"Don't croak any more, Hyde," protested Raymond, in disgust.
"I only say we are sold, and you can't deny it."
"Wait and see."
They did wait, and after a while they heard the order to shake out the topsails. Looking up through the main skylight, they saw lieutenants, masters, and midshipmen, on the yards. They listened to the voices of Paul Kendall, Gordon, and Haven, issuing orders which were usually given by the lieutenants. From what they saw and what they heard, they were enabled to arrive at a tolerably correct solution of the means by which the ship was at present handled. They understood that the larger portion of the officers were doing duty as seamen, while the past officers were serving as volunteers under the captain.
"We might as well cave in, and go on deck," said Hyde, after the movements on deck had been thoroughly discussed.
"Humph! You can't get on deck, to begin with," replied Raymond. "But I haven't any idea of giving it up so."
"The plan has failed—that's plain enough," added Hyde.
"Not yet."
"I think it has. We are whipped out, and the sooner we make our peace with Mr. Lowington, the better it will be for us."
"If you mean to back out, say so, Hyde."