"Yes, sir," answered Terrill. "Boatswain's mate, pipe away the gigsmen for the captain."
"All the first cutters, on deck, ahoy!" shouted the boatswain.
"All the gigsmen, on deck, ahoy!" piped the boatswain's mate.
Professor Hamblin stamped his foot on deck when he heard these orders, given almost in the same breath. He did not seem to consider that there was anything to be done except to attend to his affair.
"Captain Kendall," said he, walking up to the young commander, with a brisk, nervous step, "I wish to see Mr. Lowington alone."
"Certainly, sir; I will not object to your seeing him alone. If I can do anything to favor your views, I shall be happy to assist."
"You have ordered your gig, and you said you were going on board the ship," added the learned gentleman, his wrath not at all appeased by the conciliatory reply of Paul.
"I am, sir."
"Am I to understand that you are going to see the principal in reference to my communication with him?" demanded Mr. Hamblin.
"No, sir. It is my duty to report any unusual event which occurs in the navigation of this vessel," answered Paul, respectfully.