“Make the course east by north then,” replied Pelham, without taking the trouble to consult the captain or Mr. Fluxion, both of whom were on deck.

“The wind is north-north-east, sir,” reported the quartermaster, a short time afterwards.

“Keep her east then.”

At six bells the wind was north-east, and coming heavier and heavier every moment.  The ship was headed east-south-east, and it was evident that she still had on more sail than she could easily carry.

“What’s the course, Mr. Pelham?” asked Captain Gordon.

“East-south-east, sir,” replied Pelham.

“The course given out was east-north-east.”

“I have changed it three times within the last hour,” answered the fourth lieutenant, in rather surly tones.

“By whose order?” demanded the captain.

“By no one’s order, sir.”

“You know the regulation for the officer of the deck.  He is not permitted to alter the course of the ship, unless to avoid some sudden danger, without informing the captain.”

“I had to alter the course, or have the topsails thrown aback,” replied Pelham.

“Very likely it was proper to alter the course; but it was also proper to inform me, especially when I was on deck.”

“Very well, Captain Gordon.  I will not alter the course again without your order,” added the fourth lieutenant, stiffly.

“The regulation is not mine, Mr. Pelham,” continued the captain, sternly.

As the wind increased, sail was reduced to topsails and courses, jib and spanker; but at seven bells even these were found to be too much for her.

“Captain Gordon, it is coming heavier,” said Mr. Fluxion.  “I think it will be necessary to reef.”

“I was thinking of that, sir.  The wind is north-east, and blowing a gale.”

“You had better call all hands, and do it at once.”

“Mr. Pelham, you will call all hands to reef topsails!”

“All hands, sir?”

“Certainly, Mr. Pelham; that was my order,” replied the captain, more sharply than usual, for there was something in the manner of the officer of the deck which he did not like, and he found it necessary to maintain the dignity of his position.

Pelham touched his cap; he felt the weight of authority upon him heavier than ever before.  Until recently he had always performed his duty cheerfully, and was considered a first-rate officer.  Since the new regulation had been put in force, and he had been compelled to deliver up ten sovereigns in his possession he had been rather disagreeable.  In the cabin he had used some language reflecting upon the principal, and he was now regarded as a malcontent by the captain, and by those who still sustained the discipline of the ship.

“Morrison,” called he, as he went forward to the waist.

“Here, sir,” replied the boatswain, who belonged in this quarter watch; and there was a boatswain’s mate in each of the others.