Beadle's Dime Novels No. 94: The Mad Skipper — page 37: what you’re looking at

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

PLOTTING. .... 39 to the deck, soon after, and in a few words he related to them what had happened. “ You are a good, faithful friend, Joe,” cried Frank, grasp- ing his hand; “ but you must never again get yoursélf into trouble on my account,” “Nor on mine,” said Ben. “ Them heathens won’t ever forget what’s happened, and will have a grudge against you from this day. Hows’ever, there’s three of us now, witnout counting the steward and captain. We can’t do much against so many, it’s true, but if each of us keeps his Ww eather-cye open, we can be prepared at any rate. By the way,’ he con- tinued, “you needn’t have borrowed trouble about such a Small matter as a pan and spoons, as I have several in my chest. I'll go and get ’em at once.” He did so, and the three, seated upon the carpenter’s bench, were soon enjoying their meal. — When it was finished, they walked forward, and taking seats upon the windlass, commenced to smoke, Ben having furnished pipes and tobacco. The New-Zealanders, who were now reclining about the deck, enjoying their wooden “ meer- schaums,” did not scem to notice the dwarf, but old Ben, who watched them keenly, thought he could detect an angry flash in their downcast eyes whenever the Portuguese spoke. “They ain't forgotten what's happened, depend upon it,” he said, in a whisper to Frank, “and unless I am much mis- taken, they'll show their spite against our little friend here before long.” “They shall not harm a hair of his head,” returned Frank, “as long as I have power to defend him. If we only had arms—a pistol or two, for instance—” “T have an old shot-gun in my chest,” interrupted eh: “together with a little ammunition. I will go below at once and get it ready; for itll come in use in a short time, un- less ’'m much mistaken.” . He had scarcely quitted the deck, when several of the islanders arose, and moving to the weather-rail, seemed to hold a whispering consultation, now and then directing a side glance toward the two men seated upon windlass. They Were soon joined by others, when their conversation became -more animated. Ominous screeches and angry exclamations COnnicloookxs.Corn