Explore "Billy Budd" by Herman Melville on Textopian. Read with annotations and highlights.
Now when the Foretopman found himself closeted there, as it were, in the cabin with the Captain and Claggart, he was surprised enough. But it was a surprise unaccompanied by apprehension or distrust. To an immature nature essentially honest and humane, forewarning intimations of subtler danger from one's kind come tardily if at all. The only thing that took shape in the young sailor's mind was this: Yes, the Captain, I have always thought, looks kindly upon me. Wonder if he's going to make me his coxswain. I should like that. And maybe now he is going to ask the Master-at-arms about me.
"Shut the door there, sentry," said the Commander; "stand without, and let nobody come in.--Now, Master--at-arms, tell this man to his face what you told of him to me;" and stood prepared to scrutinize the mutually confronting visages.