It was in a pitying way he had referred to Mark’s being a fisher lad, and he meant to condescend to shake hands with him when introduced, but got the cut in this from the one he intended to patronize.
Seeing that he had made a mistake, from the commandant’s severe reproof, the cunning youth meant to atone from policy, to give his actions an air of manliness, so he quickly said:
“I really intended no slight, commandant, but something occurred once of an unpleasant nature between Merrill and myself, in which I am free to admit I was at fault, so I frankly offer my hand now in friendship, if he will accept it.”
The commandant seemed pleased at this, and glanced at Mark.
He was a splendid reader of human nature, could from his great experience tell the inner workings of the heart, which the face was striving to hide, and he saw that Mark Merrill had some bitter cause of quarrel against Scott Clemmons, deeper by far than the latter cared to admit or had implied. But the good nature of the young sailor triumphed, and he said:
“I will accept Mr. Clemmons’ hand in friendship, sir, if he means it in good faith.”
There was a world of meaning in the words: “If he means it in good faith.”
The eyes of Mark Merrill looked unflinchingly upon the face of Scott Clemmons, but he did not meet the gaze, and his face flushed painfully.
This that keen observer, the commandant, saw, and he read who had been the transgressor in the past.
“Now, Mr. Merrill, as Mr. Clemmons had just reported when you were convoyed into port, as Cadet Bascomb expressed it, I will hear what he was about to say to me and then give my attention to you.”