We crossed the
main deck unobserved, gained the bridge by way of the 'midship-house,
and by way of the bridge gained the top of the for'ard-house. Here
were the first boats we began work on; but, first of all, I called in
the lookout from the forecastle-head.
He was Mulligan Jacobs; and he picked his way back across the wreck
of the bridge where the fore-topgallant-yard still lay, and came up
to me unafraid, as implacable and bitter as ever.
"Jacobs," I whispered, "you are to stay here beside me until we
finish the job of smashing the boats. Do you get that?"
"As though it could fright me," he growled all too loudly. "Go ahead
for all I care. I know your game. And I know the game of the hell's
maggots under our feet this minute. 'Tis they that'd desert in the
boats. 'Tis you that'll smash the boats an' jail 'm kit an' crew."
"S-s-s-h," I vainly interpolated.
"What of it?" he went on as loudly as ever. "They're sleepin' with
full bellies. The only night watch we keep is the lookout. Even
Rhine's asleep.
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