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Updated: May 24, 2025
Only Braintree broke the monotony by shivering audibly, and the footsteps of Crashford, as he paced up and down outside to keep warm, added a dreary variety to the silence. The afternoon drew on, and at last Bowler said "Better let the beggar in." "Hadn't we better all turn out and see what's to be done?" said Gayford. "We shall only come to grief here.
His further observations were cut short, and during the rest of the time that the "Eliza" was rounding the stormy cape he and Tubbs and Crashford were in a decidedly pensive mood. At last the circumnavigation was accomplished, and in tranquil water the boat cruised along under the sheltered shore of the island.
"You don't want much making," retorted Bowler; "and if you want to talk any more, you can talk to some one else." Wallas accepted the invitation, and growled all round till everybody was sick of him. After a long absence Crashford returned without the umbrella. "I couldn't find it," said he, sitting down. "It's gone."
A fight ensued there and then between Bowler and Crashford, unhappily, to the disadvantage of the former, who was no match for the practised hand opposed to him. The company interposed after a few rounds, and none too soon for the damaged though still lion-hearted Bowler.
Braintree had his boots most carefully blacked, and Crashford practised boxing all Saturday afternoon with Rubble of the Fifth; Bowler and Gayford strolled casually round to Sound Bay, to see that the boat was safe in its usual place, and prospected the distant dim outline of the Long Stork from the cliffs.
It'll be more like New Swishford than ever now." This last argument had more effect with Bowler than any other, and he slowly put on his coat. "I vote we souse that idiot, Tubbs, till he's black in the face," said Crashford viciously. "What's the use of that?" asked Bowler.
The sail was lowered, oars were put out, the invalids sat up, and Bowler, standing up in the bows, scanned the coast for a likely landing-place. He had not to search long. A little natural pier of rock ran out invitingly, alongside which the boat was slowly and triumphantly brought. "Now, you fellows," said Crashford, "here goes for first on shore. Out of the way, Tubby. Hurrah for New Swishford!"
Crashford profited nothing by his victory, for it was decided unanimously to exclude him from the tent till he chose to apologise for his treachery; and meanwhile the remains of the slender provisions were taken into safe custody out of his reach. The day wore on, and the rain fell heavier and heavier upon the ulster- roof over their heads.
"Hope it's not wough outside," said Braintree, as the boat, now nearly out of the creek, began to dance a little at the prospect of meeting the open sea. "Can't be rough with the wind off the land, you duffer," said Crashford. "Can't it, though?" said Wester, as a wave lifted the prow of the boat and nearly sent it back on the rocks.
"What do you mean?" retorted Gayford; "a lot you've done for the public good. There are plenty of seagulls about without you to croak, too." "I wish my umbwellah hadn't gone out to sea," observed Braintree, shivering. "By the way," said Crashford, "didn't I see it lying on the rocks. I'll just run and see," and off he started. "When shall we ever get away?" asked Wester. "We may get starved here."
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