There was another ejaculation uttered upon that rough ledge of rock, and it was uttered by Aleck, in the form of the one word:
“Eben!”
The man gave forth a hoarse cry, sprang upon him, and pinned him by the shoulders against the rock, panting breathlessly the while as if exhausted by previous exertions, while his lips were drawn back from his white teeth and he wore generally the aspect of some savage bunted beast at bay.
“Don’t!” cried Aleck, angrily, dragging at the man’s wrists as he noted his fierce looks; “you hurt. Let go. Why, I thought the press-gang had taken you right away?”
“Did yer?” growled the man, breathlessly, through his set teeth, while his dark eyes seemed to glitter. “Then you see they haven’t. What are you doing here?”
“Having the skin rubbed off the back of my head, I think,” cried Aleck, struggling to get free. “Be quiet! Are you mad?”
“’Most,” panted the man, tightening his grasp.
“But you’ll have me off the ledge here if you don’t mind.”
“Yes, and then you’ll tell no tales,” growled the man, in a hoarse whisper, for he was recovering his breath.
“What about?” said Aleck, uneasily, for the man’s manner was terrible in its intensity.