Fiction > Book editions > London, 1886 - Kidnapped

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CHAPTER VIII.
THE     ROUND-HOUSE.
ONE night, about nine o'clock, a man of Mr. Riach's
watch (which was on deck) came down for his jacket;
and instantly there began to go a whisper about the
forecastle that "Shuan had done for him at last." There
was no need of a name; we all knew who was meant;
but we had scarce time to get the idea rightly in our
heads, far less to speak of it, when the scuttle was
again flung open, and Captain Hoseason came down the
ladder. He looked sharply round the bunks in the toss-
ing light of the lantern; and then, walking straight up
to me, he addressed me, to my surprise, in tones of
kindness.
"My man," said he, "we want ye to serve in the
round-house. You and Ransome are to change berths.
Run away aft with ye."
Even as he spoke, two seamen appeared in the
scuttle, carrying Ransome in their arms; and the ship
at that moment giving a great sheer into the sea, and
the lantern swinging, the light fell direct on the boy's
face. It was as white as wax, and had a look upon it
like a dreadful smile. The blood in me ran cold, and I
drew in my breath as if I had been struck.