CHAPTER IX
Down the wardroom companion came Forsythe, followed by Sampson, who edged alongside of him as he peered into the after compartment, where Denman sat on the transom.
"What do you want down here with me?" asked Forsythe, in a snarl, as he looked sidewise at Sampson.
"To see that you act like a man," answered the big machinist."There's a sick woman here."
"And a more or less sick man," answered Forsythe,"that if I hadn't made sick would ha' had you in irons. Get up on deck. All I want is a chronometer."
"Under the circumstances," rejoined Sampson, coolly,"though I acknowledge your authority as far as governing this crew is concerned, when it comes to a sick woman defended only by a wounded officer, I shift to the jurisdiction of the officer. If Lieutenant Denman asks that I go on deck, I will go. Otherwise, I remain."
"Wait," said Denman, weakly, for he had lost much blood."Perh