At that moment a marine came to the door.
“First lieutenant wants to see Mr Herrick directly.”
“Yes; where is he?” I said, smiling—purposely, of course.
“With the cap’n, sir, on the quarter-deck.”
“All right; I’ll be there directly.”
The man saluted and marched off, while I followed to the door, where I turned, thrust in my head, and said banteringly—
“Now be good boys and don’t fight while I’m gone.”
Bang!
A book off the table, flung by Smith, struck the door which I was holding half open, for I saw the missile coming, and dodged it. Then I popped my head in again.
“Don’t take any notice of him, Tanner,” I cried; “he’s bilious. Thankye for sticking up for me. Can I say a word for you to the captain?”