"Very good," said the engineer, as he followed him on deck and staggered
to the side. "I've had enough o' you lot."
"Hadn't you better go down to them engines?" shouted the skipper.
"Am I your SLAVE?" demanded the engineer tearfully. "Tell me that. Am I
your slave?"
"Go down and do your work like a sensible man," was the reply.
At these words the engineer took umbrage at once, and, scowling
fiercely, removed his greasy jacket and flung his cap on the deck. He
then finished the brandy which he had brought up with him, and gazed
owlishly at the Kentish shore.
"I'm going to have a wash," he said loudly, and, sitting down, removed
his boots.
"Go down to the engines first," said the skipper, "and I'll send the boy
to you with a bucket and some soap."
"Bucket!" replied the engineer scornfully, as he moved to the side. "I'm
going to have a proper wash."
"Hold him!" roared the skipper suddenly. "Hold him!"
The mate, realising the situation, rushed to seize him, but the
engineer, with a mad laugh, put his hands on the side and vaulted into
the water. When he rose the steamer was twenty yards ahead.
"Go astarn!" yelled the mate.
"How can I go astarn when there's nobody at the engines?" shouted the
skipper, as he hung on to the wheel and brought the boat's head sharply
round.
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