"I hope you will not make a donkey of yourself before we have finished this business," added the executive officer for the time being. "Now have you looked at your orders?"
"I have not; they are sealed orders, and I am not to open them till nine o'clock this evening," replied Corny.
"I believe you have lost all the wits you ever had, Passford," said Mr. Galvinne contemptuously.
"If I did, you did not pick them up."
"I am not going to banter with you, Passford. Where are your orders?" demanded the first lieutenant in a tyrannical manner.
"They are in my pocket," replied Corny sourly.
"Hand them over to me, and let us have no more fooling."
"I will take care of the orders myself."
"What! Are you not going to give them to me?" demanded Mr. Galvinne, apparently as much in astonishment as in anger.
"Not till you change your tone. I wish you to understand that I am in command of this ship, and I have my commission in my pocket. I intend to be treated with decency at least."