"You seem to forget that I'm on board by David Pollard's order," sneered
Truax.
"All I am sure of," retorted Eph, "is that Jack Benson is captain on board this craft. That means that he's sole judge of everything here when this boat is cruising. If you were here by the orders of both owners, Jack Benson would fire you ashore for good, just the same, after you've balked at the first order."
"Humph! I—"
Clang! Jangle! The signal bell was sounding.
"Shut up," ordered Eph Somers, briskly. "I've got the engine to run on signal from the watch officer."
There followed a series of signals, first of all for stopping speed, then for a brief reversing of engines. A moment later headway speed ahead was ordered. So on Eph went through the series of orders until the "Farnum" had been manoeuvred to her exact position. Then, from above, Captain Jack's voice was heard, roaring in almost his usual tones:
"Turn out below, there, to help make fast!"
"Take the lever, Williamson," directed Eph. "Come along lively, Truax."
"Humph! Let Williamson go," grumbled Truax.
"You come along with me, my man!" roared Eph, his face blazing angrily. "Hustle, too, er I'll report you to the captain for disobedience of orders. Then you'll go ashore at express speed. Coming?"