that cruise in theJosephine just as
soon as we can bring things round right," added
Perth.." It's no use to think of that while we are moored
fifty or a hundred miles from the sea," continued
Wilton.
"Of course not. Rotterdam is away up the river,
with -a bar at its mouth having only seven feet of
water on it at low tide. You must go over that, or by
the canal, which runs through an island. Do you
know where we go next?"
"' I heard some of the fellows say we were going to
the southward soon."
"If that's so I should suppose we shall go into
Pieppe or IHavre," said Perth.
"I heard Havre mentioned. How will that suit?"' First rate! " exclaimed the embryo captain of the



YOUNG AMERICA IN HOLLAND AND BELGIUM. 247
proposed prize, for the Knights depended upon Perth
for the navigation of the Josephine, when their longcherished plan should be put in execution.
" I suppose we shall not stay in Holland more than
a week."
" No, I hope not. Lowington is afraid we shall all
get sick if we stay here long."
" Havre is Jilst the place for us. It has an open
harbor, and we can go to sea from there without any
difficulty.  Besides, there's another thing that will
favor us."
I" WVhat's that? " asked WVilton.
"All the fellows will go to Paris when the ship is
there, and we can have a first-rate chance to operate
while they are gone."' I don't know about that. Our fellows will all
want to go to Paris with the rest. I want to go there
myself," suggested Wilton.
" We may as well give it up, then," added Perth.
"W Ve nmust see Paris, anyhow."' I'll tell vou what we can do. We can run round
through the Straits of Gibraltar, and up the Mediterranean to Marseilles. From  there we can all go to
Paris."
"That will be a long cruise," said Wilton.
" No matter for that. The longer the better."
"How far is it?"
" Not less than two thousand miles. WVe could go
in ten or fifteen days," added Perth, warming up as
he anticipated the pleasure of the runaway cruise.
" After we get into the Mediterranean, we can run
along the coast of Slain, go into port as often as we
like, and have a first-rate time generally."



248           DIKES AND DITCHES, OR
"But don't you suppose Lowington will follow us?"
"No matter if he does. We can beat the Young
America on a wind from Monday morning till Saturday night. If we find the ship is overhauling us, all
we have to do is to hug the wind, and we can give her
the slip."
" We haven't money enough to pay the expenses of
such a trip," said Wilton.'" There's plenty of money in the Josephine. But
we don't need much. The vessel has a year's provisions in her hold."
"- Salt junk and hard tack," sugested Wilton, who
was not partial to this diet.
" That will do very well while we are at sea; and
when we get to Spain we can buy things cheap.
Besides, our fellows are going to raise some money
on their own account," said Perth, in a whisper.
" How's that?" asked the other, curiously.
"Every one of the Knights wrote home to have
their folks send them some money at Paris, - or every
one but you and Munroe;'and the game was played
out with you and him, for you had some sent to you in
London.."' Yes; and Lowington got it," replied Wilton in
disgust.
1" We fixed it all right. We shall find loose change
enough on board of the Josephine to keep us happy
till we get to Paris, by the way of Marseilles, and then
we shall be rotten with stamps."
" But don't you expect to be caught some time or
other? " inquired Wilton, whose experience on a former
occasion seemed to point in this direction.



YOUNG AMERICA IN HOLLAND AND BELGIUM. 249
" No matter if we are. We must be ready for that;
but we will be jolly while we have things our own
way."
" It's no use to talk about it yet," added Wilton,
with a yawn, for tle wild scheme seemed so far offto
him that he could not enter into the spirit of it yet.'It won't be more than a week or ten days before
we shall be ready to make a strike. You know we
must all cut up so as to be left on board."
" Yes, and some one will be left on board with us,,
just as it happened at Cowes."
" It won't be Fluxion, anyhow; for he has been transferred to tile Josephine, and we can come it over any
other of the professors. However, we must feel our
way, and the first thing we have to do is to get left
on board."
"1 Humph  That's easy enough," said WVilton, who
had never found any difficulty in being left behind, or
in being condemned to the brig.
WVe must make a sure thing of it next time; but it
won't do to run away with a boat again. Hush up!
There comes that old stick-in-the-mud from the Josephine," added Perth, lowering his voice to a whisper.
The gentleman thus discourteously alluded to was Mr.
Hamblin, who had climbed upon the topgallant forecastle for the purpose of obtaining a view of the region
through which the vessel was passing. As the two boys
were far out on the bowsprit, over the water, he did not
venture to approach any nearer to them; yet the excessive prudence which the Knights practised required
them to keep silence whenever there was a possibility
that a word might be overheard by the uninitiated.



250          DIKES AND DITCHES, OR
" I wish he would come up here," whispered Wiltoil, fiom the corner of his mouth.
" WVhy? "' I would contrive some way to spill him into the
drink," chuckled the ever-willing conspirator.
Mr. Hamblin was then cool and self-possessed, and
he did not venture out upon the treacherous spar, and
the entangling rigging, so that the wretch on the cap
had no opportunity to give him a second bath in the
dirty Scheldt. The learned gentleman was looking
for the site of the Duke of Parma's Bridge, but he
couldn't find it, and presently retired. He was not
much interested in the Spanish operations in Flanders, though he felt it his duty to see a spot so noted
in history - it was so effective, before a class of students, to be able to say he had seen the place alluded
to in the text-book. He was, in fact, more concerned
to know what Mr. Lowington's decision was, and he
was waiting impatiently for an interview with him;
" The old hunks is too mean for the Josephines, and
he has been quartered upon us i " exclaimed Wilton,
as the professor descended to the main deck. " The
fellows in the consort say he is as grouty as a mud
turtle, and as crabbed as an owl at noonday. He
snubs every one that makes a blunder, and rips at the
class half the time."
a" They say Lowington don't like him much better
than the fellows do," added Perth.
It would be difficult to explain how any of the students had reached this conclusion; but it is certain
that boys understand their guardians and instructors
much better than the latter generally suppose.



YOUNG AMERICA IN HOLLAND AND BELGIUM. 251
" Perth, I think we might as well hasve our liberty
stopped for serving out Old Crabs, as for anything
else," suggested Wilton.'I'm willing; the Knights will do that job handsomely, you may bet your life."
"But'we musn't get caught too soon."
" Ve work in the dark, and we can do the thing
as well as the Josephines did."
Let's study up something at once, and put him
through a course of sprouts. I don't believe in tolerating a professor who was too mean for the Josephine,"
replied Wilton, shaking his head, as though a personal indignity had been put upon him.
"All right; we will be ready as soon as he is.
VWhat's the row on deck?" continued Perth, rising
from his seat, as a group of students gathered in the
rigging, and on such elevations as would enable them
to see over the bulwarks.
" Only one of Mapps's long yarns," answered
Wilton.
" I'm going down to see what it is."
Perth went down, but Wilton had not the slightest
interest in anything Mr. Mapps had to say; and he
stretched himself on the jib, which had been cast loose
ready to hoist, in case it should be required.
" This is the place where the Duke of Parma built
his great bridge over the Scheldt," said the professor
of history, as the students gathered around him.' What did he build the bridge for? " asked one of
them.
"In order to close the navigation of the river, and
thus prevent the people of Antwerp from obtaining



252         DIKES AND DITCHES, OR
provisions, which came to them from Holland. When
the Prince of Orange was assassinated, the Duke of
Parma was making his preparations to subdue the
country. By the death of the prince Holland was
left without an effective leader, while in the duke
Spain had one of the most accomplished and energetic generals of his age. Parma saw that Antwerp
was the key to the situation, and he directed his whole
attention to its capture.
"' Before this time the Prince of Orange had realized that the loss of Antwerp would be the loss of
the whole of the region which is now called Belgium;
and when it was clear in what direction his skilful
antagonist proposed to operate, he had advised the
cutting of the dike on your right, which would lay
the country under water, and open a channel of communication with Holland and Zealand by water.
Unfortunately, his advice was disregarded till the
duke had secured the dikes - a neglect which caused
the loss of Antwerp, and with it the whole of Flanders.
" Though Parma had erected forts all along the
banks of the river, the hardy Dutchmen ran the
gantlet of them, and Antwerp was well supplied
with food, the price being four times as much as in
Holland.' The people of the city, and even their
leaders, ridiculed the idea of constructing the bridge,
and took no steps to prevent it.  The death of
Orange caused a panic throughout the Netherlands,
of which the shrewd Parma took advantage, and:
urged on his preparations. Though crippled in a
measure by the neglect of his sovereign to supply him



254          DIKES AND DITCHES, OR
made of him. The ship was already provided with
an excellent instructor in Greek and Latin; and only
in the department of mathematics was there a vacancy,
made by the transfer of Mr. Fluxion. It would be
impossible for Mr. Hamlblin to teach anything but
Greek and Latin, though he had had some experience
in the other branches.
Mr. Lowington seemed to be provokingly indifferent
on the subject, and the professor was at last compelled
to ask an interview, which, however, his dignity compelled him  to defer till the ship was approaching
Flushing, when the steamer was to leave her. The
principal understood the character of the learned gentleman very well, and knew that any manifestation of
anxiety on his own part would so inflate the vanity of
the professor that he could do nothing with him; but
he granted the interview when it was demanded.
"  Mr. Lowington, I am rather desirous of knowing
what is to be done," said the savant, when they were
alone in the main cabin. " I find that Mr. Fluxion has
been transferred to the place I filled on the Josephine.
As you are aware, I was employed to teach Latin and
Greek."
" I am aware of it," replied the principal, still appearing to be singularly indifferent in such a momentous crisis, as it seemed to Mr. Hamblin.
" I presume Mr. Fluxion is competent to teach the
classics."
" Entirely competent. He was assigned, in the beginning, to the department of navigation, on account
of his knowledge of practical seamanship. I don't
know that he has any superior as a teacher of the
classics."



