“What a clean dive!”
“Yes; he is grace itself. But say, Clif——”
“I no care. It worth dollar to see diving like that. Hi! you little boy, here some more.”
It was shortly after quarters on a Saturday morning, and the trim old frigate6 was riding easily at anchor in the Tagus River just off the main landing dock of Lisbon, Portugal.
After a truly eventful voyage from Annapolis she had finally arrived in port, and the one hundred and sixty odd cadets on board were waiting eagerly for the time when they could have a run ashore7.
The necessary formalities of port inspection8 had been gone through with, and the ship was in a gala attire9 aloft and alow in anticipation10 of the visit always paid an American vessel11 by the youth and beauty of quaint12 old Lisbon.
Boats filled with merry parties were coming from the dock even now, and the appearance of many pretty girls in them was beginning to take the cadets’ attention away from a previous attraction.
That attraction was the diving of a number of native boys after coins thrown from the ship. Alongside were half a dozen small and rickety boats occupied by the agile13 young divers14.
They were continually importuning15 the cadets to toss bits of silver or copper16 money into the water.
One, a lithe17, clean-limbed lad of about sixteen, was the leader of the party, and it was his clever diving which had wrung18 the words of admiration19 from Trolley, given at the commencement of this chapter.
The diversion of watching the divers began to grow monotonous20 after a while.
“The little beggars are pretty good, but their act palls21 on one,” yawned Toggles, stretching his arms.
“Did you hear anything about the liberty list, Clif?” asked Grat Wallace, with a yearning22 glance ashore.
“It isn’t made up yet, I believe. We won’t touch the dock until afternoon anyway.”
“Always kicking, always finding trouble,” sighed Joy, with a doleful shake of the head. “Why can’t you be peaceable and contented24 like me, youngster? It’s painful to a man of meek25 and lowly spirit to see such contention26 and strife27. If you don’t like the way they conduct liberty on this ship, why don’t you knock the blooming head off the executive officer? Act with due humility28 and beat the face off the captain.”
The others laughed. They understood Joy.
He nodded his head toward a couple of young ladies who were approaching from aft. They had formed part of a visiting party from shore and were strolling about the deck intent on inspecting the ship after their own fashion.
Both were very pretty, but one, a tall and rather willowy brunette, was particularly handsome. A wealth of lustrous30 black hair fell to her shoulders; her eyes were large and sparkling, and her lips, half parted, showed two rows of regular, pearly teeth.
She was smiling at something her companion had said as they neared the group of plebes, and the boys fairly gasped31 at her loveliness.
Clif eyed her furtively32, his heart beating more rapidly than usual. His expressive33 countenance34 proclaimed his strong admiration, and that must have been the reason why the beautiful girl blushed slightly as she met his ardent35 gaze.
The girls stopped at the forecastle railing and looked over at the diver boys below.
They laughed, and one—the lovelier of the two—held up a small coin.
All the youthful divers prepared to spring into the water as soon as the bit of money left her hand. The lithe young leader poised36 himself upon the very edge of his boat.
“Ready!” called out the girl in Portuguese37. “It is a hundred reis piece, so do your best.”
She gleefully waved her hand back and forth38, then, just as she was about to release the coin, something bright and glittering slipped from her wrist and fell into the water.
A little scream came from the girl, there was a commotion40 among the group of plebes, then one was seen to vault41 lightly over the rail and strike the water in a neat dive.
It was Clif!
In an instant there was great excitement on board the practice ship. The loud splash was heard fore5 and aft, and a rush was made for that side.
Some one raised a cry of “Man overboard!”
The officer of the deck sprang upon the gangway with a life-preserver, and the crew detailed42 to the lifeboat ran to their stations at the boatfalls.
Clif possessed44 to a remarkable45 degree the power of quick decision and action in cases of emergency. He seldom required more than a few seconds to make up his mind.
In the present case he was upon the rail and preparing to dive almost before the bracelet had touched the water. With all his promptness, he was not alone, however.
The young Portuguese boy—the chief spirit among the youthful divers—had also seen the flash of metal.
To him it meant a coveted46 reward, and his brown heels twinkled in the air just a second after Clif’s body left the top of the forecastle rail.
The two went under the water together.
Clif’s eyes opened after he vanished below the surface. He saw, glittering below him, the bespangled bracelet. And he also saw the dark shadow cast by his antagonist47.
