The Castaway - Odd Craft, Part 2. by W. W. Jacobs
page 13 of 20 (65%)
page 13 of 20 (65%)
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"The ship leaves the docks," continued Mr. Silver, still peering into the
bowl. "As she passes through the entrance her stern comes into view with the name painted on it. The--the--the----" "Look agin, old chap," growled Mr. Boxer, in an undertone. "The North Star," said the astrologer. "The ill-shaped man is still standing on the fore-part of the ship; I do not know his name or who he is. He takes the portrait of a beautiful young woman from his pocket and gazes at it earnestly." Mrs. Boxer, who had no illusions on the subject of her personal appearance, sat up as though she had been stung; Mr. Thompson, who was about to nudge Mr. Boxer in the ribs again, thought better of it and assumed an air of uncompromising virtue. "The picture disappears," said Mr. Silver. "Ah! I see; I see. A ship in a gale at sea. It is the North Star; it is sinking. The ill-shaped man sheds tears and loses his head. I cannot discover the name of this man." Mr. Boxer, who had been several times on the point of interrupting, cleared his throat and endeavoured to look unconcerned. "The ship sinks," continued the astrologer, in thrilling tones. "Ah! what is this? a piece of wreck-age with a monkey clinging to it? No, no-o. The ill-shaped man again. Dear me!" [Illustration: "Ah! what is this? a piece of wreckage with a monkey clinging to it?"] |
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