I am not a young man, but, young or old, my pennon shall float over no other deck.

Now, one other favour, Mr.Sent Leger?
It is a corollary of the first, so I do not hesitate to ask.

May I appoint Lieutenant Desmond, my present First Officer, to the command of the battleship?
Of course, he will at first only command the prize crew; but in such case he will fairly expect the confirmation of his rank later.

I had better, perhaps, tell you, sir, that he is a very capable seaman, learned in all the sciences that pertain to a battleship, and bred in the first navy in the world." "By all means, Admiral.

Your nomination shall, I think I may promise you, be confirmed." Not another word we spoke.