"Such are the orders."
"I have always been in the habit of celebrating the Fourth of July," replied Wilton. "Are we to stay on board the ship, and mope all day?"
"I presume the day will be celebrated on board in a proper manner," added the first lieutenant.
"On board! What can a fellow do here? We might as well go to bed, and sleep off the day."
"No words are necessary, Wilton," replied Pelham as he turned and walked away.
"That's a good one!" added Wilton, to the group of boys who had come with him to the mainmast, to request the same favor, if the spokesman was permitted to go on shore and celebrate the day.
"Not to celebrate!" exclaimed Monroe, with something like horror in his tones and looks.
"Work on the Fourth of July!" chimed in Adler.
"I won't stand it, for one!" said Wilton.
"Nor I, for another," added Monroe.