"What can I do for you, sir?" he asked.

"You may go below and tell the engineer to get steam up immediately,"
replied Jack. "We may not sail before morning, but I may desire to leave
before."

"Very well, sir," replied the young officer, "but may I ask who you are,
sir?"

"Certainly," replied Jack, "I'm the commander of this ship, Captain
Templeton. This is Mr. Chadwick, my first officer. What is your name,
sir?"

"Hetherton, sir, second officer of the Brigadier."

"Very good, Lieutenant. You shall stay on here as second officer until
further notice. Now below with you."

Lieutenant Hetherton disappeared.

"I guess he won't ask many more questions," said Frank grimly.

"Perhaps not," said Jack. "Now, Mr. Chadwick, will you be so kind as to
take the deck while I go to my cabin."

Frank seemed about to remark upon Jack's sudden change in manner. Then he
thought better of it and walked off, grumbling to himself.

"Wonder what he's in such an all-fired rush about? He's not wasting any
time, that's sure."