o and ask the captain when he has gone."

The next moment I felt that this would not do, for Mr Reardon would be
sure to know, and feel vexed because I had not asked him.

"I'll go and ask leave while they are both together," I said to myself.
"That's the way."

But I knew it wasn't, and took a turn up and down till I saw Mr Reardon
salute and come away, looking very intent and busy.

I waited till he was pretty close, and then started to intercept him.

His keen eye was on me in an instant.

"Bless my soul, Mr Herrick!" he cried, "what are you doing? Surely
your duty does not bring you here?"

"No, sir," I said, saluting. "I beg your pardon, sir; I've been going
backward and forward to Mr Barkins and Mr Smith."

"Ho! Pair of young noodles; what did they want in the boats? Getting
hurt like that. Well?"

"Beg pardon, sir; would you mind giving me permission to see the
prisoners?"

"What! why?"

"I wanted to see them, sir, and go back and tell my messmates about how
they looked."

"Humbug!" he cried. "Look here, sir, do you think I have nothing else
to do but act as a wild-beast showman, to gratify your impertinent
curiosity? Let the miserable wretches be."

"Yes, sir."

"And be off to your cabin and study your navigation, sir. Your
ignorance of the simplest matters is fearful. At your age you ought to
be as well able to use a sextant as I am."

"Beg pardon, sir, I am trying."

"Then be off and try more, and let me see some results."

I touched my cap, drew back, and the lieutenant marched on.

"Jolly old bear!" I muttered, looking exceedingly crestfallen.

"Herrick!" came sharply, and I ran up, for he was walking on, and I had
to keep up with him.

"Yes, sir."

"You behaved very well yesterday. I'm horribly busy. Here, this way."

"Thank you, sir," I said, wondering what he was going to set me to do,
and thinking that he might have given me the permission I asked.

"Now then, quick," he said; and, to my surprise, he led the way to the
hatchway, went down, and then forward to where the two marines were on
duty, ready to present arms to the officer who always seemed of far more
importance in the ship than the captain.

"Let Mr Herrick pass in, marines," he said. "Keep a sharp eye on your
prisoners."

I gave him a look of thanks, and then felt disappointed again.

"Stop," he said; "fetch up two more men and a lantern, Herrick."

I gladly obeyed; and then the door was opened.