e wheel, and supposing all sorts of orders, and all
kinds of positions in which the tug might be placed. He did not seem
even to observe what his companion was doing, though the engineer had
been driven into the forecastle in plain sight from the window of the
pilot-house.

[Illustration: "The Engineer Obeyed" (Page 277)]

The long-boat was still struggling through the waves on her way to
the Bellevite, and could hardly have made any worse weather of such a
comparatively mild sea. But she had made some considerable progress, for
the boat was now making a proper allowance for leeway, and the soldiers
were improving in their rowing, possibly under the direction of the
major, who could not help seeing how badly they had been doing.

Christy decided to ascertain more definitely the condition of Captain
Pecklar, for reports in in regard to him were conflicting. He went to
his state-room, and found him in his berth. He certainly looked like a
very sick man, though he appeared to be in no immediate danger, so far
as the new captain of the Leopard was able to judge from his appearance.

"How do you find yourself, Captain Pecklar?" asked Christy in
sympathetic tones; for he really pitied the poor man, far away from
his friends, and apparently on the very brink of the grave.

"I am a great deal better," replied the invalid, looking earnestly into
the face of the young man in front of him.

"I am glad to hear it. Major Pierson has gone in the boat to the
Bellevite for Dr. Linscott, and I am sure he will be able to do
something for you when he comes," added Christy.

"When he comes," repeated Captain Pecklar, with a smile on his thin and
blue lips. "I don't expect to see him at present."

"But the major has gone for him; at least, he told me he should."

"I have no doubt he told you so; but he has not gone for the doctor,
though I may see the surgeon of the steamer in the course of the day,"
replied the captain, turning his gaze upon the floor of his room, as
though his mind troubled him as much as his body.

"If the major has not gone for the doctor, what has he gone for?" asked
Christy.

"I know what he has gone for; and, as you belong on board of that
steamer, I should think you might easily imagine."

"Perhaps I can," added Christy rather vaguely.

"Was it necessary for a major and a lieutenant, with six soldiers, to
go for the doctor, when five at the most could have done it better? But
have they gone?" asked