Part 27 (2/2)
”Haven't time!” exclaimed Lynch.
”No; I've got a big job on my hands.”
”What's that?”
”Making a chain.”
”Making a what?”
”Making a chain.”
”A watch chain?”
”I think it will be a watch chain; but I'll tell you about it when we are alone. Do you understand?”
”No, I don't.”
”Keep still then.”
Shuffles turned in, and the others followed his example. He did not sleep, if they did, for his soul was full of rage and malice. He was studying up the means of revenge; and he had matured a project, so foolhardy that it was ridiculous, and his mind was fully occupied with it.
At twelve o'clock he was called to take his place with the first part of the port watch on deck. Belonging to each quarter watch, there were five petty officers, four of whom were to call the portion of the crew who were to relieve those on duty. Shuffles was called by one of these.
The wind was freshening when he went on deck, and the s.h.i.+p was going rapidly through the water. At the last heaving of the log she was making eleven knots, with her studding sails still set. Mr. Fluxion came on deck at eight bells.
Wilton, Sanborn, and Adler were in the watch with Shuffles, and the malcontent lost not a moment in pus.h.i.+ng forward the scheme he had matured. Fortunately or unfortunately, he was placed on the lookout with Wilton, and the solitude of the top-gallant forecastle afforded them a good opportunity for the conference.
CHAPTER XI.
THE GAMBLERS IN NO. 8.
”It's coming on to blow,” said Wilton, as the lookouts took their stations on the top-gallant forecastle.
”I don't think it will blow much; it is only freshening a little,”
replied Shuffles.
”Now, what about the mutiny?” demanded Wilton, impatiently, after he had become more accustomed to the dash of the sea under the bows of the s.h.i.+p.
”Don't call it by that name,” replied Shuffles, earnestly. ”Never use that word again.”
”That's what you mean--isn't it? You might as well call things by their right names.”
”It's an ugly word, and if any one should happen to hear it, their attention would be attracted at once. We musn't get in the habit of using it.”
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