He gave one appealing glance toward Clif, then he made a spring for the port foremast shrouds.
“Hi! Stop!” called out the first lieutenant.
“Catch him, some one,” ordered the officer of the deck.
A rush was made after the lad, in which both Spendly and Judson Greene took active part, but they were a second too late.
Nanny’s lack of experience was more than overbalanced by his fear, and he flew up the ratlines like a reefer.
The pursuers were on the point of crowding into the rigging when a stern command came from Lieutenant Watson.
“Stop! What is the meaning of this uproar? Who is that cadet, Corporal Sharpe?”
“It is a new fourth class man, sir. His name is Gote, Mr. Nanny Gote, sir.”
As “Nanny” was simply a nickname given the lad by the cadets, this method of putting it provoked a laugh among the spectators. But Lieutenant Watson quickly checked it.
“This is no variety show,” he exclaimed. “I want to know the meaning of this disgraceful scene. What is that cadet doing up there?”
“Because--because he was afraid, sir,” stammered the Cadet corporal, growing red in the face.
Only small persons in this world--small in nature--bully those under them. Corporal Sharpe was possessed of an extremely small and narrow spirit, and he delighted in showing his petty authority and in doing his utmost to make life unpleasant for those over whom he could exercise his will.
His reputation as a “plebe hazer” was well established among the cadets themselves, but it had not reached the ears of his superior officers. He knew that, and he lost no time in taking advantage of the fact.
“I’ll tell you all about it, sir,” he said, boldly. “I was giving this squad of plebes--er--new fourth class men instructions in seamanship when Mr. Gote, not liking a rebuke caused by his own inattention, made an entirely unprovoked assault on me.”
A murmur, faint but distinct, ran through the group of plebes, and Clif stepped forward as if with the intention of speaking. Before he could commence, Sharpe pointed him out, and added, triumphantly: “And that cadet helped him, sir. His name is Mr. Faraday, and he is as guilty as the other.”
The speaker glanced toward Judson Greene and Chris Spendly as if seeking confirmation. Their hatred of Clif was an old story to the cadets of the Naval Academy. He was not disappointed in his anticipations.