“Oh, I do call it a shame,” grumbled Barkins, as the order was given, the men cheered, and, under the command of Mr Brooke, the four boats pushed off, the oars dropped, the oily water splashed in the bright sunshine, and each boat with its colours trailing astern glided rapidly up-stream.
“Yes, it’s too bad,” grumbled Smith in turn, who unconsciously began nursing his arm as if it pained him.
“Why, it’s worse for me,” I cried. “I’m quite strong and well. I ought to have gone.”
Barkins exploded with silent laughter, laid his hand on Smith’s shoulder, and said huskily, as if he were choking with mirth—
“I say, hark at him! What for? There’ll be plenty of mosquitoes up there to sting the poor fellows; they don’t want a gnat to tickle them and make them fight.”
“No,” said Smith. “Never mind, little boy, be good, and we’ll take you on an expedition some day.”
“All right,” I replied; “I don’t mind your chaff, only you needn’t be so nasty because you are disappointed.”
“Mr Herrick! Where’s Mr Herrick?” cried the first lieutenant.
“Here, sir,” I shouted; and I could not help giving my companions a look full of triumph as I dashed aft.
“Oh, there you are, sir. Now look here, I’m going to mast-head you. Got your glass?”