The mate was really alarmed, although he did his best not to show it.
"Beg your pardon, sir," said Beekman, "but I want to speak to the captain."
"What you got to say to him?"
"I want to speak to him, sir."
"You can't do it now. Come to the mast tomorrow."
"I want to speak to him tonight."
"Let him speak to the cap'n," shouted Templin, one of the most reliable men on the ship.
Instantly, as if given a cue, the whole watch broke into exclamations.
"We'll all go aft with him to speak to the cap'n."
"That won't be necessary," said Beekman, quietly, although every nerve was throbbing with indignation and resentment. "Mr. Woywod will grant my request. There's no need for the rest of you mixing up in this. Won't you, Mr. Woywod?"