“Demaine,” said George, with all the dignity he could summon.... “But——”
“Silence!” commanded Captain Higgins sharply, still without looking up from the paper on which he scratched rapidly and in an official manner: “Mane.” “First name,” he chanted musingly, his pen suspended to write further.
“George Mulross,” enunciated that individual, and “George Ross” went down onto the sheet.
He began once more by clearing his throat, but though he had not yet said a word, Captain Higgins looked up with such an expression in his small and unpleasing eyes as would brook no nonsense.
“George Ross Mane,” said he, speaking through his nose. “You have been discovered on my ship, the Lily, one thousand three hundred and twenty tons burthen, London rating, bound from London to Portland with agricultural and general cargo.”
Captain Higgins loved these formalities.
“I have no jew-risdiction in the matter....” And here he began speaking by rote out of a dirty little book in which were laid down the elements of his trade: “Of-breach-of-contract-tort-replevin-stave-jury-or-execution-major-and-minor-nor-authority-to-act-savin’-always-and-exceptin’-in-such-way-as-and-whereby-discipline-accoutrement-good order-and-the-fear-of-the-Lord-proper-to-the-navigatin’-of-this-ship-from-her-departure-to-her-port-of-destination-is-concerned-wherefore-you-shall-be-fed-in-such-manner-as-shall-keep-you-livin’-until-the-next-port-or-ports-whereat-this-good-ship-may-touch-and-there-delivered-to-the-Sheriff-or-his-officers-or-other-justices-of-our-Sovereign-Lord-the-King-and-of-his-peace: Take-away-the-prisoner! Gawd-save-the-King.”
This sentence, which was delivered in one breath and with the rapidity of an expert, became towards its close a torrent of syllables ending up sharp upon the word “King” as upon a bell, and followed by a stinging silence.
“I demand,” shouted George in an uncontrolled voice over his shoulder as they dragged him away.
“Put him in irons!” cried Captain Higgins as loudly as was consistent with order, discipline and self-control. “Put the —— in irons!” And after this natural exhibition of feeling (which in his heart he regretted) the navigator returned to the bridge, relieved the second officer there present, and continued to take his ship down the fairway.