"Master-at-arms!" began the officer.
"Yes, sir," responded the master-at-arms, bringing his heels together with a sharp click.
"There has been a flagrant breach of discipline here, which it is my duty to report to the captain at once. You will place this man, Ordinary Seaman Taylor, under restraint, and arraign him at the mast at one o'clock with the other prisoners."
"Yes, sir," nodded the master-at-arms, edging up to the dismayed Herc.
"Kennell, if you wish to prefer a complaint against this man Taylor, you may," went on the officer.
"I do, sir, certainly," said Kennell earnestly, through the paint that smothered his face; "but first, sir, I should like to clean this mess off, sir."
"You will be relieved from duty while you do. Carry on, men."
The officer of the deck faced about and walked aft; no doubt to acquaint the captain with the details of the occurrences on the forward deck.
"Come, wake up," said the master-at-arms to Herc, who was in a semi-stupor at the horrifying idea that he was under arrest. "Come with me."