Descending first of all to
his own room, he washed his face and towelled it till it glowed.
Then, changing his coat and wig, he took up hat and cane, descended
to the front-door, and crossing the grass-plot, let himself into
Captain Barker's garden.
Captain Barker still sat and read in his book; and as he read the
tears coursed down his wrinkled cheeks. For it was the first of the
famous green volumes.
He looked up as his friend advanced; and Captain Jemmy was forced to
regard the weathercock on the roof for a minute or so to make sure of
the quarter in which the wind lay.
"It's due west," said Captain John, as he stared up; "and it's
ebb-tide till nine o'clock. They'll sail early."
"H'm; I shouldn't wonder. You're early out of bed."
"Well, for the matter of that, so are you--eh?"
"I haven't been to bed."
"Nor have I."
"I've been thinking," said Captain Runacles.
"And I've been trying not to think."
"Well, but I've come to a conclusion. Go and get your hat, Jack."
"Why?"
"We've got to fetch Tristram back."
"How?"
"By tossing our consciences over the hedge and going to see King
William."
The little man shook his head.
"No, Jemmy. You mean it kindly, and God bless you! But I can't do
it.
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