Report with my compliments that the speed of the craft has slackened, and inquire whether that was intentional." "Aye, aye, sir." Mallock was soon back, saluting.
"Engine tender reports, sir, that he slowed down the speed in obedience to the indicator." "But I-----" Farley began.

Then he checked himself abruptly, noting out of the corner of his eye that Dan Dalzell had wandered over to the rail and stood looking off to seaward.

If Dan were responsible for the slowing down of the speed, and admitted it under questioning, then Farley, under the regulations, would be obliged to report Dalzell, and that young man already had some demerits against his name.
"Oh, very good, then, Mallock," was Midshipman Farley's rather quick reply.

"Who is the ranking officer visible below at present ?" "Ensign Somers, sir." "Very good.

My compliments to Mr.Somers, and ask at what speed he wishes to run." Seaman Mallock soon returned, saluting.
"Ensign Somers' compliments sir, and the ensign replies that Mr.
Farley is in command of the deck." "Very good, then," nodded Midshipman Farley, and set the indicator at the twenty mark.
Ten minutes later Lieutenant Benson reappeared on deck.