“I’m a midshipman of this ship, and have a right to go wherever I like, I’m after thinking,” I said, trying to shake myself clear of his grasp. “Hush, now; be pleasant, will ye, and do as I order you!”
“I shouldn’t be finding it very pleasant if I was to break through the rules and regulations of the service,” he answered. “Now go forward, young gentleman, and don’t be attempting to playing any of your tricks on me.”
“I’m your officer, and I order you not to interfere with me, or say where I’m gone,” I exclaimed.
“I obey no orders except from my own lieutenant or the captain and the lieutenants of the ship,” answered the sturdy marine. “You can’t go into the captain’s cabin while I’m standing here as sentry;” and he proceeded to use more force than was agreeable to my dignity.
“Shure you’re an impudent fellow to behave so to an officer,” I exclaimed; at which the sentry laughed, and said—
“Off with you, Master Jackanapes, and consider yourself fortunate that worse hasn’t come of your larking.”
Trying to look dignified I answered—
“You’re an impudent fellow, and I shall make known your conduct to your superiors. I know your name, my fine fellow, so you’ll not get off.” I had observed his name, as I thought, on his musket.
Just then Tom Pim popped his head above the hatchway,
