The man obeyed; for he was unarmed, and he did not like the looks of the revolver. Without another word, he moved forward, and descended to the forecastle. As soon as he was below the deck, Christy closed the scuttle, and secured it with the toggle. CHAPTER XXV THE FIRST LESSON FOR A SAILOR As the engineer was a cripple, Christy Passford had not expected to have any difficulty in bringing him to terms; and the result justified his calculations. The Leopard was now practically in his possession, for Captain Pecklar was the only person on board, except Percy, who could give him any trouble; and he was too feeble to do any thing. Percy seemed to be very busy in the pilot-house, going through imaginary evolutions at the wheel, and supposing all sorts of orders, and all kinds of positions in which the tug might be placed. He did not seem even to observe what his companion was doing, though the engineer had been driven into the forecastle in plain sight from the window of the pilot-house. [Illustration: "The Engineer Obeyed" (Page 277)] The long-boat was still struggling through the waves on her way to the Bellevite, and could hardly have made any worse weather of such a comparatively mild sea. But she had made some considerable progress, for the boat was now making a proper allowance for leeway, and the soldiers were improving in their rowing, possibly under the direction of the major, who could not help seeing how badly they had been doing. Christy decided to ascertain more definitely the condition of Captain Pecklar, for reports in in regard to him were conflicting. He went to his state-room, and found him in his berth. He certainly looked like a very sick man, though he appeared to be in no immediate danger, so far as the new captain of the Leopard was able to judge from his appearance. "How do you find yourself, Captain Pecklar?" asked Christy in sympathetic tones; for he really pitied the poor man, far away from his friends, and apparently on the very brink of the grave. "I am a great deal better," replied the invalid, looking earnestly into the face of the young man in front of him. "I am glad to hear it. Major Pierson has gone in the boat to the Bellevite for Dr. Linscott, and I am sure he will be able to do something for you when he comes," added Christy. "When he comes," repeated Captain Pecklar, with a smile on his thin and blue lips. "I don't expect to see him at present." "But the major has gone for him; at least, he told me he should." "I have no doubt he told you so; but he has not gone for the doctor, though I may see the surgeon of the steamer in the course of the day," replied the captain, turning his gaze upon the floor of his room, as though his mind troubled him as much as his body. "If the major has not gone for the doctor, what has he gone for?" asked Christy. "I know what he has gone for; and, as you belong on board of that steamer, I should think you might easily imagine."