Among the petty officers on the ship is John Claggart, the master-at-arms, about whom rumors fly concerning his mysterious background, trace of a foreign accent, and reasons for seeking sanctuary in the King’s Navy.
On the day following his impressment, Billy Budd observes the flogging of a young sailor who caused problems with the ship’s maneuvers by being away from his post. Billy resolves to perform his duties well and give no cause for even verbal reprimand. Nevertheless, he finds himself getting into occasional, small difficulties over his bag and hammock. Perplexed, he tells his troubles to the Dansker, a veteran sailor who obviously likes him. The old man tersely replies that Jemmy Legs (meaning the master-at-arms) is “down on him.” Astonished, Billy protests that Claggart always addresses him pleasantly. To this, the old man replies that Claggart is really masking his dislike for Billy.
The day after their discussion, a roll of the ship causes Billy to spill soup on the freshly scrubbed deck just as Claggart passes by. Claggart steps over the spill without comment, then notices the identity of the person who caused the accident. Claggart’s expression changes. He taps Billy lightly with his cane, remarks on Billy’s little “trick,” and comments sardonically about Bill’s good looks. Claggart’s expression is so alarmingly hostile that he terrorizes a drummer-boy who walks into his path. He moves on, leaving Billy bewildered as he tries to reconcile Claggart’s overt friendliness with the Dansker’s ominous warning.
