All below the grade indicated, with a single exception, promptly marched over to the other side of the ship. The four lieutenants stepped out of the way, so that the single dissenter might stand alone. It is hardly necessary to say that Perth was the person who was so largely in the minority among the officers.
"You decline to serve with the other masters?" said Shuffles.
"I prefer to be excused. I have had considerable experience as a seaman, and would like a little more as an officer," replied Perth, politely.
"We shall dispense with the services of all the officers except the lieutenants," added the captain. "There will be nothing for you to do, but you shall not be compelled to serve as a seaman."
"Permit me to take his place," interposed Gordon, the senior past officer.
"Thank you, Gordon," replied Shuffles.
"Please enroll me also as a seaman," added Haven, good-naturedly.
"And me also," laughed Paul.
"I suggest that the past officers take the places of the second, third, and fourth lieutenants, who shall do duty as seamen," said Leavitt, the second officer.
"By all means," added Foster, the third.