He showed them to very neat quarters and said abruptly:
"You will bunk here."
He departed without another word. Frank and Jack stared after him in some surprise.
"Nice, pleasant companion he'll make," said Frank with fine sarcasm.
"I should say so," answered Jack. "From his actions you'd think we had done something to offend him."
"Oh, well," said Frank, "I guess we don't need to worry a whole lot about him."
"No," said Jack, "but just the same I would rather be on good terms with all on board."
The British sailors had now been gathered on deck and Frank and Jack went up to bid them goodbye. As they were rowed away in the direction of the little town the sailors stood up in the boats and gave three lusty cheers for both lads. The lads waved their hats at them.
"You'd think these English were somebody," came a voice from Frank's elbow, and turning the lad saw several French midshipmen standing nearby. "They leave us to do all the fighting," continued one, whom Frank now recognized as the one who had escorted them to their quarters. "If they fought as well as they talk, this war wouldn't last long."
Frank took a quick step toward the speaker, but Jack's hand fell on his arm and stayed him.