"You had better not say anything about the communication you have made
to me--I mean to your messmates."
"No, sir, I will not," I replied.
"Nor to any one else, least of all to that Chinaman."
"Oh no, sir, I'll be careful."
He nodded, and I slipped out, feeling, to use an old expression,
"horrid."
"Tell anybody about what a stupid donkey I've been," I said
angrily--"likely." Then to myself, as soon as I was past the marine
sentry, "Why, it would be nuts for Tanner and Blacksmith, and they'd go
on cracking them for ever. There was I all red-hot with what I thought
was a good thing, and he was just like a cold codfish laughing at me."
I could not help smiling at the absurdity of my idea, for I recalled
that I had never seen a cold codfish laughing.
I had no more time for musing then, for I received a sharp slap on the
back from Barkins.
"Never mind, Gnat; we all get it some time."
I saw that Smith was hurrying up, for I caught sight of him by the light
of one of the swinging lanterns, and had to be on my guard.
I did not want to deceive my messmates nor to be untruthful, but I could
not open my heart to them and tell them all that had passed.
"What cheer, messmet?" whispered Smith. "Had a wigging?"