“No!” said Hilary shortly.
“All right, sir. But beg pardon, sir.”
“What is it, Waters?”
“Is the lieutenant soon coming aboard? His traps ar’n’t come yet.”
“No,” said Hilary firmly. “He’s no longer in command.”
“Then I says three cheers, my lads,” cried Billy Waters excitedly. “Leastwise, if I may.”
“No. Stop. No demonstrations now, my lads. We are just off on important business, and I must ask you to be ready and smart as you have never been before.”
“Which, if it’s Muster Leigh as asks us, sir,” said Billy Waters, “I think I may say for the whole crew, from my mates here to the sojers, as there ar’n’t one who won’t do his best.”
“It is not Master Leigh who asks you,” said Hilary flushing, as the whole of his little crew now stood grouped about the forward part of the deck. “This is no time for speeches, my lads, but I must tell you this, that I ask you as your commander, the newly-appointed officer of the Kestrel, Lieutenant Leigh.”
Billy Waters bent down and gave his leg a tremendous slap; then, turning short round, he slapped the same hand into that of the boatswain, and the whole crew began shaking hands one with the other; the next moment every cap was flying in the air, and then came three hearty cheers.