diff options
Diffstat (limited to '10784-h/10784-h.htm')
| -rw-r--r-- | 10784-h/10784-h.htm | 1297 |
1 files changed, 1297 insertions, 0 deletions
diff --git a/10784-h/10784-h.htm b/10784-h/10784-h.htm new file mode 100644 index 0000000..29cb3c5 --- /dev/null +++ b/10784-h/10784-h.htm @@ -0,0 +1,1297 @@ +<!DOCTYPE HTML PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD HTML 4.01 Transitional//EN"> +<html> +<head> +<meta http-equiv="Content-Type" + content="text/html; charset=iso-8859-1"> +<meta content="pg2html (binary version 0.12a)" + name="generator"> +<title>The Project Gutenberg eBook of + Sailors' Knots: SENTENCE DEFERRED + by W.W. Jacobs. +</title> +<style type="text/css"> + <!-- + * { font-family: Times; + } + P { text-indent: 1em; + margin: 15%; + margin-top: .75em; + font-size: 14pt; + text-align: justify; + margin-bottom: .75em; } + H1,H2,H3,H4,H5,H6 { text-align: center; } + HR { width: 33%; } + PRE { font-family: Courier, monospaced;} + .toc { margin-left: 15%; font-size: 14pt; margin-bottom: 0em;} + CENTER { padding: 10px;} + // --> +</style> +</head> +<body> + + +<pre> + +The Project Gutenberg EBook of Sentence Deferred, by W.W. Jacobs + +This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with +almost no restrictions whatsoever. You may copy it, give it away or +re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included +with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.org + + +Title: Sentence Deferred + Sailor's Knots, Part 4. + +Author: W.W. Jacobs + +Release Date: January 22, 2004 [EBook #10784] + +Language: English + +Character set encoding: ASCII + +*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK SENTENCE DEFERRED *** + + + + +Produced by David Widger + + + + + +</pre> + + + + +<h1> + SAILORS' KNOTS +</h1> +<br /> +<h2> + By W.W. Jacobs +</h2> +<br /><br /> +<h3> + 1909 +</h3> + +<br><br> +<h2>Part 4.</h2> + + +<br><br> +<center> +<img alt="title (50K)" src="title.jpg" height="718" width="453" /> +</center> +<br><br> +<br /><br /> +<hr> +<br /><br /> + + +<h2>List of Illustrations</h2> +<br /> +<center> +<table summary=""> +<tr><td> + + + + + +<p class="toc"><a href="#image-13"> +"An Elderly Man With a Wooden Leg, Who Joined The +Indignant Officer in the Pursuit." +</a></p> +<p class="toc"><a href="#image-14"> +"He Was Administering First Aid to a Right Leg." +</a></p> +<p class="toc"><a href="#image-15"> +"She Took up a Handful of Coal-dust And, Ordering Him To +Stoop, Shampooed Him With Hearty Good-will." +</a></p> +<p class="toc"><a href="#image-16"> +"Give This to the Skipper, Will You, My Lad?" Said The +Sergeant. +</a></p> + + + + + + +</td></tr> +</table> +</center> + + + + +<a name="2H_4_4"><!-- H2 anchor --></a> +<p> </p> +<p> </p> +<p> </p> +<p> </p> +<h2> + SENTENCE DEFERRED +</h2> +<a name="image-13"><!--IMG--></a> +<center> +<img src="013.jpg" height="430" width="488" +alt="'An Elderly Man With a Wooden Leg, Who Joined The +Indignant Officer in the Pursuit.' +"> +</center> +<!--IMAGE END--> +<p> + Fortunately for Captain Bligh, there were but few people about, and the + only person who saw him trip Police-Sergeant Pilbeam was an elderly man + with a wooden leg, who joined the indignant officer in the pursuit. The + captain had youth on his side, and, diving into the narrow alley-ways + that constitute the older portion of Wood-hatch, he moderated his pace + and listened acutely. The sounds of pursuit died away in the distance, + and he had already dropped into a walk when the hurried tap of the wooden + leg sounded from one corner and a chorus of hurried voices from the + other. It was clear that the number of hunters had increased. +</p> +<p> + He paused a second, irresolute. The next, he pushed open a door that + stood ajar in an old flint wall and peeped in. He saw a small, brick- + paved yard, in which trim myrtles and flowering plants stood about in + freshly ochred pots, and, opening the door a little wider, he slipped in + and closed it behind him. +</p> +<p> + "Well?" said a voice, sharply. "What do you want?" +</p> +<p> + Captain Bligh turned, and saw a girl standing in a hostile attitude in + the doorway of the house. "H'sh!" he said, holding up his finger. +</p> +<p> + The girl's cheeks flushed and her eyes sparkled. +</p> +<p> + "What are you doing in our yard?" she demanded. +</p> +<p> + The captain's face relaxed as the sound of voices died away. He gave his + moustache a twist, and eyed her with frank admiration. +</p> +<p> + "Escaping," he said, briefly. "They nearly had me, though." +</p> +<p> + "You had no business to escape into our yard," said the girl. "What have + you been escaping from?" +</p> +<p> + "Fat policeman," said the skipper, jauntily, twisting his moustache. +</p> +<p> + Miss Pilbeam, only daughter of Sergeant Pilbeam, caught her breath + sharply. +</p> +<p> + "What have you been doing?" she inquired, as soon as she could control + her voice. +</p> +<p> + "Nothing," said the skipper, airily, "nothing. I was kicking a stone + along the path and he told me to stop it." +</p> +<p> + "Well?" said Miss Pilbeam, impatiently. +</p> +<p> + "We had words," said the skipper. "I don't like policemen—fat + policemen—and while we were talking he happened to lose his balance and + go over into some mud that was swept up at the side of the road." +</p> +<p> + "Lost his balance?" gasped the horrified Miss Pilbeam. +</p> +<p> + The skipper was flattered at her concern. "You would have laughed if you + had seen him," he said, smiling. "Don't look so frightened; he hasn't + got me yet." +</p> +<p> + "No," said the girl, slowly. "Not yet." +</p> +<p> + She gazed at him with such a world of longing in her eyes that the + skipper, despite a somewhat large share of self-esteem, was almost + startled. +</p> +<p> + "And he shan't have me," he said, returning her gaze with interest. +</p> +<p> + Miss Pilbeam stood in silent thought. She was a strong, well-grown girl, + but she realized fully that she was no match for the villain who stood + before her, twisting his moustache and adjusting his neck-tie. And her + father