CHAPTER XXII THE PROCEEDINGS ON THE LOWER DECK Christy Passford did not consider Percy Pierson a competent helmsman, for he had spent but a few minutes in instructing him in handling the wheel; in fact, only long enough to induce him to "steer small." For the moment, Percy was interested in the occupation, and gave his whole mind to it; and Christy intended to remain where he could reach the wheel in a moment if occasion should require. His companion in the pilot-house did not seem to care what he did. The Bellevite, as the new captain had observed before, had stopped her screw: and she appeared to be waiting for the tug to come up, as it was headed towards her. Christy had examined her with the glass, but he could see nothing which gave him any idea of what was going on upon her decks. As Florry was now on board of her, he was satisfied that his father could only be waiting for him; and he intended to do his best to report on board some time during the day. Major Pierson and his little force were gathered under the hurricane-deck, in the space from which opened the door of the captain's little cabin. Christy could not see a single one of them from the upper deck; but he had gone but a few steps aft before he heard the voice of the major who seemed to be "laying down the law" in a forcible manner to his men. "Do you understand me, Spikeley?" demanded the major slowly and loudly, as though he were talking to a deaf man. Christy had not heard the name of Spikeley before; but he concluded that he must be one of the soldiers, probably one of the two who had come on board with Lieutenant Dallberg. "I don't think I do," replied the man addressed, in a tone quite as loud as that of the military officer. "You are not to start the engine under any circumstances," continued the major, in a louder tone than before, as if the man had failed to hear him. The man addressed as Spikeley must be the engineer then, and not a soldier, Christy realized at once. "Don't I mind the bells, Major Pierson?" asked the engineer, whose tones indicated that he was not a little astonished at the positive order he had received. "You will not mind the bells. You will take no notice of them after this present moment. When I tell you to stop the engine, you will stop it, not without, no matter how many times the bells ring," said the major with emphasis. "I hear you, and I understand now what I am to do," replied Spikeley. "All right, so far; but do you understand what you are not to do?" demanded the officer sharply, as though he fully comprehended the obtuseness of the engineer. "I reckon I do: I am not to start the engine till you tell me to start it," answered the dull engineer. "Not if you don't start it for a month!" added the major sternly.