Part 10 (1/2)
”Trust not to appearances,” they said ”Avoid the polacca brig The story told you is false” At the botto actor,” as if intended for a signature There was nothing h there could be but little doubt that they were so by the young mariner, or by somebody who had employed him
Ada translated the, further than that they contradicted the story they had just heard froht over them for some time, and then summoned Mitchell, whom he directed to request the captain's presence
Ada was again called to translate them, when the captain appeared
”And what do you think of them?” the colonel asked him
”Why, sir, that they serve to confirm my suspicions, and those of ood deal ofon somewhere or other”
”Then you don't believe the story of the Austrian brig having sent the felucca to us?” asked the colonel
”Not a bit of it, sir; and my firm opinion is, that if the rascals had found us unprepared, she would have been alongside us before now She had more people on board her than when she left Malta harbour this h where they cah the youngbeen there for many a day
I can't make it out”
”But what does this paper , think you?” asked the colonel
Bowse thought for soth exclai those felloanted to make us suppose an Austrian ht have been taken in”
”And what do you intend to do, Captain Bowse? Re on board here If you ever co, I will show you hoe ood-natured lively tone, as he always did the
”Keep our guns loaded, and trust to Providence, sir,” replied the captain
”Please, sir, Mr Tis you will just step on deck for ahis head in at the door, and looking at the master
Bowse jumped up and hurried on deck, for he knew the mate would not have sent for him except on a matter of importance
”Here, Si the steward from the pantry; ”any more visitors?”
”O Lord, no, sir, I hope not,” answered Si by the pallor of his countenance, and his tre hand, that whatever the matter was it had alarmed him
”What is the matter, then?” exclaimed the colonel ”Out with it”
”Why, sir, they say on deck, that the _Flying Dutch us, and that we shall be sure to drive ashore or go to the botto with alar Dutchman_ What arrant fools the men must be to think of such nonsense,” exclaio on deck before you return to your cabin, and ill have a look at the phanto on the poop, looking intently over the weather quarter He was so absorbed in what he saw, that he was not aware of his commander's presence till the latter touched his arht it was better to send for you, Captain Bowse, for as I' to Malta, following at our heels, and co up with us hand over hand”
As the mate spoke, he pointed in the direction towards which he had been looking Bowse, having just left the bright light of the cabin, could not at first discern anything; but gradually he perceived the dark shadowy outline of the speronara's sails brought into one, and like a phanto over the waves There could be no manner of doubt that it was she, but the question in his ht be almost certain that her intentions were evil, he could not fire into her, till there was no doubt of the e he possessed in having heavy guns, would be ht, possibly, by et away fro was already under as much canvas, as on ordinary occasions, it was considered prudent to carry at night He remembered that he was not on board athe watch below Yet sail must be made, as it would never do to have that little speronara buzzing about the to get away from her
”We must see if we can't walk away froth exclai a turn on the poop
”Set the royals Get the fore top-sails on her”
”Ay, ay, sir,” replied the ood I'h expecting to be roused up, for the watch on deck had let those belo of the reappearance of the suspicious stranger, went about their duty without their usual alacrity