would not be off duty until nine. +</p> +<p> + "I suppose you would like to wait here until it is dark?" she said at + last. +</p> +<p> + "I would sooner wait here than anywhere," said the skipper, with + respectful ardor. +</p> +<p> + "Perhaps you would like to come in and sit down?" said the girl. +</p> +<p> + Captain Bligh thanked her, and removing his cap followed her into a small + parlor in the front of the house. +</p> +<p> + "Father is out," she said, as she motioned him to an easy-chair, "but I'm + sure he'll be pleased to see you when he comes in." +</p> +<p> + "And I shall be pleased to see him," said the innocent skipper. +</p> +<p> + Miss Pilbeam kept her doubts to herself and sat in a brown study, + wondering how the capture was to be effected. She had a strong + presentiment that the appearance of her father at the front door would be + the signal for her visitor's departure at the back. For a time there was + an awkward silence. +</p> +<p> + "Lucky thing for me I upset that policeman," said the skipper, at last. +</p> +<p> + "Why?" inquired the girl. +</p> +<p> + "Else I shouldn't have come into your yard," was the reply. "It's the + first time we have ever put into Woodhatch, and I might have sailed away + and never seen you. Where should we have been but for that fat + policeman?" +</p> +<p> + Miss Pilbeam—as soon as she could get her breath—said, "Ah, where + indeed!" and for the first time in her life began to feel the need of a + chaperon. +</p> +<p> + "Funny to think of him hunting for me high and low while I am sitting + here," said the skipper. +</p> +<p> + Miss Pilbeam agreed with him, and began to laugh—to laugh so heartily + that he was fain at last to draw his chair close to hers and pat her + somewhat anxiously on the back. The treatment sobered her at once, and + she drew apart and eyed him coldly. +</p> +<p> + "I was afraid you would lose your breath," explained the skipper, + awkwardly. "You are not angry, are you?" +</p> +<p> + He was so genuinely relieved when she said, "No," that Miss Pilbeam, + despite her father's wrongs, began to soften a little. The upsetter of + policemen was certainly good-looking; and his manner towards her so + nicely balanced between boldness and timidity that a slight feeling of + sadness at his lack of moral character began to assail her. +</p> +<p> + "Suppose you are caught after all?" she said, presently. "You will go to + prison." +</p> +<p> + The skipper shrugged his shoulders. "I don't suppose I shall be," he + replied. +</p> +<p> + "Aren't you sorry?" persisted Miss Pilbeam, in a vibrant voice. +</p> +<p> + "Certainly not," said the skipper. "Why, I shouldn't have seen you if I + hadn't done it." +</p> +<p> + Miss Pilbeam looked at the clock and pondered. It wanted but five + minutes to nine. Five minutes in which to make up a mind that was in a + state of strong unrest. +</p> +<p> + "I suppose it is time for me to go," said the skipper, watching her. + Miss Pilbeam rose. "No, don't go," she said, hastily. "Do be quiet. + I want to think." +</p> +<p> + Captain Bligh waited in respectful silence, heedless of the fateful + seconds ticking from the mantelpiece. At the sound of a slow, measured + footfall on the cobblestone path outside Miss Pilbeam caught his arm and + drew him towards the door. +</p> +<p> + "Go!" she breathed. "No, stop!" +</p> +<p> + She stood trying in vain to make up her mind. "Upstairs," she said. + "Quick!" and, leading the way, entered her father's bedroom, and, after a + moment's thought, opened the door of a cupboard in the corner. +</p> +<p> + "Get in there," she whispered. +</p> +<p> + "But—" objected the astonished Bligh. +</p> +<p> + The front door was heard to open. +</p> +<p> + "Police!" said Miss Pilbeam, in a thrilling whisper. The skipper stepped + into the cupboard without further parley, and the girl, turning the key, + slipped it into her pocket and sped downstairs. +</p> +<p> + Sergeant Pilbeam was in the easy-chair, with his belt unfastened, when + she entered the parlor, and, with a hungry reference to supper, sat + watching her as she lit the lamp and drew down the blind. With a + lifelong knowledge of the requirements of the Force, she drew a jug of + beer and placed it by his side while she set the table. +</p> +<p> + "Ah! I wanted that," said the sergeant. "I've been running." +</p> +<p> + Miss Pilbeam raised her eyebrows. +</p> +<p> + "After some sailor-looking chap that capsized me when I wasn't prepared + for it," said her father, putting down his glass. "It was a neat bit o' + work, and I shall tell him so when I catch him. Look here!" +</p> +<p> + He stood up and exhibited the damage. +</p> +<p> + "I've rubbed off what I could," he said, resuming his seat, "and I s'pose + the rest'll brush off when it's dry. To-morrow morning I shall go down + to the harbor and try and spot my lord." +</p> +<p> + He drew his chair to the table and helped himself, and, filling his mouth + with cold meat and pickles, enlarged on his plans for the capture of his + assailant; plans to which the undecided Miss Pilbeam turned a somewhat + abstracted ear. +</p> +<p> + By the time her father had finished his supper she was trying, but in + vain, to devise means for the prisoner's escape. The sergeant had opened + the door of the room for the sake of fresh air, and it was impossible for + anybody to come downstairs without being seen. The story of a sickly + geranium in the back-yard left him unmoved. +</p> +<p> + "I wouldn't get up for all the geraniums in the world," he declared. + "I'm just going to have one more pipe and then I'm off to bed. Running + don't agree with me." +</p> +<p> + He went, despite his daughter's utmost efforts to prevent him, and she + sat in silent consternation, listening to his heavy tread overhead. She + heard the bed creak in noisy protest as he climbed in, and ten minutes + later the lusty snoring of a healthy man of full habit resounded through + the house. +</p> +<p> + She went to bed herself at last, and, after lying awake for nearly a + couple of hours, closed