“Come here!” said the mate sternly.
The boy came towards him.
“What was that you were saying about the skipper?” demanded the other.
“I said it wasn’t cargo he was after,” said Henry.
“Oh, a lot you know about it!” said the mate.
Henry scratched his leg, but said nothing.
“A lot you know about it!” repeated the mate in rather a disappointed tone.
Henry scratched the other leg.
“Don’t let me hear you talking about your superior officer’s affairs again,” said the mate sharply. “Mind that!”
“No, sir,” said the boy humbly. “It ain’t my business, o’ course.”