256         DIKES AND DITCHES, OR
"Since you and the captain of the Josephine cannot
agree, it does not appear to be practicable for you to
remain there."
" Do you expect me to submit when insulted by a
pupil, Mr. Lowington?" asked Mr. Hamblin, solemnly. "W Vill you allow a student to insult me?"
" I will neither allow a student to insult you, nor
you to insult a student," replied the principal, with the
most refreshing frankness.
" You will not allow me to insult a pupil! " exclaimed Mr. Hamblin.
" Certainly not."
" Do you think me capable of doing such a thing? "
" I am sorry to say you have proved that you are.
You called one of them a puppy."
But not Illluntil "
" Excuse me, Mr. HIamblin. I do not purpose to
discuss this matter again."
"' May I ask if you sustain Mr. Kendall in his conduct towards me?"
"I do - fully."
"I am astonished, sir i"
" So am I - astonished that a gentleman of your
learning and ability should so demean himself as to
apply offensive epithets to his pupils. In the first
place, you had no right to interfere with the discipline
of the vessel; and when Captain Kendall told you
that he commanded the Josephine, he said no more
than the truth, and no more than the circumstances
required him to say. In the second place, after you
called him a puppy, and repeated the epithet, on the
quarter-deck, I could not have blamed him if lie had



YOUNG AMERICA IN HOLLAND AND BELGIUM. 257
pLt you in irons. I approve his conduct fully. As
you insulted him before his officers and crew, it was
necessary that he should vindicate himself before
thetm."
"' I am afraid this vessel is no place for me," said
the professor, with extreme disgust.' I am afrtaid not, if you cannot observe the rules
of the ship."
"~ I think I have observed the rules, sir. Mr. Kendall used every means in his power to annoy me; and
still you sustain him in it. He knows that you are
partial to him."
"'I am' not aware that Captain Kendall used any
means to annoy you."
"I think you do not know that boy as well as I do.
A rope was thrown down upon my head: the offence
was suffered to pass unnoticed by Mr. Kendall. I
was wilfully or carelessly thrown into the river; the
captain did not consult me, but made his inquiries in
private, and of course the culprits escaped."
"You were thrown into the river by your own carelessness, Mr. Hamblin. I saw the whole of it."
" So Mr. Kendall told me, in the most offensive
tones. I do not complain of these things; I only
mention them for the sequel. A boy drenched me
with water; he begged my pardon on his knees, and
I forgave him; but this offence the captain punishes
in the most severe manner. Why? Apparently because I -the only sufferer — had forgiven the offender."
It was necessary for the captain to put a stop to
such pranks."
22 *



258          DIKES'AND DITCHES, OR
"But he did not use good judgment. McDougal
explained the matter, and was exceedingly sorry."
" But he drenched you on purpose."
" Impossible, sir! "
The principal called one of the stewards, and sent
for McDougal, who presently appeared. He had
already confessed that the drenching was not an accident, and he repeated his statement, to the utter astonishment of the discomfited pedagogue.  During the
excursion on shore, some of the Josephines had told
him that the trouble between Paul and the professor
had been on his account; and he had made the confession in order to justify the captain, at whatever cost
to himself. The spirited conduct of the young commander had filled the boys with admiration, and they
were determined that he should n6t suffer, whoever
else did.'" You did it on purpose - did you?" repeated the
savant. " May I ask why you did it?"
" The fellows didn't like you, and were bound to
get you out of the Josephine," replied McDougal,
candidly.
" The fellows!" exclaimed Mr. Hamblin. "Were
there others concerned in this iniquitous transaction?'
"More than a dozen of them."
" Did you write the letter to me which purported to
come from the Belgian Minister of Foreign Affairs?"
" No, sir."
" Who did?"
" I don't know, sir."' You don't know! Don't lie to me," said the professor, sternly.



YOUNG AMERICA IN HOLLAND AND BELGIUM. 259
" I do not."
" I know," added the learned gentleman, turning to
the principal.
" McDougal, you say that a dozen boys were con
cerned in your proceedings. WVho were they?"
" I would rather not tell, sir. I am willing to own
up to all I did myself."
"You hear that, Mr. Lowington?" exclaimed the
professor, with horror.
"Of course I hear it, Mr. Hamblin," replied the
principal, impatiently.'" You may leave, McDougal."' Leave, sir! " ejaculated Mr. Hamblin.
" Go, McDougal; " and he went. " You said you
knew who wrote the fictitious letter, sir."
" I do."
"; Who was it? "
"Mr. Lowington, if that boy you sent away had
told the whole truth, he would have confessed that
Mr. Kendall was at the bottom of all these infamous
proceedings."
" Captain Kendall!"
" Yes, sir; especially the plan to throw.me into the
water. When I demanded a boat, I mentioned the
gig. It was refused. Why?  Because the crew of
the first cutter had been instructed to tip me overboard! It is very strange that no one but myself has
been able to understand the vicious intentions of the
boys."
" The gig is the captain's boat. The regulations
require the captain to give the professors the first cutter,' explained Mr. Lowington.
" I was not aware of it at the tilne; but I am satis



6z2          DIKES AND DITCHES, OR
CHAPTER XVI.
CAPTAIN KENDALL'S DEFENCE.
HE squadron remained off Flushing long enough
for Mr. Fluxion to visit the shore, and ascertain the condition of the " Wel tevreeden."  The
repairs were going on, but were not completed, and the
cost of them could not yet be determined. The viceprincipal, however, obtained such information in regard to the probable expense, as to enable him to
make a final settlement. Captain Schimmelpennink
came off to the Josephine with him on his return. It
was certain that eleven hundred giuilders would cover
the whole expense of putting the galiot in perfect
repair, and the balance of. this sum was handed to the
skipper.
If there ever was a grateful man in the world, that
man was the captain of the " Wel tevreeden."  In
addition to the energetic speeches he made through
the interpreter, he indulged in some very pretty and
significant gesticulations, which the officers and crew
could comprehend. The students were happy in the
good deed they had done - quite as happy as the
the skipper himself. In addition to the sum expended,
there was five hundred and fifty-four guilders in the
hands of the treasurer, which was to be used for some
similarl object when presented to them.



YOUNG AMERICA IN HOLLAND AND BELGIUM. 263
While Mr. Fluxion was absent at Flushing, Mr.
Lowington had gone on board of the Josephine, and,.
taking Paul into his state-room, had exhibited the
fictitious note to him, stating the charge made against
him by Mr. Hamblin.
"' I need not say, Captain Kendall, that this is a very
serious charge," added the principal, solemnly.
"I think it is, sir," replied Paul, blushing deeply.
"G If you think I wrote that letter, sir, I hope you will
do your duty."
" I certainly shall, though it break my heart."
"W' hatever you do, sir, it will not alter my regard
for youL1.'" I am already accused of partiality towards you,
Captain Kendall," added Mr. Lowington. 1" I confess
that I never had a pupil for whom I cherished so high
an esteem and so warm a regard."
"'Thank you, sir. You are now, as you always
have been, very kind to me," replied Paul, hardly able
to restrain the tears in which his emotions demanded
expression.
"' I must say that I deem this charge groundless and
absurd; but I cannot explain it away. The writing
in the note resembles yours in some respects; and the
fact that the kind of paper on which the note is
written is found in your possession alone has not
been explained. Do you know anything about this
note?"
"Nothing, sir; only that it came in the mail with
the rest of the Josephine's letters."
" Whllen did you get the paper which Mr. Hamblin
found in your writing desk?"



266          DIKES AND DITCHES, OR
opposite extreme, and exposed himself to the peril
of doing injustice to his young friend.
" Captain Kendall, you will consider yourself under
arrest, and report on board of the ship," added the
principal, turning to Paul.
The young commander bowed submissively, and the
boys wondered how he was able to take the matter so
coolly.
"It's a shame!" exclaimed Terrill, in a low tone,
to Pelham.' Mr. Terrill," continued Mr. Lowington,-" the
command of the Josephine devolves upon you until
further orders, and you will go to sea as soon as Mr.
Fluxion returns."
The first lieutenant started when his name was
called, and suspected that he was to be taken to task
for the remark he had just made. It was fortunate for
hlim, perhaps, that the principal did not hear his energetic words, or the command might have been given
to the second lieutenant,. for Terriil's impulsive nature
would have led him into some intemperate speech, so
deeply did he feel for the captain.
"I hope my command will be of very short duration, sir," said he, as the principal stepped down from
the hatch.
" I hope so, Mr. Terrill," answered Mr. Lowington.
" Captain Kendall, you will repair to the ship in the
barge."
" I will be ready in a moment, sir," replied Paul,
as he went below to obtain a few needed articles.
" Captain Kendall, I am downright sorry for this,"
said Terrill, following him into his state-roon.



