Jack and His Seven Foes — page 15: what you’re looking at

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

ae JACK AND HIS SEVEN FOES. finally he put aside thinking and went on deck. The “ Albatross” lay becalmed, and the het sun, high in the heavens, poured down its beams on the deck. Forward, the men, having nothing to do, had put_ up an awning, and sat smoking under it. But they divided into two parties; respectively seven and five in number. The seven were nearest the captain, and his interest in them being fully aroused, he keenly inspected them as he had never done before. Seven in all. First, the Swaggerer, who has been briefly described. Next, Jim Mark, the Settler, a thick- set, hulking fellow, who, without lbel- ling him, might have been called Jim Black, the convict. Then Magson—who might have been his first cousin—for some reason known as the Lifter. By his side lay Dick Dunmore, ex- prizefighter, who, of course, bore the sobriquet of Bruiser. Next to him Sam Silky, gipsy-like in form and feature, swarthy, lithe, cruel, and treacherous. He, rightly, was called the Panther. Lhen came Pharaoh Pipstone, a sinful old fool, with all the vices of hot youth in him. He was the Pantaloon. And lastly, Walker Dribbles, who always had a cold in his head, and naturally had acquired the name of Sneezer, a slim, lathy man, with a face like that of a baboon clean shaven. Seven rascals who would, to a man, have taken first prizes at a roguery exhibition. Not an eye among them, apparently, was turned towards the captain, and yes his every movement was watched. The Panther could see him out of the corner of his dark, restless eyes, and between his teeth softly hiss out his report’: “He as looking. this way; he ‘is frowning; he suspects us. rise now ?”’ “You are mad!” replied the Swag- gerer, in the same low tone. He sat with his back to the captain, and could move his lips safely. “Am I mad!” returned the other. “We have all knives and pistols ; what have they P” Why not” ‘“‘ Hands, strong arms, iron bars, and ‘other things lying about the deck,” said the Swaggerer ; “and pluck at the back of all. Some of us would be knocked out of the job.” Here Walker Dribble sneezed, and Jim Black, without the slightest cere- mony, kicked him in the ribs. “Keep quiet, can’t you!” he said.. “i I had a nose like yours, Id stitch if up with twine. Id stop its everlast- ing sneezing somehow.”’ “Tt I had a tongue like yours,” re- torted Dribbles, “Vd give it fourteen. years’ transportation and no ticket-of- leave.” | 3 Something in this answer exasperated Jim Black, and he raised his clenched fist, but a hist from the Swaggerer stopped the blow. ‘You mutton-headed sheep-stealer!’’ he said; “‘ what are you going to doP Wait till we are safe by ourselves before you begin cat-and-dog business! Pan- ther, what’s the captain doing ? ” ‘“‘ He’s done looking at us, and 1s going below.” “That’s right. Is there anybody else near us?” “ Only the five chaps forrard.”’ “ What are they doing?” “Two asleep ‘morris.’ “Right; then listen. Don't stick your ugly heads together, but look as if we were all dumb men. To-night, lads! you hear—to-night ! ” ‘We hear,” they said, softly. | «¢ And now some of you get a bit of a snooze. The fresher you are, when L want you, the better for us all.” The Swaggerer lay back, and, filling his pipe, began tosmoke. ‘Two or three followed his example, and the rest took his advice and tried to get a little sleep. The “ Albatross” lay upon the mirror- _ like deep, as idle as a painted ship upon a painted ocean. And the sun baked and blistered the. deck as it pursued its even course. There was no work to be done, for during the past three days the “ Alba- tross’”’ had lain thus with an unbroken reflection on the waters. | She was the image of peace and rest ;. | but within her bosom were the spirits: | of murder, hatred, and revenge. Bob Stubbles came up on deck two or and three playine GOMILCIOOKS (CO)