Vietnam or Thailand ? Vote for the TOP Country of the Week !
Updated: May 15, 2025
As the four entered, a howl arose not unlike that of caged wild beasts. But it was more for water than for food. "Eat first; drink afterwards," said Bludson, striking lightly right and left to restrain their eagerness. "That's the law aboard here. Mind, Ralph; one bit of meat apiece no more." One sailor bore a lantern, for the only light afforded outside of that was from the grated hatch above.
After that Gary and Bludson conferred together over matters concerning the ship, while Ralph twirled his cap and placed his bundle beside him on the carpet. Some fifteen minutes might have thus passed, then the boatswain straightened up, thrust some papers the captain had given him into his hip pocket, and turned to the door. "Now, youngster," said he, "we'll get sail."
He felt vaguely uncomfortable, as the old man, after a knowing wink or two, fixed his eyes upon the course he was steering, and thereafter ignored Ralph's presence entirely. Bludson cast a searching glance at them both, then ordered Ralph to go below and bring up his coat.
It being Ralph's first experience afloat, the swift, gliding motion and the noisy engine interested him greatly. The novelty was, in its way, as exciting as his first car ride. "What is it makes things go?" he asked of Bludson, who was sprawled upon a coil of cable, smoking a short black pipe. "The ingine and the propeller, ye lubber," replied the latter. "Did 'e think it was wings?"
"It's the greatest sight I ever saw," he said turning to Bludson, who merely grunted. "How blue it looks! I suppose those changing lines of white are the breakers. Well, well! This beats the mountains. I wish I was out there right now." "You'd be wishing yourself ashore soon," returned Tom apathetically. "Wait till 'e gets seasick." "What is that? Does the sea make you sick?" "I should say it do.
In the hall below they encountered a heavy set, bushy bearded man in navy blue, at sight of whom Bludson touched his cap. The man looked so sharply at Ralph that the boy inquired: "Who is that, Mr. Bludson?" "That's our first mate, and a rare un he is, too." "A rare one. What do you mean by that?" "Oh! You'll find out soon enough. Best not ask too many questions.
He stared at the wall before him, disclosing in his now widely open eyes a brightness as of steel, for the feminine softness had vanished utterly. "Tom Bludson will make him wish he had never been born as quickly as even Shard could desire. To make sure, we might leave him behind when we reach the Gold Coast. However, all this can be decided later."
"Batten down the main hatch," called Gary, seeing Duff and Ralph. "Bludson is gone, but we can hold them until you return." The order was swiftly executed. Then the second mate and Ralph, assisted by one sailor, brought forward the heavy storm covering of the after companion-way and placed it in readiness. A charge down was then made and the negroes driven back a little.
Bludson maintained a dignified silence as he plunged, with Ralph at his side, into the regions of the wholesale trade. They called at several grocery and provision stores, and also at a ship chandler's. The boatswain had sundry talks with sundry clerks and some drays were loaded. Finally the two emerged upon the river front where lay, among other craft, a steam tug with a gang plank ashore.
No matter what is said or done to you, take it and go along. Hard words mend no bones. I'm giving you straight goods, my lad. You seem to have the right kind of stuff in you, and all you need is to be kept in line." "Mr. Bludson said something of the sort, I think. All right, sir. I'll keep my mind on that, and I'm obliged to you."
Word Of The Day
Others Looking