[Blue Jackets by George Manville Fenn]@TWC D-Link book
Blue Jackets

CHAPTER NINETEEN
9/21

The old _Teaser's_ going to waggle her tail between her legs, and we're going back again.

More waste of Her Majesty's coals." "If we don't lie-to till the tide turns," I said.

"Oh, I say, you two look sharp and get quite well again; I didn't know that having wounds would make fellows so sour." "Who's sour.

Here, let's get aft; quick, or we shall be out of the fun." For the whistles were going, and the men springing to the boats, three of which were manned, and the one lying alongside being filled with a strong, well-armed crew.
We all three did press forward, in the full hope of being sent as well, and made ourselves so prominent that I saw Mr Reardon frown.

But no orders came; and at last, in a great state of excitement, Barkins seized the opportunity to speak.
"May I go in the longboat, sir ?" "You--lame still from your wound, sir?
Absurd! No, nor you neither, Mr Smith." He caught my eye just then, but turned away, and I could not help feeling disappointed, though I knew well enough that the risk would have been great.
"Oh, I do call it a shame," grumbled Barkins, as the order was given, the men cheered, and, under the command of Mr Brooke, the four boats pushed off, the oars dropped, the oily water splashed in the bright sunshine, and each boat with its colours trailing astern glided rapidly up-stream.
"Yes, it's too bad," grumbled Smith in turn, who unconsciously began nursing his arm as if it pained him.
"Why, it's worse for me," I cried.


<<Back  Index  Next>>

D-Link book Top

TWC mobile books