diff options
| author | Roger Frank <rfrank@pglaf.org> | 2025-10-15 04:36:12 -0700 |
|---|---|---|
| committer | Roger Frank <rfrank@pglaf.org> | 2025-10-15 04:36:12 -0700 |
| commit | 41fd8a641de7ade6518f673ce19709243ae6b0a1 (patch) | |
| tree | 9761964814b34c0a5e66e45bb190d11032618e1c | |
| -rw-r--r-- | .gitattributes | 3 | ||||
| -rw-r--r-- | 11185-0.txt | 545 | ||||
| -rw-r--r-- | 11185-h.zip | bin | 0 -> 339871 bytes | |||
| -rw-r--r-- | 11185-h/008.jpg | bin | 0 -> 31363 bytes | |||
| -rw-r--r-- | 11185-h/009.jpg | bin | 0 -> 111607 bytes | |||
| -rw-r--r-- | 11185-h/11185-h.htm | 1229 | ||||
| -rw-r--r-- | 11185-h/frontis.jpg | bin | 0 -> 97025 bytes | |||
| -rw-r--r-- | 11185-h/title.jpg | bin | 0 -> 80932 bytes | |||
| -rw-r--r-- | 11185.txt | 964 | ||||
| -rw-r--r-- | 11185.zip | bin | 0 -> 17769 bytes | |||
| -rw-r--r-- | LICENSE.txt | 11 | ||||
| -rw-r--r-- | README.md | 2 | ||||
| -rw-r--r-- | old/11185-h.zip | bin | 0 -> 339871 bytes | |||
| -rw-r--r-- | old/11185-h/008.jpg | bin | 0 -> 31363 bytes | |||
| -rw-r--r-- | old/11185-h/009.jpg | bin | 0 -> 111607 bytes | |||
| -rw-r--r-- | old/11185-h/11185-h.htm | 1229 | ||||
| -rw-r--r-- | old/11185-h/frontis.jpg | bin | 0 -> 97025 bytes | |||
| -rw-r--r-- | old/11185-h/title.jpg | bin | 0 -> 80932 bytes | |||
| -rw-r--r-- | old/11185.txt | 964 | ||||
| -rw-r--r-- | old/11185.zip | bin | 0 -> 17769 bytes |
20 files changed, 4947 insertions, 0 deletions
diff --git a/.gitattributes b/.gitattributes new file mode 100644 index 0000000..6833f05 --- /dev/null +++ b/.gitattributes @@ -0,0 +1,3 @@ +* text=auto +*.txt text +*.md text diff --git a/11185-0.txt b/11185-0.txt new file mode 100644 index 0000000..4023d39 --- /dev/null +++ b/11185-0.txt @@ -0,0 +1,545 @@ +*** START OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK 11185 *** + +CAPTAINS ALL + +By W.W. Jacobs + + + +BOB'S REDEMPTION + +[Illustration: "Bob's Redemption."] + +"GRATITOODE!" said the night-watchman, with a hard laugh. "_Hmf!_ Don't +talk to me about gratitoode; I've seen too much of it. If people wot +I've helped in my time 'ad only done arf their dooty--arf, mind you--I +should be riding in my carriage." + +Forgetful of the limitations of soap-boxes he attempted to illustrate his +remark by lolling, and nearly went over backwards. Recovering himself by +an effort he gazed sternly across the river and smoked fiercely. It was +evident that he was brooding over an ill-used past. + +'Arry Thomson was one of them, he said, at last. For over six months I +wrote all 'is love-letters for him, 'e being an iggernerant sort of man +and only being able to do the kisses at the end, which he always insisted +on doing 'imself: being jealous. Only three weeks arter he was married +'e come up to where I was standing one day and set about me without +saying a word. I was a single man at the time and I didn't understand +it. My idea was that he 'ad gone mad, and, being pretty artful and +always 'aving a horror of mad people, I let 'im chase me into a +police-station. Leastways, I would ha' let 'im, but he didn't come, +and I all but got fourteen days for being drunk and disorderly. + +Then there was Bill Clark. He 'ad been keeping comp'ny with a gal and +got tired of it, and to oblige 'im I went to her and told 'er he was a +married man with five children. Bill was as pleased as Punch at fust, +but as soon as she took up with another chap he came round to see me and +said as I'd ruined his life. We 'ad words about it--naturally--and I did +ruin it then to the extent of a couple o' ribs. I went to see 'im in the +horsepittle--place I've always been fond of--and the langwidge he used to +me was so bad that they sent for the Sister to 'ear it. + +That's on'y two out of dozens I could name. Arf the unpleasantnesses in +my life 'ave come out of doing kindnesses to people, and all the +gratitoode I've 'ad for it I could put in a pint-pot with a pint o' beer +already in it. + +The only case o' real gratitoode I ever heard of 'appened to a shipmate +o' mine--a young chap named Bob Evans. Coming home from Auckland in a +barque called the _Dragon Fly_ he fell overboard, and another chap named +George Crofts, one o' the best swimmers I ever knew, went overboard arter +'im and saved his life. + +We was hardly moving at the time, and the sea was like a duck pond, but +to 'ear Bob Evans talk you'd