“I was not afraid to speak the truth, sir,” said Don; “and I told it.”
“But that’s such a wild story. Your messmate could not have driven it into a shark over the hook.”
“I don’t know whether it was driven in over the hook, sir,” replied Don; “but it stuck in the fish’s back and would not come out.”
The boatswain looked at him thoughtfully, while Don waited to hear his words.
“Look here, Lavington,” he said, “I liked you, my lad, from the first, and I should be sorry for you to be in serious trouble. I have been your friend, have I not?”
“I can’t see much friendship in dragging one away from home,” said Don, coldly.
“I had my duty to do, young man, and a sailor is not allowed to ask questions as to what’s right or wrong.”
“But I was treated like a criminal,” said Don.
“You were treated far better than pressed men are as a rule especially those who try to break away. But I can’t argue that with you. You and your companion are king’s men now, or king’s boys, and have to do your duty. Let’s come back to to-day’s work. The captain’s offended, and I want to save you from trouble if I can.”
“It’s very kind of you, sir,” said Don.