her eyes in order to think better. She awoke + with the sun pouring in at the window and the sounds of vigorous brushing + in the yard beneath. +</p> +<p> + "I've nearly got it off," said the sergeant, looking up. "It's + destroying evidence in a sense, I suppose; but I can't go about with my + uniform plastered with mud. I've had enough chaff about it as it is." +</p> +<p> + Miss Pilbeam stole to the door of the next room and peeped stealthily in. + Not a sound came from the cupboard, and a horrible idea that the prisoner + might have been suffocated set her trembling with apprehension. +</p> +<p> + "H'sh!" she whispered. +</p> +<p> + An eager but stifled "H'st!" came from the cup-board, and Miss Pilbeam, + her fears allayed, stepped softly into the room. +</p> +<p> + "He's downstairs brushing the mud off," she said, in a low voice. +</p> +<p> + "Who is?" said the skipper. +</p> +<p> + "The fat policeman," said the girl, in a hard voice, as she remembered + her father's wrongs. +</p> +<p> + "What's he doing it here for?" demanded the astonished skipper. +</p> +<p> + "Because he lives here." +</p> +<p> + "Lodger?" queried the skipper, more astonished than before. +</p> +<p> + "Father," said Miss Pilbeam. +</p> +<p> + A horrified groan from the cupboard fell like music on her ears. Then + the smile forsook her lips, and she stood quivering with indignation as + the groan gave way to suppressed but unmistakable laughter. +</p> +<p> + "H'sh!" she said sharply, and with head erect sailed out of the room and + went downstairs to give Mr. Pilbeam his breakfast. +</p> +<p> + To the skipper in the confined space and darkness of the cupboard the + breakfast seemed unending. The sergeant evidently believed in sitting + over his meals, and his deep, rumbling voice, punctuated by good-natured + laughter, was plainly audible. To pass the time the skipper fell to + counting, and, tired of that, recited some verses that he had acquired at + school. After that, and with far more heartiness, he declaimed a few + things that he had learned since; and still the clatter and rumble + sounded from below. +</p> +<p> + It was a relief to him when he heard the sergeant push his chair back and + move heavily about the room. A minute later he heard him ascending the + stairs, and then he held his breath with horror as the foot-steps entered + the room and a heavy hand was laid on the cupboard door. +</p> +<p> + "Elsie!" bawled the sergeant. "Where's the key of my cupboard? I want + my other boots." +</p> +<p> + "They're down here," cried the voice of Miss Pilbeam, and the skipper, + hardly able to believe in his good fortune, heard the sergeant go + downstairs again. +</p> +<p> + At the expiration of another week—by his own reckoning—he heard the + light, hurried footsteps of Miss Pilbeam come up the stairs and pause at + the door. +</p> +<p> + "H'st!" he said, recklessly. +</p> +<p> + "I'm coming," said the girl. "Don't be impatient." +</p> +<p> + A key turned in the lock, the door was flung open, and the skipper, dazed + and blinking with the sudden light, stumbled into the room. +</p> +<p> + "Father's gone," said Miss Pilbeam. +</p> +<p> + The skipper made no answer. He was administering first aid to a right + leg which had temporarily forgotten how to perform its duties, varied + with slaps and pinches at a left which had gone to sleep. At intervals + he turned a red-rimmed and reproachful eye on Miss Pilbeam. +</p> +<a name="image-14"><!--IMG--></a> +<center> +<img src="014.jpg" height="474" width="454" +alt="'He Was Administering First Aid to a Right Leg.' +"> +</center> +<!--IMAGE END--> +<p> + "You want a wash and some breakfast," she said, softly, "especially a + wash. There's water and a towel, and while you're making yourself tidy + I'll be getting breakfast." +</p> +<p> + The skipper hobbled to the wash-stand, and, dipping his head in a basin + of cool water, began to feel himself again. By the time he had done his + hair in the sergeant's glass and twisted his moustache into shape he felt + better still, and he went downstairs almost blithely. +</p> +<p> + "I'm very sorry it was your father," he said, as he took a seat at the + table. "Very." +</p> +<p> + "That's why you laughed, I suppose?" said the girl, tossing her head. +</p> +<p> + "Well, I've had the worst of it," said the other. "I'd sooner be upset a + hundred times than spend a night in that cupboard. However, all's well + that ends well." +</p> +<p> + "Ah!" said Miss Pilbeam, dolefully, "but is it the end?" +</p> +<p> + Captain Bligh put down his knife and fork and eyed her uneasily. +</p> +<p> + "What do you mean?" he said. +</p> +<p> + "Never mind; don't spoil your breakfast," said the girl. "I'll tell you + afterwards. It's horrid to think, after all my trouble, of your doing + two months as well as a night in the cupboard." +</p> +<p> + "Beastly," said the unfortunate, eying her in great concern. "But what's + the matter?" +</p> +<p> + "One can't think of everything," said Miss Pilbeam, "but, of course, we + ought to have thought of the mate getting uneasy when you didn't turn up + last night, and going to the police-station with a description of you." +</p> +<p> + The skipper started and smote the table with his fist. +</p> +<p> + "Father's gone down to watch the ship now," said Miss Pilbeam. "Of + course, it's the exact description of the man that assaulted him. + Providential he called it." +</p> +<p> + "That's the worst of having a fool for a mate," said the skipper, + bitterly. "What business was it of his, I should like to know? What's + it got to do with him whether I turn up or not? What does he want to + interfere for?" +</p> +<p> + "It's no good blaming him," said Miss Pilbeam, thinking deeply, with her + chin on her finger. "The thing is, what is to be done? Once father gets + his hand on you——" +</p> +<p> + She shuddered; so did the skipper. +</p> +<p> + "I might get off with a fine; I didn't hurt him," he remarked. +</p> +<p> + Miss Pilbeam shook her head. "They're very strict in Woodhatch," she + said. +</p> +<p> + "I was