Dick, who could really work no longer, and was wellnigh ready to drop to the deck, also knocked off, though he said nothing. Lord Reginald's anger was aroused in a moment. Seizing a rope, he struck Dick across the shoulders. "Go back, both of you!" he exclaimed; "we can have no skulking on board here." "I am not skulking," answered Dick, again seizing the pump handle and working away as hard as his strength would allow. "Do you dare to answer me?" exclaimed the young lord, striking Dick. Ben stood still, fixing his eye on the midshipman, who, though he flourished the rope, did not strike him, and Ben, with a look which showed the ill feelings aroused in his bosom, returned to the pump. Lord Reginald stood by, watching them until the whole gang, utterly unable to work longer, were relieved by fresh hands. "Let me see that you fellows keep at it longer and better than the last have done," he said. "That's what we get for working our lives out," growled Ben, as he and his shipmates staggered forward and threw themselves down to rest. "It's just as well he did not strike me, or something might have come of it. If I were you, Dick, I wouldn't stand it; I'd give him as good in return. He can but hang one, and that would be better than leading a dog's life on board this ship." "He might flog you round the fleet, which would be something worse than hanging," observed an old man-of-war's man, who had overheard Ben. "You wouldn't like that. I've a notion, mate, that it's wiser to grin and bear it, and hope for better times." "I do hope for better times," said Ben, addressing Dick, when no one else was within hearing. "I'll tell you what, lad; I'd advise you to give them leg-bail, if you have the chance. That's what I've made up my mind to, as soon as we get into port; they're sure not to keep a strict look-out, and, as usual, crowds of people will be coming on board to visit the ships. Tom Harris was right; keep your temper, as you did just now. To strike an officer, even though he strikes you first, is a serious matter, and I was wrong in advising it. But though, if you desert and are caught, you run the risk of a flogging, the chances are you'll escape, for they'll not take the trouble of sending after you if you can once get off into the country." "I'll think about it," said Dick. "I can't bear being struck by that young lord, or by any one else; and if he treats me as he has done before, I cannot answer for keeping my temper."