"It is necessary that one watch should be on deck while the vessel is under sail."
"That may be; but it wasn't necessary that your watch should go to dinner first," replied Tom.
"Will you return to your duty, or not?"
"No, sir!"
"You had better consider well what you are doing, Tom, before you go any farther. Captain Littleton placed me in command of the yacht, and expressly directed me to do everything I have done, so far; and especially to keep one watch on deck all the time, while we are under sail. Now, those of you who are willing to return to your duty and obey orders, as you promised Captain Littleton, go on deck again."
Not one of the four boys accepted this polite invitation.
"Then I am to settle this question with these four," added the captain.
"There's no settling about it; we are going to have our dinner; that's all," said Tom, pushing forward towards the table; but Captain Gordon placed himself before him, and prevented his farther progress.
"I have asked you to return to your duty; now I order you to do so; and I am going to be obeyed, even if there are some broken heads to bind up afterwards," replied the captain. "Briskett, let Paul take the helm and come below."
"Stand back, and let me pass" cried Tom, his face flushed with anger.