“Yes, I know,” said the mate testily; “but didn’t I tell you I felt ashamed of myself? Eh? what say?”
“Is this here yours?” said the first mate, who had suddenly gone below to the cabin, and returned with a straw hat in his hand.
“Yes, that’s mine. How did you get it?”
“You came aboard in it last night.”
“I didn’t,” cried the second mate, who looked staggered.
“Oh, yes, you did, sir,” cried Tom Jinks. “Didn’t he, mate?”
“That’s so,” said the man addressed.
“But I tell you I didn’t. I went to sleep after dinner, and didn’t wake till this morning, and found the brig had sailed.”
“Of course she had—to her time,” said the captain angrily. “He don’t know what he’s talking about, gentlemen,” he continued, turning to the brothers. “I’m very sorry, but I’m not going to have any more time wasted. Now then, my lads, capstan bars, and bring that anchor up with a run. You, James Lynton,” he went on, as the men ran to obey their orders, “I’m ashamed of your goings-on. What have you been about? Walking in your sleep, I suppose.”
“I dunno,” said the second mate, scratching one ear. “I can only recollect Mr Franklyn Briscoe saying—”