“How about this, young feller?” asked the quartermaster. “What were you doin’ down that hold this time o’ night. Ain’t ye one of Colonel Snow’s party?”
“I am,” said Jack, “and this man’s story is a straightout falsehood. It was I who followed this boy down into the hold on information that I got”—
A burst of laughter from both Rae and Dublin interrupted Jack’s story, and both men swore vehemently that Monkey had been in his berth up to a few minutes before he had called for Dublin. Jack, recognizing his folly in not having notified Colonel Snow and the Captain of the conspiracy, and also the way in which the tables had been turned upon him in his attempt to “go it alone,” said:
“I will explain this thing to the Captain; I think he will understand it.”
“I guess you’d better,” said the puzzled quartermaster; “but we can’t wake him up tonight. I’ll see ye up to yer stateroom and you can explain in the morning. And you,” he said, sharply, turning to Dublin and Monkey, “you be on hand with your story. Meantime,” to the watchman, “put on that hatch cover and lock it.”
As early the next morning as possible, Jack sought an interview with Col. Snow and told him the whole story. The latter was greatly interested, but said plainly that Jack should not have undertaken to handle the matter by himself.
The Captain was not so easily pacified. He heard both stories and grinned quietly as both Rae and Dublin tried to make a hero out of Monkey.
“I’ve told you fellows you’re too much in evidence on this boat and I don’t want to hear anything more from you until we get to Skagway.” Col. Snow’s intercession arranged matters for Jack but he did not get off any too easily.
“I haven’t any doubt but that your story has a good foundation, but it would hardly go as evidence in a court of law, and even if the Colonel here thought it worth while, I don’t suppose he cares to be bothered with a prosecution in courts that are three years behind with their cases. I shall take occasion to draw the attention of the authorities to this crowd, when we reach Skagway, however.
“I should like to say, however, that in a case like this, your first duty was to have informed me, and let me police my own boat. I am the superior officer here, as you know. I understand you belong to that excellent organization, the Boy Scouts, and if I am not mistaken, there is one little line in the ritual devoted to discipline. Good morning.” And despite the rebuke which brought the flush to Jack’s face, the captain smiled, and shook hands pleasantly.