plunker

Updated: May 24, 2025

The owner, who was standing in the steerage brimming over with the ludicrous character of the previous night's frivolity, was heard to chuckle and say: "What damned nonsense to ask such a silly question!" Each of the lads stoutly denied having any knowledge of what had happened, whereupon Plunker called them "a set of damned lying mutineers, who ought to be swung to the yardarm."

Baron Walter Runciman Runciman - The Shellback's Progress: In the Nineteenth Century

The courses, cross-bearings, lights, buoys and beacons were all riveted in their memory, and it was a rare occurrence when their memories failed them. Plunker had all the finer attributes of his class.

Baron Walter Runciman Runciman - The Shellback's Progress: In the Nineteenth Century

Plunker was very grateful to these fine fellows for the valuable service they had rendered. They knew that he was never effusive about any favours conferred upon him, so were content to receive a plain "Thank you."

Baron Walter Runciman Runciman - The Shellback's Progress: In the Nineteenth Century

Captain Bourne, or "Plunker," as he was nicknamed, was a man of much dignity and superior presence, but like many of his contemporaries, he was very illiterate; indeed, I do not believe he could either read or write, and yet he was able to collect his freights and generally to conduct the finances entrusted to him with amazing accuracy.

Baron Walter Runciman Runciman - The Shellback's Progress: In the Nineteenth Century

Plunker was a powerful man, and when his anger was roused they knew by experience it was not safe to interject a word either of denial or assent; so they determined, when he called them to him, to pursue a policy of negativeness, and trust to Providence to deliver them from a position that was showing signs of serious consequences.

Baron Walter Runciman Runciman - The Shellback's Progress: In the Nineteenth Century