“And be off to your cabin and study your navigation, sir. Your ignorance of the simplest matters is fearful. At your age you ought to be as well able to use a sextant as I am.”
“Beg pardon, sir, I am trying.”
“Then be off and try more, and let me see some results.”
I touched my cap, drew back, and the lieutenant marched on.
“Jolly old bear!” I muttered, looking exceedingly crestfallen.
“Herrick!” came sharply, and I ran up, for he was walking on, and I had to keep up with him.
“Yes, sir.”
“You behaved very well yesterday. I’m horribly busy. Here, this way.”
“Thank you, sir,” I said, wondering what he was going to set me to do, and thinking that he might have given me the permission I asked.
“Now then, quick,” he said; and, to my surprise, he led the way to the hatchway, went down, and then forward to where the two marines were on duty, ready to present arms to the officer who always seemed of far more importance in the ship than the captain.