Bill gripped Osceola’s arm. “Let’s get out of this bedlam,” he shouted. “The skipper is sure to be on the bridge—come along!”
147
Diving across the ship they ran forward on the opposite deck and up the stair to the bridge. Baron2 von Hiemskirk stood with a pair of night glasses trained on the stranger across the water. Near him a group of white uniformed ship’s officers conversed3 in whispers. He lowered the binoculars4 as Bill and Osceola approached and rendered them a stiff salute5.
“Good evening again, gentlemen. Thank you for your promptness. Chief Osceola, I want you and Lieutenant6 Schneider to go aft and quiet that rabble7. Explain to the passengers that there is no cause for alarm. Tell them also in my name that unless they go at once to their cabins, they will be sent there forcibly.”
148
“Now, gentlemen,” continued the Baron, “as several of you already know, I have been aware for some time that we were overhauling9 that ship we see out there. Had she obeyed our signals and those of the Flying Fish, there would have been no need to waste shell fire on her. You will be interested to learn that she is the Blake of Cardiff, loaded with twenty-five hundred tons of coal—enough to keep us going for a week at good speed, or two weeks at low speed. Tomorrow morning, we will start coaling, and for the next few days, every one of us will be especially busy. Those of you who are not on duty, will please me by turning in at once, and getting a good night’s rest. Good night, gentlemen.”
Back in his cabin, Bill undressed and got into bed. He was lying there, with the lights burning, thinking over the day’s events, when Osceola came in.
He tossed his cap on the lounge, and began to unbutton his blouse. “Well, we got the sheep herded10 into their respective barns. Did you find out anything about that ship?”
“It will be interesting to find out how they work it at sea, especially when we’ve got at least one warship12 on our trail.”
149
“I don’t think the Baron’s worrying about the Stamford. We’ve changed our course at least twice in the last few hours. It’s a big ocean, Osceola.”
“Guess so. And some queer people on it. The noble Baron makes me laugh. He’s probably the greatest thief unhung, yet he purposely chatted with us and the other officers after dinner, on the side of the deck away from this collier, so that we would go to bed early and get a good night’s rest.”
“He’s an odd beggar, all right,” yawned Bill. “Switch off the light, and hop13 into that bed of yours, big boy, or I’ll be talking in my sleep.”
150
A steward14 called them at five next morning. By five-thirty they had dressed in uniform cap and dungarees, breakfasted and were out on deck. The collier was now steaming slowly alongside the big liner. The ships were kept together by a hawser15 across the lips of the Amtonia’s bows, supplemented by a few lines across her poop; and a speed of two miles an hour was being maintained by both vessels16. This kept their noses together. It also gave them a certain steadiness in the choppy sea that ran this morning. Above all, it kept the pirate ship constantly prepared, steamed up in readiness to dash away in case an enemy cruiser appeared. The lads noted17 that at each of the cables which held the vessels together, a man was stationed, ax in hand, to cut the strands18 should the emergency arise.
Bill and Osceola soon found that preparations for coaling on the high seas had already been made. Through the decks of the Amtonia the carpenters had cut large circular holes, one directly beneath the other. In these openings, ship’s ventilator tubes were at that moment being inserted. They were then spliced19 together in such a manner that coal dumped on to the deck merely had to be pushed into the tubes to slide swiftly down into the bunkers.
151
Three temporary derricks had been erected20, one fore21, another amidships, and one aft, all electrically equipped. Bill was presently put in charge of the fore derrick, while Osceola crossed over to the collier, where he helped to superintend the loading of sacks and baskets with coal. These when filled were transferred from the Blake’s derricks to those of the liner, in midair. The coal was then unloaded on the Amtonia’s deck and shoveled22 into the tubes by the crew.
As the sun grew higher, the weather became increasingly hotter. So hot was this work of coaling that the men were soon working clad only in pantaloons, cut short like boys’ trousers, or even in tights. There were no feminine eyes about, for all passengers were being kept below, so that occasionally the scanty23 loincloths were cast aside and the men worked naked. Covered from head to foot with sweat and coal dust, they soon looked like gangs of negroes. The officers fared quite as badly, for, though they were spared manual labor24 and so did not discard their uniforms, they soon became as grimy as the men and fully25 as uncomfortable.
