In Limehouse Reach Page #3

"In Limehouse Reach" is a captivating collection of short stories by W.W. Jacobs, known for his vivid characterizations and varied settings. Set in the gritty, atmospheric district of Limehouse in London, the tales often weave themes of humor, adventure, and the intricacies of human relationships. Jacobs' distinctive style highlights the quirks and foibles of his characters, providing a snapshot of life along the Thames. With a mix of lighthearted moments and poignant reflections, the stories offer a snapshot of early 20th-century London life, making them both entertaining and evocative.

• Fiction

								

be alone on a raft in the middle of the Atlantic; and as for the mate,
he was only chaffing you. Wasn’t you, Harry?”

The mate made some reply, but neither Mrs. Jansell, the skipper, nor
the men, who were all listening eagerly, caught it, and his unfortunate
victim, accepting the inevitable, walked to the side of the ship and
gazed disconsolately astern.

It was not until the following morning that the mate, who had received
orders to mess for’ard, saw her, and ignoring the fact that everybody
suspended work to listen, walked up and bade her good morning.

“Harry,” said the skipper warningly.

“All right,” said the mate shortly. “I want to speak to you very
particularly,” he said nervously, and led his listener aft, followed by
three of the crew who came to clean the brasswork, and who listened
mutinously when they were ordered to defer unwonted industry to a more
fitting time. The deck clear, the mate began, and in a long rambling
statement, which Mrs. Jansell at first thought the ravings of lunacy,
acquainted her with the real state of his feelings.

“I never did!” said she, when he had finished. “Never! Why, you hadn’t
seen her before yesterday.”

“Of course I shall take you back by train,” said the mate, “and tell
your husband how sorry I am.”

“I might have suspected something when you said all those nice things
to me,” said the mollified lady. “Well, you must take your chance, like
all the rest of them. She can only say ‘No,’ again. It’ll explain this
affair better, that’s one thing; but I expect they’ll laugh at you.”

“I don’t care,” said the mate stoutly. “You’re on my side, ain’t you?”

Mrs. Jansell laughed, and the mate, having succeeded beyond his hopes
in the establishment of amicable relations, went about his duties with
a light heart.

By the time they reached Boston the morning was far advanced, and after
the Gem was comfortably berthed he obtained permission of the skipper
to accompany the fair passenger to London, beguiling the long railway
journey by every means in his power. Despite his efforts, however, the
journey began to pall upon his companion, and it was not until evening
was well advanced that they found themselves in the narrow streets of
Limehouse.

“We’ll see how the land lies first,” said he, as they approached the
wharf and made their way cautiously on to the quay.

The Aquila was still alongside, and the mate’s heart thumped
violently as he saw the cause of all the trouble sitting alone on the
deck. She rose with a little start as her mother stepped carefully
aboard, and, running to her, kissed her affectionately, and sat her
down on the hatches.

“Poor mother,” she said caressingly. “What did you bring that lunatic
back with you for?”

“He would come,” said Mrs. Jansell. “Hush! here comes your father.”

The master of the Aquila came on deck as she spoke, and walking
slowly up to the group, stood sternly regarding them. Under his gaze
the mate breathlessly reeled off his tale, noticing with somewhat mixed
feelings the widening grin of his listener as he proceeded.

“Well, you’re a lively sort o’ man,” said the skipper as he finished.
“In one day you tie up your own ship, run off with my wife, and lose us
a tide. Are you always like that?”

“I want somebody to look after me, I s’pose,” said the mate, with a
side glance at Nancy.

“Well, we’d put you up for the night,” said the skipper, with his arm
round his wife’s shoulders; “but you’re such a chap. I’m afraid you’d
burn the ship down, or something. What do you think, old girl?”

“I think we’ll try him this once,” said his wife. “And now I’ll go down
and see about supper; I want it.”

The old couple went below, and the young one remained on deck. Nancy
went and leaned against the side; and as she appeared to have quite
forgotten his presence, the mate, after some hesitation, joined her.

“Hadn’t you better go down and get some supper?” she asked.

“I’d sooner stay here, if yon don’t mind,” said the mate. “I like
watching the lights going up and down; I could stay here for hours.”

“I’ll leave you, then,” said the girl; “I’m hungry.”

She tripped lightly off with a smothered laugh, leaving the
fairly-trapped man gazing indignantly at the lights which had lured him
to destruction.

From below he heard the cheerful clatter of crockery, accompanied by a
savoury incense, and talk and laughter. He imagined the girl making fun
of his sentimental reasons for staying on deck; but, too proud to meet
her ironical glances, stayed doggedly where he was, resolving to be off
by the first train in the morning. He was roused from his gloom by a
slight touch on his arm, and, turning sharply, saw the girl by his
side.

“Supper’s quite ready,” said she soberly. “And if you want to admire
the lights very much, come up and see them when I do—after supper.”
								Rate this book:0.0 / 0 votes