"I didn't ask you to take any place. I'll tell you what I will do, Ben. I'll talk with mother and Mr. Sherwood about the matter, and if they think you ought to be captain of the Woodville, you shall be."
"Mr. Sherwood don't know everything."
"I think he would know what is right in a case like this."
"He thinks you are a little god, and I know what he would say."
"I will do as mother says, then."
"What do women know about these things?"
"I don't think Mr. Sherwood or mother would like it if I should give up the command of this boat to any one."
"Let them lump it, then," replied Ben, as he rushed out of the wheel-house, incensed beyond measure at Lawry's opposition to his unreasonable proposal.
Captain Lawry was sorely disturbed by the conduct of his brother. He could not enjoy his pleasant position at the wheel, and he put the steamer about, heading her toward Port Rock.
"Lawry," said Ben, returning to the wheel-house, "I want you to tell me what you are going to do. I'm older than you, and I have seen more steamboating than you have. I think it's my right to be captain of this boat."