"Why, you might call it second lieutenant, Don Lazarillo," replied Captain Dopping.
"It is a position of trust; it is a position of distinction on board ship?" exclaimed Don Christoval.
"Oh yes," said Captain Dopping.
"Do you know navigation?" asked the tall Don.
"I hold a master's certificate," I replied, smiling.
"Explain," said Don Lazarillo sharply, as though his mind were under some constant strain of unhealthy anxiety.
"I do not speak a word of Spanish," said I, turning to Captain Dopping.
"No need for it," said he, in his harsh accents. "A master's certificate, Don Christoval, enables the holder of it to take charge of a ship, and in order to take charge of a ship a man is supposed to know everything that concerns the profession of the sea."
"Explain," cried Don Lazarillo with impatience.