I rose slowly, and, with the customary malignity of one rudely wakened from sleep, began to feel a grim satisfaction in seeing my messmate robbed of his repose in turn.
“Cold pig?” suggested Smith.
“No, no; don’t,” I said. “It makes the place so wet.”
“All right. Come here, then.”
I was about to join him, when the peculiar vibration going on made me turn sharply to Smith.
“Hallo!” I said.
“What’s the matter?”
“Under steam again?”
“Yes. Orders came soon after daylight, and we’re going south with our tail between our legs. Skipper seems to think it’s of no use trying any longer; and you mark my words, as soon as we’re gone those beggars will come out of their creeks and begin murdering and burning every trading vessel they can catch.”
“I am sorry,” I said, as I recalled my interview with the captain.