“He would be a brute if he didn’t grant your request.”
“Hush! Here he comes!”
Captain Richmond strode on deck, and looked about him in his masterful way.
He noticed James Low’s slow motions.
“Be lively there!” he cried. “You lazy loafer! You’re skulking!”
“Captain Richmond,” said the poor fellow, “I feel very sick. My head is swimming.”
“Sick, are you? Sick of work, most likely,” sneered the captain.
“Indeed, sir, I am very ill. If you would kindly let me lie down for an hour or two——”
“Why, you lazy scoundrel!” roared the captain, in a rage, “I never heard such barefaced insolence! Up to the masthead with you, and stay there till you are ready to do your duty!”
James Low turned a look of anguish upon the captain.