"The deuce it is!" cried Watchett, and going down to the main deck he called Crampe out.
"What's this I 'ears about your 'ankering after buttercups?" he demanded, very anxiously.
"I did feel as if I'd like to see one, sir," said Crampe.
"Don't let me 'ear of it again," began Watchett, angrily, but he pulled himself up with an ill grace. "But there, go in and lie down, and you needn't come on deck in your watch. I can't afford to lose no more mad fools. And you shall have butter instead of buttercups."
"YOU SHALL HAVE BUTTER INSTEAD OF BUTTERCUPS."
"And marmalade, sir?" suggested Crampe. "Marmalade's yellow too, as yellow as buttercups."
"Say the word agin and I'll knock you flat," said the skipper. But, nevertheless, he sent the whole crowd marmalade and butter at four bells in the first dog-watch.
"Hoo, but it iss fine," said "Efan Efans." "Thiss iss goot grup whatefer and moreover, yess!"
"They scoffs the like in the Star day in and day out," said Crampe; "if I can't roll on grass I'd like to be in her."