“I presume so. Probably he thinks it a foolish enterprise, and that may account in part for his cavalier treatment of you. Of course, it is none of his business, and you need not hesitate to hint as much if he begins to talk roughly.”
Guy considered this good advice, and determined to act upon it. He felt that he must deport himself in a manner which might be unbecoming in an ordinary boy, but was called for by the fact that he was acting for Mr. Saunders. It was his duty to guard the interests of his employer.
When he bade good-bye to Captain Grover he felt a presentiment that the voyage on which he had embarked would be an unpleasant one, and that Captain Richmond would make it so. But Guy had pluck, and though he expected a conflict, he did not fear it.
The first outbreak came very soon after the sailing of the Osprey.
Dinner was announced. Guy was, of course, to eat at the captain’s table, but when he entered he found that no seats had been placed for his two assistants.
“How is this, Captain Richmond?” said Guy, as he took his seat. “I see no places at the table for Mr. Titcomb and Mr. Clark.”
“They will eat with the sailors,” replied the captain, curtly.
“I beg pardon, Captain Richmond,” said Guy, calmly, though he was very angry, “I will consent to no such arrangement.”
“You won’t, eh?” snarled the captain. “Who is the captain of this craft—you or I?”
“You, sir; but my arrangement was not made with you, but with the Messrs. Gray.”