“I’ll show you what I am going to do!” cried Frank. “Let me go, Jack!”
“Not much I won’t. What chance have you with this big bully? If he wants a row let him pitch into me.”
“This is my affair,” cried Frank, still struggling to free himself. “Let me go.”
“Well,” said Jack, “if you must fight, all right. But not here. Lord Hastings or Lieutenant Edwards is liable to see you and you would both be put under arrest.” He turned to Lieutenant Taylor. “Are you willing to fight?” he asked.
“Any place and any time,” was the reply.
“All right. I’ll take charge of this fight and see that it is pulled off ship-shape. Both of you be forward on the gun deck in half an hour.”
The lieutenant bowed ironically and departed.
“What’s the meaning of this, anyhow?” demanded Jack, when the two lads were alone.
Frank explained his encounter with the lieutenant.
“And you are determined to fight him?” asked Jack.