At length Joe sang out, "I reckon that's the Galloper, skipper."
"Right you are, chap! And what's that by the edge of the broken water?
Wessel, I fancy."
"'Tis a barque, skipper, and he's got 'em flyin'."
The two men watched the vessel a long time, and they determined to run
down on her as near as might be safe. As they drew on her it appeared
that she was not actually hard-and-fast, but she was bumping apparently,
and they guessed she had her anchors out. There is nothing in the way of
close shaves that a smacksman will not venture, and the Esperanza was
soon within speaking distance.
"We have a pilot aboard!" sang out someone on deck.
"A lightning sort of pilot to ram her nose on the Galloper!" growled the
old skipper. "Do you want any assistance?"
"Stand by for a bit and we'll see."
So the Esperanza went to leeward of the shoal and hove-to. Presently the
stranger signalled, "Come on board of us."
Then Joe said, "That fellow's in a frap before his time, skipper. I
believe she'll come off when the tide turns.
Pages:
189
190
191
192
193
194
195
196
197
198
199
200
201
202
203
204
205
206
207
208
209
210
211
212
213