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 in trying to catch sight of the two epaulettes which glistened on his shoulders, to attend to anything else.

"This," said Sir Joseph, "is a very singular occurrence, and, as far as I know, nothing of the kind has ever happened before. I congratulate you both."

Then, turning towards Captain Rackstraw, as we must now call him, he said (indicating Corcoran), " Desire that remarkably fine seaman to step forward."

"Corcoran," said Captain Rackstraw, "three paces to the front—march!" just as Corcoran, when he was a captain, had said to Ralph.

Corcoran, however, knew his rights, and wasn't going to stand being spoken to in this abrupt fashion.

"If what?" said Corcoran, touching his cap.

"I don't understand you," said Captain Rackstraw haughtily.

"If you please," said Corcoran, with a strong emphasis on the "please."

"Perfectly right," said Sir Joseph, "if you please."

"Oh, of course," said Captain Rackstraw, "if you please."