YOUNG AMERICA IN HOLLAND AND BELGIUM. 267
" Don't be at all disturbed about it," answered Paul,
cheerfully'.'I am  glad Mr. Lowington has taken
this course. I expect to be able to prove that I could
not have written the letter, and I shall be restored as
soon as we reach Rotterdam. It is a good deal better
to be proved innocent than to be suspected of being
guilty. Here is the key of the safe," he added, as he
took it from  his pocket and handed it to his successor.
"It's lucky for old Hamblin he isn't on board of
the Josephine," said Terrill, with an ominous shake
of the head.  "' I think the fellows would throw him
overboard before the vessel gets to Rotterdam if he
were."
"That isn't the right spirit, Terrill; and as a particular favor to me, I ask that you will not say a word
about Mr. Hamblin.  I have my own opinion in
regard to him; and I suppose every fellow has; but
the least said is the soonest mended. I hope you will
not let the officers and crew indulge in any denionstratiots of disapproval."
"' Not let them! I can't. help it. I believe if old
Hamblin was on board, I would join with the rest of
the fellows in making a spread eagle of himn on the
fore shrouds," answered the commander pro tern.
" Don't think of such a thing. Two wrongs won't
make a right," said Paul, anxiously. " You and I have
been first-rate friends, Terrill, and for my sake do not
encourage or tolerate any demonstrations."
"I will do the best I can, but I feel just like making
the biggest row I was ever in since I was born."
" Keep cool; you are going to sea right off, and



YOUNG AMERICA IN HOLLAND AND BELGIUM. 269
dall has been suspended, broken, turned out of office
for writing that letter to old Hamblin."
" Is that so? " demanded Perth,.
" That's so; but all the fellows in the Josephine say
he didn't do it."
" It would be a newt idea for Kendall to do anything
wrong -even to sneeze in prayer time."
The order to man the braces interrupted the conversation; but the news went through the ship even
before she had begun to gather headway. The matter
was thoroughly discussed, and it was perfectly understood that Mr. Hamblin had perferred the charge
upon which Paul had been broken or suspended.
The commander of the Josephine was almost as
popular in the ship as he was in the consort; and the
indignation against the professor of Greek was hardly
less violent in the one than in the other.
" Captain Kendall, you will occupy the spare stateroom in the after cabin, next to Flag-officer Gordon's,"
said Mr. Lowington to Paul, as they met after the ship
was underway.' Thank you, sir," replied the young commander,
who had seated himself near the companion-way.
"As soon as supper is disposed of, I propose to examrine into the charge. You i shall have a fair trial."
" I have no doubt of that."
Mr. Lowington walked away, and Paul, who was
much embarrassed by the continued expressions of
sympathy extended to him by the officers of the ship,
retired to his state-room to consider his line of defence.
Mr. Hamblin, satisfied before, was delighted now.
Justice seemed to be extending her tardy hand in his
23 *



270          DIKES AND DITCHES, OR
favor. The rebel against his mighty will had been
suspended, and was actually under arrest. Of course
the principal had acknowledged the validity of the
evidence he had presented. The motive for such an
annoying practical joke was patent to all in the squadron, while the quality of the paper and the resemblance of the writing were enough to convict the offender.
The professor was enjoying his triumph, not vindictively, he persuaded himself, but in the sense that his
own personal action and motives were on the eve
of being justified. As the ship moved majestically
down the river, he walked up and down, athwart
ships, in a better mood to enjoy the scene which presented itself than ever before since he joined the
squadron. He walked from. rail to rail because Paul
was seated on the quarter-deck, and he did not care
to meet him. When the young commander went below, he walked fore and aft.
The deck was crowded with students waiting for
the supper bell to ring; and many an ugly and dissatisfied look was bestowed upon him; but the learned gentleman, in his triumph, was too well pleased
with himself to notice them. Mr. }Iamblin involuntarily extended his walk, from time to time, until it
was continued to the forecastle, where the crew were
collected in large numbers.  Hardly had he passed
the foremast on his first round, than he was saluted by
a universal groan, so deep and hearty that he stopped
short and looked at the crowd. They were silent then.
"Young gentlemen," said the savant, sternly,'i if
that was intended as an expression of  "



YOUNG AMERICA IN HOLLAND AND BELGIUM. 271
The remark of censure was brought to an abrupt
termination by a very annoying incident. Mr. Hamblin had halted directly under the weather fore yardarm, braced up so as to take the wind on the beam.
Before he had reached this point of his remark, a new.
fellow by the name of Little, remarkable for his agility, dropped from the yard directly upon the top of
the learned gentleman's hat, in fact, sitting down upon
his " tile" as fairly and squarely as though the deed
had been done on purpose, bringing with him  the
slack of the weather clew-garnet.
The professor was prostrated to the deck by the
weight of the little seaman, - for Little's name precisely described his stature,-  while the unfortunate
boy was thrown forward flat upon his face.
" O, I'm  killed, I'm  killed! " cried Little, rising
with much real or apparent difficulty, and pressing
one hand upon his hip.
"1 You rascal, you! " roared Mr. Hamblin from the
inside of his hat, as a dozen boys sprang forward to
pick him up.
The professor was niot a fashionable man, and (lid
not wear a hat which would simply rest upon the top
of his head, or which would pinch the depository of
his ancient lore, and the weight of the student had
pressed it far down over his eyes. With some labor
he extricated his learned pate from its imprisonment,
and glanced with dismay at the hat - a new one which
he had bought in Antwerp to replace the one he had
lost overboard in the hurricane.' You scoundrel! " repeated th!e sacvawz, when he
had removed the mutilated tile.



YOUNG AMERICA IN HOLLAND AND BELGIUM. 273
" In the hip; it's broke!" replied the sufferer with
an explosive groan.
Dr. Winstock laid the patient down upon the deck,
and proceeded to examine him with the greatest care.
He declared that no bones were broken.
" He appears to be suffering great pain," said the
principal, anxiously.
"' He has probably wrenched a muscle in his fall,
and that is almost as painful as a broken bone. He
has received no serious injury,7" replied the doctor,
as he lifted the patient from the deck.,' I am glad it is no worse. How did it happen,
Little?"
1" I was coming in from the weather yard-arm, sir.
I should hlave gone down the leech of the foresail if
you had not told me not to, sir. 0!" gasped Little,
distorting his face, and doubling up his lithe little body.
c" Never mind it now," added the principal, kindly.
"I feel a little better, sir. Mr. Hamblin began to
say something to the fellows on deck, and I stopped
to listen. 0!"- and Little doubled up again. "I
caught hold of the clew-garnet, sir -! I was leaning down to hear what Mr. Hatnblin said, and bore
my whole weight on the clew-garnet. It wasn't belayed, sir, - 0! - and it let me down."
Mr. Lowington desired to know what hands were
stationed at the fore clew-garnets; bhut when they ap..
peared, they were very confident they had belayed
these ropes as usual. Little was advised to go below
and turn in; but he preferred to remain on deck. As
soon as the principal and the doctor had gone aft, the
young reprobate turned to his companions, put his



274          DIKES AND DITCHES, OR
thumb to his bloody nose, and wiggled his fingers.
Indeed, a remarkable cure seemed suddenly to have
been wrought in his particular case; for he wrilked as
nimbly as ever, until some of the officers came forward, when, unfortunately, he had a sudden relapse,
firom which he did not recover - when the " powers
that be" 5were around - for several days.
After supper Paul was sent for, and repaired to the
main cabin, where he found the principal, the surgeon,
Mr. Hamblin, and several of the professors.  Mr.
Lowington stated the charge preferred against Captain Kendall, mentioning tle evidence in support
of it. IHe then inquired of the professor if he had
anything to add to what he had already said on the
subject.
Mr. Hamblin had something to add, but it was in
the nature of an argument against the accused, rather
than a statement of fact. He reviewed his life on
board the Josephine since the troubles had commenced, enlarging upon the zeal with which he had
discharged his duties. He gave his view of the difficulty between himself and the captain, as he had
given it before; but he adduced no new proofs of the
charges he preferred.
" The only question before us at the present time,
Mr. Hamblin, is in regard to the authorship of the
letter purporting to come from  Monsieur Rogier,"
interposed Mr. Lowington.  " Have you any new
evidence to bring forward?"
"'No, sir; I think the charge has been fully
)roved," replied Mr. Hamblin.
" Captain Kendall, if you have any defence to make,



