‘I trust,’ said I, my feigned air of carelessness vanishing before the real consternation that was now active in me, ‘that the sailors will not obstruct my earnest desire for the lady’s sake, as well as for my own, to make for Rio as promptly as possible. Miss Temple and I have met with some cruel experiences, and we are as badly off even now, aboard this smart little barque, as we were in the wreck from which you rescued us. In God’s name, Mr. Lush, let there be no unreasonable hindrance to our speedy arrival at a port whence we may take shipping for home.’
‘I have said,’ he responded in his sulkiest manner, ‘that it ain’t a question for one man nor for two men, but for all hands.’
I witnessed stubbornness that was to be easily developed into insolence strong in the ruffian’s face, and bit my lip to silence my tongue. After a short pause I said: ‘I observe that the decks have not been washed down.’
‘No; that’s right. They han’t been washed down.’
‘When is the body of the captain to be buried?’
‘He is buried,’ he answered; and then went on, as though perceiving that some explanation was necessary: ‘No good in keeping a human corpse aboard ship. ‘Tain’t lucky. ‘Tain’t lucky, even if so be as it’s the human corpse of a good man; but when it comes to the body of the likes of him‘—— He spat over the rail. ‘He was rolled up in canvas and dropped overboard two hours since.’
‘A dog’s funeral!’ said I, betwixt my teeth.
‘A dog’s funeral’s all that the best sailor must expect; the treatment of a dog when he’s alive, and a mongrel’s burial when he’s dead.’
‘Well, I’m here to relieve you,’ said I. ‘Wilkins will bring my breakfast on deck.’
‘All right,’ he answered. ‘Suppose we call it nine o’clock for the council that’s to be held?’