The Island School — page 385: what you’re looking at

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

320 “ Old Spartolawill do nothing,” said Giuseppo, with a contemptuous laugh, “and-as to the relatives of the dead men, { think they will not bother about them. Lucia di Valo mostly recruited from the idlers—ne’er- do-wells, I think you call them—and, for the greater part, their absence will be borne without a tear. There is one exception—Vamos; he is of good family, and I cannot tell how they may take it.” “ And should Lucia di Valo die?” suggested Jim. Giuseppo shrugged his shoulders. “She is a woman,” he said, “pretty, but most of the men are afraid of her. They admire her beauty as they do that of atigress, but they would rather not be caged with her. Then the women—well, Lucia is charming, and the sex will not grieve so much about her as if she were plain or even ugly. They would also make more row over the death of an old woman than a young one. It is their way.” On the whole they derived comfort from the views expressed by Giuseppo. He knew his people, and could rightly gauge the result of allthe recent hubbub on the island. After so great a victory a feast was the fitting thing, It was proposed by Terry, seconded by Trim- mer, and carried mem. con., and the hour of seven in the evening chosen for it. A rough-and-ready meal in the meanwhile was all that could be expected. _ There was no lack of help, for Giuseppo and his countrymen were handy fellows, and Cobbles and Smith, the seamen, turned to with a will. Jim was going pig-shooting, so as to get some fresh meat for the feast, and Johnny Daw was invited to make one of the party, which included Dawson, Terry, Ganthony, and two or three more. Morse had something to do more to his taste. An idea had entered into his head, and he was going to make a thorough inspection of the ruins of the back part of the castle—with what object he did not say. Life, bustle, and joy everywhere. The youngsters, as they met, exchanged grasps of the hand, and executed impromptu dances without rhyme or reason. On every side such expressions as the following were heard: “Who would have thought it ?” “ Who could have dreamt of it?” Jim Gordon is a wonderful fellow ?” Sois Morse !” “So are we all!” Hip, hip, hurrah !” In short, they had a difficulty in. finding sufficient vent for the excitement within them. Old Chorker swaggered about for a time as if he had done the whole thing, and he made a desperate attempt.to patronise Cobbles and Smith. But they were two sturdy old seamen, and saw through him at THE ISLAND SCHOOL. a glance. ‘They were, moreover, assisted by Romeo to’ a correct estimate of Chorker’s character. “Look here, ole Chorker,” said Romeo, “ You got more wind in you sails dan you got licence to carry. Mind you don’t turn turtle. Lie low. Sing small. Keep in de corner, as you oughter, affer all de dirty work you done.” “ Here, what's that ?” cried Chorker, making’a feeble attempt to bounce over Romeo. To his astonishment, he was suddenly wheeling: about and with a well-directed kick sent flying upon the back of Charley, which was lying hard by. The bear, without getting up, turned his head and laid hoid of Chorker’s trousers, and probably a small allowance of fesh at the same time. howled dismally, and on his trousers ripping up he jumped to his feet and fled away. ‘He am a skunk,” said Romeo. once and done him best to get us all chawed up. But Marse Gordon oberlook it, and to tink he come slock= dollerging roun’ me! It make my blood bile.” | “T took no count of him the moment I set eyes on him,” said Cobbles. ‘“‘ What do he call hisself ?” Chorker’s original position was explained to the seamen, who laughed contemptuously. ‘A pretty swimming and sailing master he is, no. doubt,” grunted Smith; ‘‘he never been to sea no more than was necessary for him to get here. Now, what can we do to help you P” ‘‘ Dey cutting wood,” replied Romeo; “if I might be so pressin’ and so slicitus ob you help, perhaps you not mind fetchin’ some in. — Bring in bits “bout de length for making up de fire.” “Tt’sa job we are on right off,” said Cobbles, as the pair rolled away. CHAPTER CLXXVI, THE SHOOTING-PARTY.—JOHNNY DAW AND JIM. ’ HEAR a grunter,” said Dawson, as he pulled up short a little in advance of the rest of the party. Some talking had been going on in a subdued tone. Jim and Johnny Daw hovered in the rear. Immediately after Dawson spoke they ee were all silent. Then in the stillness that ensued they distinctly heard the satisfied grunt of a pig that was rooting, and not rooting in vain. | Anyway, he “Sold de castle | 900 mn (@{ @) cs (oI @ ) m