Shuffles, for everything depends upon the officers.

For instance, who will be captain ?" asked Pelham, with assumed indifference.
"I shall, of course," replied Shuffles, with becoming modesty.
"That's a settled matter, I suppose." "Yes; without a doubt it is." "I may not agree to that," suggested the new convert.
"You have already agreed to it.

You have promised to obey your superiors." "But who are my superiors ?" "I am one of them." "Who appointed you ?" "I appointed myself.

I got up the Chain." "I think I have just as much right to that place as you have.

Shuffles." "I don't see it! Do you expect me to get up this thing, and then take a subordinate position ?" demanded Shuffles, indignantly.
"Let the members choose the captain; that's the proper way." "Perhaps they will choose neither one of us." "Very well; I will agree to serve under any fellow who is fairly elected." "When shall he be chosen ?" asked Shuffles, who was so sure of a majority that he was disposed to adopt the suggestion.
"When we have thirty links, say." "I will agree to it." The conspirators separated, each to obtain recruits as fast as he could.
During the latter part of the day, the gale began to subside, and at sunset its force was broken, but the sea still ran fearfully high.