Commodore Junk — page 174: what you’re looking at

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

A HORRIBLE TASK. 167 desolate as the sun went down in a bank of clouds, <A good look-out had been kept, but there was no sign of sail upon “ae wide-spread sea, while the solemnity of the hour seemed to have influenced the men, who had gathered some inkling of their commander’s intentions. ‘“Whisht! Don’t talk about it,” said Dinny to one ques- tioner. Sure, it’s a whim of the skipper’s, and if he likes to take his brother and bury him a bit more dacently at the shelter, who has a better right 4” Are you going t” “ And is it me? They wouldn’t ask me.” Just at the same time a conversation was going on in the fore-part of the vessel, where the captain had been standing for some time with Bart. “Nay, nay, my lad,” the latter whispered ; “not this time.” “ Have you got all ready?” “Ay. Just as you said.” “Then, an hour after sundown, we'll go.” Bart tightened up his lips and looked more obstinate than he had ever before looked in his life. ‘What is it?” said the captain, sharply. “1 was a-thinking,” said Bart, shortly. “ Well—of what?” — “T was a-thinking that you’ve just been made captain, and that the crew’s with you, and that you're going to chuck it away.” “What do you mean, Bart?” ‘“‘T mean, captain, as so sure as you give the lieutenant another chance he’ll take it, and the lads, like Dinny and Dick, mayn't have the chance to get Mazzard drunk and come to your help.” “You do nothing but doubt your officer,” said the captain, angrily. “More do you,” retorted Bart. GomIicbooks