“We’ll soon make you of some use. There, get up.”
“But aren’t we soon going ashore?”
“If you behave yourself you may get a run ashore at the Cape or at Singapore; but most likely you won’t leave the ship till we get to China.”
“China?” said Jem, sitting up sharply. “China?”
“Yes, China. What of that?”
“China!” cried Jem. “Why, I thought we were sailing round to Plymouth or Portsmouth, or some place like that. China?”
“We’re going straight away or China, my lad, to be on that station for some time.”
“And when are we coming back, sir?”
“In about three years.”
“Mas’ Don,” said Jem, dolefully; “let’s get up on deck, sir, and jump overboard, so as to make an end of it.”