152
Work was carried forward night and day, in alternate watches. To Bill it became a nightmare of heat and sweat and coal dust. The ship, usually so immaculate, took on the appearance of a coalyard, and the fine black dust filtered into even the remotest nooks and crannies. When relieved of duty, the black counterpart of that smart young Lieutenant Bolton would satisfy his hunger at a buffet26, get under a shower and then to bed. Here, between coal dust coated sheets, he would snatch a few hours sleep—then hurry above for his next trick at the derrick. He began to find out that the life of an officer aboard this pirate craft was not the bed of roses it had first appeared to be. As Osceola worked and ate and slept on board the Blake, the two saw nothing of each other.
Late in the afternoon of the third day, the last of the twenty-five hundred tons of coal was transferred and shovelled27 down the chutes. Bill saw to the taking down of his derrick and then went below to his cabin, thankful that the dirty job had come to an end. He was getting out of filthy clothes when Osceola walked in.
153
“And I’ve had pleasanter jobs.”
“Oh, you’ve had a nice, comfortable deck to work on,” returned the Chief, diving into the bathroom. “You’ve nothing to complain about. I haven’t had these clothes off since the day before yesterday! Been working down in the hold of that collier at a temperature that blew the top off our thermometer.” His voice was drowned by the sound of the shower.
“That is tough! I missed you, old fellow. Where did you sleep?”
“Where did I sleep!” spluttered the Chief. “Not in a downy white bed like you—you son of luxury! I slept, or rather, I tried to sleep in a ship’s hammock!”
Bill chuckled29, and began to unlace his shoes. “Pretty difficult to navigate30 until you get on to them. Hard to get into—”
154
“Harder still to stay put when you’re once in the darned thing! Gosh-all-hemlock, this water is sure a sweet, cool dream, of Paradise! Let me tell you that my hammock had to be slung31 between-decks—iron decks, at that. Sleep! I’ve forgotten what it is. Every time I moved in that hammock, the confounded thing dumped me onto that dirty iron deck with a jar that nearly split my head! Push that bell for a steward, please. I want food and plenty of it, and I’m going to eat it in my comfortable bed. Then, I’m going to sleep and sleep until tomorrow morning.”
“Oh, no, you’re not,” said Bill.
“And who says so?”
“Have your supper, by all means, and have it in bed if you like—but you and I have a date.”
“Date nothing! Keep it yourself. I’m only a poor Indian pirate. Neither am I popular with first class passengers.”
“Perhaps not—but this date isn’t with a passenger.”
155
“Who then?”
“So are a few other people. That’s why I’m going to pull it off tonight. Snap out of it, old man. The fortunes, if not the lives of a lot of people depend on what we’re able to accomplish.”
“Well, what are we going to do? You never have spilled that plan of yours. Not to me, anyhow.” He came into the cabin, drying himself with a bath towel.
“You order your chow,” suggested Bill. “If you haven’t used all the hot water aboard ship, I want to get under that shower myself. When I’m dressed and you’re in your right mind, I’ve got to hunt up Charlie and see what he’s found out. We’ll be back later and I’ll explain the job in detail.”
156
He disappeared into the bathroom, closing the door after him to cut short further argument. It was after seven o’clock by the time Bill was dressed and ready to go on deck. He knew that Charlie would be in the passengers’ dining salon34, and that was out of bounds for the ship’s officers. So leaving Osceola attending to a substantial dinner in bed, he went above to the Palm Garden, where the officers’ mess was held.
It was not a talkative crowd at dinner that evening. Every man at the table was dog tired and conversation flagged in consequence. The meal with its many courses seemed interminable to Bill. When at last it was over, he excused himself, while the others were smoking cigars and sipping35 liqueurs and went in search of young Evans.
Weary sailors were hard at work with hose and swabs on the promenade36 deck, getting rid of the accumulated grime of the coaling. Bill took a turn round to the opposite side of the ship, where he encountered a similar gang at work, but found no passengers about. Charlie was not in the smoking room. Eventually he found him, listening to the orchestra, which was playing in the lounge.
