"My eyes!" whispered Keys; "I wouldn't be in Extra's boots for the whole squadron. Won't he get his rations stuffed into him?"
The captain, who was at supper, looked up in surprise, as Mr. French entered unannounced; and, after regarding him sharply for a moment, said:
"Well, sir!"
"I came here, sir," began the mate, "to tell you"——
"Take off your cap, sir!" vociferated the captain.
The mate, not in the least embarrassed, did as he was ordered, and again commenced:
"I came here, sir"——
"Do you know what that marine is standing out there for?" again interrupted the captain. "If you don't, your first hard work will be to go to the executive officer and find out. Now, don't you again ever come into my cabin in this abrupt manner. Always send in your name by the orderly. It seems impossible to teach you any thing. But what were you going to say?"
"I came here, sir," began the mate again, "to see if I have any authority to command my inferiors in rank. My appointment says"——
"O, hang your appointment!" shouted the captain. "Come to the point at once."