The Argosy — page 77: what you’re looking at

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

THE VOYAGE OF THE PULO WAY. 269 me on the deck, he whispered, ‘‘ Come to my room tonight.’’ He did not turn his head as if addressing me, nor did he pause for a second in his stride. At this I wondered, but before my wonder left me he had passed on, and I had no chance to speak. Looking forward, I caught a glimpse of the mate, who was on the bridge. As he saw me look up he slid away, and the funnel immediately hid him ; but I knew that he had been watching Hayling, and I continued to conjecture. ——$—$ CHAPTER IV.—WHITHER SAILING? » . Axzour five o’clock that afternoon, as I sat aft by the wheelhouse reading, I was startled by the report of a cannon, and on hurrying forward I saw that Captain Macshiel, the mate, and the big coolie were testing the newly erected piece of ordnance. Even as I watched I saw the Chinaman load, take aim, and then discharge the weapon. Looking away out over the bows, I beheld the shell strike the water some distance ahead. This was shark shooting with a vengeance, only where were the sharks? I puzzled much, being quite at a loss to comprehend the situation. The captain saw me, and, waving his hand, advanced. ‘“She’s a bonnie bit of baggage,’’ he grinned. ‘Who is?’’ I asked, rather abruptly, resenting the man’s tone, He nodded towards the gun. ‘‘She’s a winsovne lassie, no doubt of it ; and our gunner declares he can hit the dorsal fin of a shark a thousand yards off.’’ ‘A wonderful fellow, indeed. - Who is he?’’ . ‘“’That’s just what I cannot tell you.’’ “Then where did he learn his gunnery ?”’ “Tt’s a secret, man—a secret that he absolutely refuses to disclose ; but I’m just waiting to worm it out of him, and when I do [ll tell you all - about it.’’ Not having any particular regard for him or his humor, I mien rather sullenly and made my way aft, where I managed to pass the time. rather badly till tea was announced. As only the mate and I took it together, the meal was not unduly prolonged. . Mr. Murrell—for that was the gentleman’s name—did not make half a dozen remarks all the time we were at the table. Going up on deck, I lit my pipe, heroically resolved to wait patiently till such time as I could with safety make my way to Hayling’s cabin; for you may be sure I was crammed full of curiosity. Slowly the time passed. I saw the mate go forward, and ee after what seemed a considerable period, he came aft again with the captain, Then the two went below, and as I guessed it meant a smoke and a glass of grog, I made my way-to Hayling’s room. He was evidently awaiting me, for the door opened immediately to my knock, and when he saw me he seemed rather relieved. ‘“ Glad you’ve come, old man,’’ he said, gripping my hand in his hearty fashion. Then instantly, somewhat to my surprise, he locked the door and drew the curtain over it. EComichbooks.co —— 2