“Yes,” I said.
“Well, it’s of no use for you to be grumpy. You’ve had your lesson, and now you’ve got to behave yourself.”
“Yes.”
“And I am very glad to see you are so humble. Aren’t you, Tanner?”
“Yes,” said Barkins gruffly.
“You see it won’t do for a little gnat of a fellow to think he is going to do what he likes on board one of Her Majesty’s ships. It was quite time you were taken down a few pegs—wasn’t it, Tanner?”
“I suppose so,” said Barkins.
“Then I don’t see that it’s any use for us to jump upon him, and show bad blood.”
“No, not a bit,” cried Barkins, with more animation. “We won’t.”
“No, I said we wouldn’t; so look here, youngster: we’re going to forgive you, if you promise to behave better and do as you’re bid. This isn’t school, you know, where a boy can set himself up against his elders, but the Queen’s service, where every one has his place, and has to keep it too—mind that. There, that’s all I’ve got to say.”