a fool to touch him at all," said the repentant skipper. "High + spirits, that's what it was. High spirits, and being spoken to as if I + was a child." +</p> +<p> + "The thing is, how are you to escape?" said the girl. "It's no good + going out of doors with the police and half the people in Woodhatch all + on the look-out for you." +</p> +<p> + "If I could only get aboard I should be all right," muttered the skipper. + "I could keep down the fo'-c's'le while the mate took the ship out." +</p> +<p> + Miss Pilbeam sat in deep thought. "It's the getting aboard that's the + trouble," she said, slowly. "You'd have to disguise yourself. It would + have to be a good disguise, too, to pass my father, I can tell you." +</p> +<p> + Captain Bligh gave a gloomy assent. +</p> +<p> + "The only thing for you to do, so far as I can see," said the girl, + slowly, "is to make yourself up like a coalie. There are one or two + colliers in the harbor, and if you took off your coat—I could send it on + afterwards—rubbed yourself all over with coal-dust, and shaved off your + moustache, I believe you would escape." +</p> +<p> + "Shave!" ejaculated the skipper, in choking accents. "Rub—! + Coal-dust!" +</p> +<p> + "It's your only chance," said Miss Pilbeam. +</p> +<p> + Captain Bligh leaned back frowning, and from sheer force of habit passed + the ends of his moustache slowly through his fingers. "I think the coal- + dust would be enough," he said at last. +</p> +<p> + The girl shook her head. "Father particularly noticed your moustache," + she said. +</p> +<p> + "Everybody does," said the skipper, with mournful pride. "I won't part + with it." +</p> +<p> + "Not for my sake?" inquired Miss Pilbeam, eying him mournfully. "Not + after all I've done for you?" +</p> +<p> + "No," said the other, stoutly. +</p> +<p> + Miss Pilbeam put her handkerchief to her eyes and, with a suspicious + little sniff, hurried from the room. Captain Bligh, much affected, + waited for a few seconds and then went in pursuit of her. Fifteen + minutes later, shorn of his moustache, he stood in the coal-hole, sulkily + smearing himself with coal. +</p> +<p> + "That's better," said the girl; "you look horrible." +</p> +<p> + She took up a handful of coal-dust and, ordering him to stoop, shampooed + him with hearty good-will. +</p> +<a name="image-15"><!--IMG--></a> +<center> +<img src="015.jpg" height="500" width="445" +alt="'She Took up a Handful of Coal-dust And, Ordering Him To +Stoop, Shampooed Him With Hearty Good-will.' +"> +</center> +<!--IMAGE END--> +<p> + "No good half doing it," she declared. "Now go and look at yourself in + the glass in the kitchen." +</p> +<p> + The skipper went, and came back in a state of wild-eyed misery. Even + Miss Pilbeam's statement that his own mother would not know him failed to + lift the cloud from his brow. He stood disconsolate as the girl opened + the front door. +</p> +<p> + "Good-by," she said, gently. "Write and tell me when you are safe." +</p> +<p> + Captain Bligh promised, and walked slowly up the road. So far from + people attempting to arrest him, they vied with each other in giving him + elbow-room. He reached the harbor unmolested, and, lurking at a + convenient corner, made a careful survey. A couple of craft were working + out their coal, a small steamer was just casting loose, and a fishing- + boat gliding slowly over the still water to its berth. His own schooner, + which lay near the colliers, had apparently knocked off work pending his + arrival. For Sergeant Pilbeam he looked in vain. +</p> +<p> + He waited a minute or two, and then, with a furtive glance right and + left, strolled in a careless fashion until he was abreast of one of the + colliers. Nobody took any notice of him, and, with his hands in his + pockets, he gazed meditatively into the water and edged along towards his + own craft. His foot trembled as he placed it on the plank that formed + the gangway, but, resisting the temptation to look behind, he gained the + deck and walked forward. +</p> +<p> + "Halloa! What do you want?" inquired a sea-man, coming out of the + galley. +</p> +<p> + "All right, Bill," said the skipper, in a low voice. "Don't take any + notice of me." +</p> +<p> + "Eh?" said the seaman, starting. "Good lor'! What ha' you——" +</p> +<p> + "Shut up!" said the skipper, fiercely; and, walking to the forecastle, + placed his hand on the scuttle and descended with studied slowness. As + he reached the floor the perturbed face of Bill blocked the opening. +</p> +<p> + "Had an accident, cap'n?" he inquired, respectfully. +</p> +<p> + "No," snapped the skipper. "Come down here—quick! Don't stand up there + attracting attention. Do you want the whole town round you? Come down!" +</p> +<p> + "I'm all right where I am," said Bill, backing hastily as the skipper, + putting a foot on the ladder, thrust a black and furious face close to + his. +</p> +<p> + "Clear out, then," hissed the skipper. "Go and send the mate to me. + Don't hurry. And if anybody noticed me come aboard and should ask you + who I am, say I'm a pal of yours." +</p> +<p> + The seaman, marvelling greatly, withdrew, and the skipper, throwing + himself on a locker, wiped a bit of grit out of his eye and sat down to + wait for the mate. He was so long in coming that he waxed impatient, and + ascending a step of the ladder again peeped on to the deck. The first + object that met his gaze was the figure of the mate leaning against the + side of the ship with a wary eye on the scuttle. +</p> +<p> + "Come here," said the skipper. +</p> +<p> + "Anything wrong?" inquired the mate, retreating a couple of paces in + disorder. +</p> +<p> + "Come—here!" repeated the skipper. +</p> +<p> + The mate advanced slowly, and in response to an imperative command from + the skipper slowly descended and stood regarding him nervously. +</p> +<p> + "Yes; you may look," said the skipper, with sudden ferocity. "This is + all your doing. Where are you going?" +</p> +<p> + He caught the mate by the coat as he was making for the ladder, and + hauled him back