The lieutenant was speechless for a few moments.
“What, sir? go below, sir? and at a time like this when the ship is shorthanded, and we have eight prisoners to guard? This is worse and worse, Mr Leigh. What am I to think of such conduct?”
“What you please, sir,” said Hilary quietly.
“Then, sir, in addition to deserting, which you try to hide by professing to have been made a prisoner, you now mutiny against my orders!”
“Look here, Lieutenant Lipscombe,” cried Hilary, who was now in a passion; “if you want me to take command of the expedition, and to lead the men to the smugglers’ place, say so like a man. If you do not want me to go, send me below as a prisoner. I’m not going to act under our gunner.”
“Mr Leigh,” said the lieutenant, “I shall report the whole of your insubordinations in a properly written-out despatch. At present I am compelled to make use of your assistance, so take the gunner and six men.”
“Six will not be enough, sir.”
“Then take seven,” said the lieutenant, impatiently.
“Seven will not be enough, sir,” replied Hilary. “I must have at least a dozen.”
“Bless my soul, Mr Leigh! hadn’t you better take command of the cutter, and supersede me altogether?”