“How did that happen, Smith? This is your first report.”
“I went to my home, sir, outside of Norfolk; my train was late, and I couldn’t catch the boat. I took the next boat, and when I got here I immediately hired a small boat and came off; I did the best I could, sir.”
“Statement accepted. Next.”
“Collins, sir, jumped ship last night, stole the catamaran, and would have got ashore but for some very alert midshipmen. He ought to get a court, sir.”
“What have you to say, Collins?”
“I received word that my wife, who is in Newport News, was very sick, sir. The executive officer wouldn’t let me go ashore.”
“It was his mother three weeks ago,” interrupted Mr. Graham; “you gave him liberty, when he was classed, to go to see a sick mother. He broke that liberty by a week. It will probably be his grandmother next time. You ought to give him a court, sir.”
“Mr. Graham, let me settle this, please.”
The executive officer turned red, but made no further comments. The captain then said: “Collins, nothing can justify you in stealing a boat and leaving as you did. Your personal troubles cannot justify your violation of regulations and destruction of discipline. Mr. Graham, confine Collins for ten days in double irons.”
“How about my wife, sir; she may be dying?” asked Collins anxiously.