ing
grimace. You might follow Mr Murray's example in a good many things.
Now, I am sure he would not have come and asked leave like you did. It
must have been your idea alone."

"I'm afraid I had as much to do with it as Roberts, sir," said Murray
frankly.

"More shame for you to have to own it, sir," said the first lieutenant;
"but I like you to own up all the same. Still, I don't like two young
fellows who are trying to impress their elders that they are men to be
seizing every opportunity to prove that they are mere boys with all the
instincts wide awake of children."

"I'm very sorry, sir," said Roberts again, this time very stiffly. "I
am sorry I asked for permission."

"I don't believe you, Mr Roberts," said the officer stiffly. "Now,
both of you tell me this--are you perfectly efficient in your
navigation?"

Roberts uttered a snort.

"No, sir," said Murray, "of course not. I'm a long way off being
perfect."

"Then why in the name of common sense don't you seize upon every
opportunity to master that grand study, like a man, and not come
bothering me like a little boy who wants to go out to the pond to catch
tittlebats? I'm ashamed of you both."

"It was only to have a little recreation, sir," said Murray.

"What do you want with recreation, I should like to know? Do you ever
see me running after recreation?"

"No, sir," said Murray; "but then, sir, you're a first lieutenant."

"Yes, sir, and that's what you will never be so long as you hanker after
childish pastimes."

"I'm very sorry, sir--" began Murray.

"Don't keep saying you are very sorry; it only makes the matter worse,
when I have so much upon my mind. It's absurd, gentlemen. I wonder at
you. Just because you see a few dolphins and albicores swimming below
the ship's counter you must want to begin playing with the grains.
There, be off, both of you. What would be the good of the fish if you
harpooned them?"

"Make a nice change for the table, sir. The cook said--"

"Hang the cook!" cried the officer angrily. "What are you laughing at?"

"Only smiling, sir."

"And pray what at? Is there anything peculiar in my face?"

"No, sir," said Murray merrily. "I was only thinking of the
consequences if we two obeyed your orders."

"Orders! I gave no orders."

"You said, hang the cook, sir," said Murray.

"Rubbish! Absurd! There, I told you both to be off. I'm not going to
give you leave to play idle boys. If you want