“Nothing at all, sir,” replied Jack.
“Then I’ll give you something to do, sir. Go up to the mast-head, and wait there till I call you down. Come, sir, I’ll show you the way,” continued the master, walking aft. Jack followed till they were on the quarter-deck.
“Now, sir, up to the main-top gallant mast-head; perch yourself upon the cross trees—up with you.”
“What am I to go up there for, sir?” inquired Jack.
“For punishment, sir,” replied the master.
“What have I done, sir?”
“No reply, sir—up with you.”
“If you please, sir,” replied Jack, “I should wish to argue this point a little.”
“Argue the point,” roared Mr Smallsole. “By Jove, I’ll teach you to argue the point—away with you, sir.”
“If you please, sir,” continued Jack, “the captain told me that the articles of war were the rules and regulations by which every one in the service was to be guided. Now, sir,” said Jack, “I have read them over till I know them by heart, and there is not one word of mast-heading in the whole of them.” Here Jack took the articles out of his pocket, and unfolded them.