ha' thought that George Crofts was the +bravest-'arted chap that ever lived. He 'adn't liked him afore, same as +the rest of us, George being a sly, mean sort o' chap; but arter George +'ad saved his life 'e couldn't praise 'im enough. He said that so long +as he 'ad a crust George should share it, and wotever George asked 'im he +should have. + +The unfortnit part of it was that George took 'im at his word, and all +the rest of the v'y'ge he acted as though Bob belonged to 'im, and by the +time we got into the London river Bob couldn't call his soul 'is own. He +used to take a room when he was ashore and live very steady, as 'e was +saving up to get married, and as soon as he found that out George invited +'imself to stay with him. + +"It won't cost you a bit more," he ses, "not if you work it properly." + +Bob didn't work it properly, but George having saved his life, and never +letting 'im forget it, he didn't like to tell him so. He thought he'd +let 'im see gradual that he'd got to be careful because of 'is gal, and +the fust evening they was ashore 'e took 'im along with 'im there to tea. + +Gerty Mitchell--that was the gal's name--'adn't heard of Bob's accident, +and when she did she gave a little scream, and putting 'er arms round his +neck, began to kiss 'im right in front of George and her mother. + +"You ought to give him one too," ses Mrs. Mitchell, pointing to George. + +George wiped 'is mouth on the back of his 'and, but Gerty pretended not +to 'ear. + +"Fancy if you'd been drownded!" she ses, hugging Bob agin. + +"He was pretty near," ses George, shaking his 'ead. "I'm a pore swimmer, +but I made up my mind either to save 'im or else go down to a watery +grave myself." + +He wiped his mouth on the back of his 'and agin, but all the notice Gerty +took of it was to send her young brother Ted out for some beer. Then +they all 'ad supper together, and Mrs. Mitchell drank good luck to George +in a glass o' beer, and said she 'oped that 'er own boy would grow up +like him. "Let 'im grow up a good and brave man, that's all I ask," she +ses. "I don't care about 'is looks." + +"He might have both," ses George, sharp-like. "Why not?" + +Mrs. Mitchell said she supposed he might, and then she cuffed young Ted's +ears for making a noise while 'e was eating, and then cuffed 'im agin for +saying that he'd finished 'is supper five minutes ago. + +George and Bob walked 'ome together, and all the way there George said +wot a pretty gal Gerty was and 'ow lucky it was for Bob that he 'adn't +been drownded. He went round to tea with 'im the next day to Mrs. +Mitchell's, and arter tea, when Bob and Gerty said they was going out to +spend the evening together, got 'imself asked too. + +They took a tram-car and went to a music-hall, and Bob paid for the three +of 'em. George never seemed to think of putting his 'and in his pocket, +and even arter the music-hall, when they all went into a shop and 'ad +stewed eels, he let Bob pay. + +As I said afore, Bob Evans was chock-full of gratefulness, and it seemed +only fair that he shouldn't grumble at spending a little over the man wot +'ad risked 'is life to save his; but wot with keeping George at his room, +and paying for 'im every time they went out, he was spending a lot more +money than 'e could afford. + +"You're on'y young once, Bob," George said to him when 'e made a remark +one arternoon as to the fast way his money was going, "and if it hadn't +ha' been for me you'd never 'ave lived to grow old." + +Wot with spending the money and always 'aving George with them when they +went out, it wasn't long afore Bob and Gerty 'ad a quarrel. "I don't +like a pore-spirited man," she ses. "Two's company and three's none, +and, besides, why can't he pay for 'imself? He's big enough. Why should +you spend your money on 'im? He never pays a farthing." + +Bob explained that he couldn't say anything because 'e owed his life to +George, but 'e might as well 'ave talked to a lamp-post. The more he +argued the more angry Gerty got, and at last she ses, "Two's company and +three's none, and if you and me can't go out without George Crofts, then +me and 'im 'll go out with-out you." + +She was as good as her word, too, and the next night, while Bob 'ad gone +out to get some 'bacca, she went off alone with George. It was ten +o'clock afore they came back agin, and Gerty's