"It's not exactly that, sir; but when danger does come, we want our full share of it."
"Then you have no cause for complaint, lad. A round shot is as likely to take you off as me; aboard ship we all run the same chances."
"But those who are under Lieutenant Downes when his fleet is called away are likely to see more service and have better opportunities for earning advancement," I stammered, whereat he laughed heartily, thus putting me considerably more at my ease.
"You are eager to try your hand at close work?" he said, rather than asked; and I fancied he was not displeased because I had ventured to approach him on such an errand.
"That is what we most desire, sir," I replied. "If you could only persuade Lieutenant Downes to take us with him when next the boats are called away, I would do anything I could to repay you when we get ashore."
"But what would my uncle, your father, say when I saw him? Do you think he is as eager that his son should be shot as you are?"
"We're not counting on that part of it, sir. All who come to close quarters with an enemy are not shot, else you would never be standing on this quarter-deck, wearing the uniform of a lieutenant."
He smiled at this bold speech of mine, whereat I plucked up courage sufficient to continue by saying:—
"Unless you had been given an opportunity of showing what you could do, a commission would never have come your way."
"Now we are getting at the real reason for this request!" he exclaimed cheerily. "You and Robbins believe that by taking part in one sharp engagement rapid advancement is assured?"