157
Without appearing to recognize the youngster, he caught his eye as he sauntered past, surreptitiously crooked37 a finger and went down to his cabin. There he found Osceola fast asleep in his bed, with all lights burning. He was wondering whether he should wake him then and there, or let him sleep, when Charlie softly opened the door and entered.
Bill put a hand up for silence, and led him into the bathroom. “Better let the poor Chief get some rest,” he said, closing the door. “He’s been going it night and day aboard that collier. He needs the sleep.”
“Well, I don’t, that’s a cinch! We’ve been kept off the decks ever since you fellows started coaling, and sleep was the only thing left to do. Say—did you see the Blake go down?”
158
“No. I was sure they’d sink her, though, for the Baron told me he was going to take her captain and crew aboard the Amtonia and dispose of her as soon as we got her coal. When did it happen?”
“Just before dinner—about quarter to seven.”
“I was cleaning up in here then.”
“Well, I got a peach of a view from the smoking room windows, with Dad’s field glasses. They cut the ropes and she drifted away from us. It wasn’t five minutes later, when she gave a great lurch38 and went down bow first. It certainly is a crime, the way the Baron sinks good ships. I guess he had dynamite39 planted on board just like he did with the Merrymaid.”
“Very likely. But there’s nothing we can do about it, Charlie. Not yet awhile. But tell me, what have you found out about that wireless room?”
159
“Well, since that first evening when we captured the Blake, I haven’t been able to get up there. But I did manage to get in soon after the gunfire that night. I copped a couple of Dad’s cigars and gave ’em to the guy who was on duty. These Heinies are a leadpipe cinch to kid. He isn’t such a bad guy at that—showed me the whole business—everything he had. I began to think he’s a swell40 fellow even if he is a pirate. I got a book on telegraphy out of the library and I’ve been boning up on the Morse Code ever since. That and sleeping. Say, I bet I could send a message now. Receiving’s not so easy, though.”
“Never mind that—”
“But I’m sure I can, Bill—”
“All right—I believe you—but lay off it. I want the dope first. How many operators does this ship run to? Did you find that out?”
“Yep. There’s three of ’em.”
“How long are their watches?”
“Four hours each. But sometimes they’re on for eight hours.”
“What do you mean?”
“Well, there are two on duty daytimes—”
“Never mind that either—I’m not interested in their complete schedule. How many operators are in the wireless room now?”
160
“Only one. He’s doing his trick from eight till midnight.”
“Good. Now we’re getting somewhere. How about from midnight on?”
“Another guy comes on duty then.”
“For how long?”
“Till eight in the morning.”
“He’s alone all that time? Are you sure?”
“Yes. The other two lads relieve him then.”
“Do you know the operator who will go on at twelve tonight?”
“Well, I’m not sure. They vary their watches, you know.”
“I suppose it doesn’t matter,” Bill said to himself. “Tell me, is the door kept locked?”
“No, but they generally keep it shut.”
“Does the night operator sit facing it?”
“No. His back is toward the door.”
“Then that window in the wireless house must be to his right when he’s sending or receiving?”
“Yes, and it’s sure to be open now.”
161
“Thanks, Charlie. You’ve done splendidly. Run along to bed now. Osceola and I will attend to your friend later.”
Charlie’s face fell. “Aren’t you going to let me in on this?” he pleaded. “Oh, Bill, gee—I did all the work and you two are going to have all the fun!”
“Not much fun about it.” Bill grinned and was silent for a minute. “Well, I reckon we can use you. But you must remember that this is a very serious and dangerous business, Charlie. If anything goes wrong, von Hiemskirk is quite likely to have us shot out of hand. You’ll have to obey orders to the letter, and take no chances.”
“All right, Bill, of course, I will.”
“Okay. Then go to your cabin and turn in. And be back here at one o’clock sharp.”
Charlie’s face was transformed with joy. “Thanks, Bill!”
“Run along now,” directed the older lad. “I’ve got a lot to do before then. And be sure nobody sees you going or coming.”
