He took the message and scanned it under the light of the lantern by which he had been taking thermometer readings. His hand shook and he called first officer Mulliner to read the message to him. Mulliner repeated it in a grave voice.
“Hadn’t we better slow down, sir?� he asked.
“Slow down? What for?� blustered the flushed captain.
“Why, sir, the temperature of the water and then this dispatch all go to show that we are nearing ice-fields, maybe growlers and bergs. We are making fully eighteen knots now and——â€�
“We’ll continue to do so,� exclaimed the captain. “I’ve sailed these seas for a good many more years than you’ve been on earth, Mr. Mulliner.�
“That may all be, sir,â€� rejoined the young officer anxiously, “but at this speed——â€�
“At this speed we’ll head ’em off according to my calculations,� declared the captain. “If we slowed down we’d land in the middle of ’em. If we keep full speed ahead, we’ll pass to the south of ’em.�
“Then you mean to race them, sir?�
“That’s what. If that’s what you want to call it. Now get to your duty, Mr. Mulliner,� added the captain in sharp tones, as if he felt he had been too lenient even to argue with his subordinate. Mr. Mulliner, muttering something about “suicidal,� turned away.
“Any orders, sir?� asked Jack, when he was alone with the captain.