[A Victorious Union by Oliver Optic]@TWC D-Link bookA Victorious Union CHAPTER XVIII 1/8
THE REIGN OF CHRISTIANITY Captain Breaker took Christy by his right arm to support him as they returned to the deck of the Bellevite, and to assist him over the bulwarks.
The wounded had all been cared for, and the crew were swabbing up the deck; but the moment they discovered the captain and the executive officer on the rail, they suspended their labor and all eyes were fixed upon the latter. "Three cheers for Mr.Passford!" shouted the quartermaster who had been at the wheel when Christy sprang into the mizzen rigging. Three heartier cheers were never given on the deck of any ship than those which greeted the hero of the action as he appeared on the rail. Not satisfied with this demonstration, they all swung their caps, and then gave two volleys more.
There was not a man that did not take part in this triple salute, and even the officers joined with the seamen in this tribute. "I hope Mr.Passford is not badly wounded, sir," said Quartermaster Thompson, touching his cap most respectfully.
"And I speak for the whole ship's company, sir." "Mr.Passford is not very severely wounded, Thompson," replied the commander, while Christy was acknowledging the salute.
"He did not mention the fact that he was hurt, and lost more blood than was necessary, so that he is very weak." The quartermaster reported the answer of the captain to the ship's company, whereupon they gave three more cheers, as Christy and his supporter descended to the deck; and the hero acknowledged the salute. At the companion they encountered Dr.Linscott, who had just come on deck from the cockpit.
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