“But—”
“Eh?” said Captain Belton, raising his eyebrows; “he has taken French leave and gone?”
“Yes; he was stowed away there amidships.”
“And you forbade his going?” said the captain, frowning.
“Oh, no, I did not forbid him, sir.”
“Well, well, Mr Bracy; we were boys once,” said the captain, smiling.
“Yes, sir, I’m afraid I did the same.”
“And I more than twice, Bracy. One must be a little blind sometimes with a boy of spirit. Bit of change for him. How is he getting on?”
“Capitally. Full of promise.”
“Then I hope he will perform. By the way, there was one thing I did not mention to you—a spar for a flagstaff. I should like them to be able to hoist the colours when anything comes in sight.”