Middy and Ensign

by George Manville Fenn

This was in regard to some Malays who were showing themselves menacingly on the edge of the river; but the moment they saw that the marines’ rifles were directed at them they ran to cover, and the cutter was soon alongside of the steamer, the falls were hooked on, and the boat swung by the davits, her mission being at an end.

Two anchors had been carried some distance out, steam got up, and with the screw going at high pressure and men at work at the capstan, every effort was being made to get the vessel out of her unpleasant position, but in vain.

Lieutenant Johnson heard the message brought by Gray, and then pointed to what was being done.

“I am making every effort,” he said rather angrily. “Does Captain Smithers think I want to stay in this disgraceful position? You can tell him, though, that if I can get free I shall divide my time between chasing these rascally prahus and lying where he suggests.”

The efforts went on, the men hauling and straining on the anchors, and the steam going furiously, but all in vain; the vessel would not move.

Then another plan was tried; all the ship’s company were sent to one side of the bulwarks, and then run across to the other, to give a swaying motion to the vessel, so as to loosen the keel in the deep mud; but though the careening was effected, the steamer could not be moved, either ahead or astern.

Then the last plan was tried again, with the addition of the guns being run all over to the port-side, but still there was no change; and Lieutenant Johnson’s brow knit with annoyance as he more fully realised the fact that they would be lying in that helpless position when the captain returned.

“The disgrace is enough to kill me, Roberts,” he exclaimed.

“Let’s set every sail, sir,” said the middy; “there’s a nice breeze coming down the river now, and that may send her over nearly upon her beam-ends.”

“Yes!” exclaimed the lieutenant eagerly; and the order being given, the men ran up aloft, and sail after sail was lowered, Ali standing with folded arms watching the proceedings, and then turning to lean upon the bulwark and gaze down the river.