Part 26 (1/2)
”I don't know what you mean.”
”I told the parson that I was drunk when I disobeyed orders, and that I was very sorry for it, and wouldn't get drunk any more.”
”Did you tell him that?”
”I did; I a.s.sured him I was the worst fellow in the whole world, and ought to be hung, drawn, and quartered for my wickedness; and he swallowed it as a codfish does a clam.”
”And you gave him all the wine?”
”No, I didn't; I gave him one full bottle, and what was left in the one from which we drank this afternoon. I have two more.”
”We were going to have a good time with that wine.”
”I have enough left.”
”Where is it?”
”In my locker.”
”They may find it.”
”No, they won't; I will put it in some other place before inspection day. There is plenty of wine in the medical stores. It was a good joke for the parson to suppose I was drunk.”
”Perhaps you were,” suggested Wilton.
”I felt good; but I was as sober as I am now.”
”The drink I took went into my head, and I felt as though I was going up in a ballon.”
”That was because you are not used to the article. It waked me up a little, but I knew what I was about.”
”I think you were a confounded fool to do what you did.”
”Wilton, I'm not going to live in the steerage--you may take my word for it. I've been an officer too long to come down to that. If we don't succeed in making a chain, I shall quit the concern the first time I put my foot on sh.o.r.e in Ireland.”
”What do you mean by making a chain?” asked Wilton, eagerly.
”A chain is strong.”
”Well; what of it?”
”It is composed of many links. Can't you understand that?”
”Hush up! Some one is coming,” said Wilton, as he walked away from the brig.
”Here! who is that?” demanded Mr. Lowington, as he saw Wilton moving away from the lock-up.
”No. 59, sir--Wilton,” replied he. ”I was just going on deck to find you, sir.”
”To find me?” asked the princ.i.p.al.