"What have you to grumble at, my friend?" inquired Professor Woddle. "You are comfortably housed, well fed, and have a constant source of excitement in the movements of this remarkable ship."
"Bother the ship. Why didn't she strike on a rock and bust up?" said Stump. "I'd rather be back to Nautical Hall any day than here."
"Bide your time, my lad," continued the professor; "something will happen some day."
"Very prob'ble, sir, but it's waiting for it to turn up as I don't like. Just shove me alongside of that blessed captain, and if I don't give him——"
"Stump," interrupted Mont, "you shut up. I wouldn't mind being back to the Hall myself, but finding fault won't take us there."
"Certainly, sir. I don't have much chance of talking. I shall forget my own language soon; but no matter, I am only a hired boy, I know, and, of course, shouldn't have no feelings."
Mont took the trouble to pacify him, explaining that to provoke a quarrel with the captain would not in any way improve their position.
On the contrary, it might deprive them of the little liberty and comforts they now enjoyed, and make their miserable condition much worse.
Stump saw this and promised to be quiet.
He was a strong lad for his age, as hard as iron, and brave as a young lion.