Читать книгу Wrecked on Spider Island; Or, How Ned Rogers Found the Treasure онлайн

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“I don’t believe Mr. Stout would do such a thing to me,” Ned said to himself; “but I’ll talk with him about it the first chance I get.”

It was impossible for Ned to sleep any more on this night, and next morning there was no reason why the chief mate should awaken him, for he was at work in the cabin as soon as the first gray light of the coming dawn could be seen.

“Feelin’ better, eh?” Mr. Stout asked as he came below while Ned was placing the dishes on the table preparatory to serving breakfast.

“Yes, sir, an’ I’ll be able to do my work now if I don’t get taken again.”

“There isn’t much chance of that. You’ve served an apprenticeship, and won’t have any more trouble this voyage.”

Then the mate went into the pantry for some of the same liquid which had played an important part in the conversation during the previous night, for it is as strange as it is true that as soon as a man contemplates villainy of almost any kind, he invariably flies for courage and consolation to liquor.

Ned made up his mind to speak with the mate that very morning in reference to what he had heard; but the opportunity was denied him.