He looked the captain straight in the face, and there was a look of determination in his eyes that made Captain Richmond, who was a bully, but not brave, think he had gone far enough.
“I prefer that you should not speak to any member of my crew,” he rejoined, as he turned abruptly away.
“James,” said Titcomb, “as I don’t wish to get you into any trouble, I will hereafter seek opportunities to speak to you when the captain is not on deck.”
“I wish Captain Grover were in command,” replied the boy. “He was a gentleman.”
From this time Captain Richmond seemed to transfer to James Low some of the dislike he felt for Titcomb. The latter was not in his power, but as James Low was only a sailor, it was a simple matter to make things uncomfortable for him.
One morning Low appeared on deck looking pale and ill. He had malaria in his system, and when he shipped he was not in good physical condition.
“What is the matter, James?” asked Abner Titcomb, who was struck by the young fellow’s appearance.
“I don’t know. My head aches terribly, and I can hardly stand.”
“Why don’t you report yourself sick to the captain, and ask leave to go to your bunk?”
“He wouldn’t believe it.”