He had a very ugly gait to get away from, the Admiral.

I didn't dare to run, for fear of being mistaken for a thief, a suspicion which my bundle would naturally lend color to.
I pushed ahead, however, at a brisk trot, and must have got over one or two miles--my pursuer neither gaining nor losing ground--when I concluded to surrender at discretion.

I saw that Sailor Ben was determined to have me, and, knowing my man, I knew that escape was highly improbable.
So I turned round and waited for him to catch up with me, which he did in a few seconds, looking rather sheepish at first.
"Sailor Ben," said I, severely, "do I understand that you are dogging my steps ?" "'Well, little mess-mate," replied the Admiral, rubbing his nose, which he always did when he was disconcerted, "I am kind o' followin' in your wake." "Under orders ?" "Under orders." "Under the Captain's orders ?" "Surely." "In other words, my grandfather has sent you to fetch me back to Rivermouth ?" "That's about it," said the Admiral, with a burst of frankness.
"And I must go with you whether I want to or not ?" "The Capen's very identical words!" There was nothing to be done.

I bit my lips with suppressed anger, and signified that I was at his disposal, since I couldn't help it.

The impression was very strong in my mind that the Admiral wouldn't hesitate to put me in irons if I showed signs of mutiny.
It was too late to return to Rivermouth that night--a fact which I communicated to the old boy sullenly, inquiring at the same time what he proposed to do about it.
He said we would cruise about for some rations, and then make a night of it.