"I have no doubt of it, but I wouldn't have you in my ship."
"Your remark is not very complimentary," said Somers, his face beginning to flush with indignation at what seemed to be an assault upon his professional character.
"It is the most complimentary thing I could say to you. And I mean what I say: I wouldn't have you in my ship."
"Why not, father?" demanded Kate.
"Because I like the young dog, and because I believe in discipline. I never indulge in partiality on board my ship, and it is better to keep out of temptation. I am under obligations to you, Mr. Somers; I am happy to acknowledge them, but they must not come between me and duty. Mr. Somers, Lieutenant Pillgrim," continued Commodore Portington, turning to the visitor.
Somers looked at the officer thus indicated, and as his eyes rested upon him, he started back with a momentary astonishment, for the face had a strange look of familiarity to him.
"Mr. Somers, I am happy to meet and to know you. Your name and reputation are already familiar to me."
"I am glad to know you, sir," replied Somers, with some confusion. "Your face looks so familiar to me, that I think we must have met before."
"Never, to my knowledge," answered the lieutenant, with easy self-possession.
"I was quite sure I had seen you before."