YOUNG AMERICA IN HOLLAND AND BELGIUM. 275
I am ready to hear it," added the principal, turning to
Paul.
" I did not write the lettel, and I had no knowledge
whatever of it until Mr. Hamblin received it. Perhaps the writing resembles mine, but not very much.
Will you let me talke the letter, sir? "
The note was handed to him, and he pointed out
several letters which were diflerent fi-omn any in the
exercises by -which the similarity had been shown.
"Of course he would disguise the handwriting,"
interposed Mr.;-Hamblin.
" The writing alone would not prove anything,"
added Mr. Lowington.
" So far as the kind of paper is concerned," continued Paul, picking up the half quire which the professor had taken from his state-room, " I bought it in
Antwerp for a particular purpose."  He did not think
it necessary to state that it was for his letters to Miss.
Grace Arbuckle.
" Are you quite sure you bought it in Antwerp? "
demanded the professor.
" I shall prove that I did," replied Paul, indignantly.'" I wish to say I had a hint that the officers and
crew were very much dissatisfied with Mr. Hamblin,
and -"
" With me!" exclaimed the savant, as though it
were quite impossible for the students to be dissatisfied with him.
" Allow Captain Kendall to make his statement, if
you please," said the principal.
" But, Mr. Lowington, his statement is incorrect.
I have been on the best of terms with the majority



276          DIKES AND DITCHES, OR
of my pupils. Only a few of the worst of them have
manifested any ill-will towards me."
"Go on, Captain Kendall.," said the principal.
"I am prepared to prove all I say. If I had known
that this investigation was to take place to-day, I should
have asked for the attendance of several witnesses. I
used all my influence to prevent any one from playing
practical jokes upon Mr. Hamblin. I desire to have
the first lieutenant of the Josephine, and Duncan, exami ned."
" What have they to do with it?" asked the professor, impatiently.
"After doing what I could to prevent others from
annoying Mr. Hamnblin by practical jokes, it is not
likely that I should indulge in them myself."' That is a good point; and to-morrow tlie witnesses shall be called," said Mr. Lowington.' I will now ask Dr. Winstock to make his statement," added Paul, turning to the surgeon.
" The letter is postmarked' Anvers,' " said the doctor, picking up the letter from  the table.  "It is
utterly impossible that Captain Kendall had anything
to do with this document."
" Why so, sir?" demanded Mr. Hamblin, nervously.
" This letter passed through the Antwerp postoffice. If Captain Kendall had mailed it there, I
should have seen him do it. He was not out of my
sight a single moment fi-om the time we left the Josephine till we returned to her. This paper," added the
doctor, taking up the half quire, " was purchased in
Antwerp. I went into the shop with Captain Ken



278          DIKES AND DITCHIES, OR
CHAPTER  XVII.
MORE ABOUT THE DIKES AND DITCHES.
T HE pilot of the ship was discharged at eight
o'clock in the evening, and the two vessels stood
on their course to the northward, with a fresh breeze
from the south-west. They kept just outside of the
continuous chains of shoals on the coast, but for nearly
the whole time within sight of the numerous lighthoutses which  mark the various entrances of the
Scheldt and the Maas. The masters on duty were
kept very busy in consulting the charts and the
sailing directions; but at one o'clock the squadron
was off the Brielle Gat, which is the deepest entrance
to the river.
There are two principal passages by which vessels
may reach Rotterdam front the sea. At the mouth of
the Maas, or of the river which includes the Rhine,
Waal, and Maas, there is a large island called the
Voorne. At the north of it is the Brielle Gat, which
is the most direct sea passage to the city; but the bar
at its mouth has only seven and a half feet of water at
low tide. At the south of the island is the Goeree
Gat, by which the largest ships must enter, passing
through the island in a canal.
The Dutch pilot who boarded the ship, after learn



YOUNG AMERICA IN HOLLAND AND BELGIUM. 279
ing her draught, declared that she could go over the
bar of the Brielle Gat, and both vessels went up by
this passage. At five o'clock in the morning the
squadron came to anchor in the broad bay before the
city of Rotterdam.
Paul Kendall, free fronm all care, and not much disturbed by the cloud which hung over him, had turned
out early to see the sights on the river.  He had a
splendid prospect of windmills, dikes, and ditches.
The Dutch pilot spoke intelligible English, and the
young inquirer laid him  under contribution for his
stores of knowledge.  Paul asked a great many questions, which the pilot good-naturedly answered.
Vlaardingen, the principal port engaged in the
herring fishery, was pointed out to him. Every year
this place sends out about a hundred and fifty vessels, or more than one half of the whole number
engaged in this branch of the fisheries. On the ioth
or 1fth of June, in each year, the officers of the
herring fleet go to the SXad/zzis, or town hall, and
take the prescribed oath to observe the laws regulating the fisheries of Holland. Three days later they
hoist their flags on board, and go to church to pray for
a season of success.  On the following day, which is
kept as a holiday in the town, the fleet sails.  The fishing season ends on the Ist of November.
The herring are highly prized by the Dutch, and
the first which are caught by the fleet are sent home
in the fastest vessels; and when they are expected,
watchmen are stationed in the Vl.aardingen steeple
to announce their approach.  The first kegs are sent
to the liing, and his chief officers of state.  One of



YOUNG AMERICA IN HIOLLANDI AND BELGIUM. 281
Holland. Its length is nine hundred and sixty miles,
and it is df vast importance to Europe in a commercial
point of view, being navigable for large vessels to
Cologne, and nearly to its source for smaller ones,
thougll occasionally interrupted by falls and rapids
above Basle. Vessels of one hundred tons go up to
Strasbourg.
"The Rhine enters Holland, and immnediately
divides into two branches, the southern being the
Waal, and the northern retaining the original name.
The WVaal is the larger of the two, and flows west
until it unites with the Maas, or Meuse, in Belgium,
on one of whose estuaries our ship now floats. About
ten miles below the Waal branch, the original Rhine
divides again, the northern branch being called the
Yssel, which flows north into the Zuyder Zee. Thirty
miles below the Yssel, it divides for a third time, the
southern branch being called the Leek, of which the
arm that flows by Rotterdam is the more direct continuation, though all these branches are connected by
frequent cut-offs.  The original Rhine pursues its
way to the German Ocean. The dunes, or sand-hills,
formerly closed up this branch, and for a long period
the water did not flow through it; but at the beginning
of the present century a canal was opened through
the old bed.
" The Yssel. formerly flowed into a fresh-water
lake, where the Zuyder Zee, or Southern Sea, now is.
Nearly the whole of the space occupied by this sea was
then dry land; but the ocean, in the course of time,
swept away its barriers, and covered the region
with water, which is navigable, however, ouly for
24 *



YOUNG AMERICA IN HIOL-iANlD AND BELGIUM. 283
" The natural lakes and the peat-holes — the latter
from twelve to twenty feet deep - formed extensive
water-basins.  Some of you will renmember the turf
diggings in the great bog in Ireland, as we passed
through it on our way to Killarney.  The peat was
not dluwg out in trenches, but the entire surface of the
land was slkimmi-ed off, just as workmen in tlhe city dig
away a hill. It was so in Holland; and you must u111derstand that the bottom of these peat-beds forms the
land now improved as gardens and farms.
"These depressions of the surface were filled with
water.  The first thing to be done is to shut oit the
ocean and its tributaries -all those rivers of which I
have been speaking, that form a network of canals all
over the country. For this purpose a dike is built on
the border of the land to be enclosed. Take, for example, the Island of Ysselmonde,- the land next south
of us, - and Holland really consists of nothing but
islands formed by the rivers and the natural and artificial canals.  It will, therefore, be a correct specimen
of the systemi of dikes and ditches throughout the
country, though some of the sections are subject to
greater or less difficulty in the drainage, owing to various causes, which will be explained.
" When the dike around Ysselmonde is finished, the
country is protected from  inundation from  without.
Sometimes in winter the river may be blocked with
ice, which stops the passage of the water. All the
ice friom the Rhine and Meuse must pass through
these rivers on their way to the sea, and, being stopped
in a narrow place, it forms a dam. In I799 a large
portion of Holland was threatened with total destruc



7284         DIKES AND DITCHES, OR
tion, on account of one of these blockades.  Behind
the dam the water rose seven feet in one hour, overflowing the dikes, and breaking through them. This
danger is incurred every winter; but disaster is generally warded off by the vigilance of the dike-keepers.
"  -will suppose that the dike we have built
around Ysselmonde protects it from  the  exterior
water; but as the water in the Maas, at high tide, or
even at low tide, is above the surface of the polders,
they cannot be drained by the ordinary ditches; and
it is necessary to remove the water by mechanical
means. For this purpose windmills are erected on the
dike, —as you see them  in every direction, -many
of which work water-wheels, puinps being but seldom
used. The apparatus for removing the water is of several kinds, including a scoop-wheel, the screw of Archimedes, and the inclined scoop-wheel.  The water is
not lifted to any considerable height by these instruments.
" When the height to which the water is to be
raised is too great to be accomplished by the agency
of one machine, a series of them is introduced.  Supposing the land in the middle of Ysselmonde to be
twenty feet below the level of the Maas, four series of
operations would be required to lift the water. The
central portion is enclosed by a dike, with a ringsloot,
or canal, outside of it. The windmills raise the water
five feet.  Outside of this, as the level of the land
rises, another canal and ditch are made, and the water
is lifted another five feet; and the process is repeated
until the water is finally discharged into the river.
The ditches which septirate the diflerent tracts of land
-~fre used as highwtays, for conveying the harvest to



