Page:At the Fall of Port Arthur.djvu/96

78 "Can't we have some water?" demanded Shamhaven.

"Yes, if you'll behave yourselves," was the short answer.

There was a babble of voices, but the master of the ship paid no attention. Each man who had been thrown below was unarmed, so there was no danger of any shooting. Presently Wilbur came up the rope ladder thrown to him, looking sheepish enough.

"What have you to say for yourself?" demanded the captain, when Wilbur threw himself on his knees.

"Don't count it against me, cap'!" he groaned. "I didn't want to go into it, I tell you! I didn't want to go in!"

"If I forgive you, will you give me your word to behave yourself?"

"Yes, sir!"

"You won't do any more underhanded work?"

"You can shoot me if I do, captain."

"Very well; I'll remember that. Now go forward and help put the ship in good order. Larry, set him to work, and see that he does just what you tell him." And Wilbur went off, with the young second mate following, thanking his stars that he