“Capt. Fairfield wishes to see Mr. Gregory and Mr. Clinch in the cabin,” said one of the quartermasters of the starboard watch, touching his cap to the conspirators at this moment.
“Tell Mr. Fairfield, that, with entire respect for him, we have decided not to attend recitations to-day,” replied Gregory promptly.
Stokes was the quartermaster who had delivered the message; and he started back with astonishment at the reply of the first officer.
“Shall I say that to him?” he asked, thinking that perhaps Gregory was joking.
“Say that to him,” added Gregory decidedly.
By this time the fumes of the wine were well up into his head, and he had a courage not his own; and Clinch was affected in the same way.
“Very well, Mr. Gregory,” replied Stokes; but he did not seem inclined to deliver the message.
“Why don’t you go back to the cabin with the answer I gave you?” demanded the first officer; but his manner was strange to the quartermaster,—rather silly and simpering.
“If the officers of the ship do not attend recitations, I don’t know why the seamen should,” added Stokes, encouraged to make the remark by the light tone of his superior.
“They can do as they please,” answered Gregory, with a snuff and a chuckle. “But go and deliver the message to the instructor.”