YOUNG AMERICA IN HOLLAND AND BELGIUM. 285
market, the diflerelnce of level being overcome by
locks.  Of course the character of these works depends upon the formation of the land.
" The soil of the polders thus drained is remarkably
rich and productive. The two chief exports of Holland are butter and cheese, the low lands furnishing
excellent pasturage for cattle.
" In the service of the government is a special corps
of engineers, called WIterstaat, who are employed in
watchifg the waters and the dikes, and in guarding
against any breaking of the latter.  In the winter
time, which is the period of the greatest peril to the
dikes, these men, many of whom  are gentlemen of
the highest scientific culture, are stationed near the
places where danger is apprehended. Buildings containing all the necessary materials and tools for re,
pairing the embankments are provided, and, indeed,
all precautions which skill, and science, and care can
bring are at hand; for the safety of the country depends upon these structures.
" The coat of arms of one of the Dutch provinces
is a lion swimming, having this motto: Luctor el
einergo,' I strive and keep my head above water,'
which seems to be the whole business of the Dutch
people, figuratively and literally. If you visit the.great dike of the Hielder, as I hope you will, you
may stand on the low land within it, and hear the
thunder of the sea, as it beats against the dike, fifteen
feet higher than your head.
" The canals of Holland serve a triple purpose.
They are the highways of the country, they drain the.and, and they serve as fences. You travel all over



z86          DIKES AND DITCHES, OR
the region in the canals, and all the productions are
conveyed upon them.  The roads are for the most
part built on the tops of the dikes, but they are not
solid enough to permit their use by heavily-loaded
wagons.  Many of them  are paved with bricks, on
account of their spongy nature, which answers very
well for the passage of light vehicles.
"The people seemt to have a peculiar affection for
these ditches, and you will often find that the Dutchman has his little private canal, extending around his
house, apparently only to gratify his national vanity,
though perhaps really it is his fence.  Even here in
Rotterdam, I have noticed a filthy ditch, firom  four
to ten feet wide, between the house and the road. It
is nearly filled with water, which is covered with a
vile green scum. The wonder is, that this stagnant
water does not breed a pestilence.
"' The principal canals are sixty feet wide, and six
feet deep, though of course many in the cities and
elsewhere, intended for the passage of large vessels,
are broader and deeper.
"W Tith this imperfect statement of the physical
characteristics, as a basis for your observation, I leave
the subject to say a few words about the government
and history of the country.
" William  III. is the present king of the Netherlands. He is forty-seven years old, and is a lineal
descendant of William  of Orange, and a grandson,
on the mother's side, of Czar Paul I. of Russia. He
has a salary, or civil list, of two hundred and fifty
thousand dollars a year, which is pretty fair pay for
ruling over a kingdom about the size of the State



YOUNG AMERICA IN HOLLAND AND BELGIUM. 289
globe. The galleons and treasure ships fi-om the colonies of Spain were captured, and their rich booty
poured into the exchequer of the Dutch. The monarch of Castile was almost' impoverished by these
losses; and, deprived of the means to carry on the war
of subjugation, he agreed, in I609, to a truce of
twelve years.
4 "Religious dissensions then broke out in Holland,
which soon assumed a political turn. The Stadtholder,
Prince Maurice, was ambitious to become the hereditary sovereign of Holland, in which he was opposed
by Barneveldt,  a venerable judge, aided by De Groot,
or Grotius, a noted Dutch scholar and statesman.
The opposition were styled' remonstrants.'  The
judge was charged with a plot to hand his country
over to the tyranny of Spain; and though he was a
pure patriot, he was condemned and executed. Grotius, by an expedient which would have been deemed
improbable in a novel, escaped from the Castle of
Loevestein.
"At the expiration of the truce, Spain renewed her
efforts to conquer HIolland; but, after a war of twentyseven years, the independence of the country was
acknowledged in the peace of WVestphalia. During
this period the Dutch miaintained their supremacy on
the sea, attacking the Spanish possessions in all parts
of the world, and especially in the East Indies, where
they conmmenced the foundation of their empire in
that part of the globe.
"The growing naval power of Holland excited the
apprehensions of England, and war was the conse.
quence, in which the Dutch Admirals Van Tromp
25



YOUNG AMERICA IN HOLLAND AND BELGIUM. 291
invaders. The dikes were xcut, and the country was
so thoroughly inundated that the French army was
forced to retire, after sustaining very heavy losses.
Peace was made with England in I674, and three
years later, the Stadtholder married Mary, daughter
of James, Duke of York, who became king of England at the death of his brother Charles II. By the
revolution of i688, William and Mary were declared
joint sovereigns of England.
"' When William  IIJ. died, his cousin and next
heir was not recognized as Stadtholder of Holland,
the anti-Orange party being in the ascendant. A
republic was again organized under IHeinsius; but,
in 1747, the prince again prevailed, and the line of the
Stadtholders was resumed under WVilliam IV., who
was succeeded by WTilliam V. In I795 the Batavian
Republic was established, under the influence of the
French Revolution, France having conquered the
country.
"In ISo6, Napoleon remodelled the government,
and placed his brother Louis, the father of the present
French emperor, upon the throne. Louis, who was
a very moderate and sensible man, offended his
brother by ruling his kingdom  in the interest of
Holland rather than France, and, after a brief reign
of four years, was compelled to abdicate. Napoleon
then annexed Holland to France.
"_At the downfall of Napoleon the Netherlands
were erected into a kingdom, which included Belgium, as I have before stated, and the Prince of
Orange was made king, under the title of William I.
The present sovereign is his grandson. The Belgian



YOUNG AMERICA IN HOLLAND AND BELGIUM. 293
CHAPTER  XVIII.
AN EXCURSION AMONG TI-IE DIKES.
TERRILL and Duncan, with the letters in their
hands which they had just received, entered the
main cabin. They were called upon, in the presence
of Mr. Lowington and Mr. Hamblin, as well as Captain Kendall, to give their testimony, which went to
show that the comimander was thoroughly and heartily
opposed to any demonstration against the obnoxious
instructor.
"What did Mr. Kendall say to you?" asked Mr.
Hamblin.
"' He asked me to use my influence with the fellows
to prevent anything being done, and wished me to let
them all know that he would not tolerate anything
irregular," lreplied Duncan.
"Did he, indeed 1" sneered Mr. Hamblin.
" He did, indeed," answered Duncan, with a twinkle of the eye.
" How happened he to say as much as this to you?"
demanded the professor.
"Because, being an old friend and schoolmate of
Captain Kendall, I happened to tell him that the fellows were inclined to haze Mr. Hamblin."
" To hazz _e  i " exclaimed Mr. Hamblin.
25 *



298         DIKES AND DITCHES, OR
"Are you satisfied, Mr. Hamblin?" asked Mr.
Lowi ngton.
"No, sir, I am not," replied the professor, decidedly. "It appears that there was an organized conspiracy against me in the consort."
"But it does not appear that Captain Kendall had
anything to do with it," added the principal, mildly.
" These boys are deceitful."
"Some of them are," replied Mr. Lowington, taking his pen and writing a few lines. " Duncan, I am
not satisfied with your conduct."
" I am not satisfied with it myself; sir," answered
Duncan. "Perhaps I ought to have known where
that letter came from when Mr. Hamblin asked me
to translate it; but I supposed some of the fellows on
board had done it."
" Didn't you recognize the writing of your friend?"
" No, sir; it is very much like that of half a dozen
fellows on board."
" It is very much like Mr. Kendall's," said Mr.
Hamblin.
"Linggold, Captain Kendall, and myself, all learned
to write ill the same school."
"Then Mr. Kendall knows this Linggold?"
"No, sir; he didn't go to the school till Captain
Kendall left."
" I suppose not," added the incredulous professor.
" I am still of the opinion that Mr. Kendall wrote
that letter."
"I am entirely satisfied that he did not write it.
Duncan, you will remain on board of the ship. Mr.
Terrill, you will return to the Josephine, pipe to mus



