Ching Ching's Novelettes No. 1: Snapson of the 'Snake' — page 5: what you’re looking at

Machine-transcribed from the original scan — historical spelling and the odd misread are preserved.

( 5 ) “ She’s brought out to be sunk,” they said, “‘and her mixed cargo's well insured, you bet.” But that was no concern of theirs, as they well knew the risks of their calling, and took everything as it came. With the increase in the breeze there came a change over Job Snapson. The east wind did not seem to agree with him any more than it agrees with people generally. | He became curt in his manner to everybody, swore frightfully on the least provocation, and when the men were not quite quick enough for him, it was the blow first and the word afterwards, according to his teaching. And to Will the change was particularly apparent. The sea voyage so far had done him good, but he was still pale, and had the delicate look that marked him from the first. At that time there were no signs in him of the stamina necessary for the making him a sailor. But Job Snapson was not going to take that into account. ‘“ He’s got to work, that boy,” hesaid. ‘“‘ Here! come up, you little beggar, and do something.” The old brig was rolling in a heavy sea, and Will came up the companion looking a little scared. All night long it had been blowing pretty hard, and it might now be called half-a-gale. ‘‘ Now, then,” roared Snapson, “no skulking ; come and do some work. Go aloft and take your turn at the lookout business.” The boy had never been aloft. No reference to his going had been made before, and he raised his eyes with natural affright to the tapering spars and creaking ropes. ‘“‘T don't think I dare go there, sir,” he said. “Up you go,” said Snapson, furiously ; ‘‘ orders are given here to be obeyed. Now then.” The boy fell upon his knees and raised his clasped hands. ‘Don’t drive me up there,” he cried, “ give me work, hard work, to do below on deck, and I will do it; but up there I cannot go.” “This is mutiny,” said Snapson savagely, drawing a revolver from his pocket, “and I’ve got the law to allow me to make an end of youif you don’t obey. Do you hear? up, or I’ll blow your head off.” The boy looked at the mouth of the revolver-barrel, shuddered, and got upon his feet. “T’'ll go as far as I can,” he said, slowly, “and if I am killed, why then I hope somebody here will avenge me.” He looked at Dopper and Grip, who were standing near, and there was no pity in their eyes. From them he looked to the sailors of the watch, and they only stared back at him indifferently. What was it to them ? All their lives they had known nothing but rough treatment. They had @ COIN LOA@O@ S (SO)