"I mean so."
"Certainly not. I should as soon think of speaking to Lowington himself."
"But Shuffles may join us. He is always in for a good time."
"Why, you ninny, he is third lieutenant of the ship."
"No matter if he is. I think Shuffles would like to join us."
"Nonsense! He has been in office only three days, and it would break him. He would be degraded to the steerage," replied Monroe, who could not help thinking that Wilton was beside himself in proposing such a thing, and that the enterprise was doomed to failure in such incompetent hands.
"If he won't join us, perhaps he will help us off. He is officer of the deck, you know, in the second dog watch."
"I know he is; but don't you open your mouth to him. If you do, I'll back out at once."
"Back out?"
"Yes, back out. I believe you are crazy. Why don't you go to Captain Carnes, and done with it?" said Monroe, with energy.