“Officer!” the old sailor answered, with a hoarse laugh. “You an officer, jackanapes; why we should want a cow on board to give you milk.”
“What is your name?” I asked, determined not to be put down.
“Gregory Growles,” answered the seaman.
“Well, look, Gregory Growles, if that’s your name, I understand sailing this cutter as well as you do,” and I began to explain how I was wont to navigate her according to Riddle’s instructions. I then announced the names of the ropes and sails.
Gregory Growles, with his arms akimbo, and several of the other seamen, stood listening to me, evidently highly amused. When I had finished, they all laughed in chorus.
“You know the ABC, maybe, of seamanship; but, look here, just tell us the names of some of the ropes and spars of this ship.”
I looked about exceedingly puzzled, for I could not give the name of one of them.
“I thought so,” said Growles. “You had better go to school again, and learn a little more before you think of topping the officer over us.”
“I only want to become a midshipman,” I said; “I could soon learn when I got to sea.”
“We have no midshipmen on board the ‘Emu,’” said Growles.