He had only a greatcoat secured by a single button about his shoulders over his night-dress, and on his feet an old pair of carpet slippers4. Sallie darted5 a blazing glance of indignation at Jasper Slyne who, instead of helping6 the sick old man, seemed only bent7 on aggravating8 him with his evil tongue.
"You coward!" she cried at that immaculate gentleman, and would have gone to the old man's aid but that he angrily waved her also aside as he tottered9 forward, changing his scowl10 by the way to that sleek11, benevolent12 smile which he could always assume at his pleasure.
A slow silence followed on the low, suspicious rumble13 of voices with which the mutineers had greeted his most unexpected appearance. They had, of course, supposed him physically14 incapable15 of further interference with them and their plans. But, as it was, he did not look very dangerous in his grotesque16 dishabille.
As he reached the rail, Reuben Yoxall stepped to one side, touching17 his cap in his customary salute18. Slyne had halted a couple of paces behind, and Sallie, too, had drawn19 back. Captain Dove stood alone at the top of the stairway, in the forefront of the little group there, and looked contemplatively down at the men who, he knew very well, would listen to no appeal of his for his life. From his placid20, benign21 demeanour then he might have been inspecting a Sunday-school.
His features were in themselves of an unctuous22 cast, smooth, flat, snub-nosed, clean-shaven as a rule, except for a straggling fringe of whisker. His white hair and weak, winking23 eyes added to his smugly sanctimonious24 expression. He was squat25 of build, unduly26 short in the legs and long of arm. And, altogether, he cut no very dashing figure in his ridiculous garments, one sleeve of his coat hanging limp and empty, the arm that should have filled it lying across his chest in a sling27, his chin disfigured by a week's growth of stubble, his whiskers all unkempt.
But it had never been by his gallant28 presence that he had held to heel the cut-throats who composed his crew, and, even then, when they had him before them helpless, a certain target for their loaded rifles, not one of them seized the immediate29 opportunity.
He steadied himself with his free hand on the rail of the narrow stairway, and so stepped downward among them. Still no one else moved. It may have been that his almost inhuman30 daring daunted31 them in spite of themselves. But Sallie, in the background, was holding her breath. She knew he was courting a bloody32 death, and feared he would meet it there, before her shrinking eyes. That tragedy and all its unspeakable consequences were literally33 hanging on a hair-trigger.
He reached the level below, still smiling blandly34, and, letting go the rail, shuffled35 forward, slowly but steadily36 enough, his slippers flapping at his heels with ludicrous effect. Two or three of the men confronting him stepped to one side, gave him free passage into the throng37, and closed in again behind him. He took no notice of anyone, but held on his way till he reached the ladder which led from the break of the poop to the quarter-deck.
He climbed that at his leisure, panting a little, his back toward them. They had faced about and were following his every movement with malevolent38 eyes. A single shot would have made a quick end of him, but no shot was fired. And, at the top of the ladder, he turned to speak.
"I'll send Mr. Hobson aft to issue your ammunition39," he said, in a voice without any tremor40 of weakness. "Get two full bandoliers, each of you, and then file forward again while the others come aft for theirs."
And with that, leaving them to their own reflections, agape, absolutely dumfounded by his audacity41, he made his way up on to the bridge, the skirts of his night-dress fluttering from under the shorter length of his heavy coat.
They fell to whispering among themselves, excited and distrustful. They had only a few loose rounds for their rifles, and Captain Dove alone knew how the ship's magazine might safely be entered. It would undoubtedly42 have cost some of them their lives to force that secret. No one of them would be willing to sacrifice himself for the common cause, and Captain Dove's unlooked-for concession43 of their chief need had no doubt mystified them altogether.
Hobson, the second mate, came aft a few minutes later, a beetle-browed, foxy-looking fellow, with a furtive44 smile of encouragement for his accomplices45. At a sign from him they unshipped the hatches. He disappeared into the hold, a bunch of keys dangling46 from one wrist, and presently shouted up some order, in terms much more polite than he had lately been in the habit of using, to them at least. A chain of living links was promptly47 formed from the magazine, and packed bandoliers, passed rapidly from hand to hand, soon reached its farther end. The men grinned meaningly at each other as they slung48 the web belts crosswise over their shoulders. For with these they were still more absolutely masters of the situation.
