“I don’t intend to wait!” said Gregory angrily. “I shall go on shore.”
“At present the steamer is quarantined; and no one is allowed to leave her,” answered O’Hara.
“That’s another scrape you’ve got us into!” blustered the rebel.
The captain made no reply to this taunt.
“There has been no show for the officers from the Josephine in this steamer,” continued Gregory. “Mr. Shakings, I think you ought to see fair play, at least, when an officer of your own ship is treated in this way.”
“All the boatswain has to do is to obey the captain’s orders,” replied Shakings; but he looked as though he had something else to say if the occasion should require it.
“Come, Clinch, let’s go on shore,” said Gregory, beginning to move towards the door.
“Mr. Shakings, these officers are still in your keeping,” added the captain.
“There is no going on shore for any one in this vessel,” interposed the stout forward officer, as he placed himself in front of the rebels. “You will return to your rooms.”
“I won’t do it!” protested Gregory savagely, as he made a spring towards the door.