Of the two the native lad was probably more at home in the water, but Faraday had a store of determination and grit48 which made up for it.
As soon as he espied49 the youngster he realized the true state of affairs, and he sent his feet up with a spurt50 that shot him toward the glittering bauble51.
It was a race beneath the surface of the old Tagus.
The Portuguese boy had as an incentive52 two things. One was the hope of a pecuniary53 reward, and the other an overwhelming desire to defeat this insolent54 visitor from a foreign country who dared to try his skill against a native diver of Lisbon.
As for Clif, what was his incentive?
A smile, that was all.
The bottom of the Tagus is easily reached by a few vigorous strokes. The bracelet had settled upon the bottom where it glittered and gleamed as if mocking the two lads.
Clif, by his spurt, had obtained a slight advantage, but he suddenly felt himself grasped about the waist.
He was just in the act of reaching for the bracelet when the interruption came.
The touch of the Portuguese lad’s hand acted like a spur upon him, and he made a desperate clutch downward.
His fingers closed over the bit of jewelry55, then with a wriggle56 and a savage57 kick he freed himself and shot toward the surface.
As he rose, gasping58 and spluttering, his rival was close beside him. Through the water streaming from his hair Clif caught sight of the boy’s face, and he marveled at the intensity59 of hatred60 it expressed.
“I pay you for dis!” almost screamed the Portuguese. “You come ashore and I kill you. Dog of a Yankee, you hear from Pedro! You see.”
“Calm yourself, my friend,” drawled Clif, coolly, as he struck out for the gangway. “Don’t get excited; it is bad for the health. Ta! ta!”
Pedro swam to his little boat and crouched61 sullenly62 in the stern. His companions crowded around him and chattered63 like so many monkeys, but he waved them off, and watched with burning eyes the progress of the American lad toward the gangway ladder.
A loud cheer burst from the plebes on the forecastle as Clif held up the bracelet. The two pretty girls clapped their hands, and the one who had dropped the piece of jewelry seemed overwhelmed with confusion.
When Clif reached the deck he found both the first lieutenant64 and the officer of the watch awaiting him.
“What is the meaning of this, Mr. Faraday?” demanded the former, peremptorily65.
Clif held up the bracelet, and replied, quietly:
“A young lady visiting the ship dropped this overboard, sir.”
The officers were compelled to smile.
“And you dived for it?”
“Yes, sir.”
“Which young lady was it?”
Faraday turned and indicated the owner of the bracelet, who was walking aft with her companion.
“Jove! I don’t blame the young rascal,” muttered the first lieutenant. “She’s a beauty.”
Extending his hand, he added, aloud:
“It was a gallant66 act, Mr. Faraday, and it does you credit, but it probably would have been better if you had left the job to one of those boy divers. I will return the bracelet to the young lady.”
But Clif hung back.
“Want the pleasure yourself, eh?” laughed Lieutenant Watson. “Well, you deserve it.”
That was Clif’s opinion also, and he lost no time in claiming his reward. He did not present a very prepossessing appearance in his dripping uniform, but he held his head jauntily67 and advanced to meet the girl.
His fear that she spoke only Portuguese was speedily dissipated. Extending her hands impulsively68, she exclaimed, with an accent which added to the charm of her silvery voice:
“Oh, how I thank you for your kindness, señor! You have dared so much to save my poor bracelet. It was so good of you.”
“I am amply repaid,” replied Clif, gallantly69. Then he added, with a smile: “You must pardon my rather moist appearance. The water was not altogether dry.”
“We will not keep you,” said the girl, hurriedly. “You should change your clothing.”
As Clif bowed and started to walk away, she blushed slightly and said:
“My parents will consider it a pleasure if you should call upon them. My name”—she extended a neat card—“and address. Can we not hope to see you soon?”
“I will be pleased to call when I go ashore,” replied the handsome young cadet. “Until then—good-by.”
As he walked forward he saw Judson Greene standing70 near the spot where the conversation had taken place.
“So Judson has been listening, eh?” thought the latter as he walked past. “He don’t look particularly pleased. Jealous, I suppose.”
He glanced at the bit of pasteboard in his hand and read:
Juanita Windom,
Ruo Ferdinand No. 78.
“Windom?” he muttered. “Why, that’s an English name. Her father must be either English or American. That accounts for her excellent command of the language. This is getting more interesting.”
