"There is a mutiny in the larboard watch," replied the mate, with a smile.
Tom and Frank did not wait for any more explanations, and began to descend the ladder into the cabin.
"Stop, boys! what does this mean?" demanded Captain Gordon, rising from the table.
"It means that we are going to have our dinners; that is all," replied Tom, who had by this time reached the cabin floor.
"But my orders were, that the larboard watch should remain on deck."
"We don't care for that."
"You don't, eh?" And Captain Gordon was evidently very much surprised, for whatever he had expected, he certainly had not anticipated a mutiny the first day out.
"Wasn't my order a reasonable one?" he continued.
"No, sir! It was not."