“Ay, sir, and why did you not bring me more?”
The officers stared, paralyzed with astonishment. Decatur involuntarily put his hand on his sword; and the next moment the commodore turned on his heel and went into the cabin.
Decatur, pale with anger, walked to the gangway. Somers caught him by the arm and cried earnestly:
“Decatur, where are you going?”
“Away from this ship,” answered Decatur in a voice of suppressed rage.
“No,” said Somers, holding him, “you must not—you shall not go! The commodore has misunderstood what you have done to-day. He met me with almost equal anger; but you know how excitable he is—but how just, brave, and magnanimous. Do nothing that is insubordinate, and I’ll warrant the commodore will make you every amend.”
Somers could always exercise a powerful influence over Decatur, whom he actually held to prevent from leaving the ship. The other officers gathered around, trying to reason with Decatur, who, although a captain, was still only a boy in Commodore Preble’s eyes. Just then the commodore’s orderly appeared with a message.
“Commodore Preble desires Captain Decatur’s presence in the cabin.”
“I will not go!” was Decatur’s determined answer.
Somers gave the man a significant look, which meant that he was not to repeat the message, and then began pleading with Decatur. He led his friend to one side, and said to him solemnly: