Not until every sheet was drawing and
the yacht running free did it occur to him that he had dared to assume
unto himself the captain's prerogative.
Rather red-faced and breathless, not only from his own exertions but by
reason of the disconcerting notion which possessed him, he raced up the
short companion-ladder leading from the fore deck to the bridge. Stump
seemed to be awaiting him with a halter.
"I hope I did right, sir, in jumping in like that," gasped Dick. "I
thought it best to get steering way on the yacht without delay, and--"
"Wot's yer name now?" roared Stump, glowering at him in a manner which
led Dick to believe he had committed an unpardonable offense.
"Still the same, sir--Royson."
"I thought p'raps it might ha' bin Smith, as you're such a lightnin'
change artist. Just bung in to the engine-room, will you, an' find out
wot that son of a gun below there is a-doing of?"
"I will go if you like, sir, but I know nothing about engines."
"Take charge here, then. Keep her steady as she goes.
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