Robert Michael Ballantyne - The Battery and the Boiler: Adventures in Laying of Submarine Electric Cables стр 15.

Robin, said Slagg doubtingly, dyou expect me for to believe that?

Indeed I do, said Robin simply.

Then youre greener than I took you for. No offence meant, but its my opinion some o these cute electricians has bin tryin the width of your swallow.

No, you are mistaken, returned Robin earnestly; I have read the fact in many books. The books differ in their opinions as to the causes and nature of the fact, but not as to the fact itself.

It was evident that Robin looked upon this as an unanswerable argument, and his friend seemed perplexed.

Well, I don know how it is, he said, after a pause, but I do believe that this here wonderful electricity is fit for amost anything, an that well have it revoloosionising everything afore longI do indeed.

The intelligent reader who has noted the gigantic strides which we have recently made in electric lighting of late will observe that Slagg, unwittingly, had become almost prophetic at this time.

Were going along splendidly now, said Mr Smith, coming up to Robin that evening while he was conversing with Slagg, who immediately retired.Who is that youth? He seems very fond of you; Ive observed that he makes up to you whenever you chance to be on deck together.

He is one of the stewards lads, sir; I met him accidentally in the train; but I suspect the fondness is chiefly on my side. He was very kind to me when I first came on board, and I really think he is an intelligent, good fellowa strange mixture of self-confidence and humility. Sometimes, to hear him speak, you would think he knew everything; but at the same time he is always willingindeed anxiousto listen and learn. He is a capital fighter too.

Here Robin related the battle in the boys berth, when Slagg thrashed Stumps, whereat Mr Smith was much amused.

So he seems a peculiar ladmodest, impudent, teachable, kindly, and warlike! Come below now, Robin, I have some work for you. Did you make the calculations I gave you yesterday?

Yes, sir, and they corresponded exactly with your own.

Good. Go fetch my little note-book: I left it in the grand saloon on the furthest aft seat, port side.

Robin found the magnificent saloon of the big ship ringing with music and conversation. Joy over the recent restoration to health of the ailing cable, the comfortable stability of the ship in rough weather, and the satisfactory progress then being made, all contributed to raise the spirits of every one connected with the great work, so that, while some were amusing themselves at the piano, others were scattered about in little groups, discussing the profounder mysteries of electric science, or prophesying the speedy completion of the enterprise, while a few were speculating on the probability of sport in Newfoundland, or planning out journeys through the United States.

Theres lots of game, Im told, in Newfoundland, said one of the youthful electricians, whose ruling passionnext to the subtle fluidwas the gun.

So Ive been told, replied an elder and graver comrade. Polar bears are quite common in the woods, and it is said that walrus are fond of roosting in the trees.

Yes, I have heard so, returned the youthful sportsman, who, although young, was not to be caught with chaff, and the fishing, I hear, is also splendid. Salmon and cod are found swarming in the rivers by those who care for mild occupation, while really exciting sport is to be had in the great lakes of the interior, where there are plenty of fresh-water whales that take the fly.

The swan, you mean, said another comrade. The fly that is most killing among Newfoundland whales is a swan fastened whole to a shark hookthough a small boats anchor will do if you havent the right tackle.

Come, dont talk nonsense, but lets have a song! said a brother electrician to the sporting youth.

I never sing, he replied, except when hurt, and then I sing out. But see, our best musician has just seated himself at the instrument.

I dont talk shop, Nimrod; call it the piano.

Most of those present drew towards the musical corner, where Ebenezer Smith, having just entered the saloon in search of Robin, had been prevailed on to sit down and enliven the company. Robin, who had been delayed by difficulty in finding the note-book, stopped to listen.

Smith had a fair average voice and a vigorous manner.

You wouldnt object to hear the cooks last? asked Smith, running his fingers lightly over the keys.

Of course notgo on, chorused several voices.

I had no idea, lisped a simple youth, who was one of a small party of young gentlemen interested in engineering and science, who had been accommodated with a passage,I had no idea that our cook was a poet as well as an admirable chef de cuisine.

Oh, its not our cook he means, explained the sporting electrician; Mr Smith refers to a certain sea-cookor his son, Im not sure whichwho is chef des horse-marines.

Is there a chorus? asked one.

Of course there is, replied Smith; a sea-song without a chorus is like a kite without a tailit is sure to fall flat, but the chorus is an old and well-known oneit is only the song that is new. Now then, clear your throats, gentlemen.

The plaudits with which this song was received were, it need scarcely be remarked, due more to the vigour of the chorus and the enthusiasm of the audience than to intrinsic merit. Even Robin Wright was carried off his legs for the moment, and, modest though he was, broke in at the chorus with such effecthis voice being shrill and clearthat, he unintentionally outyelled all the rest, and would have fled in consternation from the saloon if he had not been caught and forcibly detained by the sporting electrician, who demanded what right he had to raise his steam-whistle in that fashion.