"Allow me to call your attention to the fact that you are the commander of this fine little steamer.

Here you are in your own cabin, and you are still nothing but a boy, hardly eighteen years old." "If I have not earned my rank, it is not my fault that I have it," answered Christy, hardly knowing whether to be glad or sorry for his rapid advancement.

"I have never asked for anything; I did not ask or expect to be promoted.

I was satisfied with my rank as a midshipman." "I did not ask for your promotion, though I could probably have procured for you the rank of master when you entered the navy.

I do not like to ask favors for a member of my own family.