"Sartain, your honor. I always listen to reason; but there isn't any reason in leaving the ship without the captain's orders."
"But the captain says I may have the boat; and I only want a couple of men to row it."
"I will pull the boat with the greatest pleasure, sir, if the captain orders me to do so; or the first lieutenant, for that matter, sir. I always obey orders, sir, if it sinks the ship."
"I have a complaint to make against the captain for disobedience of my orders, and he will not permit me to go on board of the ship to prefer the charge."
"Whew!" whistled the boatswain, as long and loud as though the sound had been made with his own shrill pipe. "A complaint against the captain! I beg your honor's pardon, but that can't be. Nobody can have a complaint against the captain."
"I do not wish to argue the matter with you. Will you do what I ask, or not?"
"I beg your honor's pardon, but I will not," replied Cleats, who seemed to have no doubt in regard to his own course, whatever rupture there might be among the powers above him.
"That's enough," growled Mr. Hamblin, turning on his heel.
"There's a big squall coming, your honor," added Cleats, loud enough for the professor to hear him. "The boat wouldn't live a minute in it."
"I am not afraid of the squall," replied the learned gentleman, pausing. "Will you row the boat?"