"Won't do what?" demanded Bent, who heard this answer, though he had not heard Nim's suggestion.
The skipper made no reply, but he insisted that Nim would do very well, and must be mate, whether he were willing or not. Bent Fillwing had a mind of his own, and he was disposed to resist the authority of the leader sometimes. Tom was afraid to make him his second in command. He feared that Kidd and Pell might be weak when he needed their support, and he could not depend upon them. Jack Dumper was about the same sort of a cipher as Nim.
"If Nim is to be mate, let us have the crew divided into watches," said Bent impatiently, and with a succession of yawns.
"I choose Jack Dumper," added Tom.
"I take Bent Fillwing," continued Nim, submitting to the greatness thrust upon him.
"Pell Sankland," said the captain.
"Kidd Diggfield," followed the mate, taking the last.
"According to rule, the captain's watch has the deck, and the port-watch can turn in," continued Bent, rising from his seat. "We are to sleep for the next four hours. You will call us at four in the morning, Tom."
"I shall call you when I want you," said Tom sharply; for Bent talked as though he were the skipper, and he damaged the dignity of the captain.
"By that time you can hear the church-clocks at Burlington, and you will know when it is four o'clock. Now, Nim, go forward, and call Kidd Digfield."