Isles of the sea; or, Young America homeward bound : $b A story of travel and adventureOptic, Oliver
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Isles of the sea; or, Young America homeward bound : $b A story of travel and adventure
Optic, Oliver
Seafaring life -- Juvenile fiction
“We regard Capt. O’Hara, for such is his name, as a rather remarkable
young gentleman. Mr. Frisbone assures our informant that he is a
thorough seaman, having served before the mast, and worked his way up
to fourth lieutenant of the vessel to which he is attached. He was
born in Italy, of an Irish father formerly in the English consular
service, and an Italian mother. He is twenty years of age, and speaks
Italian and French as fluently as he does English. Though there is an
instructor, as well as two adult forward officers, attached to the
ship, she is under the entire management of her youthful commander.”
This was the principal portion of the article which Mr. Fluxion read,
to which the party gave the most undivided attention. Of course it was
gratifying to the professional pride of the principal; and both of the
vice-principals congratulated themselves upon their own discretion in
appointing O’Hara to the command of the steamer, though it was not
foreseen that he would make such an extended cruise in her.
“I am sorry to learn that there has been trouble on board of the
steamer,” said Mr. Lowington, when the account of the voyage had been
partly digested.
“But O’Hara seems to have made an end of the mutiny at once,” replied
Mr. Fluxion.
“He is a very decided fellow,” added Mr. Pelham. “He is a peaceable and
well-disposed young man; but he would fight his way through any thing
if the occasion required.”
“This paper says the first and third officers were insubordinate,”
continued the principal anxiously. “Who were these officers?”
“Gregory was the first, and Clinch was the third officer,” replied
Mr. Fluxion, not a little disconcerted, as the heavy frown on his
brow indicated. “I am sorry to say that both of them were from the
Josephine.”
“They used to be bad boys,” said Mr. Lowington.
“For the last year there have been no better officers or students in
the vessel than Gregory and Clinch. I don’t understand it,” replied Mr.
Fluxion, musing. “Possibly O’Hara has been a little airy, and provoked
them: it would not be strange if any young fellow should feel good, in
command of a steamer of six hundred tons.”
“It is not at all like O’Hara to put on airs,” interposed Mr. Pelham.
“Even if he did, that is no excuse for Gregory,” added Mr. Fluxion.
“I suppose we shall not understand the matter till we see the students,
and get their account of the affair,” said Mr. Lowington.
“The name of my ward is not mentioned in connection with this
business,” remarked the judge.
“He is not mentioned as a mutineer; and so far it is perfectly
satisfactory,” added Dr. Phelps.
“I have no doubt he has done his duty faithfully,” said Mr. Pelham.
“But when shall we have these young fellows back here?” asked Judge
Rodwood.
“That is more than I can tell: they are out of my reach, and I cannot
instruct them what to do,” replied the principal. “But Mr. Frisbone is
happily with them; and I have entire confidence in his good judgment
and discretion.”
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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