His thoughts were interrupted by a shout, and he found himself surrounded by his friends. They were all laughing gayly except Joy, whose funereal71 cast of countenance seemed to have increased.
“Hi, Clif!” cried Trolley, slapping him upon the back, “by Jim, you great hero. Hurray! you save bracelet and win beautifulist girl in Lisbon. You one dandy.”
“Slowly there, Trolley,” laughed Clif; “I don’t see where I have won a girl.”
“She likes you; I saw her blush,” put in Nanny Gote. “Just you wait, Clif Faraday. I’ll tell Tess Herndon back in Annapolis all about this affair. I’d be ashamed of myself if I were you.”
“That’s straight,” chuckled72 Grat Wallace. “He’s getting to be a regular masher. He’s not content to keep the upper classes guessing about hazing73, and saving torpedo74 boats at sea, and such little things, but he needs must——”
“Better go down and get those wet duds off,” advised Toggles. “You’ll look better.”
“Clif Faraday, what is the matter with the diver boy?” demanded Joy, solemnly. “He’s looking at this ship as if he would like to eat it.”
Clif glanced out through the nearest port. Pedro was still crouched in the stern of his little boat.
He gave a howl of anger on catching77 sight of Faraday, and added, with a choice collection of Portuguese epithets78:
“Wait till I catch you on shore. I fix you. I make you sorry you dive. You see, dog of a Yankee.”
“He seems excited,” observed Clif, calmly. “His mind must have given way under the strain, poor fellow——”
Nanny stooped and snatched up a wet swab. Flung with unerring aim, it caught the vociferous79 lad in the face and bowled him over with neatness and dispatch.
A laugh greeted the shot. It was followed by cries of rage from the half-dozen diver boys in their little boats alongside the ship.
Pedro, the leader, gave a signal, and the flotilla paddled toward the dock. Clif went below to change his clothing, after a last glance in Juanita Windom’s direction, and the episode was closed save for one thing.
Standing near one of the open ports was Judson Greene. With him was Spendly.
“Did you see that Portuguese, Spendly?” asked Judson, in an eager voice.
“Yes.”
“Hear what he said?”
“He threatened Faraday.”
“Yes. Well, there’s a chance for us, I think.”
“What do you mean?”
“We’ll go ashore and see if we can’t use that fellow, Pedro, to help us get square.”
An hour later word was passed that the liberty party would leave for shore at once.
该作者的其它作品
《The Jungle 屠场》
该作者的其它作品
《The Jungle 屠场》
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1
dime
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| n.（指美国、加拿大的钱币）一角 | |
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mighty
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| adj.强有力的；巨大的 | |
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trolley
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| n.手推车，台车；无轨电车；有轨电车 | |
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naval
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| adj.海军的，军舰的，船的 | |
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fore
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| adv.在前面；adj.先前的；在前部的；n.前部 | |
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frigate
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| n.护航舰，大型驱逐舰 | |
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ashore
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| adv.在(向)岸上，上岸 | |
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inspection
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| n.检查，审查，检阅 | |
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attire
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| v.穿衣，装扮[同]array；n.衣着；盛装 | |
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anticipation
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| n.预期，预料，期望 | |
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vessel
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| n.船舶；容器，器皿；管，导管，血管 | |
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quaint
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| adj.古雅的，离奇有趣的，奇怪的 | |
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agile
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| adj.敏捷的，灵活的 | |
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divers
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| adj.不同的；种种的 | |
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importuning
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| v.纠缠，向（某人）不断要求( importune的现在分词 )；（妓女）拉（客） | |
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16
copper
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| n.铜；铜币；铜器；adj.铜(制)的；(紫)铜色的 | |
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17
lithe
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| adj.(指人、身体)柔软的，易弯的 | |
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18
wrung
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| 绞( wring的过去式和过去分词 )； 握紧（尤指别人的手）； 把（湿衣服）拧干； 绞掉（水） | |
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19
admiration
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| n.钦佩，赞美，羡慕 | |
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monotonous
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| adj.单调的，一成不变的，使人厌倦的 | |
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palls
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| n.柩衣( pall的名词复数 )；墓衣；棺罩；深色或厚重的覆盖物v.（因过多或过久而）生厌，感到乏味，厌烦( pall的第三人称单数 ) | |
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22
yearning
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| a.渴望的；向往的；怀念的 | |
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23
grumbled
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| 抱怨( grumble的过去式和过去分词 )； 发牢骚； 咕哝； 发哼声 | |
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24
contented
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| adj.满意的，安心的，知足的 | |
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meek
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| adj.温顺的，逆来顺受的 | |
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contention
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| n.争论，争辩，论战；论点，主张 | |
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strife
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| n.争吵，冲突，倾轧，竞争 | |
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humility
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| n.谦逊，谦恭 | |
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29
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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lustrous
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| adj.有光泽的；光辉的 | |
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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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furtively
