Beadle's Dime Novels No. 94: The Mad Skipper — page 60: what you’re looking at

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

62 : THE MAD SKIPPER. . The men took their places, and went to work. The boat was steered in many different directions, but no sign of the ship was seen, and the weary sexmen were again allowed to— rest. Another sea-biscuit and a draught of water were given to each; a scanty dinner afterso much hard work. “No use pulling any more,” said the officer of the boat; “only tire out for nothing. Bes’ wait here until de fog clear. T’ink dat happen before ‘de las’ cracker eat up. How many more in de bag ?” “ Twelve,” answered Ben—*“ just enough for two meals more. There is water enough for three drinks apiece.” He noticed that the eyes of the New-Zealanders were now turned upon the bag with a fierce, hungry gleam, like that seen in the blazing orbs of half-starved tigers. They smacked their lips and showed their white teeth, in an angry, impa- tient manner, on seeing him return the provisions to the box under the bow. Soon after, one of them seen whispered to the second mate, the latter ordered Ben to give him the bag. “Take care of biscuit myself,’ he continued; “’fraid you - take some out of bag at night, when Kanaka no see.” “No!” exclaimed the old tar, his cheeks flushing angrily ; “you don't think any thing of the sort; you know very well that I wouldn’t be guilty of such a rascally trick as that,” “ Bes’ give me de bag.” “Tt is better where it is. It will get wet on your side of the boat. “ No Vink so; mus’ have it.” “Hi! hi!” gritted one of the other islanders, “ mus’ have it; mus’ have some more eat.” “Dat so!” cried the second mate, “ we want more eat.” “You can have your share, if you like,” answered Ben, “and can either eat it now, or save it for the two next meals.” “ Mus’ have all!” yelled the three islanders, simultaneous! sly: “JT won't consent to that; it would be unfair,” retorted Ben. : “ Who officer of dis boat ?—you or me ?” exclaimed Amoki. “That makes go sort of difference. Your being the officer doesn’t make things right when they are wroagil!icnooks.com