“Johnny,” said Tom, “address that letter you have in your pocket to the captain of the Swallow, and put it in the post-office.”
“I’ve got no pen,” replied Johnny; “and how can I see to address the letter without a light?”
“Go aboard the ship,” commanded Captain Rich, “and no doubt you will find writing materials there. The next thing,” he continued, as Johnny ran off to obey the order, “is to appoint my officers. As you have managed this thing so far, Newcombe, I’ll reward you by making you my first mate. Miller, you will be second; and Johnny Harding, when he comes back, shall be third.”
Some of the boys were a good deal disappointed by this arrangement, for all those who had been to sea, had made calculations on receiving some office. But it had been decided beforehand, that the captain should be allowed to select his own officers; and, as all the boys were impatient to get to sea, they did not raise any objections.
“So far, so good,” said Rich, as he walked up and took a survey of the vessel he was to command. “The next step is to get her out to the end of the pier. Miller, jump aboard and get out a stern-line. Newcombe, find something that will do for a tow-line; make one end fast on board, and lead the other round the starboard side of the vessel back to the wharf.”
“What’s that for?” exclaimed Tom. “That isn’t the best way to turn her around.”
“Newcombe!” said Rich, angrily, “I am the captain of this vessel, and you must do as you are ordered, without stopping to ask questions.”
“O, now, see here!” drawled Tom, “I want you to understand that the government of this society is democratic, and I have a right to have my say.”
“And I also want you to understand that I have been ordered to take this vessel to sea, and that I’m going to do it,” said Captain Rich. “If you don’t get a tow-line out very soon, I’ll appoint another first mate.”
This threat alarmed Tom, who, without further parley, sprang on board the sloop and hastened to carry out his orders.