“I do not know that any of the officers have been consulted,” added Raymond, who did not like the attitude of Gregory.
“I suppose I was ignored because I came from the Josephine. The Tritonia’s officers seem to be in the ascendant on board of this vessel,” continued Gregory, in the most forbidding of tones.
“I don’t think it can make any difference what vessel the officers came from.”
“Tell that to the marines! isn’t the captain hand and glove with Speers, the second officer? Are they not together all the time they can be?” demanded the irate watch-officer.
“I think Speers has been consulted no more than you or I have,” replied Raymond, moving away from the pilot-house; for he saw that it was of no use to argue the point with one so unreasonable as Gregory showed himself to be.
“Hold on a minute, Mr. Raymond,” interposed the discontented officer. “Do you think it is right for the captain to disregard his orders, and take the steamer to England?”
“The captain can answer that question for himself, and I cannot answer it for him,” replied Raymond. “All I have to do is to obey my orders.”
“Suppose he should take it into his head to run for the South Sea Islands on a pleasure-excursion: should you feel it to be your duty to obey orders without a protest, and go with him?” demanded Gregory.
“The captain is not doing any thing of that sort, and there is no need of answering conundrums,” replied Raymond warmly. “This is a case of life and death with thirty-two people on board of the wreck; and it has been decided by the captain, after consultation with all the adults on board, to tow the hulk to Portsmouth.”
“But it is a thousand miles to England.”