"Bulldog pups," said Captain Neil.
"That's it," said Barry. "That's what they are, little bulldog pups, got
me by the throat all right."
"Me, too, by gad!" said Captain Neil. "I should have howled out loud in
another minute."
"Listen to the boys!" cried Barry.
From end to end of the ship rose one continuous roar, "Good old Navy!
Good old John Bull!" while Hopeton, openly abandoning the traditional
reserve and self-control supposed to be a characteristic of the English
public school boy, climbed upon the rail and, hanging by a stanchion
with one hand, and with the other frantically waving his cap over his
head, continued to shout:
"England! England! England forever!"
Then above the cheering cries was heard the battalion band, and from
a thousand throats in solemn chant there rose the Empire's national
anthem, "God Save the King."
That night they steamed into old Plymouth town, and the following
morning were anchored safe at Devonport dock. Strict orders held the
officers and men on board ship until arrangements for debarkation should
be completed, but to Barry and the doctor, the Commanding Officer gave
shore leave for an hour.
Pages:
199
200
201
202
203
204
205
206
207
208
209
210
211
212
213
214
215
216
217
218
219
220
221
222
223