"I thought it might have been Blagrove," the first lieutenant said. "A new hand generally has a fight before he has been on board a fortnight. After that he finds his level. However, it is not him, for there he is, looking as cool as a cucumber. It must have been some sort of meeting to discuss some fancied grievance. I daresay we shall hear something about it sooner or later."
Half an hour afterwards the doctor came on deck. There was a smile on his face as he went up to the first lieutenant.
"One of your officers is on the sick list, Mr. Canes."
"What is the matter with him?"
"I should say that it would come under the head of contusions."
The lieutenant laughed.
"Bad contusions?"
"Rather more serious than is usual in these cases. Face greatly swelled, eyes closed, very great enlargement of the nose, lips puffed and badly cut, three front teeth missing."
"By Jove, that is severe punishment! Who is it?"
"Master's mate Condor."