Vietnam or Thailand ? Vote for the TOP Country of the Week !
Updated: June 11, 2025
At first, he was inclined to quit the brig; but by the advice of Mr Berecroft and Kingston, he was persuaded to go the passage home, as he was now first-mate of the vessel, and would incur forfeiture of all wages if he broke the articles which he had signed at Liverpool.
A rope was placed round his chest, and he was hauled out of the great chasm and hoisted carefully on deck, followed by the whole crew of workers, who formed a circle about him, as the first-mate went down on one knee and trickled a little brandy between his teeth. "Shall I send one of the lads for a doctor?" said Mr Morgan. "Wait a minute," was the first-mate's answer.
"It's all over with her already," said the first-mate to McElvina; and, as the cutter payed off before the wind, another broadside from her well-manned antagonist raked her fore and aft. The cutter hauled down her jib, eased off her fore-sheet, and succeeded in again bringing her broadside to bear.
Three men started forward, but the captain caught the axe from one and a lantern from another, and was about to follow the first-mate when an uneasy movement among the crew arrested him, and he handed the axe and light to Mr Morgan. "You go down," he said. "I may be wanted here."
One morning, when Newton, who for some time had submitted to the tyranny of Jackson without complaint, was standing at the main hatchway, giving directions to the men below, who were arranging the dunnage at the bottom of the vessel, the first-mate came on deck, and, watching his opportunity, staggered, with a rope in his hand, against Newton, as if by accident, so as to throw him over the coombings.
Why, I should have thought you would have been born a sailor." "Have you heard the Malays, sir?" "Heard them! Yes, my lad, going about the ship with their bare feet on the planks; but they haven't tried the door. There, rouse up the men while I wake Gregory." He touched the first-mate, who sprang up, revolver in hand, wide-awake, and ready for instant action.
"Ah! then he accompanied them too!" said Mr Meldrum reflectively to the first-mate, as the last man was raised from the bottom of the boat and carried as tenderly ashore as if he had been one of their own party and a loved shipmate. "So there were thirteen of them altogether, instead of twelve, as I thought! That makes seven unaccounted for. I wonder what became of them!"
"Right!" said Captain Strong shortly. "And while you do that we'll strengthen the barricade across the door." "Serve that the same," said the first-mate. "A couple of doors can be screwed across silently. Then up against them you can plant your chests and cases and the place will be as firm again." "Ah, Gregory, you were meant for a soldier!" said the major sadly.
Mark could have stopped for hours, content to gaze down into the lovely transparent waters, but the boat glided on and soon afterwards touched the shore. "There, my lads," said the first-mate, taking out a big india-rubber pouch of tobacco and pitching it to one of the men, "there is not a great deal of tide, but take care to keep the boat afloat.
Fortunately, I would promise neither; and, as I think your own recommendation stronger than theirs, the berth is at your service. I only wish, for your sake, that it was that of first-mate. I am sure you would prove yourself fit for the situation; and I cannot say that I am very partial to the one that I have at present; but he is a relation of the owner's." The arrangements were soon made.
Word Of The Day
Others Looking