YOUNG AMERICA IN HOLLAND AND BELGIUM. 299
ter, and read this order. Captain Kendall will return
with you."'" What is the order? " demanded Mr. Hamblin.
"'All charges against Captain Kendall being disproved, he is hereby reinstated, and ordered to resume
the command of the Josephine,'" replied the principal, reading the order.
" Mr. Lowington, I protest - "
"I have heard you patiently, Mr. Hamblin, and
have given my decision," interposed the principal,
directing the students present to retire.
Paul bowed to Mr. Lowington, and left the cabin.
The investigation had ended as he had supposed firom
the beginning that it would end.
"Mr. Lowington, I protest against this decision,"
repeated Mr. Ilamblin, angrily. " I feel obliged to
say that there has been a great lack of judgment in
managing this unpleasant business."
"And I feel obliged to remind you, Mr. Hamblin,
that I am the principal of this academy squadron.
My decision is final," replied Mr. Lowington, with
dignity, as he rose from his chair and left the cabin.
" Snubbed by the boys, snubbed by the principal! "
exclaimed the learned gentleman. " Dr. WVinstock,
did you ever witness a more ridiculous farce in your
life?"
"Never, sir," replied the surgeon. "It seems to
me that you insist upon condemning Captain Kendall,
guilty or innocent."
"I have no doubt whatever of his guilt. Those
boys are all in league with each other, Kendall included. There is a conspiracy to annoy me, and to



30Z          DIKES AND DITCHES, OR
a little inn upon the top of it. The roof or chimney
of a house beyond it was frequently observed, otherwise the uninformned traveller would not have suspected the character of the country.  The embankment was studded with windmills, placed on the
highest ground, to give the sails the full benefit of
the wind.  Some of them were used for grinding
grain, some for sawing lumber, and others for forcing
the water up from the low ground into the river.
The steamer passed from the Merwe into the Waal,
and stood up the river. There was but little variation
in the scenery. The wall of dikes on either side was
uninterrupted. Sometimes they were lined with rows
of trees, between which was the common road; at
others they were bare and naked. The captain of the
steamer told them that a portion of the country in
the vicinity was lower than the bottom of the river.
The whole region seemed to be saturated with water,
and the wonder is that the people can go to bed at
night with any assurance that they will not be drowned
out before morning.
"There is the Castle of Loevestein," said the captain
of the boat, who spoke good English, " and the fort
below has the same name."
"Did you ever hear of it before?" asked Mr.
Mapps, who was on the lookout for places of historical interest, as he turned to a group of seamen.
"You mentioned it this morning," replied one of
the students.
"'In what connection?"
" Some man had a wonderful escape from it," added
another.



YOUNG AMERICA IN HOLLAND AND BELGIUM. 303
W" Who was that man?"
" A Dutchman with a Latin name."
"Grotius, or De Groot," added Mr. Mapps. "The
Stadtholder, Prince Maurice, the boy general and ruler,
wished to make himself hereditary sovereign of the
Netherlands, and was opposed by the judge, Barneveldt, and Grotius.  The prince carried the day;
Barneveldt was executed, and Grotius imprisoned in
this castle, where he was kept nearly two years. He
was very strictly guarded at first; but his wife, finding
that the vigilance of the sentinels was relaxed, devised
a scheme for effecting his liberation. The books, papers, and linen of thle prisoner were conveyed to him
in a large box, which the guards, having so often
searched in vain for contraband articles, at last neglected to examine.  The box, and the carelessness
of the soldiers, suggested to the wife of Grotius the
means of getting her husband out of the castle.
"1 She prepared the chest by boring some holes in
it, for the admission of the air, and took her servantgirl into her confidence. The box was conveyed to
the apartment of Grotius, and the project explained
to him. He did not relish the idea of being shut up
in a chest, and rolled about in a boat; but his wife's
entreaties prevailed over his scruples.  It was pretended that the box was filled with books which the
learned man had borrowed in Gorcum, the town which
you see on the other side of the river.
" The chest, containing the philosopher, was conveyed by the soldiers down to the boat, in charge of
the servant-girl. When one of them complained of its
weight, the man said it was the Arminian books which



304          DIKES AND DITCHES, OR
were so heavy; for Grotius was an Arminian in his
theology.  The soldier suggested that it was the
Arminian himself; but this was intended as a joke,
and the box was tumbled into the boat. The servant
made a signal with her handkerchief to her mistress,
who was looking out of the window, to indicate that
all was right.
" WVhen the boat reached Gorcum, the box was conveyed to the house of a friend of Grotius, of whom it
was presumed that he had borrowed the books. The
servant-girl told him that her master was in the box,
and begged his assistance; but he was so terrified, in
view of the consequences, that he refused to have anything to do with the matter. His wife, however, had
more pluck in the service of a friend, and, having
sent all her domestics out of the house on various
errands, she opened the box, and released the philosopher from durance vile.
" Grotius, who had suffered no serious inconvenience from his confinement in the box, which was
only three and a half feet long, was disguised as a
mason, and, with a rule and trowel in his hand, was
conducted to a boat, and sent into Belgium, where he
was safe from pursuit.
" The philosopher's wife remained in the room occupied by her husband in the castle, and used every
means to conceal his escape. She lighted the lamp
in his room at dark, by which the governor of the
prison was deceived. She was arrested and imprisoned for a short time; but-when discharged, she joined
her husband in Paris, whither he had gone."
"There is a frigate in the Dutch navy called the



306          DIKES AND DITCHES, OR
an inundation a few years later, seventy-two villages
were swept away, and one hundred thousand people
lost their lives.  Thirty-five of these villages were
never heard from afterwards, and not even their ruins
could be found."
" I should emigrate if I lived here," said Paul.
" The people of -Iolland are very much attached to
their country," replied Dr. WVinstock.
" Well, they ought to be, on the principle that we
like best what has cost us the most trouble to procure,"
added Paul. " It seems to me a great pity that people
should struggle here to keep their heads above water,
when we have so much spare land in America. We
could take them all in without feeling it."
" Dutchmen would not feel at home on high
ground."
"' We could plant them down in Louisiana, and even
treat them to an occasional inundation."
" Certainly we should be very happy to accommodate them with a country. WVe have a great many
Dutchmen already, and they make thrifty, industrious,
and useful people," continued the doctor. "' But I
think, if Holland were blotted out of existence, the
world would miss it very much."
"CThis is a great lumber port," said Mr. Fluxion.
" Those great rafts which float down the Rhine from
Switzerland are mostly brought to this place. I hope
the boys will have a chance to see one of those rafts,
for they are stupendous affairs. One of them sometimes contains a hundred and fifty thousand dollars'
worth of lumber, and has a crew of four or five hundred men."



YOUNG AMERICA IN HOLLAND AND BELGIUM. 307
"I think I heard Mr. Lowington say that we were
to go down the Rhine," replied Paul.' That is the Kloveniers Doelen," said Mr. Fluxion,
as he led his companions into a back street and pointed out an old Gothic building.   It was here that th&
Protestant divines discussed the doctrines of the reformed religion, whose' miraculous labors made hell
tremble,' to quote the words of its presiding officer.
The assembly is called in history the Synod of Dort.
The building, as you may see by reading the sign, is
now a low public house and dance-hall."
Reading the sign!" exclaimed Paul, laughing;' a fellow would knock all the teeth out of his head
in attempting to speak some of these words."
"lBut many of them are very like English words.
A dike is a dijk."
"~ Steamboats are stoomboolen," said Paul; " and a
street is a slraat. What are canals? "
" Grac/ten; the drawbridge is oS zaalbruggen."'Whew! " whistled Paul.
" But you can observe something like open-bridge
in the sound. You see that the spiegels are very coinmon here."
" I see they are; but I haven't the least idea what
they are."
" The little mirrors placed outside the windows."
"I saw plenty of them in Antwerp."
"They are not as common there as in Holland,
where they are to be seen attached to almost every
house. By this contrivance a Dutch dame can see
every person that passes in the street, without raising



308         DIKES AND DITCHES, OR
the blinds. But I think the hour is nearly up, and we
must return to the steamer," said Mr. Fluxion.
The party went on board, and the steamer returned
to Rotterdaln by a different route from that by which
she had come. The next day was Sunday. After
the second service on board the ship, Mr. Fluxion, having occasion to go on shore, invited Paul to accompany him.
" It will not seem much like Sunday to you in Rotterdam," said the vice-principal, as they landed at the
quaz.
" I supposed the Dutch were very strict."
" Some of them are. Look down that street," said
Mr. Fluxion, as he pointed to the broad avenue which
bordered the great river.  "You observe that the
]uais. are all lined with ships.  In the houses opposite live the merchants. They occupy the upper stories of the buildings, while the lower are used as
counting-rooms and storehouses. The ship-owner sits
at his parlor window and witnesses the unlading of
his vessel."
They walked up to the H6tel des Pays-Bas, which
the traveller is informed by its card is situated in the
Kfore Hoogstraca, wijk N~. 287, where Mr. Fluxion
desired to see a gentleman who had engaged to meet
him there. In one of the public rooms a party were
playing cards, drinking, and smoking, and talking
Dutch in the most vehement manner. After a stay of
an hour at the hotel, they returned to the qutai, passing through Zandstract, which was filled with people, shouting, singing, and skylarking. About every
other shop appeared to be a drinking saloon, in which



