“You gave the order to have it done, as soon as you saw me come on deck.”
“The captain ordered me to tack ship, and I gave the order to the watch on deck, sir. I only did what the captain told me to do.”
“This isn’t the first time you have played such a trick upon me,” continued Mr. Primback, who honestly believed that Scott was the author of his misfortune.
The professor considered that any person who was capable of making a joke would not scruple to do a wicked deed; and for this reason Scott was not a favorite with the professor.
“I never played a trick upon you in my life, sir,” pleaded the second lieutenant, with his cheerful smile.
“Don’t contradict me, Scott!” said Mr. Primback, waxing more indignant as he saw the smile. “I will report you for discipline to the vice-principal as soon as he returns.”
“I beg your pardon, Mr. Primback,” interposed the captain, “but I do not think Mr. Scott was to blame.”
“I did not ask your opinion, Wainwright: I hold Mr. Scott responsible for his own acts,” snapped the professor.
“He only obeyed the order I gave him to tack ship, and it was not his fault that she made a lee lurch.”
“You will use none of that gibberish to me! And I will tolerate no interference when I speak to a student.”