The Two Shipmates | Page 5

then to follow his
friend. He, however, found a shipmate, Tom Joyce, in the bar, who
easily persuaded him to take a second, followed, naturally, by a third;
and then, his spirits raised, he was induced to accompany his
companion to a dancing hall attached to a public-house in one of the
back streets not far off. Upwards of fifty seamen were collected, many
of them half-seas-over, when a press-gang, to whose commanding
officer notice had been given of what was going forward (very likely
by the landlord himself), rushed in, and, after a severe struggle,
captured whole of them, including Dick and Tom, who, having only
just fallen into the trap, were the most sober of the party.
While the more unruly were carried down at once to the boats, Dick
and Tom with a few others were marched along by the larger part of the
press-gang, who were evidently intent on making further captures.
The two captives had their wits wide awake, and were not without
hopes of effecting their escape.
The press-gang went on till they reached the outskirts of the town,
when they brought up before a neat little cottage. Three men were sent
round to the back-door, while five others advanced to the front entrance
and knocked loudly.
"That's where Widow Treviss lives; she's not one to harbour seamen,"
Dick heard one of the party observe.
"Nol Hedger says he marked a prime seaman go in there not two hours
ago," answered another. It at once occurred to Dick that they were
speaking of Ralph Michelmore.
"Poor fellow! It's where the young girl lives he's going to marry. If they
get hold of him they'll not mind her tears and prayers, but will carry
him off, like the rest of us, to serve the king. However he has a
protection, and has a chance of getting off, I hope."
The blow on the door was, repeated.

"Open in the King's name," shouted the officer.
"I always obey that authority," answered Dame Treviss, from within,
"Ralph, unlock the door."
The door was thrown open, and the seamen, led by their officer, rushed
in. The old dame sat calmly in her chair, while Ralph, with Jessie
clinging to his arm, stood in the centre of the room.
"Why have you come here at this time of the evening, my friends?"
asked Mrs Treviss, with all the composure she could command.
"Because, old lady, we have information that you are harbouring
seamen wanted for his Majesty's service, and, if I mistake not, here
stands one of them, and a likely lad too," answered the officer, a rough
old master's mate, well accustomed to such work, as he laid his hand on
Ralph's arm and made a sign to his men to seize him.
"Oh, no, no! You cannot take him! You will not be so cruel--you shall
not have him," cried Jessie, clinging tightly to her intended husband.
"Don't be frightened, dear Jessie, they cannot take me, I have my
protection," said Ralph, trying to free himself from the officer's grasp.
"Let go my arm, and I will show you the paper which proves that I am
mate of the Amity, and a protected man," he added, turning to the
officer.
"Never took a fellow yet who didn't try to make out that he was
protected. However, if the young woman here won't make such a fuss
we'll let you overhaul your pockets for your protection."
Ralph was released, and began to search in his pockets. Poor Jessie
stood by, still trembling with alarm, and anxiously watching him.
"Oh! You must have it, Ralph," she exclaimed in a plaintive tone, as
she saw that he did not produce the important document. "Oh! Let me
try," and she plunged her hands eagerly into his pockets. She uttered a

cry of dismay when it was not to be found.
"I must have forgotten to take it out of my other jacket when I dressed
to come on shore," said Ralph; "I had it just before I left the brig, I
know. Don't be alarmed, Jessie dear, all will come right; Captain
Mudge will send it to me, or, if the officer will permit me to go on
board, I'll get it--I will, indeed, sir," he added, addressing the old mate,
"and will, on my honour, return with it to any place you may name; I
will, on my honour."
"That sort of note, I tell you, don't pass current with us, my lad,"
answered the old mate, more moved perhaps by Jessie's agony of grief
and terror than from his gruff manner and language might have been
supposed. "It's hard lines for you, I'll allow, as matters stand, I see; out
cheer up, my good girl, many another man has had to