Part 6 (2/2)
”Very good, sir,” said Mr Francis
”You'll give old George a flaood, sir,” said Mr Francis
”Pile it on about his reverence for the Queen, and the way he gave beef to the shi+p,” said Hadow
”And what then, sir?” inquired Mr Francis
”Well, you knoent on Hadow, ”my orders down here leaveshi+p in aters the way you can a simple patrol By God, sir, I'll put the shi+p back here in nine months and retake Master Johnny Garrard”
”If he has any realization of his position he will then go down on his knees and thank you, sir,” said Mr Francis
”He's !” exclaimed the captain
”Of course, it will involve a little--insincerity,” said Mr Francis
”You mean we'll have to lie like hell!” said the captain
”Well, yes,” observed Mr Francis
”I hope that's understood,” said the captain ”But I can't bear to see a fine lad ruined for a bit of squea; but nineteen--Good Lord! one must have a little mercy”
”Where would any of us be now, sir,” said Mr Francis, ”if we had each of us received full measure for a boyish error?”
”I knoas a rotten bad egg myself,” said Captain Hadow
”If I may say it without offense, sir,” said Mr Francis, ”I think you are taking a very noble course in respect to this unfortunate lad”
”Of course, I don't want you to think I justify desertion,” said Hadow quickly, not ill pleased at the co; bar actual cowardice, I positively know nothing worse Were Jack my son, I'd rather see him stretched dead at my feet I tell you, Mr
Francis, that when I first heard the neas stunned; I felt ; the dishonor, the infamy of it struck me here” Captain Hadow laid his hand on his heart
Mr Francis nodded a silent assent
”But we'll save hily business to blast his life”
”You may count, Captain Hadow, on our most loyal and hearty support,”
said Mr Francis
”Thank you,” said the captain; ”and you will pass the word along that the subject is one not to be discussed”
”Quite so, sir,” said the first lieutenant
”Not a word!” exclaimed the captain; ”and of course you will cancel the reward before we sail You e a bit about the hill tribes But, of course, not a whisper that we're ever co back”
”No, sir,” said Mr Francis