“Humph! That’s frank, sir. But I like it. Shall I tell you why you don’t like me? I will. Because I do my duty rigidly. Now one word more. Don’t say a word to your messmates about what I tell you now. It’s our secret, Mr Belton; and don’t presume upon it, and go backwards.”
“I’ll try not, sir.”
“Good. Then look here. You have been a very short time on board, and I have often found fault with you; but I like to be just. On the whole, Mr Belton, I am very much pleased with your conduct. I felt prejudiced against you, as I was afraid I was to have an addition to my young monkeys in the shape of a spoiled, petted boy. I was ignorant then, for I did not know Captain Belton so well as I do now. There: go to your duties. You are awkward, clumsy, ignorant, and sadly wanting; but you have got on wonderfully, and I think you will turn out a very smart officer before you have done. That will do.”
Sydney wanted to say a great deal, but he felt that he was dismissed, and he left the deck and went down below, to avoid his messmates.
Not an easy task, for they were after him directly.
“This isn’t the way to the mast-head,” cried Jenks.
“Want the rope and the biscuit?” said Bolton.
“What have you been doing?” cried Roylance.
“Nearly everything that’s wrong.”
“Then he has been wigging you?”