"Don't do anything you'd regret." Though Captain Cartwright's blood was boiling there was a sense of quiet mastery in Prescott's manner and voice, combined with a quality of leadership that restrained the angry man for the next few seconds, during which Dick turned to a waiter to say: "This meat is cold.

Bring some hot meat for Captain Cartwright, and more vegetables.

Try some of this salad, Cartwright---it's good." Instantly the officers, looking eagerly on, turned their glances away and began general conversation again, for they were quick to see that Dick's usual tact was at least postponing a quarrel.
"It will be a hot afternoon for drill, won't it ?" Dick asked, in the next breath, and in a low tone.
"Maybe," grunted Cartwright.

"But perhaps I shall find still hotter work before the drill-call sounds." "Nonsense!" said Dick quickly.

"After the K.O.'s talk this morning, don't start anything that will take our mind off our work." "I've got to have a bit more than an explanation from Holmes," the sulky captain continued, though in a low voice.
"Cartwright," said Dick, in an authoritative undertone, "I don't want you to start anything in that direction until you've had a good talk with me!" There the matter ended for the moment.