The Blighted Cliffs
“'We'll not risk entering the harbour tonight,' said Crawley, his voice now showing nothing but exhaustion. 'We'll anchor in the roadstead, make our way in at first light. Mr Jerrold, you may have the first watch.
I shall be in my cabin.' It was a sharp night, and very dark. Occasionally a sliver of moonlight would pry its way through the clouds, but otherwise I was left in an icy void. I tried stamping my feet and striding purposefully up and down the deck, but anonymous complaints from below p...ut an end to that, and I could only huddle my boat cloak closer about me, pull my hat down over my frosty ears and entertain myself by tapping out familiar melodies between chattering teeth. And try to ignore the clarity the cold gave to the ache in my head.
I don't believe I drowsed off, but the noise, when it came, certainly startled me more than it should have. My chin snapped up, and my eyes were suddenly very wide open. It had been a splash, some way out in the darkness, and my first thought was that it could be a cutting-out party: smugglers, or Frenchmen; come to take their vengeance on us.MoreLess
I shall be in my cabin.' It was a sharp night, and very dark. Occasionally a sliver of moonlight would pry its way through the clouds, but otherwise I was left in an icy void. I tried stamping my feet and striding purposefully up and down the deck, but anonymous complaints from below p...ut an end to that, and I could only huddle my boat cloak closer about me, pull my hat down over my frosty ears and entertain myself by tapping out familiar melodies between chattering teeth. And try to ignore the clarity the cold gave to the ache in my head.
I don't believe I drowsed off, but the noise, when it came, certainly startled me more than it should have. My chin snapped up, and my eyes were suddenly very wide open. It had been a splash, some way out in the darkness, and my first thought was that it could be a cutting-out party: smugglers, or Frenchmen; come to take their vengeance on us.MoreLess
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