Norton, Andre - Novel 08 (34 page)

 
          
 
He did not doubt that the brig Eastern Queen
was a leaky tub which would set them all to cursing her unhandiness in sailing.
He did not doubt that he would have to drill and curse raw recruits into
passable marines in too short a
time, that
he would
sweat and ache and addle his wits with matters he did not himself understand.
He did not doubt that Crofts would sail them all straight into the lion's open
jaws and expect them to win free again with half the creature's fangs for loot.
He did not doubt that the future had dark patches enough to bring misgivings to
all of them— in spite of their belief in their luck. Certainly, all these
things were true, as true as the candle flame which brought those three faces
to life before him.

 
          
 
His hand touched his forehead in proper
salute.

 
          
 
He made his choice, completely and willingly,
at last. "Marine come aboard, sir!"