“No, my lord,” said the bluff man, as Jem rose up, shook his head, and stood by Don.
The men laughed.
“You coward!” cried Don in hot anger; “but you shall all suffer for it. My uncle will set the law to work, and have you all punished.”
“Really, this is growing serious,” said the bluff man in mock alarm.
“You will find it no laughing matter. You have made a mistake this time; so now let us go at once.”
“Well, I would with pleasure, my noble captain,” said the bluff man, with mock solemnity; “but his Majesty is in sore need just now of some dashing young fellows who can fight; and he said to our first lieutenant, ‘short of men, Mr Morrison? Dear me, are you? Well then, the best thing you can do is to send round Bristol city, and persuade a few of the brave and daring young fellows there to come on board my good ship Great Briton, and help me till I’ve settled my quarrel with my enemies,’ so we have persuaded you.”
“You are adding insult to what you have done, sir. Now let us pass. You and your miserable press-gang shall smart for this. Stand aside, sir.”
“What, after taking all this trouble? Hardly.”
“Here, I’m all right again now, Mas’ Don. Press-gang, eh?” cried Jem. “Here, let me get at him.”
Jem made a dash at the bluff man, but his arms were seized, and he was held back, struggling hard.