First of all he noted the "Dodger's" position.

Then, as Ensign Eph and Mallock appeared, Benson announced: "Gentlemen, you will come down to Supper now.

Mr.Somers, you will take command of the deck." "Very good, sir," Eph responded.

"Mallock, take the wheel." Lieutenant Benson seated himself at the head of the table, with Ensign Hastings on his right.

The midshipmen filled the remaining seats.
"We're necessarily a little crowded on a craft of this size," explained Benson.