“Of course it is, sir,” growled the admiral, and Doctor Liss wrinkled up his forehead and looked attentively on.
“Now look here, sir. Your uncle has just heard an old friend of his, Captain Dashleigh—”
“Known him from a boy,” said the admiral.
“Has been appointed to the Juno, one of our finest three-deckers, and he is going to ask him to take you as one of his midshipmen.”
“Uncle Tom always said that a boy should commence life either in a sloop of war or a smart frigate,” said Syd, sharply.
“If there’s one handy,” growled the admiral. “Juno’s a ship to be proud of.”
“So, thank your uncle for his promise to exert his interest, and let’s have no more nonsense.”
“But I want to be a doctor, father,” said Syd, looking hard at the visitor.
Crash!
The glasses danced as the admiral brought his hand down heavily.