"The man is drunk or mad!" said the President, when the Captain had turned his broad back and retired to his post. "It is a sin and a shame that such a man should command a ship, even a mere tub; but I will have a strict inquiry held, and he shall receive exemplary punishment."
The President's long thin person quivered with anger, fear, and cold; the General shrugged his shoulders.
"That is all very fine and very well, my dear President," said he; "but it will come a little too late, and will not help us out of our awkward position. On principle, I never interfere in matters which I do not understand; but I wish we had some one on board who could advise us what to do. We must not ask the sailors--that would be encouraging insubordination. What do you want, Elsa?"
Elsa had looked at him meaningly. He went up to her and repeated his question.
"Ask that gentleman," said Elsa.
"What gentleman?"
"That one there; he is a sailor, he can certainly advise you best."
The General fixed his sharp eyes upon the person designated.
"Ah, that man," said he. "He really does look as if he might----"
"Does not he?" said Elsa. "And he told me before that we should run aground."