Reuben Yoxall, back at his dangerous post by the stairway, was watching them no less narrowly than before. It seemed the sheerest madness on Captain Dove's part to have disclosed to their ringleader the secret of the magazine, and no one could tell at what moment they might now assume the offensive. The sun was already dipping behind the sea-rim.
"We've changed our course," Sallie said to him in a puzzled whisper, and he nodded silently. The Olive Branch was heading inshore. The outline of the coast had grown clearer under the last of the evening light. Here and there against its smudgy-brown background showed dark green blots49 that were mangroves or clumps50 of palm. A thin, white ribbon of surf was distinctly visible on the distant beach.
Captain Dove was at the starboard extremity51 of the bridge, his binoculars52 at his eyes. He laid them down, and pointed53 out to the third mate, at his elbow, some landmark54 directly ahead. Then he climbed carefully down to the quarter-deck and began to make his way aft again. Behind him, rifles in hand, came creeping another strong contingent55 of his strangely numerous crew. Half a dozen of those nearest him had drawn and fixed56 the long sword-bayonet each wore at his hip2.
The old man in greatcoat and slippers paused at the after-rail of the quarter-deck. The bayonets were almost at his shoulder blades. But the three anxious onlookers57 aft could not even warn him of that additional danger, to which he seemed quite oblivious58.
The crowd at the open hatch looked round at him, as of one accord, and the bulk turned on their heels towards him, but a few remained facing the three still, silent figures on the poop. Sunset and the final instant of crisis had come together.
From among the men grouped about the hatch one stepped forward, as if to speak. Captain Dove held up his hand and the fellow hesitated, with bent brows. A quick, angry growl59 arose from among his neighbours. But Captain Dove was not to be hurried. He cleared his throat and spat60 indifferently into the scuppers.
"I've a little job ashore61 for you lads to-night," he said then, in a tone audible to all, "a job that'll fill our empty pockets properly—if it's properly carried out. We haven't been so lucky of late that we can afford to lay off just yet. What money there is on board means no more than a few dollars apiece, share and share alike. I know where I can lay my hands on a thousand at least for each of us. If you think that's worth your while, get away forward now to your supper; the others are coming aft for their ammunition."
He ceased abruptly62, and for a moment no one answered him or made any move. He had succeeded in raising their curiosity, and so gained some trifling63 respite64 at least for himself. They were turning over in their dense65 minds, however suspiciously, this new and plausible66 suggestion of his.
It was no news that there was very little money on board, and—they were of a class which always can be led to grasp at the shadow if that looks larger to them than the substance itself. They hesitated—and they were lost. Captain Dove had descended67 among them, and as if the subject were closed, was pushing his way through the gathering68 with a good-humoured, masterful, "Get forward. Get away forward, now."
And they gave way again before him, apparently69 forgetful of their purpose there, quite willing, since they held the power securely in their own hands, to await the outcome of one more night. In the morning, and rich, as he promised, or no worse off if his promise failed, they could just as conveniently close their account with him. As the others came crowding aft, those already possessed70 of bandoliers began to file forward, exchanging rough jokes with their fellows.
Captain Dove addressed a parting remark to them from the poop. "We won't be going ashore till midnight," said he, "and I must get some sleep or I won't be fit for the work we've to do there. I'm sick enough as it is. Get that hatch-cover on again as soon as you can, and keep to your own end of the ship till the time comes. I'll send you forward a hogshead of rum to help it along."
"Ay, ay, sir," a voice answered him cheerily from out of the gathering darkness, and Sallie saw that he almost smiled to himself as he staggered toward the companion-hatch.
There he would have fallen, spent, but that she, at his shoulder, caught hold of him and held him up till Slyne came to her assistance. And they together got him safely below.
"Gimme brandy," he gasped71, as he lay limply back in the chair on which they had set him. His lips were white. His overworked heart had almost failed him under the strain he had put on it.
