“No, sir; not he,” cried the bo’sun, eagerly.
“Who was it with?”
“Tall young gent, sir, as brought us off in the boat yesterday.”
“That will do.”
“Hope he won’t mast-head the dear boy for this,” muttered Barney, as he went aft, found the captain’s servant, and asked to see his master.
In a few minutes he was summoned, and found Captain Belton writing.
“Well, Strake; what is it?”
“I had a message, your honour, to take to the young gentlemen’s berth.”
“Yes; to Mr Belton. Is he here?”
“No, your honour; he’s there.”