“No, no, Tom,” cried the captain, testily; “I can manage the helm.”
“But, Doctor Liss!” said the boy, appealingly.
“Don’t appeal to me, my boy,” said the doctor, gravely. “You know your father’s and your uncle’s wish. It is your duty to obey.”
“Oh!” ejaculated Sydney, in a tone of voice which seemed to say, “I did think you would side with me.”
The doctor took a pinch of snuff.
“You see, Syd,” continued the captain, “your uncle has no son, and I have only one to keep up the honour of our family. You will join your ship with the best of prospects, and I hope you will be a credit to us both.”
Sydney said nothing, but took another walnut, and cracked it viciously, as if it was the head of a savage enemy.
That night he lay tumbling and unable to sleep, his brow knit and his teeth set, feeling as obstinate as a boy can feel who has not been allowed to have his own way.