Commodore Junk — page 129: what you’re looking at

Machine-transcribed from the original scan — historical spelling and the odd misread are preserved.

122 COMMODORE JUNK. ‘¢ But there is no boat,” said Bart. Jack pointed to a mass of rock, some fifty yards away, where a few inches of the stern of a boat were visible, but which had not been seen by the others. ‘Lead on,” said Abel, abruptly ; “and if the men wake up Bart and I will tackle them while you and Dinny here get into the boat and row out. Well swim to you, and you can take us in.” “And d’ye think I’m going to run away like that?” whis- pered Dinny. “I'll shtay.” “ Dinny !” whispered Jack, fiercely. “ Ah, well, I forgot I was a soldier, my lad. I'll obey orders.” Whereupon Abel examined the priming of his musket, and Bart tried the bayonet at the end of the bamboo shaft to see if it was firm, while Dinny whispered— “ Howld her tight to yer shoulther, lad, when ye fire, for she’s a divil to kick.” Jack gave a glance round once more, and then, holding vp a hand to command silence, he listened, but all was still save the lapping of the waves as the tide retired and then returned. His next proceeding was to steal out to where he could get a good look at the three sailors left in charge. One lay on his breast, with his arms folded and his brow resting upon them. The second lay upon his back, with his hands beneath him, and his cap tilted over his eyes. The third was upon his side with his back to them, and all apparently fast asleep, for neither stirred. Jack would have gladly waited till dark ; but to have done this might have meant losing their means of escape, for they were not certain that the party would stay all night. So, feeling this, and that their only chance lay in a bold attempt, he glanced back once, and after seeing that hia CONNIE OOOLKS