If Jones was serious, Jack was much more so when he made his statement, which he did in straightforward British sailor’s English.
CHAPTER XVI.
JACK AND THE MUTINEERS.
“Obedience every work combines,
Diffuses to each part
That ardour which the mind refines,
Expands and mends the heart.”
Dibdin.
been a-going on for some little len’th o’ time, your honour,” said Jones. “Me and my messmates took little heed o’t for a time, thinkin’ it were only Scrivings’ bombast, ’cause ye see, sir, he’s only a blessed mouth of a fellow arter all.”
“Ha!” interrupted MʻHearty, “that fellow is one of your pressed men, isn’t he?”
“Yes,” said Jack; “the ringleader of the smugglers, and a bold, bad man.”