Part 11 (1/2)

”Because the captain left word he wants to speak to you,” he replied.

”You must go up again on the main-deck to his quarters aft.”

Thoroughly frightened at this, I proceeded as he had directed me; and, on reaching the door of the captain's cabin, the marine sentry standing outside pa.s.sed on my name and I was ushered in.

Cap in hand and in a state of much trepidation, I went along the gangway with him; and 'bringing up' opposite an open door, I rapped at this with my heart in my mouth.

”Hallo!” cried a voice within. ”Who's there?”

”T-t-t,” I stammered-- ”T-T'm Bowling, sir.”

”Oh!” exclaimed the same voice, in a softer and more kindly tone than at first, when, I confess, it sounded rather gruff and peremptory. ”Come in, Tom Bowling.”

With this, I went into what seemed to my eye, expecting, as I did, something very different on board s.h.i.+p, one of the grandest apartments I had ever seen; with sofas and pictures, and big looking-gla.s.ses, besides a piano at the end, just like a drawing-room. Why, the Queen herself couldn't have had a finer place to live in!

The captain, who, of course, was the owner of the voice that had previously spoken, I saw was a nice, pleasant-faced, good-looking officer, looking every inch a sailor, and a smart one too!

He was sitting in a comfortable easy-chair that was fitted with gimbals, like the compa.s.s card in a binnacle, or some other appliance which permitted the occupant to s.h.i.+ft round as he pleased without moving the seat; as my commanding officer did now, in order to face me.

”Don't be afraid, my lad,” he said kindly, seeing, no doubt, how nervous I looked. ”I've only sent for you to let you know that I have been told of your exceedingly courageous conduct just now in saving your s.h.i.+pmate from a terrible death. I'm glad to see that you are bearing out by your behaviour the strong recommendation Captain Mordaunt, who is an old friend of mine, sent me when you came to join the service.”

I declare you could have knocked me down with a feather on his saying this, the revulsion of feeling being so great; for I had expected something totally different, so I hardly knew what to say.

”Th-a-ank you, sir,” I at last managed to get out. ”I--I--I am very much obliged to you, sir.”

”No obligation at all, my lad,” he said, smiling. ”I am only giving you your due, for I think you have really behaved in a very plucky manner, and deserve all that I have said, and more. I must tell you, though, I have heard something else also about you, Tom Bowling, which, perhaps, I might have been inclined to speak about, for I don't like any fighting or ill-feeling between the boys under my command here; but, after what has occurred, I shall not take any notice of what I might have heard to your detriment. Besides, I believe you were not particularly in fault, all things considered.”

Fancy! He must have been told of the fight between 'Ugly' and me.

My face, no doubt, expressed the thoughts that pa.s.sed through my mind; and, as I could see from a mirror opposite me, I appeared, as father used to say, ”like a cat looking nine ways for Sunday!”

The captain, though, evidently wished to set me at my ease.

”Never mind, my boy,” he said rea.s.suringly. ”We'll let bygones be bygones; and, as you have so n.o.bly condoned the offence of fighting with your s.h.i.+pmate by subsequently saving his life, I feel more inclined to reward than punish you. Have you been allowed ash.o.r.e yet to see your parents since you joined?”

”No, sir,” I replied. ”I didn't have my uniform rig last Sunday, sir.”

”Well, then, my boy, you may go and see them this afternoon if you like, when you've finished your dinner. I will give you leave till Eight Bells.”

So saying, he scribbled on a piece of paper and handed it to me.

This was a pa.s.s, permitting me to be absent from the s.h.i.+p until the time specified on it.

Noticing, as I thanked him for his kindness, that I did not appear perfectly satisfied, he glanced at me scrutinisingly. His eye was like a gimlet, and seemed to penetrate my inmost thoughts; for, I declare, he guessed the feeling that was uppermost in my mind.

”Would you like, my lad,” he said, smiling again, ”to take a chum with you ash.o.r.e?”

”Why, sir,” I exclaimed, ”that was the very thing I was thinking of!”

”Ha!” said he, ”I fancied that was what was on your mind. Who is your chum?”