“Oakum!” exclaimed Dutch, taking his knee from the prostrate man’s chest.
“I ain’t quite sure yet,” said the old fellow. “It was me—what them warmint had left; but you’ve most squeezed out the little bit of breath as I had.”
“My good fellow,” exclaimed the captain, “I’m very glad you’ve escaped. Are you wounded?”
“I’m blessed if I know, capen,” growled the old fellow, rising and shaking himself. “I’m precious sore all over and pumped out, but I can’t feel any holes in my carkidge as yet. How’s everyone here?”
“Unhurt at present,” was the reply.
“Got the ladies safe?”
“Yes.”
“That’s a blessing,” muttered the old fellow.
“But who has been killed?” whispered Dutch in a low voice.
“Well, that’s about what I was a-going to ask you, gentlemen,” said Oakum. “Far as I can make out, there’s the whole of the watch. Bob Lennie—”