"Make the course east by north then," replied Pelham, without taking the trouble to consult the captain or Mr. Fluxion, both of whom were on deck.
"The wind is north-north-east, sir," reported the quartermaster, a short time afterwards.
"Keep her east then."
At six bells the wind was north-east, and coming heavier and heavier every moment. The ship was headed east-south-east, and it was evident that she still had on more sail than she could easily carry.
"What's the course, Mr. Pelham?" asked Captain Gordon.
"East-south-east, sir," replied Pelham.
"The course given out was east-north-east."
"I have changed it three times within the last hour," answered the fourth lieutenant, in rather surly tones.
"By whose order?" demanded the captain.
"By no one's order, sir."