"--"We know
that, sir," said a bearded shell-back in the front rank.--"Work too
hard--eh? Too much for your strength?" he asked again. There was an
offended silence.--"We don't want to go shorthanded, sir," began at last
Davis in a wavering voice, "and this 'ere black...."--"Enough!" cried
the master. He stood scanning them for a moment, then walking a few
steps this way and that began to storm at them coldly, in gusts
violent and cutting like the gales of those icy seas that had known
his youth.--"Tell you what's the matter? Too big for your boots. Think
yourselves damn good men. Know half your work. Do half your duty. Think
it too much. If you did ten times as much it wouldn't be
enough."--"We did our best by her, sir," cried some one with shaky
exasperation.--"Your best," stormed on the master; "You hear a lot on
shore, don't you? They don't tell you there your best isn't much to
boast of. I tell you--your best is no better than bad."
"You can do no more? No, I know, and say nothing. But you stop your caper
or I will stop it for you. I am ready for you! Stop it!" He shook a
finger at the crowd. "As to that man," he raised his voice very much;
"as to that man, if he puts his nose out on deck without my leave I will
clap him in irons.
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