“Going to wig me,” said the midshipman, as he followed his officer down into the cabin and shut the door.
“Now, sir,” cried the lieutenant, turning upon him sharply, “have the goodness to explain your conduct. Stop—not a word yet. I entrusted you with an important commission. I dealt with you as if you were a man, an officer and a gentleman; and, instead of doing your duty, you went off like a contemptible cabin-boy on a shore-going game, sir—dissipation, sir—behaved like a blackguard till all your money was spent; and then you come sneaking back on board, insult me by blundering up against me, and all you’ve got to say for yourself is, ‘Come aboard, sir.’ Now, then, what else have you to say?”
“Well, sir!—”
“Stop. Let me tell you that, knowing as I did what a young scamp you were, I refrained from reporting your conduct at Portsmouth, to get you dismissed His Majesty’s service; and knowing, too, that it would break your father’s and mother’s heart, I did not write and tell them. For I said to myself, ‘He’ll come back and ask forgiveness to-morrow, and I’ll punish him and forgive him,’ for I did not want to blast your career. But to-morrow has always been coming, and you haven’t come till to-night. And now, what have you to say before—before I treat you—yes, I’ve a good mind to—like some mutinous scoundrel, and—What’s that, sir, what’s that? How dare you sit down in my presence, when—”
“I’m so done up, sir, and hungry and faint.”
“And serve you right, you insolent young dog. I knew it, and—”
“Oh, I say, Mr Brough, you don’t think I could have been such a beast.”
“What?”
“I found out all about the smugglers, but they caught me, and I’ve been a prisoner ever since. Do give me something to eat and drink, and don’t scold me any more, till I’ve got on my uniform and had a good wash.”
“My dear boy! My dear Archy Raystoke!” cried the lieutenant, seizing his hands and pumping them up and down. “Of course I didn’t think it! Knew you were too much of a gentleman, but I was stuffed full of thoughts like that, and they would come out. Here,” he cried, “drink that, and here’s some cake sent from Poole, and—tip it up, and eat away. I am glad to see you again. God bless you, my dear boy! I’m your officer, but you don’t know how miserable I’ve been.”