Fitz Burnett did not pause to think of the rights or wrongs of his proceedings, but smothered up everything in the belief that he was doing his duty.
He would not even pause to consider whether his ideas were possible or impossible; everything was swallowed up in action, and with feverish energy he hurried back on deck to make the most use of the flying moments while he could.
Hurrying forward to where the men were dozing, smoking, and thinking, he signed to those who noticed his approach, and called to the others.
“Now, my lads!” he cried.
The men sprang up wonderingly, apparently influenced by old traditions, and in no wise surprised to find the young officer about to give them some order.
“Look here, my lads,” he said, in a low, quick, excited voice; “a word with you! I know you were all ABs to a man.”
“Ay, ay, sir!” said the nearest sailor at whom he looked.
“Old men-of-war’s men,” continued Fitz to another.
“Ay, ay, sir! That’s right,” said the sailor.