Part 28 (1/2)

”Well, it ain't a very strong force, sir, be it?”

”We ht, Tom, and I hope by then some of the lads will be able to pull an oar”

”Ay, ay, sir, o' course”

”I' husky out of the darkness; and there was silence, broken only by a groan or two for a fewthe terrible responsibility of his position, tried to s, but only to be co to be done but wait for

At one moment insane ideas as to the recapture of the schooner caht to have been his first duty as the officer upon whom the command had suddenly fallen

”Too round the boat as carefully as you can, and count the ht we not?”

”Let's see, sir Two orficers is two; six AB's and coxswain seven, and seven and two's nine; and the two nig--blacks, sir; nine and two's 'leven That's right, sir 'leven”

”Go round then, and count”

”I think they could all answer to their naht be so bold”

”Call theoes, then, lads First orficer, Mr Russell, sir, and you, sir's, two as we needn't count Joe Dance, answer to your narowl

”dick Bannock”

”Here”

”Bill Billings”

”What's left on ot no head”

”Bob Stepney”

”Here; and wish I warn't,” came surlily out of the darkness

”Don't you be sarcy 'fore your orficers, Bob, or there may be a row,”

said Tom Fillot, sharply

”I can't see no orficers, messmate,” said the same voice

”That'll do, Bob Stepney That's cheek Ti”

”That's ues Fisties, too, I dessay”

”The two blacks!” said Mark, quickly, and with a feeling of thankfulness to find ive the white uns a chance first,” said Tolish Answer to your names Soup”