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Updated: May 28, 2025
"But Barney Blane said he was dead." "Don't you take no notice o' what Barney Blane says, skipper," cried Dumlow. "He dunno chalk from cheese best o' times, and I know he can't tell a dead man from mutton." "Hear, hear, mate!" cried Bob Hampton. "Haw, haw, haw; we'll chuck the boy overboard if you like, capt'n; but there's a kick in one of his hind legs, an' I see him wink and waggle one ear."
"They seems to think it would be some good, sir," growled Barney, "because they keeps on knocking. There they goes again." For once more the tapping commenced, and was repeated impatiently as we did not answer. "Give 'em the sigginals, Bob," said Dumlow, gruffly.
But the cabin arrangements were put straight, and Miss Denning and Mr Preddle did all they could to provide a comfortable late dinner, which, if not hot, was plentiful. Then Mr Frewen did all he could for his patients, and Neb Dumlow was bandaged and ordered to rest. He said he could not, for there was so much to do.
"Is there any one else here beside us four?" "If there be," says Barney, "we're a-lying on 'em, for there arn't no room without as I can see." "Yer can't see," growled Dumlow. "Well, I didn't mean with my eyes, Neb; so don't be so chuff on a fellow. I meant with my understanding." "Don't. Don't get arguing together," I cried impatiently. "It is suffocating down here.
"Whatcher mean, sir, with yer bit o' practice? pouring of physic into me as if I was a cask?" "No; I meant taking off your leg." "Taking off my leg!" cried Dumlow, with so comical a look of disgust on his countenance that I was obliged to laugh; "whatcher want to take off my leg for? Can't you stop the holes up?"
I was so confused by being awakened suddenly from a deep sleep, and by the light of a lantern flashing in my eyes, that for a few minutes I moved about quite mechanically, getting out of the way of my companions in misfortune, as first Barney, and then Neb Dumlow, obeyed and climbed out on deck. "Now then, look sharp," cried the same voice, "don't keep us here all night."
The cook was busy in his galley, and the two men were lolling about talking to him now and then, and occasionally glancing aft, waiting for Bob Hampton and Dumlow to finish before going aft to clear away, and fetch the things to the galley, where they would get hot water to wash up. How beautiful and calm and peaceful it all seemed!
There's Mr Trout-and-Salmon Preddle at one handle, and the doctor at t'other, with Mr Brymer to relieve while we're off dooty to go and 'vestigate the wittling department. That's so, eh, lads?" "Ay, ay," growled Dumlow. "That's so," said Barney; "and then I'm to take my turn at the squirting, if so be as you can't put it out." "No fear of that, Barney," I cried.
Lena, your arm; I'll go below." No one spoke till he had disappeared, and then the captain shook his head. "Poor chap," he said, with a sigh. "Here, Dale, Walters, carry the fish to the cook; Hampton Dumlow, swabs and a bucket."
I was so astounded that I could not speak, only listen, as Dumlow shouted "I say, what cheer you, my lad?" And Mr Brymer "Walters! Why, my lad, what are you doing there?" "Help!" groaned my old messmate with a piteous look up at us; "half-smothered water help!" "Well, mutineer or middy," said Mr Brymer, "there's nothing to fear from you.
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