There was another roar, and the crew pressed round Jack, whose face flushed as he hold up his hand.
“Stop a minute, my lads!” he cried. “Don’t decide in haste, for I shall be a hard officer.”
“And a brave one,” shouted Dinny.
“Hurrah!”
“Am I to understand,” continued Jack, “that you select me for your captain?”
“Yes, yes,” came in a roar.
“Then I have a request to make,” cried Jack; “and that is, that you support and obey my first lieutenant.”
“Hurrah for owld Bart Wrigley!” roared Dinny.
“No, no; stop!” cried Jack. “I choose my own lieutenant. Mazzard, will you serve under me faithfully as a man?”
Black Mazzard stood scowling for a few moments, and then held out his hand.