“I will come,” I replied. “Have those with you make way—”
A heavy hand fell upon my shoulder; a voice spoke eagerly in my ear:
“Sir, you must not go!” It was Croy, and his voice shook with feeling. “You are in command of the Ertak; she, and those in her need you. Let me go! I insist, sir!”
I turned in the darkness, quickly and angrily.
“Mr. Croy,” I said swiftly, “do you realize that you are speaking to your commanding officer?”
I felt his grip tighten on my arm as the reproof struck home.
“Yes, sir,” he said doggedly. “I do. But I repeat that your duty commands you to remain here.”
“The duty of a commander in this Service leads him to the place of greatest danger, Mr. Croy,” I informed him.
“Then stay with your ship, sir!” he pleaded, craftily. “This may be some trick to get you away, so that they may attack us. Please! Can’t you see that I am right, sir?”