Jones’s section sat at the end of the table opposite the Chief “B. M.” and, during a comparative lull in the general noise and clatter, Jones’s voice was heard saying, in a domineering tone:
“Didn’t you hear what I told you? I told you to eat up that piece of fish,—the whole of it.”
The general attention was arrested by the sound of this unusual command, and another boy’s voice was heard to answer:
“It’s a second help, Ronald, and I got too much; I can’t help that.”
Jones’s voice grew more angry, and he did not seem to realize that the whole company were listening to his remarks.
“I don’t care whether it’s your second help or your twenty-second. You do what I say, or I’ll put you on report!”
There was no answer to this remark excepting the fact that the order was not obeyed, as the signal was given to leave the table before the remaining quantity of fish could be consumed; and, in accordance with his threat, Jones reported the matter to Jack Perkins—as Chief “B. M.”—immediately after dinner.
“It’s too bad,” said Mr. Wentworth, when Jack brought the matter to him. “I’m afraid that’s another bad mark against Jones. He’s too slack with his orders about work, and he’s over-keen about trifles and his personal authority. It takes more common sense than that to make a good petty officer.”
During the afternoon they passed Chatham on their starboard side, and hauled in the sheets off Monomoy Island to make the passage through Pollock Rip Slue and then past Shovelful and Handkerchief lightships. Just as they were finally heading directly for Vineyard Haven, the lookout cried: “Ship ahoy!”
“Where away?” called the voice of the Captain, who was at the wheel.