Читать книгу Men Against the Sea – Book Set. The Greatest Maritime Adventure Novels: The Bounty Trilogy, Lost Island, The Hurricane, Botany Bay, The Far Lands, Tales of the South Seas… онлайн

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In a little time the Dutchman returned with another man dressed in a seaman’s uniform.

“Ahoy, there! What boat is that?” called the latter.

“Who are you?” Bligh replied. “An Englishman?”

“Aye, sir.”

“Is there an English ship here?”

“No, sir.”

“Then how came you in these parts, my man?” said Bligh, with something of his old quarter-deck manner.

“I’m quartermaster’s mate, sir, of the Dutch vessel yonder. Captain Spikerman.”

“Good!” said Bligh. “Listen carefully, young man! Tell your captain—what’s his name, again?”

“Spikerman, sir.”

“Tell Captain Spikerman that Captain Bligh, of His Majesty’s armed transport Bounty, wishes to see him at his very earliest convenience. Inform him that the matter is pressing. You understand?”

“Aye, aye, sir.”

“Very well; carry him this message instantly. Don’t fear to rouse him. He will thank you for doing so.”

“Aye, aye, sir. He’s sleeping ashore. I’ll go this instant.”

We must have waited a full three quarters of an hour, although the time seemed immeasurably longer. The delay, as we were to learn, was not Captain Spikerman’s fault. He resided in a distant part of the town, and came as soon as he could dress.