d," gasped Jim, gazing over the heads of the
two sullen-looking prisoners. Then the first charge, as amended read:

I. "That Joseph Darlington, a native of New York, and Thomas
Darlington, likewise a native of New York, are hereby charged with
conduct unbecoming an officer and a gentleman, in that they did on
the night of August eighteenth, 18--, feloniously steal through the
darkness into the apartments (better known as fo'scle) of one, Peter
McCloskey, and of one, Aloyisius Durgan (minor), and did with malice
aforethought, disturb the peace, quiet and sleep of the said McCloskey
and the said Durgan, by representing themselves to be ghosts, with
green faces" (here Tom snickered, but one look from the captain at the
head of the table sobered him, indeed, it was the captain's presence
on this trying occasion that lent dignity and reality to the scene,
for he evidently meant business, and his sternness was rounded out by
the impressiveness of his polished dome. When quiet settled heavily
once more upon the trial, James resumed his reading of the charge),
"representing themselves to be ghosts with green faces, to the grave
detriment of the peace of mind of the said McCloskey and said Durgan,
and furthermore, causing them severe bodily contusions and bruises
upon their limbs while attempting to escape from said ghosts, at
the time and place before mentioned, thus unfitting them for active
service aboard their ship, the _Sea Eagle_, James Darlington, Master."
At this last statement Captain Kerns leaned forward over the table,
and regarded the two prisoners with great severity, and they felt in
their bones that they were going to catch it. They looked appealingly
at Juarez, but he appeared entirely oblivious of their presence.

II. "Furthermore, it is charged that the said Joseph Darlington and
Thomas Darlington on the night of the 18th of August, 18--, did resist
their superior officer----" Here Tom growled something in the ear of
his attorney, who immediately rose to his feet and said, "My client
objects to the word superior, as not being true and applicable, he
says that the aforesaid officer only thinks that he is superior."

"This objection is overruled," said Jim, the judge, his mouth
twitching; "by superior is meant commanding officer."

"Certainly, Skipper," rumbled the captain; "you're right. Don't let
'em give you any nonsense, you are in command of this ship."

Nothing more from Tom, and the reading continued.