"Not a word more shall pass my lips.
I had to speak my mind once, seeing that I knew you from a child, so to speak.

And now I shall forget; but you are young yet.

Life is very long," he went on, with unconscious sadness; "let this be a lesson to you." He laid his hand affectionately on Willems' shoulder, and they both sat silent till the boat came alongside the ship's ladder.
When on board Lingard gave orders to his mate, and leading Willems on the poop, sat on the breech of one of the brass six-pounders with which his vessel was armed.

The boat went off again to bring back the messenger.

As soon as it was seen returning dark forms appeared on the brig's spars; then the sails fell in festoons with a swish of their heavy folds, and hung motionless under the yards in the dead calm of the clear and dewy night.