Vietnam or Thailand ? Vote for the TOP Country of the Week !
Updated: May 9, 2025
"Should any accident happen to us, or should we be taken prisoners," he continued, "you will wait till nearly dawn to render us assistance, in case you have an opportunity, and then make the best of your way back to the ship. Captain Poynder will then, without doubt, devise some plan for rescuing us or any other persons we may find on shore."
By this evening she shall have her stores on board and be ready for sea. Don't suppose I'm bragging. Where there is a will there is a way." Off ran our excellent friend, while Mr Vernon and I hastened on board to describe the proposed plan to Captain Poynder, and to get his leave to borrow some of the Harold's men.
It so happened that one evening, as the ship was running pretty fast through the water, and as darkness was coming rapidly on, a loud splash was heard alongside, and that cry, so startling to a seaman's heart, was raised "A man overboard!" "Silence, fore and aft," sang out Captain Poynder, who at the same moment appeared on deck. "Does anybody see him?" There was no answer.
They were received at the capstern by Captain Poynder. An honest, sturdy-looking gentleman stepped forward as spokesman. "I see that I am fortunate enough to have got on board a British man-of-war," he began. "Well, sir, I have a pretty account of piracy and attempted wholesale murder to give." "Let me hear it at once, sir, that I may judge what is to be done," said Captain Poynder.
You speak as a Christian should, and I honour you for it; but go on," replied Captain Poynder, who was evidently anxious to arrive at the conclusion of the master's somewhat prolix narrative. "Well, sir," he continued, "of one thing I felt pretty certain, that Delano was the perpetrator of this horrible outrage.
"Captain Poynder, is it possible that the pirate could have fallen in with the Ariadne?" said Mr Vernon in a hollow voice, trembling with agitation. "I trust not I trust not," replied the captain. "We'll hope for the best: at the same time we will do our utmost to ascertain the truth." We had a foul wind, and it took us three days to beat back into Malta harbour.
Captain Poynder was not inclined to save either officers or crew till we got into good order, which we accordingly did our best to accomplish. After cruising for six weeks, we were ordered to Spithead to complete our provisions, water, and stores; and then, having taken some passengers on board, made all sail for our station in Mediterranean.
When he came out, he informed Adam Stallman that he had applied for him as his mate, and, to my great satisfaction, told me that I was also to accompany him. I was very anxious to get Dicky Sharpe; so, mustering up all my courage, I boldly asked Captain Poynder if he might be of the party.
But Dicky, if he did not forget, did what was as wise, he forgave; and I do not think he nourished the slightest ill-will against his cobbers. Of Captain Poynder I have spoken. He was a worthy man and a good officer; and if he had a fault, it was not being sufficiently strict. Then comes Johnny Du Pre, our gallant First.
"Oh! excellent excellent," I exclaimed, enchanted at finding the very event I had once dreamed of about to be realised. "When are we to commence our adventure?" "As soon as I can arrange our costumes, and make other necessary preparations. Captain Poynder, after he has landed us, intends to watch off the coast, and to stand in at night, to be ready to render us any assistance we may require."
Word Of The Day
Others Looking