The pursuers were on the point of crowding into the rigging when a stern command came from Lieutenant Watson.
“Stop! What is the meaning of this uproar? Who is that cadet, Corporal Sharpe?”
“It is a new fourth class man, sir. His name is Gote, Mr. Nanny Gote, sir.”
As “Nanny” was simply a nickname given the lad by the cadets, this method of putting it provoked a laugh among the spectators. But Lieutenant Watson quickly checked it.
“This is no variety show,” he exclaimed. “I want to know the meaning of this disgraceful scene. What is that cadet doing up there?”
“He ran away, sir.”
“Why?”
“Because—because he was afraid, sir,” stammered the Cadet corporal, growing red in the face.
“Afraid of what?”