"I thank you, sir," said the admiral.
He touched his hat and went forward. He put his head inside the foc'sle and addressed Knight:
"Come outside, you bully, and let me knock your head off. Mr. Simpson has been kind enough to overlook the breach of discipline involved."
And Knight, nothing loth, came out on deck, while Simpson and Wiggins stood a little way off to enjoy the battle.
"I'd like to back the admiral," said Wiggins.
"I'll have a level five dollars on Knight," said Simpson, who remembered that he had, on one occasion, found Knight extremely difficult to reduce to pulp.
"Done with you," said Wiggins.
And in five minutes the second mate was richer by five dollars, as his mates carried Knight into the foc'sle.
"I don't know when I enjoyed myself more," said Simpson, with a sigh—"even if I do lose money on it. While it lasted it was real good. Did you see that most be-ewtiful upper cut? And the right-handed cross counter that finished it was jest superb. But I'll hev to speak to the victor, so I will."
And he addressed the admiral in suitable language.