"Then you are selecting candidates for the crew to vote for, as well as the officers?"
"Certainly."
"It seems to me, then, that the seamen ought to be represented in a meeting of this kind. They are to cast four fifths of the votes, but are not permitted to say a word in regard to the nominations," continued Cantwell, in a very quiet tone, in strong contrast with the one he had usually adopted, showing that Scott's lesson on Sunday had done him some good.
"How can we hold a caucus of the whole ship's company?" inquired De Forrest.
"It can be done on deck without the least difficulty."
"It don't seem practicable to me," added Beckwith.
"I suppose the ticket nominated here is not binding upon any one," suggested Captain Lincoln. "For my part, I quite agree that the crew ought to be consulted. Mr. Chairman, I move that this report be laid upon the table. If my motion prevails, I shall offer another, looking to a caucus of the whole ship's company."
"I second the motion," added Cantwell.
"Mr. Chairman, I don't see the use—"