"Why? What's the matter? What's going on?" demanded the latter.
"None of your business," replied Jack. "Back now, quick!"
"Look here——" began Davis.
"You heard me," said Jack slowly and very quietly. "Now obey and be quick about it."
"By whose command?" inquired Davis with a leer.
"By mine," returned Jack, restraining his temper with difficulty.
"I don't recognize your authority," declared Davis, and took another step forward.
Lord Hastings had been peering intently into the periscope and had paid no attention to what was going on behind him. He had given Jack his orders and he knew they would be carried out. However, now turning from the periscope to speak a word to the lad, he saw what was going on and he caught Jack's last words and Davis' reply.
"Then perhaps you will recognize mine," he said. "Stand back, sir!"
Without awaiting a reply he again turned to the periscope. For a moment Davis hesitated and seemed about to protest, but Jack gave him time for no further words.