[Sentimental Tommy by J. M. Barrie]@TWC D-Link book
Sentimental Tommy

CHAPTER XXVI
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"I wear gallowses no more," he explained, lifting his waistcoat to show that his braces now encircled him as a belt, but even then she did not understand.

"Know, then," said Corp, sternly, "I am Ben the Boatswain." "And am I not the Lady Griselda any more ?" she asked.
"I'm no sure," he confessed; "but if you are, there's a price on your head." "What is Tommy ?" "I dinna ken yet, but Gavinia says he telled her he's Champion of Damns.
I kenna what Elspeth'll say to that." Grizel was starting for the Lair, but he caught her by the skirt.
"Is he not at the Lair ?" she inquired.
"We knowest it not," he answered gravely.

"We're looking for't," he added with some awe; "we've been looking for't this three year." Then, in a louder voice, "If you can guide us to it, my pretty trifle, you'll be richly rewarded." "But where is he?
Don't you know ?" "Fine I knowest, but it wouldna be mous to tell you, for I kenna whether you be friend or foe.

What's that you're carrying ?" "It is a--a medicine bottle." "Gie me a sook!" "No." "Just one," begged Corp, "and I'll tell you where he is." He got his way, and smacked his lips unctuously.
"Now, where is Tommy ?" "Put your face close to mine," said Corp, and then he whispered hoarsely, "He's in a spleet new Lair, writing out bills wi' a' his might, offering five hunder crowns reward for Stroke's head, dead or alive!" * * * * * The new haunt was a deserted house, that stood, very damp, near a little waterfall to the east of the Den.

Bits of it well planted in the marsh adhere doggedly together to this day, but even then the roof was off and the chimney lay in a heap on the ground, like blankets that have slipped off a bed.
This was the good ship Ailie, lying at anchor, man-of-war, thirty guns, a cart-wheel to steer it by, T.Sandys, commander.
On the following Saturday, Ben the Boatswain piped all hands, and Mr.
Sandys delivered a speech, of the bluff, straightforward kind that sailors love.


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