“Able-seaman Titty can. The Boy Roger still keeps one foot on the bottom.”
“He must learn.”
“I don’t keep a foot on the bottom all the time,” said Roger.
“You must learn as soon as possible not to keep it on the bottom at all.”
“All right,” said Roger.
“That’s all wrong, Roger,” said Titty. “You ought to have said, ‘Aye, aye, sir!’ ”
“I nearly always do,” said Roger. “I said it to mother.”
“You must say it to the captain and to the mate. Perhaps you ought to say it even to me, but as there are only two in the crew it won’t do for them to be saying sir to each other.”
“Have you got any more paper?” said Susan.
“Only the back of the telegram,” said John.
“Mother won’t mind our using it,” said Susan. “You know we can’t really sail with the first breath of wind, not until everything is ready. Let’s make a list of the things.”
“Compass,” said John.
“Kettle,” said Susan.
“A flag,” said Titty. “I’ll make one with a swallow on it.”
“Tents,” said Roger.
“Telescope,” said John.