“I should say not, sir,” added the captain.
“Have you consulted with Mr. Marline, in the unfortunate absence at this time of Mr. Pelham?”
“I have not done so, sir. Mr. Marline turned in, and”—
“Did what? Do me the favor to speak the English language when you address me,” interposed the professor, who could not tolerate even the mildest of nautical terms.
“He went to bed, sir.”
“Ah, he retired?”
“Yes, sir: he turned in when”—
“Retired, if you please.”
“Yes, sir: he retired from the deck when I did; and I have not seen him since the signal-guns were reported to me.”
“Mr. Marline is a prudent mariner; and I request that you confer with him before any decided steps are taken.”