Page 177 - for-the-term-of-his-natural-life

too much for Mr. Bates’s gravity, and he roared with laugh-
ter. ‘She’s a queer child, ain’t she, sir? A born natural, and a
good-natured little soul.’
‘When shall we be able to get away, Mr. Bates?’ asked
Frere, whose dignity was wounded by the mirth of the pi-
lot.
Bates felt the change of tone, and hastened to accommo-
date himself to his officer’s humour. ‘I hopes by evening, sir,’
said he; ‘if the tide slackens then I’ll risk it; but it’s no use
trying it now.’
‘The men were wanting to go ashore to wash their clothes,’
said Frere.
‘If we are to stop here till evening, you had better let them
go after dinner.’
‘All right, sir,’ said Bates.
The afternoon passed off auspiciously. The ten prisoners
went ashore and washed their clothes. Their names were
James Barker, James Lesly, John Lyon, Benjamin Riley, Wil-
liam Cheshire, Henry Shiers, William Russen, James Porter,
John Fair, and John Rex.
This last scoundrel had come on board latest of all. He
had behaved himself a little better recently, and during the
work attendant upon the departure of the Ladybird, had
been conspicuously useful. His intelligence and influence
among his fellow-prisoners combined to make him a some-
what important personage, and Vickers had allowed him
privileges from which he had been hitherto debarred. Mr.
Frere, however, who superintended the shipment of some
stores, seemed to be resolved to take advantage of Rex’s evi-

1 For the Term of His Natural Life