"Very well; we will attend to that after you get on board of the Ben Nevis," replied Wynkoop, as he took the oath and the commission, with the pen and ink, and went into his chamber again.
He was absent several minutes this time, and Somers had an opportunity to review his position.
"Here is your commission, Captain Somers," said the lieutenant, as he placed the document on the table. "On the whole, I think you had better sign the oath now."
"I think it will do just as well when we get off."
"Perhaps it will; here are your orders," said he, handing Somers another paper, and placing that containing the oath on the table.
At this moment, Somers heard a step in the direction of the bedroom. He turned, with surprise, to see who it was, for he had heard no one enter.
"Ah, Somers, I am glad to see you," said the new arrival, stepping up to the table, and glancing at the papers which lay open there.
It was Lieutenant Pillgrim.