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Read Ebook: The Blockade Runners by Verne Jules D Anvers N Translator
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Ebook has 550 lines and 20393 words, and 11 pages
"It shall be as you wish, nephew."
"It is settled, then, Uncle?"
"Settled!"
"Shall it be kept quiet?"
"Yes; better so."
GETTING UNDER SAIL
However, this prospect hindered no one; the pay was good, and everyone had a share in the speculation, so that a great number of the finest sailors soon presented themselves. James Playfair was only embarrassed which to choose, but he chose well, and in twenty-four hours his muster-roll bore the names of thirty sailors who would have done honour to her Majesty's yacht.
When he had reached the Captain, he looked fixedly at him, and said, "Captain James Playfair?"
"The same," replied the skipper. "What do you want with me?"
"To join your ship."
"There is no room; the crew is already complete."
"Oh, one man, more or less, will not be in the way; quite the contrary."
"You think so?" said James Playfair, giving a sidelong glance at his questioner.
"I am sure of it," replied the sailor.
"But who are you?" asked the Captain.
"A rough sailor, with two strong arms, which, I can tell you, are not to be despised on board a ship, and which I now have the honour of putting at your service."
"I do not want you."
"There is always need of a strong man, and if to prove my strength you will try me with three or four of the strongest fellows of your crew, I am ready."
"That will do," replied James Playfair. "And what is your name?"
"Crockston, at your service."
The Captain made a few steps backwards in order to get a better view of the giant who presented himself in this odd fashion. The height, the build, and the look of the sailor did not deny his pretensions to strength.
"Where have you sailed?" asked Playfair of him.
"A little everywhere."
"Yes; and that is what tempts me."
"Ah, well! I have no mind to let a fellow of your stamp escape me. Go and find the first mate, and get him to enrol you."
Having said this, the Captain expected to see the man turn on his heels and run to the bows, but he was mistaken. Crockston did not stir.
"Well! did you hear me?" asked the Captain.
"Yes, but it is not all," replied the sailor. "I have something else to ask you."
"Ah! You are wasting my time," replied James, sharply; "I have not a moment to lose in talking."
"I shall not keep you long," replied Crockston; "two words more and that is all; I was going to tell you that I have a nephew."
"He has a fine uncle, then," interrupted James Playfair.
"Hah! Hah!" laughed Crockston.
"Have you finished?" asked the Captain, very impatiently.
"Well, this is what I have to say, when one takes the uncle, the nephew comes into the bargain."
"Ah! indeed!"
"Yes, that is the custom, the one does not go without the other."
"And what is this nephew of yours?"
"A lad of fifteen whom I am going to train to the sea; he is willing to learn, and will make a fine sailor some day."
"Don't let us speak ill of cabin-boys: there was one of them who became Admiral Nelson, and another Admiral Franklin."
"Upon my honour, friend," replied James Playfair, "you have a way of speaking which I like; bring your nephew, but if I don't find the uncle the hearty fellow he pretends to be, he will have some business with me. Go, and be back in an hour."
"Come," said he, "don't be frightened, they are not going to eat us, besides, there is yet time to return."
"No, no," replied the young man, "and may God protect us!"
The next morning, at five o'clock, the fires of the steamer were well fed, the deck trembled under the vibrations of the boiler, and the steam rushed hissing through the escape-pipes. The hour of departure had arrived.
A considerable crowd, in spite of the early hour, flocked on the quays and on Glasgow Bridge; they had come to salute the bold steamer for the last time. Vincent Playfair was there to say good-bye to Captain James, but he conducted himself on this occasion like a Roman of the good old times. His was a heroic countenance, and the two loud kisses with which he gratified his nephew were the indication of a strong mind.
"Go, James," said he to the young Captain, "go quickly, and come back quicker still; above all, don't abuse your position. Sell at a good price, make a good bargain, and you will have your uncle's esteem."
On this recommendation, borrowed from the manual of the perfect merchant, the uncle and nephew separated, and all the visitors left the boat.
At this moment Crockston and John Stiggs stood together on the forecastle, while the former remarked to his nephew, "This is well, this is well; before two o'clock we shall be at sea, and I have a good opinion of a voyage which begins like this."
For reply the novice pressed Crockston's hand.
James Playfair then gave the orders for departure.
"Have we pressure on?" he asked of his mate.
"Yes, Captain," replied Mr. Mathew.
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