the second we may as well try to get off some of the blood which,
from a good many of us, has been let out pretty freely."

"Well, you seem a reasonable sort of chap," the sailor said, "and
to take things coolly. That's the way, my lad; when the king, or
the queen now--it's all the same thing--has once got his hand
on you it's of no use kicking against it. I have been pressed twice
myself, so I know how you feel. Here, mates," he said to two of
the other sailors, "lend a hand and get a bucket of fresh water and
a pannikin, and half a dozen buckets of salt water, and let these
lads have a drink and a wash."

It was soon done. The prisoners were all glad of the drink, but
few cared to trouble about washing. Jack, however, took possession
of a bucket, stripped to the waist, and had a good wash. The salt
water made his wound smart, but he continued for half an hour
bathing it, and at the end of that time felt vastly fresher and
better. Then he soaked his shirt in the water, and as far as possible
removed the broad stains of blood which stiffened it. Then he wrung
it out and hung it up to dry, and, putting on his coat, sat down
and thought matters over.

He had never had the idea of entering the army, for the measures
taken to fill the ranks rendered the military service distasteful
in the extreme to the English people. Since the days of Agincourt
the English army had never gained any brilliant successes abroad,
and there was consequently none of that national pride which now
exists in its bravery and glorious history.

Still, Jack reflected, it did not make much difference to him