In Borrowed Plumes Page #4

"In Borrowed Plumes" by W. W. Jacobs is a collection of humorous short stories that showcase Jacobs' signature wit and keen observational skills. The narratives often revolve around the lives of quirky characters and their misadventures, highlighting themes of human folly and the absurdities of everyday life. With a blend of comedy and realism, Jacobs crafts engaging tales that reflect his understanding of social dynamics and the peculiarities of human behavior. The stories are infused with a light-hearted tone, making them enjoyable for readers seeking a blend of laughter and insight.

• Fiction

								

required them. He dwelt on the awful punishments awarded for mutiny,
and proved clearly, that to allow the master of a ship to enter port in
petticoats was mutiny of the worst type. He then sent them below for
their clothing. They were gone such a long time that it was palpable to
the meanest intellect that they did not intend to bring it. Meantime
the harbour widened out before him.

There were two or three people on the quay as the Sarah Jane came
within hailing distance. By the time she had passed the lantern at the
end of it there were two or three dozen, and the numbers were steadily
increasing at the rate of three persons for every five yards she made.
Kind-hearted, humane men, anxious that their friends should not lose so
great and cheap a treat, bribed small and reluctant boys with pennies
to go in search of them, and by the time the schooner reached her
berth, a large proportion of the population of the port was looking
over each other’s shoulders and shouting foolish and hilarious
inquiries to the skipper. The news reached the owner, and he came
hurrying down to the ship, just as the skipper, regardless of the
heated remonstrances of the sightseers, was preparing to go below.

Mr. Pearson was a stout man, and he came down exploding with wrath.
Then he saw the apparition, and mirth overcame him. It became necessary
for three stout fellows to act as buttresses, and the more indignant
the skipper looked the harder their work became. Finally he was
assisted, in a weak state, and laughing hysterically, to the deck of
the schooner, where he followed the skipper below, and in a voice
broken with emotion demanded an explanation.

“It’s the finest sight I ever saw in my life, Bross,” he said when the
other had finished. “I wouldn’t have missed it for anything. I’ve been
feeling very low this last week, and it’s done me good. Don’t talk
nonsense about leaving the ship. I wouldn’t lose you for anything after
this, but if you like to ship a fresh mate and crew you can please
yourself. If you’ll only come up to the house and let Mrs. Pearson see
you—she’s been ailing—I’ll give you a couple of pounds. Now, get your
bonnet and come.”
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