“Her Majesty’s officers are in the habit of obeying any orders they may receive,” returned the lieutenant, loftily.
“But those orders were given to you under the supposition that the lawful crew of this vessel were in need of your assistance,” replied Frank. “When we passed you last night we should have been glad of your help; but now we are in a situation to take care of ourselves.”
“Why did you not hail us when you passed us last night?” asked the midshipman.
“Because Waters and his friends had full control of the schooner, and I had no desire to be pitched overboard,” answered Frank.
“If you had been a brave young man, you would have done your duty at all hazards. But I do not wish to waste any more time in argument. Mr. Kendall,” said the lieutenant, turning to the midshipman, “select ten men from that boat’s crew, and remain in charge of the yacht. Follow in our wake when we steam away for Hobart Town.”
The young officer saluted, and hurried up the ladder to obey these orders, while the lieutenant turned to the prisoners, and commanded them to get up and go on deck. Frank followed them up the companion-way, and when he reached the top, was surprised to find Mr. Kendall and Archie engaged in an angry war of words. He had no trouble in guessing at the cause of it. He looked toward the stern, and saw Brown standing there with the color halliards in his hand, and the colors themselves were partly hauled down.
“I want you to understand that I command this yacht now,” said Mr. Kendall, shaking his clenched hand at Archie.
“I don’t dispute it, do I?” returned the latter.
“Then why do you countermand my orders?” demanded the midshipman.
“Brown!” exclaimed Frank, sharply, “run that flag up to the peak where it belongs. Belay the halliards and go for’ard.”