Page:Australian Emigrant 1854.djvu/36

20 apparently unlikely to right again. "Now is the time—lay hold on that rope," said the skipper to Hugh, and with "a long pull, and a strong pull," the rudder band was cleared. —The captain seized the wheel, and in a few moments the "Big Ann" rode over the seas in comparative ease. The water below was rushing from side to side as if seeking for an exit—the lower (and wet) berths had been tenantless for some time, their late occupiers having relinquished them in favor of the dry dining table. The mate now informed the passengers that every thing was right again, and the gale not increasing.

"I say, Mr. Moriarty," said Slinger, "this bunk of mine aint the most uncomfortable six feet by two and a half in the ship. Suppose you make my compliments to the poor old captain, who has been washed out from below, and tell him (as he is rather spare) that if he will promise to lay only on his side I'll let him stow with me." The mate executed Slinger's request, and presently the captain squeezed himself into Slinger's berth. "Close stowage, captain," he said, "but never mind—are you fond of music?" and Slinger, without waiting for an answer, pulled a small flute from under his mattress, sat himself upon the edge of his bunk, and played several lively airs.—"Pretty, aint it, cap'n." "Beautiful," replied he, as he wiped his lips after withdrawing them from the mouth of a black bottle.—"Are you fond of grog, Slinger?" "Certainly, in moderation," was the answer.

"Well, then, take a moderate swig out of my bottle.—"When I was in the Peninsula .."

"No," interrupted Slinger, "no: thank you: I can't stand a yarn now; but I'll drink your health with all my heart."

Having gone through this interesting ceremony, the cork was secured, and the captain again placed the bottle safely underneath his head and soon fell asleep.