again. +</p> +<p> + "You'll go when I've finished with you," he said, grimly. "Now, what do + you mean by it? Eh? What do you mean by it?" +</p> +<p> + "That's all right," said the mate, in a soothing voice. "Don't get + excited." +</p> +<p> + "Look at me!" said the skipper. "All through your interfering. How dare + you go making inquiries about me?" +</p> +<p> + "Me?" said the mate, backing as far as possible. "Inquiries?" +</p> +<p> + "What's it got to do with you if I stay out all night?" pursued the + skipper. +</p> +<p> + "Nothing," said the other, feebly. +</p> +<p> + "What did you go to the police about me for, then?" demanded the skipper. +</p> +<p> + "Me?" said the mate, in the shrill accents of astonishment. "Me? + I didn't go to no police about you. Why should I?" +</p> +<p> + "Do you mean to say you didn't report my absence last night to the + police?" said the skipper, sternly. +</p> +<p> + "Cert'nly not," said the mate, plucking up courage. "Why should I? If + you like to take a night off it's nothing to do with me. I 'ope I know + my duty better. I don't know what you're talking about." +</p> +<p> + "And the police haven't been watching the ship and inquiring for me?" + asked the skipper. +</p> +<p> + The mate shook his bewildered head. "Why should they?" he inquired. +</p> +<p> + The skipper made no reply. He sat goggle-eyed, staring straight before + him, trying in vain to realize the hardness of the heart that had been + responsible for such a scurvy trick. +</p> +<p> + "Besides, it ain't the fust time you've been out all night," remarked the + mate, aggressively. +</p> +<p> + The skipper favored him with a glance the dignity of which was somewhat + impaired by his complexion, and in a slow and stately fashion ascended to + the deck. Then he caught his breath sharply and paled beneath the + coaldust as he saw Sergeant Pilbeam standing on the quay, opposite the + ship. By his side stood Miss Pilbeam, and both, with a far-away look in + their eyes, were smiling vaguely but contentedly at the horizon. The + sergeant appeared to be the first to see the skipper. +</p> +<p> + "Ahoy, Darkie!" he cried. +</p> +<p> + Captain Bligh, who was creeping slowly aft, halted, and, clenching his + fists, regarded him ferociously. +</p> +<p> + "Give this to the skipper, will you, my lad?" said the sergeant, holding + up the jacket Bligh had left behind. "Good-looking young man with a very + fine moustache he is." +</p> +<a name="image-16"><!--IMG--></a> +<center> +<img src="016.jpg" height="488" width="445" +alt="'Give This to the Skipper, Will You, My Lad?' Said The +Sergeant. +"> +</center> +<!--IMAGE END--> +<p> + "Was," said his daughter, in a mournful voice. +</p> +<p> + "And a rather dark complexion," continued the sergeant, grinning madly. + "I was going to take him—for stealing my coal—but I thought better of + it. Thought of a better way. At least, my daughter did. So long; + Darkie." +</p> +<p> + He kissed the top of a fat middle finger, and, turning away, walked off + with Miss Pilbeam. The skipper stood watching them with his head + swimming until, arrived at the corner, they stopped and the sergeant came + slowly back. +</p> +<p> + "I was nearly forgetting," he said, slowly. "Tell your skipper that if + so be as he wants to apologize—for stealing my coal—I shall be at home + at tea at five o'clock." +</p> +<p> + He jerked his thumb in the direction of Miss Pilbeam and winked with slow + deliberation. "She'll be there, too," he added. "Savvy?" +</p> + + + + + + + + + + + + + + +<pre> + + + + + +End of the Project Gutenberg EBook of Sentence Deferred, by W.W. Jacobs + +*** END OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK SENTENCE DEFERRED *** + +***** This file should be named 10784-h.htm or 10784-h.zip ***** +This and all associated files of various formats will be found in: + https://www.gutenberg.org/1/0/7/8/10784/ + +Produced by David Widger + +Updated editions will replace the previous one--the old editions +will be renamed. + +Creating the works from public domain print editions means that no +one owns a United States copyright in these works, so the Foundation +(and you!) can copy and distribute it in the United States without +permission and without paying copyright royalties. Special rules, +set forth in the General Terms of Use part of this license, apply to +copying and distributing Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works to +protect the PROJECT GUTENBERG-tm concept and trademark. Project +Gutenberg is a registered trademark, and may not be used if you +charge for the eBooks, unless you receive specific permission. If you +do not charge anything for copies of this eBook, complying with the +rules is very easy. You may use this eBook for nearly any purpose +such as creation of derivative works, reports, performances and +research. They may be modified and printed and given away--you may do +practically ANYTHING with public domain eBooks. Redistribution is +subject to the trademark license, especially commercial +redistribution. + + + +*** START: FULL LICENSE *** + +THE FULL PROJECT GUTENBERG LICENSE +PLEASE READ THIS BEFORE YOU DISTRIBUTE OR USE THIS WORK + +To protect the Project Gutenberg-tm mission of promoting the free +distribution of electronic works, by using or distributing this work +(or any other work associated in any way with the phrase "Project +Gutenberg"), you agree to comply with all the terms of the Full Project +Gutenberg-tm License (available with this file or online at +https://gutenberg.org/license). + + +Section 1. General Terms of Use and Redistributing Project Gutenberg-tm +electronic works + +1.A. By reading or using any part of this Project Gutenberg-tm +electronic work, you indicate that you have read, understand, agree to +and accept all the terms of this license and intellectual property +(trademark/copyright) agreement. If you do not agree to abide by all +the terms of this agreement, you must cease using and return or destroy +all copies of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works in your possession. +If