"She'll be off directly, sir; I ordered her to wait for Johnson and
Merton, who did not come down with us."
"Do you think they have given you the slip?"
"I should think not, sir. Here is the jolly-boat coming off."
"Well, pass the men forward and secure them," replied the lieutenant.
"Overhaul the boat's falls, and bring to with the windlass."
Newton thought this a good opportunity to state that he was the master of a vessel, and, as such, protected from the impress; he therefore walked over to the lieutenant, addressing him, "I beg your pardon, sir—"
"Who are you?" interrupted the lieutenant, gruffly.
"I was impressed last night, sir;—may I speak to you?"
"No, sir, you may not."
"It might save you some trouble, sir—"
"It will save me more to send you down below. Mr Vincent, shove this man down forward; why is he at large?"