"Why am I kidnapped? why have you put these footpad bracelets on me?" I cried out, passionately.
"The fact of the matter is that we always do it to save time and trouble," answered the Midshipmite—"Easy and quiet is the word at the 'Admiral Benbow.'"
"I'll have the law of you!" I exclaimed, in a rage.
"Exactly so," quoth the Midshipmite, quite politely. "May I ask if you're a free-man of the City of London?"
"I am not."
"Precisely so. Are you a waterman, duly entered at your Hall, and all arrears paid up, or an apprentice, carrying your indentures with you?"
"I am not, and I don't know what you mean."
"Then the fact of the matter is," said the Midshipmite, with a chuckle, "that we've got the law of you. The King, God bless him, wants stout and gallant hearts to man his fleet, and you're about the likeliest young fellow I've seen this week; so the best thing you can do is to go willingly on board the Tower Tender, of which I have the honour to be second in command. If you won't, the fact of the matter is that we must make you."
"But why should I go with you?" I urged.
"The fact of the matter is that you're Pressed," coolly answered the Midshipmite, or midshipman, "and if you want to see the warrant, you may ask Davy Jones for it, who keeps it under three seals in his locker to prevent accidents."