of the ill tidings. Certain it
is, that long versed in everything pertaining to the complicated gun-deck life,
which like every other form of life has its secret mines and dubious side, the
side popularly disclaimed, Captain Vere did not permit himself to be unduly
disturbed by the general tenor of his subordinate's report. Furthermore, if in
view of recent events prompt action should be taken at the first palpable sign
of recurring insubordination, for all that, not judicious would it be, he
thought, to keep the idea of lingering disaffection alive by undue forwardness
in crediting an informer, even if his own subordinate, and charged among other
honours with police surveillance of the crew. This feeling would not perhaps
have so prevailed with him were it not that upon a prior occasion the patriotic
zeal officially evinced by Claggart had somewhat irritated him as appearing
rather supersensitive and strained. Furthermore, something even in the
official's self-possessed and somewhat ostentatious manner in making his
specifications strangely reminded him of a bandsman, a perjured witness in a
capital case before a court-martial ashore of which when a lieutenant he,
Captain Vere, had been a member.
    Now the peremptory check given to Claggart in the matter of the arrested
allusion was quickly followed up by this: »You say that there is at least one
dangerous man aboard. Name him.«
    »William Budd, a foretopman, your honour.«
    »William Budd!« repeated Captain Vere with unfeigned astonishment; »and mean
you the man that Lieutenant Ratcliffe took from the merchantman not very long
ago - the young fellow who seems to be so popular with the men - Billy, the
Handsome Sailor, as they call him?«
    »The same, your honour; but for all his youth and good looks, a deep one.
Not for nothing does he insinuate himself into the good-will of his shipmates,
since at the least they will at a pinch say a good word for him at all hazards.
Did Lieutenant Ratcliffe happen to tell your honour of that adroit fling of
Budd's jumping up in the cutter's bow under the merchantman's stern when he was
being taken off? That sort of good-humoured air even masks that at heart he
resents his impressment. You have but noted his fair cheek. A mantrap may be
under his ruddy-tipped daisies.«
    Now the Handsome Sailor as a signal figure among the crew had naturally
enough attracted the captain's attention from the first. Though in general not
very demonstrative to his officers, he had congratulated Lieutenant Ratcliffe
upon his good fortune