Ow could you expect it, sir, to be anythink else, wen youve sent it all over the table-cloth? said Mrs Bland, in some surprise.
It is not that, Mrs Bland, said Mr Crossley, in a hurried manner; it is my ship the Walrus. Of course I knew long ago that it must have been lost, continued the old gentleman, speaking his thoughts more to himself than to the housekeeper, who was carefully spooning up the spilt coffee, but the best of it is that the Captain has escaped.
Well, Im sure, sir, said Mrs Bland, condescending to be interested, and to ignore, if not to forget, the coffee, Im very glad to ear it, sir, for Captain Stride is a pleasant cheery sort of man, and would be agreeable company if e didnt use so much sea-langwidge, and speak so much of is missis. An Im glad to ear it too, sir, on account o that fine young man that sailed with imMr Book, I think, was
No, Mrs Bland, it was Brooke; but thats the worst of the business, said the old gentleman; Im not quite sure whether young Brooke is among the saved. Here is what the telegram says:
From Captain Stride to Jacob Crossley. Just arrived, (thats in New York, Mrs Bland); Walrus lost. All hands left her in three boats.
Our boat made uninhabited island, and knocked to pieces. Eight months on the island. Rescued by American barque. Fate of other boats unknown. Will be home within a couple of weeks.
Why, it sounds like Robinson Crusoe, sir, dont it? which I read when I was quite a gurl, but I dont believe it myself though they do say its all true. Young Mr Leather will be glad to ear the good noos of is friend
But this is not good news of his friend; it is only uncertain news, interrupted the old gentleman quickly. Now I think of it, Mrs Bland, Mr Leather is to call here by appointment this very morning, so you must be particularly careful not to say a word to him about this telegram, or Captain Stride, or anything I have told you about the lost shipyou understand, Mrs Bland?
Certainly, sir, said the housekeeper, somewhat hurt by the doubt thus implied as to the capacity of her understanding. Shall I bring you some more toast, sir? she added, with the virtuous feeling that by this question she was returning good for evil.
No, thank you. Now, Mrs Bland, dont forget. Not a word about this to any one.
Ooks an red-ot pincers wouldnt draw a syllable out of me, sir, returned the good woman, departing with an offended air, and leaving her master to understand that, in her opinion, such instruments might have a very different effect upon him.
Ass that I was to speak of it to her at all, muttered Mr Crossley, walking up and down the room with spectacles on forehead, and with both hands in his trousers-pockets creating disturbance among the keys and coppers. I might have known that she could not hold her tongue. It would never do to let Mrs Brooke remain on the tenter-hooks till Stride comes home to clear the matter up. Poor Mrs Brooke! No wonder she is almost broken down. This hoping against hope is so wearing. And shes so lonely. To be sure, sweet May Leather runs out and in like a beam of sunshine; but it must be hard, very hard, to lose an only son in this way. It would be almost better to know that he was dead. Hm! and theres that good-for-nothing Shank. The rascal! and yet hes not absolutely good for nothingif he would only give up drink. Well, while theres life theres hope, thank God! Ill give him another trial.
The old mans brow was severely wrinkled while he indulged in these mutterings, but it cleared, and a kindly look beamed on his countenance as he gave vent to the last expression.
Just then the door bell rang. Mr Crossley resumed the grave look that was habitual to hint and next minute Shank Leather was ushered into the room.
The youth was considerably changed since we last met him. The year which had passed had developed him into a man, and clothed his upper lip with something visible to the naked eye. It had also lengthened his limbs, deepened his chest, and broadened his shoulders. But here the change for the better ended. In that space of time there had come over him a decided air of dissipation, and the freshness suitable to youth had disappeared.
With a look that was somewhat defiant he entered the room and looked boldly at his employer.
Be seated, Mr Leather, said the old gentleman in a voice so soft that the young man evidently felt abashed, but he as evidently steeled himself against better feelings, for he replied
Thank you, Mr Crossley, Id rather stand.
As you please, returned the other, restraining himself. I sent for you, Mr Leather, to tell you that I have heard with sincere regret of your last outbreak, and
Yes, sir, said Shank, rudely interrupting, and I came here not so much to hear what you have to say about my outbreakas you are pleased to style a little jollificationas to tell you that you had better provide yourself with another clerk, for I dont intend to return to your office. Ive got a better situation.
Oh, indeed! exclaimed Crossley in surprise.
Yes, indeed, replied Shank insolently.
It was evident that the youth was, even at that moment, under the influence of his great enemy, else his better feelings would have prevented him from speaking so rudely to a man who had never shown him anything but kindness. But he was nettled by some of his bad companions having taunted him with his slavery to his besetting sin, and had responded to Mr Crossleys summons under the impression that he was going to get what he styled a wigging. He was therefore taken somewhat aback when the old gentleman replied to his last remark gently.
I congratulate you, Mr Leather, on getting a better situation (if it really should turn out to be better), and I sincerely hope it mayfor your mothers sake as well as your own. This therefore disposes of part of my object in asking you to callwhich was to say that I meant to pass over this offence and retain you in my employment. But it does not supersede the necessity of my urging you earnestly to give up drink, not so much on the ground that it will surely lead you to destruction as on the consideration that it grieves the loving Father who has bestowed on you the very powers of enjoyment which you are now prostituting, and who is at this moment holding out His hands to you and waiting to be gracious.
The old man stopped abruptly, and Shank stood with eyes fixed on the floor and frowning brow.
Have you anything more to say to me? asked Mr Crossley.
Nothing.
Then good-morning. As I can do nothing else to serve you, I will pray for you.
Shank found himself in the street with feelings of surprise strong upon him.
Pray for me! he muttered, as he walked slowly along. It never occurred to me before that he prayed at all! The old humbug has more need to pray for himself!
Chapter Nine.
Shank Reveals Something More of his Character
Taking his way to the railway station Shank Leather found himself ere long at his mothers door.
He entered without knocking.
Shank! exclaimed Mrs Leather and May in the same breath.
Ay, mother, its me. A bad shilling, they say, always turns up. I always turn up, therefore I am a bad shilling! Sound logic that, eh, May?
Im glad to see you, dear Shank, said careworn Mrs Leather, laying her knitting-needles on the table; you know Im always glad to see you, but Im naturally surprised, for this visit is out of your regular time.
Has anything happened? asked May anxiously. And May looked very sweet, almost pretty, when she was anxious. A year had refined her features, developed her mind and body, and almost converted her into a little woman. Indeed, mentally, she had become more of a woman than many girls in her neighbourhood who were much older. This was in all likelihood one of the good consequences of adversity.
Ay, May, something has happened, answered the youth, flinging himself gaily into an arm-chair and stretching out his legs towards the fire; I have thrown up my situation. Struck work. Thats all.
Shank!
Just so. Dont look so horrified, mother; youve no occasion to, for I have the offer of a better situation. Besidesha! ha! old Crossleyclose-fisted, crabbed, money-making, skin-flint old Crossleyis going to pray for me. Think o that, mothergoing to pray for me!
Shank, dear boy, returned his mother, dont jest about religious things.
You dont call old Crossley a religious thing, do you? Why, mother, I thought you had more respect for him than that comes to; you ought at least to consider his years!