Charles Vincent (Volume 1); Or, the Two Clerks. a Tale of Commercial Life - Softcover

This historic book may have numerous typos and missing text. Purchasers can download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. Not indexed. Not illustrated. 1839. Excerpt: ... CHAPTER XIV. The party being ready, they walked down to the shore, where Barnes was waiting in the boat to receive them. The sail was run up, and in a few moments the voyage commenced under favourable auspices. There was enough of wind to carry them briskly along, but not to raise the waves so high as to produce an unpleasant rocking of the boat. Old Barnes, to whose skill the management of the craft was committed, sat in the stern holding the tiller; while his son, who always accompanied him in such expeditions, was near the bow, watching the course of the vessel, and occasionally volunteering a little advice to his father concerning the propriety of luffing or bearing away. These remarks of Charlie's were generally taken in good part by the old fisherman, especially when they appeared to accord with his own infallible judgment; in which case, he seemed pleased with the knowledge displayed by his son. But it not unfrequently happened, that Charlie ventured to give advice which the old man deemed it unsafe to follow; when the latter would reprimand him severely for presuming to recommend something (perhaps quite unimportant), which, considering the excellent opportunities he had had, he ought to know might P2 endanger the lives of all on board. Charlie never failed to vindicate his opinion, and often retorted in terms which a stranger would consider highly disrespectful; but which those acquainted with the strong attachment subsisting between this worthy couple, and their daily habit of indulging in these sharp encounters upon nautical subjects, regarded only as a freedom of speech involving no want of proper respect. This talking was carried on by Barnes and his hopeful son in a tone of voice sufficiently loud to interrupt the conversation of those who s...