“I saw Tom May fall, sir,” replied the lad, as the incident was brought to his mind by his officer’s question.
“Picked him up again, sir,” came in a deep growl, “but two of our messmates has got it, I find.”
“That’s bad,” said the lieutenant. “Who are they?”
There was no response, and the lieutenant turned sharply upon the midshipman.
“Mr Murray,” he said, “take two men, May and another, and try if you can find your way down to the boat. Do you think you can?”
“Yes, sir.”
“Off with you, then, at the double. When you reach the boat, out oars, and with the two boat-keepers try and reach the sloop. Don’t run more risks than you can help. If you are cut off by enemies on the banks, retreat back to me here and help me hold this place until the captain sends a force to my relief. You will report to Captain Kingsberry that I did everything possible to avoid an encounter. But there—you know. I trust to your discretion, my lad, in spite of your late mistake. There, take May and Titely. Now off.”
Just at that moment Roberts, who had been standing close at hand, stepped forward, to cry eagerly—
“Did you say I was to go with Murray, sir?”
“What, you? Go with Murray?” cried the lieutenant. “No, sir. What! Do you want to leave me in the lurch?” Then, knowing from old experience the jealous motive which animated the lad who was left out of the commission, the officer clapped the midshipman on one shoulder warmly. “No, no, Roberts; I can’t spare you. I want your help, my lad; and besides, you will be safer with me than with Murray.”