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| adv. 偷偷地, 暗中地 | |
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expressive
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| adj.表现的，表达…的，富于表情的 | |
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countenance
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| n.脸色，面容；面部表情；vt.支持，赞同 | |
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ardent
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| adj.热情的，热烈的，强烈的，烈性的 | |
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poised
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| a.摆好姿势不动的 | |
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Portuguese
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| n.葡萄牙人；葡萄牙语 | |
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forth
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| adv.向前；向外，往外 | |
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bracelet
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| n.手镯，臂镯 | |
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40
commotion
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| n.骚动，动乱 | |
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vault
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| n.拱形圆顶，地窖，地下室 | |
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detailed
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| adj.详细的，详尽的，极注意细节的，完全的 | |
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peculiar
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| adj.古怪的，异常的；特殊的，特有的 | |
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possessed
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| adj.疯狂的；拥有的，占有的 | |
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remarkable
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| adj.显著的，异常的，非凡的，值得注意的 | |
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46
coveted
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| adj.令人垂涎的；垂涎的，梦寐以求的v.贪求，觊觎(covet的过去分词)；垂涎；贪图 | |
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47
antagonist
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| n.敌人，对抗者，对手 | |
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48
grit
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| n.沙粒，决心，勇气；v.下定决心，咬紧牙关 | |
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49
espied
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| v.看到( espy的过去式和过去分词 ) | |
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50
spurt
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| v.喷出；突然进发；突然兴隆 | |
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51
bauble
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| n.美观而无价值的饰物 | |
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52
incentive
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| n.刺激；动力；鼓励；诱因；动机 | |
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53
pecuniary
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| adj.金钱的；金钱上的 | |
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54
insolent
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| adj.傲慢的，无理的 | |
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55
jewelry
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| n.（jewllery）（总称）珠宝 | |
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56
wriggle
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| v./n.蠕动，扭动；蜿蜒 | |
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57
savage
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| adj.野蛮的；凶恶的，残暴的；n.未开化的人 | |
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58
gasping
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| adj. 气喘的, 痉挛的 动词gasp的现在分词 | |
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59
intensity
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| n.强烈，剧烈；强度；烈度 | |
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60
hatred
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| n.憎恶，憎恨，仇恨 | |
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61
crouched
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| v.屈膝，蹲伏( crouch的过去式和过去分词 ) | |
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sullenly
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| 不高兴地，绷着脸，忧郁地 | |
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63
chattered
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| （人）喋喋不休( chatter的过去式 )； 唠叨； （牙齿）打战； （机器）震颤 | |
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64
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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65
peremptorily
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| adv.紧急地，不容分说地，专横地 | |
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gallant
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| adj.英勇的，豪侠的；(向女人)献殷勤的 | |
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jauntily
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| adv.心满意足地；洋洋得意地；高兴地；活泼地 | |
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impulsively
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| adv.冲动地 | |
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gallantly
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| adv. 漂亮地，勇敢地，献殷勤地 | |
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70
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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71
funereal
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| adj.悲哀的；送葬的 | |
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72
chuckled
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| 轻声地笑( chuckle的过去式和过去分词 ) | |
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73
hazing
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| n.受辱，被欺侮v.（使）笼罩在薄雾中( haze的现在分词 )；戏弄，欺凌（新生等，有时作为加入美国大学生联谊会的条件） | |
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74
torpedo
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| n.水雷，地雷；v.用鱼雷破坏 | |
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dodged
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| v.闪躲( dodge的过去式和过去分词 )；回避 | |
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76
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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catching
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| adj.易传染的，有魅力的，迷人的，接住 | |
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epithets
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| n.（表示性质、特征等的）词语( epithet的名词复数 ) | |
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79
vociferous
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| adj.喧哗的，大叫大嚷的 | |
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