As second mate, it was Larry's duty to see that everything on the deck was "ship-shape," and this was especially necessary when a storm was coming up. He made a tour of the ship, his keen eyes taking in every detail.
As it happened, an hour before he had set the sailor Semmel to work stowing away some odds and ends of rope. He had supposed that this task was long since finished, but now he found the ropes scattered about as before.
"See here, Semmel," he called out, "why didn't you stow away those ropes as I told you?"
"Stow dem avay in a leetle vile," answered the sailor with the heavy beard.
"You'll stow them away now," returned Larry, sharply. He did not at all fancy the manner of the hand he was addressing. "I told you to do it an hour ago. We don't want anything loose on deck when this storm hits us."
"Vincent kicked de ropes out dare," growled Semmel. "I had nodding to do mit 'em."
"That isn't here or there. I told you to stow them away, and I want you to do it. If you don't, I'll have to report you to the captain."
"Oh, I do him!" grumbled Semmel, but he glared at Larry as if he wished to chew the young second mate up. "You put all dare vork on me, hey?" he added, after a pause.
"You've got to do your share of it."
"Humph!" Semmel seemed on the point of saying more, but shut his teeth and began to arrange the ropes in proper order. Larry watched him for a moment and then walked away. As soon as his back was turned the sailor shook his fist at the young second mate.