Part 21 (1/2)
Tom of course explained what had happened, while Gerald and Billy were telling the same story to Captain Murray Doctor Locock was of course well taken care of by the surgeon, and invited into the ward-rooood deal to hear about family matters Desmond and Billy Blueblazes were soon entlemen of the shi+p, while the men were equally cared for forward Captain Murray did not think it worth while to send on shore for the so which had been saved, but he proive inforht fall in with, that she ht worth while
The account which the on_ caused considerable anxiety When Captain Murray heard that her one on to Hong-kong, and as she would certainly be detained there for soet back to the Bonins
”Perhaps,” observed Tom, ”Commander Rawson fancies we are lost, and if so he is not likely to coht, the _Bellona_ steered on, soon leaving the coral island far astern
Shortly after they had got on board, Gerald asked Tom to try and learn from his brother the reasons why his uncle had sent for him home
”One of theet a command himself, he was anxious to have his nepheith him,” answered Jack
”Another is that in consequence of the death of several persons, young Desmond is heir-at-law to a handsoht it better to have hi about far away from home There is likely to be a trial of souine of success It may be several years, however, before the matter is settled, as all depends upon the life of the present possessor, who, although somewhat old, is hale and hearty
But as he o out of the world suddenly by some other means, it is well that Deshts I don't knohether Adair intended to let his nephe this until his arrival, but as it was not told to me in confidence, I may mention it to you However, use your own discretion in what you say to your friend--only do not let hiuine; but it may perhaps make him take care of himself, which hitherto I suspect he has not been apt to do”
Tom promised to be very discreet in what he said to Gerald, so as not to disappoint hi of the day the _Bellona_ had left the coral island, a shout was heard from the look-out at the mast-head, ”A rock on the starboard bow!” An officer, however, going aloft with his glass, pronounced it to be a disly headed up towards her, and on a nearer approach, from her peculiar build, she was seen to be undoubtedly a Chinese or japanese craft It was at first supposed that no one was on board, but as the steaer
The shi+p's as accordingly stopped, and a boat was lowered Captain Rogers volunteering to examine her, Tom accompanied him As they approached they saw that she must have encountered bad weather, for not only had she lost her masts, but she had no boats, and a considerable portion of her upper works had been carried ahile her sides had a weather-worn appearance, as if she had been a long ti on deck, one person only was to be seen, who, though dressed as a Chinese, had European features
”I aentlelish, ”for I don't knoould otherwise have become of this craft or us”
”Of us! Is there any one besides yourself on board?” asked Jack
”Yes, I have ers on board; when the junk was blown off the coast and lost herus to our fate”
”Your wife! Where is she?” asked Jack
”She is below, sir,” was the answer; ”but she is a foreigner, young, and timid, and was afraid to colishman?” inquired Jack
”Well, as to that, I ah I have been out in these seas so long that I cannot say I belong to any nation Still, I have not forgotten rateful if you would take us in tow, or supply ht find my way back”
”That is more than you will be able to do, I suspect, with your craft knocked about as she is, and probably leaking not a little, even with the assistance of your wife,” answered Jack ”As for taking you in tow, that is out of the question--we should drag the bows out of her; but if you will bring your wife and any property you possess on board, I can answer for it that the captain will give you a passage to Hong-kong or any other place at which we may touch where you desire to leave the shi+p You are a sea to sail back the junk What is your name, may I ask?” said Jack
”Jonathan Jull, at your service”
”That name has a Yankee smack about it, certainly,” observed Jack
”Well, Mr Jull, I'll overhaul the craft, and report her condition to the captain He may possibly think fit to take her in tow, but I can make no promises on the subject In theyou on board”
While Jonathan Jull went into one of the after cabins, Jack and Tom, with two men who had come on board, went round the junk She had a considerable ao on board, of a somewhat miscellaneous character Jack ordered the well to be sounded Tom and one of the men perfore a continued their search when To marks I have already observed others They are evidently caused by bullets See, in several places pieces of wood have been chipped off, and here is a bullet sticking in the planking”
”What do you think of this, sir?” asked one of theto some dark splashes on the deck and side of the vessel