YOUNG AMERICA IN HOLLAND AND BELGIUM. 311 I
protested in their own way.  On Saturday night, after
the return of the students from the excursion, while
the savanti was promenading tile deck for his needed
exercise, not less than three practical jokes were
played off upon him. The crew were squaring the
yards, hauling taut the sheets, lifts, and braces, and
putting the deck in order for Sunday. The professor
was tipped over by getting entangled in a piece of rigging, a bucket of water was dashed upon his legs, and
a portion of the contents of a slush-tub was poured
upon him from the main-top. No one seemed to see
him; tile students appeared to be struck with blindness, so far as the learned gentleman was concerned.
It is true that the rogues who pulled the brace, dashed
the water, and upset the slush-tub, were immediately
committed to the brig; but this did not seem to afford
much comfort to the victim.
On Sunday morning it was necessary to commit
three more; but the whole six were released in the
evening, because they could not sleep in the brig.
Mr. Lowington was annoyed quite as much as the
professor; and when Mr. Fluxion came on board, he
had a long conversation with him on the subject.
" I was a boy once, Mr. Lowington," said the viceprincipal; " and I am fr-ee to say I would not have
tolerated such an instructor as Mr. Hamblin.  He
hasn't a particle of sympathy with the students.  Hie
is haughty, stiff, and overbearing.  He is imperious,
fretful, snarling, and tyrannical. In a word, I don't
bla-me the boys for disliking him."
" I am conscious t!hat he is not the right person. In
tle case of Kendall, he protested against nmy decision,



312          DIKES AND DITCHES, OR
and had the impudence to tell me that I lacked judg;
ment. I have engaged him for a year. WVVhat shall I
do?" replied the principal.
"I hardly know; but we shall be in trouble as long
as he is in the squadron. WVe must give the boys fair
play, if we expect them to (10o their duty."
"I have kept Duncan on board the ship, and I suppose I must punish him," added Mr. Lowington. " He
plotted mischief, but he has really done nothing."
" Excuse me," said Dr. Winstock, as he opened the
door, but retreated when he saw that he disturbed a
private interview.
"Come in, doctor; I wish to see you," replied the
principal.
The surgeon was admitted to the conference, and
the case stated to him.' The pedagogue of the past is rapidly going out of
fashion," said the doctor. " Our educational sstemin
is progressive, and it will no longer tolerate the teacher
who is the petty tyrant he was twenty years ago. Mr.
Ilamblin is an old-school pedagogue. HIis will is law,
which is all right to a certain extent. The teacher
must be the judge between right and wrong; bhut he
must be gentle and kind, and raise no false issues between his pupil and himself. Mr. HIamblin is not
gentle and kind. He is capricious, wilful, and passionate."
"I agree with you in regard to Mr. Hamblin; but
what shall I do? "
" Discharge him," replied the doctor, promptly.
" Any instructor who cannot get along with Paul
Kendall, without quarrelling, is not fit for his place.



YOUNG AMERICA IN HOLLAND AND BELGIUM. 31 5
tinder the wagon, being harnessed to the axletree; if
more than two, the others were hitched on ahead of
her, and at each side of her. The dogs were of all
sorts and sizes, and seemed to be patient and well
trained in the discharge of their duty. In some instances, while the woman held the shaft, a stout man
walked behind, with a sticki in his hand, officiating as
general manager of the team, including his "' vrow"!
" There's a row! " shouted Paul, as they approached
the banks of the canal.
" That's not an uncommon scene in Holland," replied the doctor, laughing.
One of the first-class dog teams had incautiously
been conducted too near another team, reposing, after
the labors of the day, on the verge of the canal. Some
canine demonstration on the part of the idle dogs,
doubtless, excited the ire of the travelling teamn, and,
without asking the woman's permission, the latter
deserted the ranks, so far as their harness would permit, and " pitched into " the others, which sprang to
their feet, and met the assailants half way.  All the
dogs howled, growled, and barked vehemently, and
in a moment the two teams were rolling upon the
ground, entangled in their rigging, snapping, biting,
and kicking, in mad furilly.
The woman seized a stick, and belabored the belligerents with great vigor; but the fight continued, in
spite of her, until several women interfered, and
draoaged the cart of the idlers, dogs and all, out of the
reach of the others.  The driver, after severely whipping her charge, unsnarled their rigging, and went on
her way. Paul had to stop and laugh frequently at



316          DIKES AND DITCHES, OR
these dog teams, the animals presented so many dif
ferent phases of character. Some of them howled of
barked as they trudged along; and many manifested
a desire to make the acquaintance of other teams on
their way, much to the annoyance of the driver, who
would storm at them in Dutch, kick and whip them.
Many of the men, women, and children wore sabots,
or wooden shoes, which Paul compared to canal
boats, and went clumping and clattering along the
streets like champion clog-dancers. The Flemish cap,
worn by some of the peasant women, also amused
Paul very much. From  each side of the wearer's
head, near the eye, projected a brass ornament, in the
shape of a spiral spring, but each circle diminishing
in size till the wire ended in a point, like a gimlet.
In the older parts of the city the tourists found brick
buildings whose walls slant outwards, so that the eaves
would project eighteen inches over the base, as farmers
in New England sometimes build their corn-barns.
Rotterdam contains about as many canals as streets,
which are fiequently crossed by draw-bridges. Some
of these are handsome iron structures, revolving on
a balance, so as to make a passage on each side
when open.  Others were raised by heavy framework overhead; and in some of the bridges there was
only an opening one or two feet wide, to permit the
passing of the vessel's masts.
After examining the canals and bridges in this part
of the city, Paul and the doctor walked to the church of
St. Lawrence, which is noted for its great organ, ninety
feet high, and containing sixty-five hundred pipes.
" Now, Paul, we will take a carriage and ride up



320           DIKES AND DITCHES, OR
arrived there in fifteen minutes.  On the way, the spire
of the church at Ryswick, where the treaty of 1697'
mentioned in all the school histories, was fiamed, was
pointed out to the students. Accommodations had been
engaged in the city for the company and they remained
here over night.
The Hague, or, as the Dutch call it, S'Graven/iage,
and the French Lea flaye, is the capital, and has a population of eighty-one thousand. Though it was the residence of the stadtholders in former times, it was only
a small village, and its notable features are of modern
origin. Barneveldt was executec, and the De Witts murdered here. The Picture Gallery and the Muesum were
specially opened for the young Americans. The works
of art were hastily viewed, and the students passed
into the Cabinet of Curiosities, of which there is a
vast collection, including an immense number of dresses,
implements, and models illustrating life in Japan and in
China.
Among the historical relics are the armor worn by
the admirals De Ruiter and Van Tromp; the portrait
and sword of Van Speyk, who blew up his vessel on
the Scheldt; a part of the bed of Czar Peter the
Great, on which he slept while working at ship-building; the last shirt and waistcoat worn by William III.
of England; the dress in which the Prince of Orange
was murdered; the pistol of the assassin, with two of
the bullets; a model of Peter's cabin at Zaandam, or
Sardam, and many other objects of interest which
seemed to bring the distant past before the eye of the
beholders.
Early the next mo:;ning the students were roaming



YOUNG AMERICA IN I-IOLLAND -AND BELGIUM. 323
" This is the Rlhine," said the doctor, as they went
over a bridge.
"' The Rhine i " exclaimed Paul, jumping out of his
seat. "'Why, it isn't anything 1"
" That is true; but you must remember that this is
the old Rhine, - the part which was dug out, robbed
of the burden of its waters by the Yssel, the Leck, and
the Waal.. The Rhine of Germany is quite another
afiair. The mouth of the Rhine is eight miles below
Leyden. It was closed for a thousand years."
"'What became of its' waters?  They must have
gone somewhere," said Paul.
" They disposed of themselves in various small
streams, and worked their way to the ocean, or soakled
into the sands. The mouth of the river wa.s opened
in I809, by an engineer, under the direction of Louis
Napoleon, King of Holland. But the ocean at high
tide was higher than the river, and to prevent the sea
from flowing back into the country and disturbing the
system  of dikes, immense gates were made in the
sluiceways constructed for the purpose. When the
tide comes in, these gates are shut. At low  tide
they are opened to let the water out. Indeed, this
is true of all the canals, which are provided with
gates at each end, like a dock. The dikes at the
mouth of the Rhine are stupendous works; and as
the foundation is nothing but sand, they are built on
piles, and the face of them  is of stone.  This is
Leyden."
"W Vhat is there here? " asked Paul, as they got out
of the carriage.



324          DIKES AND DITCHES, OR
" It has about the same sights as Delft, and also a
celebrated university; but it is more noted for its
siege by the Spaniards, in I574, than for anything else.
Doubltless Mr. Mapps will fight the battle over
again."
Of course the professor of geography and history
could not lose such a glorious opportunity, and in
the Stadzuis, where the picture of Peter Vanderwerf,
the burgomaster who so bravely defended the place
in the memorable seige, was pointed out, he took
advantage of the moment.' The city had held out four months," said he, after
introducing the topic, "' when the worst came. The
Prince of Orange had promised to assist the people
by supplying them with food; but so close was the
blockade of the place by the Spaniards, that it was
impossible to do so. They were reduced to the very
verge of starvation.  Dogs, cats, rats, horses, were
greedily eaten. Six thousand of the people died of
pestilence, which came with the famine, and there
was hardly force enough to bury the dead. Though
pressed and threatened by the citizens, the inflexible
burgomaster refused to surrender the town. At last
a couple of carrier pigeons flew into the city, which
brought the intelligence that the prince had cut the
dikes, and sent Admiral Boiset to their relief when
the rising waters should drive the Spaniards away.
But the waters did not rise-high enough to enable the
admiral to approach, and the people prayed to Heaven
for help. It came. A storm and a gale forced the
waters far up the river to the walls of Leyden.



