Please, sir, stammered Peekins meekly, I didnt mean no arm, sir, but you see, sir, his face was so drefful fierce, and he looked sich a wild
Boy, are you mad? interrupted Mr Denham, advancing and seizing the tiger by his blue collar; what are you talking about? Now, answer my question at once, else Ill shake the little life you have out of your body. Did any sailor-like man call at the office this afternoon?
Oh, sir, yes, sir,IIthought he was drunk and wouldnt let im in, sir; hes bin a standin stampin at the door for more than
The end of the sentence was cut short by Mr Denham suddenly ejecting the boy from the room and shouting, Let him in!
In a few seconds a heavy tread was heard in the outer office, and the boy ushered in a tall young man, of unusually large proportions, with extremely broad shoulders, and apparently about twenty-three years of age, whose rough pilot-coat, wide pantaloons, and glazed hat bespoke him a sailor. His countenance was flushed, and an angry frown contracted his brow as he strode into the room, pulled off his hat and stood before the head of the house of Denham, Crumps, and Company.
I beg pardon, sir, began the sailor, somewhat sharply, yet without disrespect, when I am asked to come
Yes, yes, Bax, interposed Mr Denham, I know what you would say. Pray calm yourself. It is a pity you should have been kept waiting outside, but the fact is that my boy is a new one, and apparently he is destitute of common sense. Sit down. I sent for you to say that I wish you to take the Nancy to Liverpool. You will be ready to start at once, no doubt
Before the schooner is overhauled? inquired Bax, in surprise.
Of course, said Denham, stiffly; I see no occasion for another overhaul. That schooner will cost us more than she is worth if we go on repairing at the rate we have been doing the last two years.
She needs it all, sir, rejoined Bax, earnestly. The fact is, Mr Denham, I feel it to be my duty to tell you that there aint a sound plank or timber in her from stem to stern, and Im pretty sure that if she costs you money, shes likely to cost me and the men aboard of her our lives. I strongly advise you to strike her off the books, and get a new one.
Mr Bax, said Denham, pompously, you are too young a man to offer your advice unless it is asked. I believe the engineer employed by me to examine into the condition of my vessels is quite competent to judge in these matters, and I have unbounded confidence in him. When I placed you in command of the Nancy, I meant you to navigate, not to criticise her; but if you are afraid to venture
Afraid! cried the young sailor, reddening. Is anxiety about the lives of your men and the safety of your property to be called fear? I am willing to sail in the Nancy as long as a plank of her will hold to her ribs, but
Bax paused and bit his lip, as if to keep back words which had better not be spoken.
Well, then, rejoined Mr Denham, affecting to disregard the pause, let me hear no more about repairs. When these require to be done, they shall be done. Meanwhile, go and make preparation to sail by the morning tides which serves aboutwhat hour, think you?
Flood at half after six, said Bax, curtly.
Very well, come up here at half-past five, one of the clerks will see you. You will have to run down to Dover in the first place, and when there my agent will give you further instructions. Good afternoon!
Bax rose and quitted the room with a stern Good day, sir.
As he passed through the outer office he was arrested by one of the clerks laying a hand on his shoulder.
Well, Mr Foster, said Bax, a bright smile chasing the frown from his face, it seems were to swim if we can, or sink if we cant this winter;but what want ye with me?
You are to call me Guy, not Mister Foster, said the lad, gaily. I want to know where you are to be found after six this evening.
At the Three Jolly Tars, answered Bax, clapping on his glazed hat.
All right, Ill look you up. Good-day.
Guy Foster, shouted Mr Denham from the inner room.
Yes, uncle, and in another moment the youth was standing, pen in hand, in the august presence of his relative, who regarded him with a cold stare of displeasure.
There could scarcely have been conceived a stronger contrast in nature than that which existed between the starched, proud, and portly uncle, and the tall, handsome, and hearty young nephew, whose age was scarcely twenty years.
How often am I to tell you, sir, said Mr Denham, that yes, uncle, is much too familiar and unbusinesslike a phrase to be used in this office in the hearing of your fellow-clerks?
I beg pardon, uncle, Im sure I had no intention of
There, that will do, I want no apology, I want obedience and attention to my expressed wishes. I suppose that you expect to get away for a few days holiday?
Well, unc, sir, I mean, if it is quite convenient I should
It is not quite convenient, interrupted the uncle. It cannot possibly, at any time, be convenient to dispense with the services of a clerk in a house where no supernumeraries are kept to talk slang and read the newspapers. I see no reason whatever in young men in ordinary health expecting as a right, two or three weeks leave each year without deduction of salary. I never go to the country or to the sea-side from one years end to the other.
Youd be much the better for it if you did, uncle, interposed Guy.
That, sir, retorted Denham with emphasis, is your opinion, and you will allow me to say that it is erroneous, as most of your opinions, I am sorry to find, are. I find that no change is necessary for my health. I am in better condition than many who go to Margate every summer. I thrive on town air, sir, and on city life.
There was much truth in these observations. The worthy merchant did indeed seem to enjoy robust health, and there could be no question that, as far as physical appearances went, he did thrive on high living, foul air, and coining money. Tallow and tar sent forth delicious odours to him, and thick smoke was pleasant to his nostrils, for he dealt largely in coal, and all of these, with many kindred substances, were productive of the one great end and object of his lifegold.
However, pursued Mr Denham, leaning back on the mantle-piece, as the tyrannical customs of society cannot be altogether set at nought, I suppose I must let you go.
Thank you, unc sir, said Guy, who, having been chained to the desk in the office of Redwharf Lane for the last eleven months, felt his young heart bounding wildly within him at the prospect of visiting, even for a brief period, his mothers cottage on the coast of Kent.
You have no occasion to thank me, retorted Mr Denham; you are indebted entirely to the tyrannical customs and expectations of society for the permission. Good-bye, you may convey my respects to your mother.
I will, sir.
Have you anything further to say? asked Mr Denham, observing that the youth stood looking perplexedly at the ground, and twirling his watch-key.
Yes, uncle, I have, answered Guy, plucking up courage. The fact isthat, is to sayyou know that wrecks are very common off the coast of Kent.