“Oh yes, and laugh at him all the time. I dare say it’s very good, but I never felt disposed to try. But he’s a good fellow, is Andy, and as fine a sailor as ever stepped. You’ll get to like him by and by.”
“Get to like him?” said Fitz, pulling himself up short and stiff. “Humph! I dunno so much about that, young fellow. Look here, how long do you expect it’s going to be before I am set aboard some ship?”
“Ah, that’s more than anybody can say,” replied Poole quietly.
Fitz was silent for a few moments, and then said sharply—
“What’s the name of the port for which you are making sail?”
“Name of the port?” said Poole.
“Yes; you heard what I said, and I want to know.”
“Yes; it’s only natural that you would,” said Poole. “I say, shall I get the tackle now?”
“No; I want an answer to my question,” replied Fitz, firing up again.
“Well, I can’t tell you. That’s my father’s business. We are sailing under what you would call sealed orders on board a Queen’s ship.”