YOUNG AMERICA IN HOLIAND AND BELGIUM. 325
Boiset, with eight hundred wild Zealanders, fought
their way through the Spaniards, perched in the trees,
in boats, or in such places above the water as they
could find, and made his way into the town. A
thou'sand of the enemy were drowned. Leyden was
saved, and the people celebrate the day of their
deliverance up to the present time.
" iAs a reward for their bravery and dogged perseverance, the prince gave them the choice of a university or exemption from a portion of their taxes. They
chose the former, and the University of Leyden was
the result."'
After a hasty walk to a few of the points of interest
in the town, the journey was resumed, and in twenty
minutes the party was set down in Harlem. In the
Groole Kerk of St. Bavon, they listened to the playing
of another great organ, including imitations of bells,
and the vox hcumana, or " nux vomizca," as some of
the students persisted in calling it. Harlem is famous
for its hyacinths and tulips, the passion for which grew
out of the great lulzp maznia, two hundred years ago,
when single cuttings of these bulbs were sold for four
thousand florins, and even at higher prices. They are
raised not only in gardens, but in fields hundreds of
acres in extent; for they are a very important article
of commerce, the gardens of Europe being supplied
from this vicinity.
Harlem resisted the Spaniards with the same vigor
and determination that distinguished Leyden, though
with a less fortunate result; and Mr. Mapps was too
glad to tell the exciting story. The town held out till



326           DIKES AND DITCHES,
starvation was inevitable, when it was decided by the
brave defenders to form in a body around their women
and cl-ildren, and fight their way through the enetmy.
The Spaniards, hearing of this scheme, sent in a flag
of truce, offering pardon and freedom, if the town and
fifty-seven of the chief citizens should be given up.
This numhber of the principal men volunteered to be the
sacrifice, and the terms were accepted; but the bloodthirsty Duke of Alva, having first murdered  the
fifty-seven citizens, entered upon an indiscriminate
massacre of the people, of whom  two thousand
were slain. When the executioners were weary
with the slaughter, the victims were bound together
in couples, and thrown into the Lake of Harlem.
Four years later, the town fell into the hands of the
Dutch again.
After the professor had finished the siege of Harlem, the party walked along the Spaarne to the
machinery used for draining the low land formerly
covered by the lake. This territory, three hundred
years ago, was dry land; but an inundation gave it
over to the dominion of the sea. About twenty-five
years ago, the States General of Holland undertook to
drain it, by forming a double dike and canal entirely
around the district, thirty-three miles in circumference, and containing forty-five thousand acres. Three
huge systems of pumps were erected, to be worked
by steam, and the task of discharging an average
depth of thirteen feet of water was begun. After four
years' pumping, the lake was dried up, and the land
was sold at the rate of about eighty-five dollars an acre.



YOUNG AMERICA IN HOLLAND AND BELGIUM. 327
The machinery is still required to keep the water
down. One engine works eleven pumps, with a lift
of thirteen feet, discharging sixty-three tons of water
at a stroke.
The travellers took their places in the train, and in
a few minutes were conveyed over the causeways into
Amsterdam, in season for the two o'clock dinner.



328          DIKES AND DITCHES9 OR
CHAPTER XX;
ADIEU TO HOLLAND AND PROFESSOR HAMBLIN.
FTER dinner the party, in charge of a couple
of the city officials; who had given them a welcome, went to the Palace, the noblest building in
Amsterdam. It rests upon nearly fourteen thousand
piles, driven seventy feet through the mud to " hard
pan."  During the reign of King Louis, it was his
residence, and the other sovereigns of Holland used
it when they visited the city. Its remarkable feature
is an imposing hall, one hundred and twenty feet long,
fifty-seven feet wide, and one hundred feet high. The
interior is lined with Italian marble, and adorned with
works of art.' Young gentlemen," said Mr. Mapps, taking position in this great hall, " Amsterdam contains a population,of two hundred and sixty-eight thousand. In
shape, it forms rather more than the plane of a half
circle, the circumference being composed of the walls
of the city, outside of which is an immense canal.
Inside of the walls there are four principal canals,
extending nearly around the city.  Take the transverse section of the trunk of a chestnut tree, divide
it, with the grain of the wood, into two equal parts,
and tlb, toU of one of them will give you the plane of



330         DIKES AND DITCHES, OR
in peril from the sea around it, but there is danger
that the bottom may drop out.
6 In the Spanish war, of which I have had so much
to say since we entered Holland, Amsterdam was held
by the Duke of Alva, and, with this city as the base
of operations, he intended to conquer the country.
The siege of Harlem was conducted from this direction.
"' A small fleet of Duftch armed vessels was frozen
up near this city, and a force was sent to capture them
by the Spanish commander. The crews opened a wide
ftrench in the ice around their vessels, and, putting on
their skates as the besiegers approached, advanced to
-give them battle. The Dutchmen, perfectly at home
on skates, out-manceuvred and beat the Spaniards, who
left several hundred of their dead on the ice. The
duke was astonished; but he was a prudent man,
and ordered seven thousand pairs of skates, upon
which his troops were trained to perform military
imovements."
" That was a big thing on ice," said one of the
students, as the lecture closed.
In the course of the day the party visited the Oude
Kerk, or Old Church, containing "' a big organ," the
Niewe Kerk, which has monuments to De Ruiter,
Van Speyk, and others.
"You will not have an opportunity to go to church
in Holland, Paul'," said the doctor.
"' No, sir; I suppose we sail for Havre this week."
"' Most of the people go to church; but they do not
observe the Sabbath very rigidly. Gentlemen sit with'their hats on during the service, or take them off, as



33 2         DIKES AND DITCHD5, OR
There were formerly twenty-six bastions upon it, constituting the fortifications of the city; but, being no
longer useful for defence, windlmills have been erected
upon them, to grind the grain for the city.  The four
streets bordering the principal canals are hardly to be
surpassed in Europe.I The buildings, which are mostly of brick, are unique, with fantastic gables and projecting eaves. Many of the streets are lined with trees
on the banks of the canals. On the whole, the students
were more interested in Amsterdam than in any other
city they had visited, partly, perhaps, on account of its
oddity. As long as there was light to see, they continued their ramnbles, and then retired early, in order
to be prepared for a fresh start the next day.
At five o'clock in the morning the party took a
steamer for Zaandam,  or Sardam.  Leaving the shore,
they had a fine view of the. city. The harbor is enclosed by two rows of piles, with occasional openings
to admit the passage of vessels, which are closed at
night with booms armed with iron spikes.  In various
parts of the Ij were seen little pavilions, built upon
piers, which are the summer houses of wealthy citizens,
who own pleasure-boats, and repair in them to these
cosy little temples, to drink wine and coffee and smoke
their pipes.
At Sardaml the curious students visited the cottage
of Peter the Great, in which he lived while he worked
as a shipwright.  The shanty is of rough plank, and
cants over on one side; but it was surrounded by
another building by the Queen of Holland, to protect
it fiom further decay.  It contains but two rooms, one
above the other, the former reached only by a ladder.



YOUNG AMERICA IN HOLLAND AND BELGIUM. 345
for in whatever vessel he was, he kept it in a turmoil.
Mr. Lowington paid him his salary for a year, and
enough in addition to defray the expenses of his return
to the United States.
The next morning the signal for sailing was hoisted
on board of the Young America, and the pilots came
on board. The students were bright and fresh, and
having seen the dikes and ditches of Holland, they
were rather anxious to escape from its muddy waters
and its monotdnous plains. In fact, they sighed for
another taste of blue water and the fresh sea air.
" All the barge's crew on deck, ahoy! " piped the
boatswain, at the order of the first lieutenant.
The boat's crew repaired to their stations on the
quarter, wondering what was to be done next.
The ship's company, who were waiting for the
order to weigh anchor, were vexed at the delay which
the trip of the boat to the shore indicated, and waited
impatiently to learn what was going to happen. - One
of the stewards brought up [Mr. Hamblin's trunk, and
presently the professor himself appeared with his
overcoat on his arm, and his cane and umbrella in
his hand.  There was a decided sensation among
the crew. The barge was lowered and placed in
charge of the third lieutenant. Mr. Hamblin bowed
stiffly and coldly to the other professors, and followed
his baggage into the boat, taking no notice whatever
of any of the students.
The sensation grew upon the boys as the boat
pushed off and appeared beyond the ship's side. It
was a delightful picture to them- the obnoxious prod
fessor seated in the stern sheets, with his trunk before



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