"Humph! well, that means the commander or first luff. The Breezy is a warship."
The way Kep steered that boat along-side the Breezy--sta'board side mind you--was a source of great fun to some middies.
"Admiral's sweep, by Jove! Why, he thinks himself quite a little toff. Wonder who the devil he is?"
"Couldn't say, I'm sure. May as well have sideboys, anyhow."
And down the steps the side-boys rattled and handed Kep the pipe-clayed ropes.
He was half-way up, when the man hailed, "Am I to wait, sir?"
"Er--um--you may as well, I think."
The side-boys were caught on the giggle and Kep frowned at them.
He saluted the quarter-deck as if to the manner born.
"What--er--can I do you for, youngster?" This from the midshipman of the after watch.