"I said let me pass," repeated Ned firmly, making a determined effort to quell his rising tide of hot anger at the fellow's evident determination to provoke him into a quarrel.
"Call me 'sir' when you address me," ordered Kennell pugnaciously. "I'm going to teach you how to address your seniors in the service."
"I only say 'sir' to men I respect," was the sharp retort, the very coolness of which stung Kennell to renewed fury. His rage was increased by the fact that a group of sailors, momentarily growing larger, began to titter at his discomfiture.
"Better leave him alone, Ralph," laughed old Tom mischievously. "He's as sharp a young file as I am an old one."
Ned took advantage of the temporary diversion to try to slip past without trouble. He had his own ideas of getting even with Kennell, and it was no part of his plan to break regulations by getting involved in a fight with him on shipboard. He stepped forward to pass on.
Kennell was too quick for him.
"Say 'sir'!" he demanded.
"I have already told you for whom I reserved that distinction," said Ned in a low voice, "and you are emphatically not in that class."
"Maybe this will teach you respect for your superiors."