Below, he heard some sounds of remonstrance in feminine voices.
Then, as a step sounded on the after companionway, and Eph straightened
up, he heard a woman's voice say:
"United States Navy? I would call this a good deal more like piracy!"
"But, mamma--"
"Hush, child!"
Mrs. Barnard, when she stepped on deck, looked as severe as her husband
appeared mild.
Ensign Eph doffed his cap quickly to the ladies.
"I know this does not please you," he said, courteously, "but I will ask
you to remember that I am acting under orders, and have no choice."
"It is outrageous to stop a pleasure craft in this fashion!" declared
Mrs. Barnard, haughtily.
"Do you know why we are making this search, madam?" asked Eph, sweetly.
"Of course I don't," snapped the good lady.
"Then I marvel," replied Eph, with another bow, "that you can have an
opinion of something that you don't understand."
One of the girls was so undutiful as to snigger. Thereupon, one of the
young men joined in the laugh, which became so general that the severe
expression on Mrs. Barnard's face softened considerably.
"Perhaps I owe you an apology, young man, for having spoken as I did of
you," admitted the good lady.
Pages:
133
134
135
136
137
138
139
140
141
142
143
144
145
146
147
148
149
150
151
152
153
154
155
156
157