"I do mean so; I promised faithfully to do my duty as an officer, and I shall do it."
"See here, Bob Shuffles; you needn't talk to me in that manner. I knew the ship's cable from a pint of milk, and you can't come the flunky over me."
"I'm going to do just as you would do if you were in my place. I won't hear a word about any of your plans."
"But will you interfere with them?"
"If it is my duty to do so, I shall. I intend to obey orders; and if I have the deck, I shall keep things straight, whatever happens."
"Lowington don't know you as well as I do."
"No matter if he don't; he shall have no fault to find with me this term, if I can help it."
"It's no use for me to mince the matter with you, Bob Shuffles. We understand each other too well for that. Something's up."
Shuffles turned on his heel, and was about to walk away.
"Hold on a minute, Shuffles," continued Wilton. "I won't tell you what's up, but I'll tell you this; if you interfere with what I do, or with what the fellows with me do, I'll tell Lowington about the mutiny—I will, as sure as your name is Bob Shuffles. Do you understand me?"