“Nor is it the first time you have told a deliberate lie, Cadet Corporal Sharpe!”
The words came like the snap of a whip from Clif’s lips. Stepping forward, he placed himself directly before the young non-commissioned officer.
His face was calm, but a peculiar, mirthless smile hovered about the corners of his mouth. It was a smile known to his intimate friends as a certain indication of strong emotion.
“What is that, sir?” cried the executive officer. “How dare you give the lie to a superior officer? Lieutenant Masters, place him under arrest, and notify the captain!”
CHAPTER V. NANNY SENDS A MESSAGE.
As the officer of the deck advanced to obey the command a cry came from overhead. All eyes were turned in that direction.
In the excitement Nanny had been temporarily forgotten. The little lad had ran up the rigging to the foretop, then seeing that his friend was in trouble, he descended midway to the deck.
There he paused, and when Clif was ordered under arrest he made an exclamation of consternation.