THE LOTTERY OF DEATH
making a nasty remark about the stupidity of all Englishmen, and especially English sailors.
"Come, come, mates," spoke up one of the men, Tompkins, who had taken no part in the altercation, "shootin' hoff hour bloomin' mugs won't get us nothin'. Has Spider 'ere said afore, we'll hall bloody well be picked up, hanyway, sez 'e, so wot's the use o' squabblin'? Let's heat, sez I."
"That's not a bad idea," said Monsieur Thuran, and then, turning to the third sailor, Wilson, he said: "Pass one of those tins aft, my good man."
"Fetch it yerself," retorted Wilson sullenly. "I ain't a-takin' no orders from no ——— furriner—you ain't captain o' this ship yet."
The result was that Clayton himself had to get the tin, and then another angry altercation ensued when one of the sailors accused Clayton and Monsieur Thuran of conspiring to control the provisions so that they could have the lion's share.
"Some one should take command of this boat," spoke up Jane Porter, thoroughly disgusted with the disgraceful wrangling that had marked the very opening of a forced companionship that might last for many days. "It is terrible enough to be alone in a frail boat on the Atlantic, without having the added misery and danger of constant bickering and brawling among the members of our party. You men should elect a leader, and then abide by his decisions in all matters. There is greater need for strict discipline here than there is upon a well-ordered ship."
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