“Where are you going, boy?” asked the sentry, as Bill in his eagerness was trying to pass him.
“I want to see the captain,” said Bill.
“But does the captain want to see you?” asked the sentry.
“He has not sent for me; but he will when he hears what I have got to tell him,” replied Bill.
“You must speak to one of the lieutenants, or get the midshipman of the watch to take in your message, if he will do it,” said the sentry.
“But they may laugh at me, and not believe what I have got to say,” urged Bill. “Do let me pass,—the captain won’t blame you, I am sure of that.”
The sentry declared that it was his duty not to allow any one to pass.
While Bill was still pleading with him, the door of the inner cabin was opened, and the captain himself came out, prepared to go on deck.
“What do you want, boy?” he asked, seeing Bill.
“Please, sir, I have got something to tell you which you ought to know,” said Bill, pulling off his hat.