Читать книгу Edith Percival. A Novel онлайн

18 страница из 61

"It can scarcely be midnight yet," said Gus; "I see the clouds are breaking away in that direction. It will be light enough presently."

"Well, messmate, have my words come true?" said a voice at Gus's elbow, and turning, both beheld old Jack.

"That they have," replied Gus; "and though I must give you credit for being a true prophet, upon my honor I wish to hear no more such predictions while I am on board the Mermaid."

"That won't be long, sir, or I'm mistaken," replied Jack, gloomily.

"What? croaking again? I thought all danger was past," said the youth.

Jack shook his head despondingly.

"Come, my honest son of Neptune, out with it. What's in the wind now?"

At this moment, one of the crew shouted, in a voice of horror:

"The ship has sprung a leak! There's five feet of water in the hold!"

"All hands to the pumps!" called the calm, trumpet-like tones of the captain.

The eyes of Gus and the old sailor met.

"I knew how it would be," said the old tar, shaking his head, mournfully, "I had a presentiment, last night, that not a soul on board the Mermaid would live to see the sun rise again."