Whilst I was being searched I observed that one of the sentries who marched athwart the poop was the man who had looked over the rail when I was in the boat alongside off Woolwich. I met his glance and saw he did not remember me. I never once turned my eyes in the direction of Will.
‘Is that all?’ said Dr. Russell-Ellice.
‘That’s all, sir,’ replied the boatswain, replacing my cap on my head, after feeling the lining.
‘Where do you say this lad was found?’
‘Just for’ards of the bulkhead under the fo’c’sle.’
‘It’s a store-room,’ said Captain Sutherland.
‘Has it been searched?’ exclaimed the doctor.
‘I dunno what ye mean by searched,’ answered the boatswain sullenly, resenting as a merchant seaman the imperious manner of the Royal Naval surgeon.
‘Captain,’ cried the doctor. ‘You know what I mean; explain to this man.’
‘Have you overhauled the store-room, Balls, for others of this fellow’s pattern?’ said the captain.