In fact, the coxswain is the commander of the boat's crew.
"_I_ will be bowman," said Marco, "and you can be coxswain, and then we shall want six boys for oarsmen." "You will have to explain to me then what my duties will be," said Forester, "for I don't even know what a coxswain is." "Why, he's the commander," said Marco.

"He gives all the orders." "Then you must be coxswain at first," said Forester, "for I don't know any thing about it.

You have got to teach us all.

After I have learned to manage a boat with six oars, man-of-war fashion, I should like to be coxswain sometimes very much.

And it seems to me," added Forester, "that you and I had better go down first alone, until you get me taught, and then we can get the boys to come afterward." "O no," said Marco, "you'll all learn easily enough together.