“Well, that will be quite as soon as you want them.”
“Look here,” said Smith rather haughtily, after a look at Barkins; “we’ve been talking this business over, and it is time it was stopped.”
“What do you mean?” I said.
“Oh, you know well enough. You came on board the Teaser to take your place as an officer and a gentleman, and we your seniors received you in a gentlemanly way.”
“Yes, you were right enough,” I said. “A bit cocky and bounceable at first, till you found that I wouldn’t stand it, and then you were both civil.”
“Well, I am blessed!” cried Barkins, blowing out his cheeks and looking down at me. “Of all the impudent little cockboats of boys you are about the most cheeky. Pretty strong turn that for a Gnat, Smithy.”
“Yes; we shall have to put him down, and the sooner the better. Will you speak to him, or shall I?”
“Oh, I’m just in the humour for it,” said Barkins; “so I’ll give him his dose at once. Look here, young fellow: as aforesaid, when you interrupted, we received you as gentlemen should, and have taken great care of you, and tried to smooth you down into something like a budding officer.”
“Thank you,” I said humbly; “I’m so grateful.”
“And so you ought to be, sir. But look here, what in the name of thunder do you mean by forsaking us and taking to bad company?”