The stimulant72 still served its purpose, however. He sat up again, revived.
"But that was an uncommon73 close call!" he commented, half to himself. "I felt blind-sure I'd have a bayonet through my back before I could play my last card. And I didn't believe I'd win out even with that. But here I am, and—" He turned to the girl at his side.
"Don't stand there idling, Sallie," he ordered querulously, "when there's so much to be done. Tell Ambrizette to bring me a bull's-eye lantern. Go up and see if the decks are clear yet. Send Reuben Yoxall down to me as soon as they are. And then get ready for going ashore. You'll have to wear something that won't be seen—but take a couple of Arab cloaks in a bundle with you as well."
At that Jasper Slyne spoke74, divided between doubt and anger.
"What devilment have you in your mind now, Dove?" he demanded. "You surely don't mean to—You told me yourself that there's nothing but dangerous desert ashore here."
"Never you mind what I mean to do, Mister Slyne," Captain Dove answered him with a gratified grin, picking up the brandy bottle again. "When I want any advice from you, I'll let you know. And, if I ever ask you again to help me into my clothes, you'll maybe be more obliging next time.
"Dutch courage is cheap enough, Mister Slyne," said the old man tauntingly75. "So I'm going ashore,—into the dangerous desert,—in a few minutes, with Sallie. But there's nothing you need be afraid of, for you're going to stay safe on board."
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1
standing
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| n.持续，地位；adj.永久的，不动的，直立的，不流动的 | |
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hip
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| n.臀部，髋；屋脊 | |
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swell
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| vi.膨胀，肿胀；增长，增强 | |
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slippers
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| n. 拖鞋 | |
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darted
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| v.投掷，投射( dart的过去式和过去分词 )；向前冲，飞奔 | |
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helping
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| n.食物的一份&adj.帮助人的，辅助的 | |
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7
bent
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| n.爱好，癖好；adj.弯的；决心的，一心的 | |
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8
aggravating
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| adj.恼人的，讨厌的 | |
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9
tottered
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| v.走得或动得不稳( totter的过去式和过去分词 )；踉跄；蹒跚；摇摇欲坠 | |
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10
scowl
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| vi.(at)生气地皱眉，沉下脸，怒视；n.怒容 | |
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sleek
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| adj.光滑的，井然有序的；v.使光滑，梳拢 | |
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benevolent
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| adj.仁慈的，乐善好施的 | |
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rumble
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| n.隆隆声；吵嚷；v.隆隆响；低沉地说 | |
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14
physically
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| adj.物质上，体格上，身体上，按自然规律 | |
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incapable
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| adj.无能力的，不能做某事的 | |
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grotesque
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| adj.怪诞的，丑陋的；n.怪诞的图案，怪人（物） | |
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17
touching
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| adj.动人的，使人感伤的 | |
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salute
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| vi.行礼，致意，问候，放礼炮；vt.向…致意，迎接，赞扬；n.招呼，敬礼，礼炮 | |
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19
drawn
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| v.拖，拉，拔出；adj.憔悴的，紧张的 | |
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20
placid
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| adj.安静的，平和的 | |
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benign
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| adj.善良的，慈祥的；良性的，无危险的 | |
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22
unctuous
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| adj.油腔滑调的，大胆的 | |
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23
winking
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| n.瞬眼，目语v.使眼色( wink的现在分词 )；递眼色（表示友好或高兴等）；（指光）闪烁；闪亮 | |
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24
sanctimonious
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| adj.假装神圣的，假装虔诚的，假装诚实的 | |
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25
squat
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| v.蹲坐，蹲下；n.蹲下；adj.矮胖的，粗矮的 | |
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unduly
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| adv.过度地，不适当地 | |
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sling
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| vt.扔；悬挂；n.挂带；吊索，吊兜；弹弓 | |
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28
gallant
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| adj.英勇的，豪侠的；(向女人)献殷勤的 | |
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immediate
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| adj.立即的；直接的，最接近的；紧靠的 | |
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30
inhuman
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| adj.残忍的，不人道的，无人性的 | |
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31
daunted
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| 使（某人）气馁，威吓( daunt的过去式和过去分词 ) | |
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32
bloody
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| adj.非常的的；流血的；残忍的；adv.很；vt.血染 | |
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literally
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| adv.照字面意义，逐字地；确实 | |
