"'I observed it,' said the Lieutenant."
"I'm not going on board again, Sammy; I'm to meet that bully, and I will do it. It's either disgrace or death, and I'm reckless now. But run along, you; leave me to myself."
"I shall stay if you do," replied Raymond, stoutly. "It will never be said that——"
"Come, young gentlemen, 'tis about time you were making for the boat. Commodore Preble's orders were very strict; don't forget them."
The speaker was a tall, graceful young man, wrapped in a long watch-cloak. It was Stephen Decatur, the First Lieutenant, and the idol of the ship. He descended the few steps from the entrance to the lobby, and continued as he acknowledged the midshipmen's salute:—
"Come, let's all be moving—stir your stumps now, Mr. Raymond."
As they reached the archway of the pier, Bainbridge held back.
"Come, Mr. Bainbridge, a word with you," said Decatur, taking the lad kindly by the arm. He was but five or six years the senior, but his manner was almost fatherly. "Have you anything to tell me?"
"Yes, sir. I have broken orders."