"I'm not an officer now."
"Belay the sheet," said the fourth lieutenant.
"Man the bars!" shouted the executive officer; and De Forrest had a chance to escape.
"What does it mean? Mr. De Forrest said he was an officer," continued Julia.
"He was; but when he came on board yesterday, he was reduced to the steerage."
"That's too bad! But why was it?"
"I am sorry to tell you the truth, but he ran away from the ship."
"Is it possible? Such a nice young man!"
"Unfortunately it is true."