"I had hoped to escape that annoyance, sir," protested the schooner's master. "The ladies were alarmed, and took to their staterooms."
"I am very sorry, Captain," Eph insisted, "but I must look over the passengers."
"Very good, then," sighed Captain Walford.
"And muster the crew forward. I must see on deck every person on this craft."
"Very good, sir."
Eph returned to deck, leaning against the starboard rail of the quarter deck. Below, he heard some sounds of remonstrance in feminine voices. Then, as a step sounded on the after companionway, and Eph straightened up, he heard a woman's voice say:
"United States Navy? I would call this a good deal more like piracy!"
"But, mamma—"
"Hush, child!"
Mrs. Barnard, when she stepped on deck, looked as severe as her husband appeared mild.