"They're standin' upon the 'ill as thick as pea-sticks," said one of the boys.
"Speak hup," roared the skipper.
The crew shoved old Mac in front.
"We've revolved the notion up and over," said Mac, "and we've come to the conclusion, sir, there ain't nothin' to be got by sendin' ignorant men like we on such errands."
The skipper hiccupped angrily.
"Who asted you to think? But I ain't the man to press unwilling lubbers into goin' aloft, I can lead the way. Go into the fo'castle, you dogs, and consider yourselves under arrest. Go!"
"Blimy," said the crowd, "but we're all in our own custody, so we are. Now what's the old man goin' to do?"
They watched him from the fo'castle as he staggered into his own part of the ship.
"I'll be my own hambassador," said Jones. "I'll show 'em 'ow to work things with dignity; I'll show that ass Lampert what's o'clock. What you wants in such cases made and provided is tact, and go, and innerds. Innerds is the chief need. Why fight if palaver'll do? Where I was wrong was to send a galoot like Simcox. But what could I do but work the best with the tools I 'ad? If I'd gone myself, we'd 'ave made peace afore there was a row."
He came staggering out of the cabin with a case of brandy and laid it on the after capstan.