"Now you may do it in earnest, Percy," said he. "We are all ready to go ahead. Strike your gong."
"It will be no use to strike it while you are up here," replied the pilot, looking at Christy with interest.
"We have not a second to spare; strike your gong, and we will talk about it afterwards," continued Christy impatiently.
"But I am not a fool, Christy, and I don't"—
"But I do!" interposed the acting captain sharply, as he reached over and pulled the bell.
"I don't like to have a fellow fool with me when I am in earnest. What good will it do to ring the bell while you are in the pilot-house, Christy?"
But before the captain could answer the question, if he intended to do so, the boat began to shake under the pressure of the engine, and the tug moved ahead at half speed. Percy was so much astonished that he could hardly throw over the wheel, and Christy took hold of it himself.
"I don't understand it," said he, as he took hold of the spokes, and looked ahead to get the course of the boat.
"You will never make a sailor till you mend your ways," added Christy.
"There must be some one in the engine-room," said Percy.