Captains All and Others by W. W. Jacobs
page 37 of 169 (21%)
page 37 of 169 (21%)
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The boatswain wiped his damp brow with the back of his hand. "How are
you going to get it downstairs?" he breathed. "Drag it," said Mrs. Waters, briefly. "Suppose he isn't dead?" said the boat-swain, with a gleam of hope. "Fiddlesticks!" said Mrs. Waters. "Do you think I don't know? Now, don't waste time talking; and mind you dig it deep. I'll put a few cabbages on top afterwards--I've got more than I want." She re-entered the house and ran lightly upstairs. The candle was still alight and the gun was leaning against the bed-post; but the visitor had disappeared. Conscious of an odd feeling of disappointment, she looked round the empty room. "Come and look at him," entreated a voice, and she turned and beheld the amused countenance of her late prisoner at the door. "I've been watching from the back window," he said, nodding. "You're a wonder; that's what you are. Come and look at him." Mrs. Waters followed, and leaning out of the window watched with simple pleasure the efforts of the amateur sexton. Mr. Benn was digging like one possessed, only pausing at intervals to straighten his back and to cast a fearsome glance around him. The only thing that marred her pleasure was the behaviour of Mr. Travers, who was struggling for a place with all the fervour of a citizen at the Lord Mayor's show. "Get back," she said, in a fierce whisper. "He'll see you." |
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