The sea-lawyer made no mistake. He knew in all absoluteness that he
was choosing between life and death, and he limped over to the
capstan and found his place. And as the work started, and as he
toiled around and around the narrow circle, Margaret and I
shamelessly and loudly laughed our approval. And our own men stole
for'ard along the poop to peer down at the spectacle of Charles Davis
at work.
All of which must have pleased Nosey Murphy, for, as he continued to
hold the turn and coil down, he kept a critical eye on Davis.
"More juice, Davis!" he commanded with abrupt sharpness.
And Davis, with a startle, visibly increased his efforts.
This was too much for our fellows, who, Asiatics and all, applauded
with laughter and hand-clapping. And what could I do? It was a gala
day, and our faithful ones deserved some little recompense of
amusement. So I ignored the breach of discipline and of poop
etiquette by strolling away aft with Margaret.
At the wheel was one of our storm-waifs. I set the course due east
for Valparaiso, and sent the steward below to bring up sufficient
food for one substantial meal for the mutineers.
Pages:
555
556
557
558
559
560
561
562
563
564
565
566
567
568
569
570
571
572
573
574
575
576
577
578
579