“Be firm,” whispered Commins; “think how your case will be strengthened. If you can say you have destroyed one of the enemy’s ships. Remember your brother!”
Captain Pardoe noticed the action, and, pointing to Commins, he said bitterly: “Appoint that man your Captain, madam; he alone is capable of such an act, and perhaps Juarez would assist him.”
“It is policy,” whispered Commins.
The name of Juarez had a strange effect on the girl. She drew herself up, and in a hard voice called Lieutenant Webster.
He, seeing something unusual occurring, as, indeed, had all those on the main-deck, had drawn near.
“At your service, madam,” he said, with a hasty look at Captain Pardee’s dark face.
“I wish to appoint you Captain, Mr Webster.”
“Thank you, madam!”
Commins smiled as Pardoe threw his head up with a snort of indignant surprise.
“Mr Pardoe has refused to obey orders. I beg your pardon, what were you about to say?”