you paid a fee for obtaining a copy of or access to a Project +Gutenberg-tm electronic work and you do not agree to be bound by the +terms of this agreement, you may obtain a refund from the person or +entity to whom you paid the fee as set forth in paragraph 1.E.8. + +1.B. "Project Gutenberg" is a registered trademark. It may only be +used on or associated in any way with an electronic work by people who +agree to be bound by the terms of this agreement. There are a few +things that you can do with most Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works +even without complying with the full terms of this agreement. See +paragraph 1.C below. There are a lot of things you can do with Project +Gutenberg-tm electronic works if you follow the terms of this agreement +and help preserve free future access to Project Gutenberg-tm electronic +works. See paragraph 1.E below. + +1.C. The Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation ("the Foundation" +or PGLAF), owns a compilation copyright in the collection of Project +Gutenberg-tm electronic works. Nearly all the individual works in the +collection are in the public domain in the United States. If an +individual work is in the public domain in the United States and you are +located in the United States, we do not claim a right to prevent you from +copying, distributing, performing, displaying or creating derivative +works based on the work as long as all references to Project Gutenberg +are removed. Of course, we hope that you will support the Project +Gutenberg-tm mission of promoting free access to electronic works by +freely sharing Project Gutenberg-tm works in compliance with the terms of +this agreement for keeping the Project Gutenberg-tm name associated with +the work. You can easily comply with the terms of this agreement by +keeping this work in the same format with its attached full Project +Gutenberg-tm License when you share it without charge with others. + +1.D. The copyright laws of the place where you are located also govern +what you can do with this work. Copyright laws in most countries are in +a constant state of change. If you are outside the United States, check +the laws of your country in addition to the terms of this agreement +before downloading, copying, displaying, performing, distributing or +creating derivative works based on this work or any other Project +Gutenberg-tm work. The Foundation makes no representations concerning +the copyright status of any work in any country outside the United +States. + +1.E. Unless you have removed all references to Project Gutenberg: + +1.E.1. The following sentence, with active links to, or other immediate +access to, the full Project Gutenberg-tm License must appear prominently +whenever any copy of a Project Gutenberg-tm work (any work on which the +phrase "Project Gutenberg" appears, or with which the phrase "Project +Gutenberg" is associated) is accessed, displayed, performed, viewed, +copied or distributed: + +This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with +almost no restrictions whatsoever. You may copy it, give it away or +re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included +with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.org + +1.E.2. If an individual Project Gutenberg-tm electronic work is derived +from the public domain (does not contain a notice indicating that it is +posted with permission of the copyright holder), the work can be copied +and distributed to anyone in the United States without paying any fees +or charges. If you are redistributing or providing access to a work +with the phrase "Project Gutenberg" associated with or appearing on the +work, you must comply either with the requirements of paragraphs 1.E.1 +through 1.E.7 or obtain permission for the use of the work and the +Project Gutenberg-tm trademark as set forth in paragraphs 1.E.8 or +1.E.9. + +1.E.3. If an individual Project Gutenberg-tm electronic work is posted +with the permission of the copyright holder, your use and distribution +must comply with both paragraphs 1.E.1 through 1.E.7 and any additional +terms imposed by the copyright holder. Additional terms will be linked +to the Project Gutenberg-tm License for all works posted with the +permission of the copyright holder found at the beginning of this work. + +1.E.4. Do not unlink or detach or remove the full Project Gutenberg-tm +License terms from this work, or any files containing a part of this +work or any other work associated with Project Gutenberg-tm. + +1.E.5. Do not copy, display, perform, distribute or redistribute this +electronic work, or any part of this electronic work, without +prominently displaying the sentence set forth in paragraph 1.E.1 with +active links or immediate access to the full terms of the Project +Gutenberg-tm License. + +1.E.6. You may convert to and distribute this work in any binary, +compressed, marked up, nonproprietary or proprietary form, including any +word processing or hypertext form. However, if you provide access to or +distribute copies of a Project Gutenberg-tm work in a format other than +"Plain Vanilla ASCII" or other format used in the official version +posted on the official Project Gutenberg-tm web site (www.gutenberg.org), +you must, at no additional cost, fee or expense to the user, provide a +copy, a means of exporting a copy, or a means of obtaining a copy upon +request, of the work in its original "Plain Vanilla ASCII" or other +form. Any alternate format must include the full Project Gutenberg-tm +License as specified in paragraph 1.E.1. + +1.E.7. Do not charge a fee for access to, viewing, displaying, +performing, copying or distributing any Project Gutenberg-tm works +unless you comply with paragraph 1.E.8 or 1.E.9. + +1.E.8. You may charge a reasonable fee for copies of or providing +access to or distributing Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works provided +that + +- You pay a royalty fee of 20% of the gross profits you derive from + the use of Project Gutenberg-tm works calculated using the method + you