Part 47 (2/2)

”The captain?” began Don, as his old trouble flashed into his mind

”That will do Now then, this way,” said the master sternly; and he led the, with a couple of the officers by his side, and, a little distance in front, Raht they were pressed, had always seemed to bear the two Bristolians ill-will

Don and Jem saluted, and stood before their officer, who looked the on theirs in a fierce, penetrating way that was far fro froned to Ramsden to come forward

”Now,” he said sharply, ”repeat what you told o below yes'day evening when, as I was going along 'tween the 'ammocks, I hears the word _desert_ and I was that took aback, sir, I--”

”Ah! You are the sort ofsuch a word,” said the first lieutenant, with a sneer

”Yes, sir,” said Ra to hide a smile

”Soon as I heard that word _desert_, I felt stopped short like; and then I heard voicesashore”

”What did they say?”

”Can't rec'lect what they said exactly, sir; only as one talked about a boat, and the other about a canoe It was Lavington as asked about the canoe; and just now, sir, they atching a canoe that went by, and they exchanged signals”

”Yes, I saw the his eyes on Jem

”Yes, sir; and one of the chiefs waved a paddle to the on with his charge, when he was stopped

”That will do, h Now look here,” he continued, turning to Don and Jem, ”I ah to corroborate his testi yourselves

Is what he says true?”

Don's lips parted to say it was only about half true; but a feeling of agonised shame checked his words There was too much truth in it for him tohis cue from his companion, was silent too

”Come,” said the captain, ”I like that There is honesty in it, , and pressed ht for such an offence as yours”

”Didn't commit no offence,” said Jem sturdily

”Silence, sir! Now then, you know, I suppose, that though we are living a peaceful life out here, these are war times, and the punishment of deserters is--death”