Part 26 (2/2)
But they would not ”cease rowing,” and the prospect was that a general fight would soon ensue in spite of all the c.o.xswain's efforts to restore order. At last Tim came alongside, and rapping two or three of the turbulent Rovers over the head with a boathook, he succeeded in quieting them.
After several attempts Charles got them so they could pull without knocking each other out of the boat; but he was heartily disgusted with his crew, and would gladly have escaped from them, even if Rippleton Jail had yawned to receive him. After half a dozen trials he placed the Zephyr alongside the Sylph, let go her moorings, and took her in tow.
The Rovers then pulled for the island; but the pa.s.sage thither was long and difficult.
CHAPTER XVI.
THE CAMP ON THE ISLAND.
As the crew of the Zephyr tugged at their oars, their imperfect discipline imposing double labor upon them, Charles had an opportunity to consider his position. The bright color of romance which his fancy had given to the enterprise was gone. The night air was cold and damp, and his companions in error were repulsive to him. There was no pleasure in commanding such a motley crew of ill-natured and quarrelsome bullies, and if it had been possible, he would have fled from them. Who plunges into vice may find himself in a snare from which he cannot escape though he would.
At last they reached the island, and the Sylph was anch.o.r.ed near the sh.o.r.e. There was a great deal of hard work to be done; but each of the Rovers seemed to expect the others would do it.
”Now, Charley, everything is right so far,” said Tim Bunker, whose party had just drawn Joe Braman's boat upon the beach.
”Everything is wrong,” Charles wanted to say; but Tim was too powerful to be lightly offended.
”I can do nothing with such a crew as that,” whined he. ”They won't mind, and every fellow wants his own way.”
”Hit 'em if they don't mind,” replied Tim.
”I think we had better spend an hour in drilling them. We can't handle the boat as it is.”
”We must get the tents up before we do anything else. You go after the stakes and poles and I will get the provisions.”
Before the crews returned to the boats, Tim made a little speech to them upon the necessity of order; promising, if any boy did not obey, he would thrash him ”within an inch of his life.”
”Now tumble into the boats, and, Charley, if any feller don't do what you tell him, let me know it, and I will lick him for you.”
”All aboard!” said Charles.
”Where are we going now?” asked one of his crew.
”No matter; all you have got to do is to obey orders,” replied Charles, sharply.
”Say that again!” said the fellow, with an oath, as he doubled up his fist, and menaced the unfortunate c.o.xswain with a thras.h.i.+ng.
”Hallo, Tim!” shouted Charles, who dared not venture to carry out the Bunker's summary policy.
”What's the row?” said Tim, as he hastened to the spot.
”I can't do anything with this crew; here is a fellow shaking his fist in my face.”
”Let him be civil then,” added the refractory Rover.
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