Part 27 (2/2)

”No, not one How strange!”

”Not it, sir Just shows as they all know about the boat, and whose game it was”

Aleck hurried off and obtained the simple provisions needed, and returned to find the last nails being driven triumphantly into the boat

”There you are, Master Aleck,” cried Tom, ”and I warrant she won't leak a spoonful There's the tide just beginning to lap up round the stern, so we'll get the rudder on again, step the mast, and put all shi+p-shape ready for a start, and if it's all the saht up et the tackle back in its place”

”Go on, then,” said Aleck, and, after filling the bowl of his pipe, the sailor went to the glowing embers of the fire, one of which he picked up with his hardened thu away

His first act was to scoop up a little water in the boat's baler and extinguish the fire

”Too hot as it is, Master Aleck We can feel the way to ourabout a of the rudder, the stepping of the -bolt followed Then oars, boat-hook, and ropes were laid in, and the pair seated the theirand lapping of the water, Aleck thinking anxiously of how uneasy his uncle would be

”How soon shall we be able to start, Toe sound which made Aleck start

”What?” he cried ”What's thepardon, Master Aleck; couldn't say it no better Mouth was full o'

hard crust”

”How long before we start?”

”Good hour, sir There's a lot o' shallow yonder”

”Oh!” cried Aleck, iet some of the fishermen to come and launch us”

”I don't think you'd find anyone as would co low so”

”Nonsense! Here they corumbled Tom, in a disappointed way ”Can't see no faces, but--Master Aleck,” he whispered, sharply, ”it's thean Aleck, i checked by a feeling of astonishment For a voice suddenly exclaimed:

”Quick, lads; surround!” and a hand was laid sharply upon the lad's collar, while two rowled, ”what is it?”

”Hold your noise, or you'll have a fist in your er AB, King's Navee Pensioner for wounds See?”

It was dark, but the shooting out of Toles to his body froroup of well-ar here?”

”Eatingour boat”