Part 5 (1/2)
He therefore fancied that his secret had been kept, and that it would never be known; he was, consequently, surprised when the followinghis shoulder, told him that the captain wanted to speak to hihts of being spoken to by the captain
On the previous evening he had been excited by being impressed with the importance of the matter he was about to communicate, but now he had time to wonder what the captain would say to him
He ?” asked Tom
Bill told him
”I shouldn't wish to be in your shoes,” remarked Tom ”What have you been about?”
Bill could not stop to answer, but followed his conductor to the cabin door
The sentry, without inquiry, admitted him
The captain, as seated at a table in the cabin, near which the first lieutenant was standing, received him with a kind look
”What is your name, boy?” he asked
”William Rayner, sir,” said Bill
”Can you read and write pretty well?”
”No great hand at either, sir,” answered Bill ”Mother taught me when I was a little chap, but I have not hadsince then”
”Should you like to improve yourself?” asked the captain
”Yes, sir; but I have not books, or paper, or pens”
”We'll see about that,” said the captain ”The inforreatest i you When we reach England, I will make known your conduct to the proper authorities, and I should like to communicate with your parents”
”Please, sir, I have no parents; they are both dead, and I have no relations that I know of; but I a what the captain was driving at
”Well, my boy, I will keep an eye on you,” said the captain ”Mr Saltwell, you will see what is best to be done with Willia to the first lieutenant ”If you wish to learn to read and write, you can coet instruction every day froive him directions to teach you; but remember you are not forced to do it”
”Thank you, sir,” said Bill ”I should like to learn very much”
After a few reatly relieved when the formidable intervieas over
As he wisely kept secret the fact of his having given information of the mutiny, his messmates wondered what could have induced the captain so suddenly to take an interest in him
Every day he went aft for his lesson, and Mr Finch, as a good-natured young reat progress, and his instructor was much pleased with him
He could soon read easily, and Mr Finch, by the captain's orders, lent hi him one day, told him that he had received orders froreatly to his surprise, put a quadrant into his hands, and showed hi of what the captain intended for him It never occurred to him that the captain could have perceived any merits or qualifications sufficient to raise him out of his present position, but he was content to do his duty where he was