"Of course I do; but I wish to know precisely what Mr. Pelham told you."
"He will tell you himself," laughed Paul, as he walked aft, in order to afford the other "outsiders" who had voted an opportunity to communicate with Shuffles, for he perceived that they were waiting their turns.
As the second lieutenant went aft, the captain went forward on the lee side of the deck.
"Shuffles!" called Captain Gordon, as the chief conspirator was going forward.
The captain elect turned and walked towards the commander, and touched his cap with becoming respect.
"What do you think of the weather?" demanded Captain Gordon, scratching the tip of his nose.
Paul had instructed the "outsiders" to talk about the weather while they went through with the mystic routine of the signs.
"I think we shall have good weather," replied Shuffles, who, though he was confounded and amazed to be saluted from this quarter with the language of the "Chain," dared not refuse to give the signs, after he had done so with the second lieutenant.
"I wish to change my vote? for I don't think it was fairly given before," said the captain, when he had gone through all the forms of the recognition.
"Certainly, Captain Gordon, if you desire to do so."