From the wheel the captain spoke, "Jordde, disperse the men and take over the wheel."
"Aye, sir," said the mate. "You, you, and you to the tops." He pointed among the men. "You also, and you. Hey, didn't you hear me?"
"Me, sir?" Geo turned around.
"Yes, you, up to the top spar there."
"You can't send him up," Urson called out. "He's never been topside at all before. It's too choppy for any lad's first time up. He doesn't even know ..."
"And who asked you?" demanded the mate.
"Nobody asked me, sir," said Urson, "but—"
"Then you get below before I have you brigged for insubordination and fine you your three gold baubles. Don't you think I recognize dead man's gold?"
"Now look here," Urson roared.
Geo glanced from Argo to the captain. The bewilderment that flooded the face of the Priestess shocked him.