already use to calculate your applicable taxes. The fee is + owed to the owner of the Project Gutenberg-tm trademark, but he + has agreed to donate royalties under this paragraph to the + Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation. Royalty payments + must be paid within 60 days following each date on which you + prepare (or are legally required to prepare) your periodic tax + returns. Royalty payments should be clearly marked as such and + sent to the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation at the + address specified in Section 4, "Information about donations to + the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation." + +- You provide a full refund of any money paid by a user who notifies + you in writing (or by e-mail) within 30 days of receipt that s/he + does not agree to the terms of the full Project Gutenberg-tm + License. You must require such a user to return or + destroy all copies of the works possessed in a physical medium + and discontinue all use of and all access to other copies of + Project Gutenberg-tm works. + +- You provide, in accordance with paragraph 1.F.3, a full refund of any + money paid for a work or a replacement copy, if a defect in the + electronic work is discovered and reported to you within 90 days + of receipt of the work. + +- You comply with all other terms of this agreement for free + distribution of Project Gutenberg-tm works. + +1.E.9. If you wish to charge a fee or distribute a Project Gutenberg-tm +electronic work or group of works on different terms than are set +forth in this agreement, you must obtain permission in writing from +both the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation and Michael +Hart, the owner of the Project Gutenberg-tm trademark. Contact the +Foundation as set forth in Section 3 below. + +1.F. + +1.F.1. Project Gutenberg volunteers and employees expend considerable +effort to identify, do copyright research on, transcribe and proofread +public domain works in creating the Project Gutenberg-tm +collection. Despite these efforts, Project Gutenberg-tm electronic +works, and the medium on which they may be stored, may contain +"Defects," such as, but not limited to, incomplete, inaccurate or +corrupt data, transcription errors, a copyright or other intellectual +property infringement, a defective or damaged disk or other medium, a +computer virus, or computer codes that damage or cannot be read by +your equipment. + +1.F.2. LIMITED WARRANTY, DISCLAIMER OF DAMAGES - Except for the "Right +of Replacement or Refund" described in paragraph 1.F.3, the Project +Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation, the owner of the Project +Gutenberg-tm trademark, and any other party distributing a Project +Gutenberg-tm electronic work under this agreement, disclaim all +liability to you for damages, costs and expenses, including legal +fees. YOU AGREE THAT YOU HAVE NO REMEDIES FOR NEGLIGENCE, STRICT +LIABILITY, BREACH OF WARRANTY OR BREACH OF CONTRACT EXCEPT THOSE +PROVIDED IN PARAGRAPH F3. YOU AGREE THAT THE FOUNDATION, THE +TRADEMARK OWNER, AND ANY DISTRIBUTOR UNDER THIS AGREEMENT WILL NOT BE +LIABLE TO YOU FOR ACTUAL, DIRECT, INDIRECT, CONSEQUENTIAL, PUNITIVE OR +INCIDENTAL DAMAGES EVEN IF YOU GIVE NOTICE OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH +DAMAGE. + +1.F.3. LIMITED RIGHT OF REPLACEMENT OR REFUND - If you discover a +defect in this electronic work within 90 days of receiving it, you can +receive a refund of the money (if any) you paid for it by sending a +written explanation to the person you received the work from. If you +received the work on a physical medium, you must return the medium with +your written explanation. The person or entity that provided you with +the defective work may elect to provide a replacement copy in lieu of a +refund. If you received the work electronically, the person or entity +providing it to you may choose to give you a second opportunity to +receive the work electronically in lieu of a refund. If the second copy +is also defective, you may demand a refund in writing without further +opportunities to fix the problem. + +1.F.4. Except for the limited right of replacement or refund set forth +in paragraph 1.F.3, this work is provided to you 'AS-IS' WITH NO OTHER +WARRANTIES OF ANY KIND, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO +WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTIBILITY OR FITNESS FOR ANY PURPOSE. + +1.F.5. Some states do not allow disclaimers of certain implied +warranties or the exclusion or limitation of certain types of damages. +If any disclaimer or limitation set forth in this agreement violates the +law of the state applicable to this agreement, the agreement shall be +interpreted to make the maximum disclaimer or limitation permitted by +the applicable state law. The invalidity or unenforceability of any +provision of this agreement shall not void the remaining provisions. + +1.F.6. INDEMNITY - You agree to indemnify and hold the Foundation, the +trademark owner, any agent or employee of the Foundation, anyone +providing copies of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works in accordance +with this agreement, and any volunteers associated with the production, +promotion and distribution of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works, +harmless from all liability, costs and expenses, including legal fees, +that arise directly or indirectly from any of the following which you do +or cause to occur: (a) distribution of this or any Project Gutenberg-tm +work, (b) alteration, modification, or additions or deletions to any +Project Gutenberg-tm work, and (c) any Defect you cause. + + +Section 2. Information about the Mission of Project Gutenberg-tm + +Project Gutenberg-tm is synonymous with the free distribution of +electronic works in formats readable by the widest variety of computers +including obsolete, old, middle-aged and new computers. It exists +because of the efforts of hundreds of volunteers and donations from +people in all walks of life. + +Volunteers and