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34
blandly
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| adv.温和地，殷勤地 | |
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35
shuffled
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| v.洗（纸牌）( shuffle的过去式和过去分词 )；拖着脚步走；粗心地做；摆脱尘世的烦恼 | |
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36
steadily
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| adv.稳定地；不变地；持续地 | |
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37
throng
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| n.人群，群众；v.拥挤，群集 | |
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38
malevolent
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| adj.有恶意的，恶毒的 | |
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39
ammunition
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| n.军火，弹药 | |
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40
tremor
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| n.震动，颤动，战栗，兴奋，地震 | |
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41
audacity
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| n.大胆，卤莽，无礼 | |
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42
undoubtedly
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| adv.确实地，无疑地 | |
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43
concession
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| n.让步，妥协；特许(权) | |
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44
furtive
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| adj.鬼鬼崇崇的，偷偷摸摸的 | |
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45
accomplices
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| 从犯，帮凶，同谋( accomplice的名词复数 ) | |
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46
dangling
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| 悬吊着( dangle的现在分词 )； 摆动不定； 用某事物诱惑…； 吊胃口 | |
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47
promptly
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| adv.及时地，敏捷地 | |
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48
slung
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| 抛( sling的过去式和过去分词 )； 吊挂； 遣送； 押往 | |
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49
blots
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| 污渍( blot的名词复数 )； 墨水渍； 错事； 污点 | |
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50
clumps
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| n.（树、灌木、植物等的）丛、簇( clump的名词复数 )；（土、泥等）团；块；笨重的脚步声v.（树、灌木、植物等的）丛、簇( clump的第三人称单数 )；（土、泥等）团；块；笨重的脚步声 | |
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51
extremity
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| n.末端，尽头；尽力；终极；极度 | |
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52
binoculars
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| n.双筒望远镜 | |
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53
pointed
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| adj.尖的，直截了当的 | |
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54
landmark
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| n.陆标，划时代的事，地界标 | |
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55
contingent
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| adj.视条件而定的；n.一组，代表团，分遣队 | |
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56
fixed
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| adj.固定的，不变的，准备好的；(计算机)固定的 | |
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57
onlookers
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| n.旁观者，观看者( onlooker的名词复数 ) | |
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58
oblivious
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| adj.易忘的，遗忘的，忘却的，健忘的 | |
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59
growl
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| v.（狗等）嗥叫，（炮等）轰鸣；n.嗥叫，轰鸣 | |
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60
spat
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| n.口角，掌击；v.发出呼噜呼噜声 | |
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61
ashore
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| adv.在(向)岸上，上岸 | |
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62
abruptly
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| adv.突然地，出其不意地 | |
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63
trifling
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| adj.微不足道的；没什么价值的 | |
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64
respite
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| n.休息，中止，暂缓 | |
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dense
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| a.密集的，稠密的，浓密的；密度大的 | |
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66
plausible
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| adj.似真实的，似乎有理的，似乎可信的 | |
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67
descended
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| a.为...后裔的，出身于...的 | |
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68
gathering
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| n.集会，聚会，聚集 | |
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69
apparently
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| adv.显然地；表面上，似乎 | |
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70
possessed
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| adj.疯狂的；拥有的，占有的 | |
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71
gasped
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| v.喘气( gasp的过去式和过去分词 )；喘息；倒抽气；很想要 | |
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72
stimulant
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| n.刺激物，兴奋剂 | |
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73
uncommon
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| adj.罕见的，非凡的，不平常的 | |
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74
spoke
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| n.（车轮的）辐条；轮辐；破坏某人的计划；阻挠某人的行动 v.讲，谈（speak的过去式）；说；演说；从某种观点来说 | |
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75
tauntingly
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| 嘲笑地，辱骂地； 嘲骂地 | |
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