She gave
Jonathan a look of fury, jumped up from her seat, snatched up her
sewing, and bounced out of the kitchen. The old man came in, and
told us to come along, and he would show us our bunks. We thought he
was a little queer, but he seemed uncommonly kind and anxious to make
us comfortable for the night. He took us to a hut very strongly
built with heavy slabs, left us a lighted candle, and bade us
good-night. After he closed the door we heard him put a padlock on
it; he was a kindly old chap, and did not want anybody to disturb us
during the night, and we soon fell fast asleep. Next morning he came
early and called us to breakfast. He stayed with us all the time,
and when we had eaten, said:
"'Well, have you had a good breakfast?'
"Jonathan spoke:
"'Yes, old man, we have. You are a gentleman; you have done yourself
proud, and we are thankful, ain't we, Jack? You are the best and
kindest old man we've met since we sailed from Boston. And now I
think it's time we made tracks for Launceston. By-bye, Captain.
Come along, Jack.'
"'No you won't, my fine coves,' replied the captain. 'You'll go back
to Hobarton, and join your ship if you have one, which I don't
believe. You can't humbug an old salt like me. You are a pair of
runaway convicts, and I'll give you in charge as sich. Here,
constables, put the darbies on 'em, and take 'em back to Hobarton.
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