“Go forward and get to your work,” ordered Mr. Graham roughly.
“Sir, I request permission to see the captain.”
“I am commanding officer. Captain Waddell is in Washington.”
“Sir, I beg of you——”
“That will do; go forward.”
Ralph was thunderstruck as well as deeply grieved at what he had just seen and heard. “I’m so sorry for that poor fellow,” he said to Creelton; “I do wish Mr. Graham would let him go.”
As Collins walked forward he was joined by another enlisted man, one of older appearance. He took Collins by the arm and talked earnestly to him. Collins was wild with anger and vehement in his speech but finally cooled down. The older man then walked aft to the officer of the deck and said: “I request permission to speak to the executive officer, sir.”
“You’re late, Hester; the executive officer has finished with the mast.”
“It’s not nine-thirty yet, sir, and this is a special matter. The executive officer’s posted order says he will see the enlisted men until half-past nine.”
“Very well. I’ll send for him.”