Captain Herbert

Purchase of this book includes free trial access to www.million-books.com where you can read more than a million books for free. This is an OCR edition with typos. Excerpt from book: CHAPTER III. SAIL-HO The captain looked up at the lad's approach, and seemed to start a little; nor was it possible at first for the latter to tell his errand, so seriously did Captain Herbert inquire about the effects of the injury, and of the doctor's treatment, adding a slight reproof for his...
More Description

Purchase of this book includes free trial access to www.million-books.com where you can read more than a million books for free. This is an OCR edition with typos. Excerpt from book: CHAPTER III. SAIL-HO The captain looked up at the lad's approach, and seemed to start a little; nor was it possible at first for the latter to tell his errand, so seriously did Captain Herbert inquire about the effects of the injury, and of the doctor's treatment, adding a slight reproof for his appearance on deck so soon in a tropical climate. Indeed, seeing the midshipman turn rather pale after the flush with which he had entered, and look round vacantly, as if he felt weak on his legs?it was in some haste that the captain rose calling to the steward for a glass of wine, and bidding Harry sit on the only couch in the place, that was between the quarter-deck eighteen-pounder and the bulk-head. Meanwhile, he hurriedly paced about, himself; glancing up from deep thought once or twice at young Spencer. Suddenly he stopped opposite, but at a little distance, and said, looking fixedly at him, You have come to tell me how this happened, Mr. Spencer. 'Tis unnecessary, however; the account clears you, in my mind, young gentleman, from all blame. I thoroughly appreciate your behaviour in the whole affair, my?my young friend. Methinks I see traits of no common promise, in what I?here he vouchsafed a look of still higher approbation, almost of proud complacency in the protege he had brought forward; but he checked himself, taking another turn of the cabin-floor? I mean in one whose general conduct, Mr. Holmes informs me, not only merits his praise, but is satisfactory to the other officers you are known by. As to Mr. John Burt, rest assured he shall have no further opportunity, under my command, for these disgraceful brutalities of his to those younger and better bred than he. Harry rose, covered with blushes; hesitating, yet very eager, he hastened to speak of Mr. Burt, ...