So the captain aroused Walker with a sharp order:
"Go and see if the donkey-boiler has a good head of steam. We may have
to drop the stream anchor quick, and both bowers as well. If
Tollemache is doing his work properly, go forward, and keep a sharp
lookout for broken water. Clear off the tarpaulins, and be ready to
lower away the instant I sing out."
Walker, who had been gazing spellbound at the majestic haven opening up
before the ship, hurried on his errand. He found Tollemache seated on
an upturned bucket, in which the taciturn one had just washed his face
and hands.
"Have you seen it?" demanded Walker, gleefully, while his practised
eyes took in the state of the gages and he overran a number of oil taps
with nimble fingers.
"Seen what?" asked Tollemache, without removing his pipe.
"The land, my bonnie lad. We-ah wunnin' wight in now."
"We've been doing that for hours."
"Yes, but this is diff'went. The'aw's a fine wiv-ah ahead. Have ye
ev-ah seen the Tyne? Well, just shove Sooth Sheels an' Tynemouth a few
hundwed feet high-ah, an' you've got it. Now, don't twy to talk, or
you might cwack yo' face.
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