162
“They won’t!” promised the youngster. “Say, are we going to shoot this operator?”
“Certainly not, you bloodthirsty wretch41. None of us will have guns. Neither Osceola nor I have one.”
“What are we going to do then?”
“Obey orders, kid. Get out of here now—I’m busy!”
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收听单词发音
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1
deafening
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| adj. 振耳欲聋的, 极喧闹的 动词deafen的现在分词形式 | |
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2
baron
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| n.男爵；(商业界等)巨头，大王 | |
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3
conversed
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| v.交谈，谈话( converse的过去式 ) | |
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4
binoculars
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| n.双筒望远镜 | |
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5
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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6
lieutenant
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| n.陆军中尉，海军上尉；代理官员，副职官员 | |
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7
rabble
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| n.乌合之众，暴民；下等人 | |
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8
saluted
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| v.欢迎，致敬( salute的过去式和过去分词 )；赞扬，赞颂 | |
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9
overhauling
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| n.大修；拆修；卸修；翻修v.彻底检查( overhaul的现在分词 )；大修；赶上；超越 | |
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10
herded
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| 群集，纠结( herd的过去式和过去分词 )； 放牧； （使）向…移动 | |
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11
filthy
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| adj.卑劣的；恶劣的，肮脏的 | |
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12
warship
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| n.军舰，战舰 | |
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13
hop
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| n.单脚跳，跳跃；vi.单脚跳，跳跃；着手做某事；vt.跳跃，跃过 | |
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14
steward
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| n.乘务员，服务员；看管人；膳食管理员 | |
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15
hawser
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| n.大缆；大索 | |
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vessels
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| n.血管( vessel的名词复数 )；船；容器；（具有特殊品质或接受特殊品质的）人 | |
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17
noted
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| adj.著名的，知名的 | |
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18
strands
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| n.（线、绳、金属线、毛发等的）股( strand的名词复数 )；缕；海洋、湖或河的)岸；（观点、计划、故事等的）部份v.使滞留，使搁浅( strand的第三人称单数 ) | |
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19
spliced
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| adj.（针织品）加固的n.叠接v.绞接( splice的过去式和过去分词 )；捻接（两段绳子）；胶接；粘接（胶片、磁带等） | |
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20
ERECTED
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| adj. 直立的，竖立的，笔直的 vt. 使 ... 直立，建立 | |
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21
fore
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| adv.在前面；adj.先前的；在前部的；n.前部 | |
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22
shoveled
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| vt.铲，铲出（shovel的过去式与过去分词形式） | |
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23
scanty
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| adj.缺乏的，仅有的，节省的，狭小的，不够的 | |
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24
labor
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| n.劳动，努力，工作，劳工；分娩；vi.劳动，努力，苦干；vt.详细分析；麻烦 | |
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25
fully
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| adv.完全地，全部地，彻底地；充分地 | |
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26
buffet
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| n.自助餐；饮食柜台；餐台 | |
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27
shovelled
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| v.铲子( shovel的过去式和过去分词 )；锹；推土机、挖土机等的)铲；铲形部份 | |
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28
warrior
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| n.勇士，武士，斗士 | |
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29
chuckled
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| 轻声地笑( chuckle的过去式和过去分词 ) | |
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30
navigate
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| v.航行，飞行；导航，领航 | |
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31
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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32
wireless
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| adj.无线的；n.无线电 | |
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33
stunt
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| n.惊人表演，绝技，特技；vt.阻碍...发育，妨碍...生长 | |
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34
salon
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| n.[法]沙龙；客厅；营业性的高级服务室 | |
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35
sipping
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| v.小口喝，呷，抿( sip的现在分词 ) | |
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36
promenade
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| n./v.散步 | |
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37
crooked
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| adj.弯曲的；不诚实的，狡猾的，不正当的 | |
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38
lurch
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| n.突然向前或旁边倒；v.蹒跚而行 | |
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39
dynamite
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| n./vt.(用)炸药(爆破) | |
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40
swell
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| vi.膨胀，肿胀；增长，增强 | |
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41
wretch
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| n.可怜的人，不幸的人；卑鄙的人 | |
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