The next day it came on to blow--and for quite a week tempestuous
weather set in, the schooner skimming along almost under bare poles, but
progressing well on her voyage. Captain Studwick had some trouble with
his men, but on the whole they were pretty good sailors, and his strict
discipline kept them well to their work, so that, from showing at first
a little insubordination, they went pretty willingly to their duties.
On the tenth day out, the sun rose over a sea just rippled by a pleasant
breeze. The men were busy drying clothes, and all the ports and hatches
were well open, and as the day wore on Mrs Pugh, looking very weak and
pale, came on deck, leaning on Bessy Studwick's arm, the latter leading
her to where Dutch was talking to Mr Parkley.
Dutch started as he saw them coming up, then, bowing coldly, he walked
to the other side of the deck to where John Studwick was sitting,
impatiently watching his sister; and as soon as he saw Mr Parkley lead
Mrs Pugh to a seat, he called to Bessy sharply to come to him, keeping
her jealously by his side, as he saw Mr Wilson and the doctor come up
and begin walking up and down, and frowning as they both raised their
hats, and smiled at his sister.
"I wish you would not notice these men, Bessy," he exclaimed in an
impatient whisper.
"I only bowed courteously to them, John dear," she said sadly; "and I
will not speak to them if you do not wish it."
"I don't like it," he said, hastily. "Come and read to me."
She glanced across at Hester Pugh, and saw her white lips working as her
eyes followed her husband, and then, taking up a book, began to read to
her brother.
"Look at that, Bob," said one of a little group of men, busy overhauling
a large sail which had been split during the late gale.
"Yes, he looks bad enough," said another. "A couple more days like
we've had would about finish him."
"Get out," said the other; "I don't mean him, I meant the gal."
"Yes, she ain't bad to look at," said the first. "That's her as Oakum
was talking about."
"That it warn't," said the other; "'twas the little pale one."
"Just you two get on with that sail, will you," said a gruff voice
behind them; "and leave the women passengers alone."
One of the men looked across at the other, and grinned, and they went on
with their work, while Sam Oakum walked grumbling forward.
"I wish they wouldn't have no women aboard," he muttered half aloud.
"Why not?" said the doctor, who overheard him, and, facing round, Sam
found him standing there with the tall young naturalist, whom the men,
with their tendency at sea to nickname everyone, had christened Pigeons.
"Why not?" growled Oakum, scowling across at old Rasp, between which two
a deep dislike had sprung up. "Because--though someone here as I won't
name will contradict every word I says--they ain't no good. They sets
the men talking about 'em instead of doing their work; they consooms the
stores; they causes the ship to be littered with green stuff and fresh
meat; and, what with them and invalids, my deck's always in a mess. Why
here's a cow and chickens, and a goat and ducks, and 'Pollo milking
every morning to get some thin blue stuff like scupper washings, and the
whole place turned into a farm-yard, and all because of the women.
Blame 'em! I wish there warn't one on the face of the blessed earth."
"Hear him," said one of the two sailors who had just spoken; "hear him,
Bob," for they were dragging the sail aft as Oakum spoke. "He was
crossed in love when he was green."
"Women's right enough at times," said Bob, a dull heavy fellow, with a
dreadful squint, one of those distortions of the eyes which cause the
owner to look behind his nose, which in this case was a very thick one.
"I'm right sorry for that little one there, though, for she seems mighty
bad."
"Let me introduce one of our protectors to you, Miss Studwick," said the
doctor, stopping by where she sat, book in hand.
John Studwick gave an impatient twist in his chair.
"This is Mr Oakum, the second mate, a gentleman who is a confirmed
hater of your sex."
"No I arn't," said Sam gruffly; "I only said as ladies hadn't no
business on board ships, even if they is captain's daughters. They only
get listening by accident to people's tongues going a deal too fast and
free."
"That's meant for me, I suppose," said the doctor, laughing. "Never
mind, Oakum, we shall not quarrel. I think you'll like Oakum, Mr
Studwick."
"Thank you," said the young man, sharply, "but I only take your medical
advice, Mr Meldon. Come, Bessy, it's chilly here."
"But the sun is getting warmer every moment, John," said his sister,
gently. "I think you will be all the better for staying on deck."
"I'm sure you will," said the doctor, smiling, and passing on.
"I'm sure I shall not," exclaimed the invalid, pettishly, while his eyes
looked jealously and brightly at the young doctor. "Take me below,
Bessy. There--I can walk; come along. Mr Oakum is right--men's
tongues do go too freely here."
Bessy looked at him sadly, and then smiling pleasantly as he raised his
eyes, walked with him to the cabin door.
"I hope you will not take any notice of my son's sharp remarks, doctor,"
said Captain Studwick, overtaking the two young men, for he had heard
what had passed.
"Not I, indeed, captain," said the doctor, frankly. "I think I
understand what it means, and I should be a poor student of human nature
if I visited his petulance upon him. We shall be the best of friends
before long, I'll be bound."
"I hope so, I'm sure," said the captain, gloomily, "for it's quite
possible that we may need to hold well together before our trip is
over."
"Do you anticipate any danger, captain?" said Wilson, turning pale.