"Get the master-at-arms, and request him to come forward and report to me at once."
"Aye, aye, sir!"
The messenger sped aft on his errand, while a dreadful silence ensued, which even the irrepressible Herc had not the courage to break.
Evidently something dire was about to happen to him.
[CHAPTER XIII.]
HERC LEARNS WHAT "THE BRIG" IS.
In a few minutes the messenger returned with the master-at-arms, who saluted the officer of the deck, who in turn gravely saluted him. Herc, feeling that he should do something, saluted each of them in turn, concluding his respectful motions with a deep bow.
Neither officer, however, paid any more attention to the lad than if he had been carved out of wood.