financial support to provide volunteers with the +assistance they need, is critical to reaching Project Gutenberg-tm's +goals and ensuring that the Project Gutenberg-tm collection will +remain freely available for generations to come. In 2001, the Project +Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation was created to provide a secure +and permanent future for Project Gutenberg-tm and future generations. +To learn more about the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation +and how your efforts and donations can help, see Sections 3 and 4 +and the Foundation web page at https://www.pglaf.org. + + +Section 3. Information about the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive +Foundation + +The Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation is a non profit +501(c)(3) educational corporation organized under the laws of the +state of Mississippi and granted tax exempt status by the Internal +Revenue Service. The Foundation's EIN or federal tax identification +number is 64-6221541. Its 501(c)(3) letter is posted at +https://pglaf.org/fundraising. Contributions to the Project Gutenberg +Literary Archive Foundation are tax deductible to the full extent +permitted by U.S. federal laws and your state's laws. + +The Foundation's principal office is located at 4557 Melan Dr. S. +Fairbanks, AK, 99712., but its volunteers and employees are scattered +throughout numerous locations. Its business office is located at +809 North 1500 West, Salt Lake City, UT 84116, (801) 596-1887, email +business@pglaf.org. Email contact links and up to date contact +information can be found at the Foundation's web site and official +page at https://pglaf.org + +For additional contact information: + Dr. Gregory B. Newby + Chief Executive and Director + gbnewby@pglaf.org + +Section 4. Information about Donations to the Project Gutenberg +Literary Archive Foundation + +Project Gutenberg-tm depends upon and cannot survive without wide +spread public support and donations to carry out its mission of +increasing the number of public domain and licensed works that can be +freely distributed in machine readable form accessible by the widest +array of equipment including outdated equipment. Many small donations +($1 to $5,000) are particularly important to maintaining tax exempt +status with the IRS. + +The Foundation is committed to complying with the laws regulating +charities and charitable donations in all 50 states of the United +States. Compliance requirements are not uniform and it takes a +considerable effort, much paperwork and many fees to meet and keep up +with these requirements. We do not solicit donations in locations +where we have not received written confirmation of compliance. To +SEND DONATIONS or determine the status of compliance for any +particular state visit https://pglaf.org + +While we cannot and do not solicit contributions from states where we +have not met the solicitation requirements, we know of no prohibition +against accepting unsolicited donations from donors in such states who +approach us with offers to donate. + +International donations are gratefully accepted, but we cannot make +any statements concerning tax treatment of donations received from +outside the United States. U.S. laws alone swamp our small staff. + +Please check the Project Gutenberg Web pages for current donation +methods and addresses. Donations are accepted in a number of other +ways including including checks, online payments and credit card +donations. To donate, please visit: https://pglaf.org/donate + + +Section 5. General Information About Project Gutenberg-tm electronic +works. + +Professor Michael S. Hart was the originator of the Project Gutenberg-tm +concept of a library of electronic works that could be freely shared +with anyone. For thirty years, he produced and distributed Project +Gutenberg-tm eBooks with only a loose network of volunteer support. + +Project Gutenberg-tm eBooks are often created from several printed +editions, all of which are confirmed as Public Domain in the U.S. +unless a copyright notice is included. Thus, we do not necessarily +keep eBooks in compliance with any particular paper edition. + +Each eBook is in a subdirectory of the same number as the eBook's +eBook number, often in several formats including plain vanilla ASCII, +compressed (zipped), HTML and others. + +Corrected EDITIONS of our eBooks replace the old file and take over +the old filename and etext number. The replaced older file is renamed. +VERSIONS based on separate sources are treated as new eBooks receiving +new filenames and etext numbers. + +Most people start at our Web site which has the main PG search facility: + + https://www.gutenberg.org + +This Web site includes information about Project Gutenberg-tm, +including how to make donations to the Project Gutenberg Literary +Archive Foundation, how to help produce our new eBooks, and how to +subscribe to our email newsletter to hear about new eBooks. + +EBooks posted prior to November 2003, with eBook numbers BELOW #10000, +are filed in directories based on their release date. If you want to +download any of these eBooks directly, rather than using the regular +search system you may utilize the following addresses and just +download by the etext year. + + https://www.gutenberg.org/etext06 + + (Or /etext 05, 04, 03, 02, 01, 00, 99, + 98, 97, 96, 95, 94, 93, 92, 92, 91 or 90) + +EBooks posted since November 2003, with etext numbers OVER #10000, are +filed in a different way. The year of a release date is no longer part +of the directory path. The path is based on the etext number (which is +identical to the filename). The path to the file is made up of single +digits corresponding to all but the last digit in the filename. For +example an eBook of filename 10234 would be found at: + + https://www.gutenberg.org/1/0/2/3/10234 + +or filename 24689 would be found at: + https://www.gutenberg.org/2/4/6/8/24689 + +An alternative method of locating eBooks: + https://www.gutenberg.org/GUTINDEX.ALL + + + + +</pre> + +</body> +</html> + |