eyes were all shining and +'er cheeks as pink as roses. She shut 'er mother up like a concertina +the moment she began to find fault with 'er, and at supper she sat next +to George and laughed at everything 'e said. + +George and Bob walked all the way 'ome arter supper without saying a +word, but arter they got to their room George took a side-look at Bob, +and then he ses, suddenlike, "Look 'ere! I saved your life, didn't I?" + +"You did," ses Bob, "and I thank you for it." + +"I saved your life," ses George agin, very solemn. "If it hadn't ha' +been for me you couldn't ha' married anybody." + +"That's true," ses Bob. + +"Me and Gerty 'ave been having a talk," ses George, bending down to undo +his boots. "We've been getting on very well together; you can't 'elp +your feelings, and the long and the short of it is, the pore gal has +fallen in love with me." + +Bob didn't say a word. + +"If you look at it this way it's fair enough," ses George. "I gave you +your life and you give me your gal. We're quits now. You don't owe me +anything and I don't owe you anything. That's the way Gerty puts it, and +she told me to tell you so." + +"If--if she don't want me I'm agreeable," ses Bob, in a choking voice. +"We'll call it quits, and next time I tumble overboard I 'ope you won't +be handy." + +He took Gerty's photygraph out of 'is box and handed it to George. +"You've got more right to it now than wot I 'ave," he ses. "I shan't go +round there any more; I shall look out for a ship to-morrow." + +George Crofts said that perhaps it was the best thing he could do, and 'e +asked 'im in a offhand sort o' way 'ow long the room was paid up for. + +Mrs. Mitchell 'ad a few words to say about it next day, but Gerty told +'er to save 'er breath for walking upstairs. The on'y thing that George +didn't like when they went out was that young Ted was with them, but +Gerty said she preferred it till she knew 'im better; and she 'ad so much +to say about his noble behaviour in saving life that George gave way. +They went out looking at the shops, George thinking that that was the +cheapest way of spending an evening, and they were as happy as possible +till Gerty saw a brooch she liked so much in a window that he couldn't +get 'er away. + +"It is a beauty," she ses. "I don't know when I've seen a brooch I liked +better. Look here! Let's all guess the price and then go in and see +who's right." + +They 'ad their guesses, and then they went in and asked, and as soon as +Gerty found that it was only three-and-sixpence she began to feel in her +pocket for 'er purse, just like your wife does when you go out with 'er, +knowing all the time that it's on the mantelpiece with twopence-ha'penny +and a cough lozenge in it. + +"I must ha' left it at 'ome," she ses, looking at George. + +"Just wot I've done," ses George, arter patting 'is pockets. + +Gerty bit 'er lips and, for a minute or two, be civil to George she could +not. Then she gave a little smile and took 'is arm agin, and they walked +on talking and laughing till she turned round of a sudden and asked a big +chap as was passing wot 'e was shoving 'er for. + +"Shoving you?" ses he. "Wot do you think I want to shove you for?" + +"Don't you talk to me," ses Gerty, firing up. "George, make 'im beg my +pardon." + +"You ought to be more careful," ses George, in a gentle sort o' way. + +"Make 'im beg my pardon," ses Gerty, stamping 'er foot; "if he don't, +knock 'im down." + +"Yes, knock 'im down," ses the big man, taking hold o' George's cap and +rumpling his 'air. + +Pore George, who was never much good with his fists, hit 'im in the +chest, and the next moment he was on 'is back in the middle o' the road +wondering wot had 'appened to 'im. By the time 'e got up the other man +was arf a mile away; and young Ted stepped up and wiped 'im down with a +pocket-'andkerchief while Gerty explained to 'im 'ow she saw 'im slip on +a piece o' banana peel. + +"It's 'ard lines," she ses; "but never mind, you frightened 'im away, +and I don't wonder at it. You do look terrible when you're angry, +George; I didn't know you." + +She praised 'im all the way 'ome, and if it 'adn't been for his mouth and +nose George would 'ave enjoyed it more than 'e did. She told 'er mother +how 'e had flown at a big man wot 'ad insulted her, and Mrs. Mitchell +shook her 'ead at 'im and said his bold spirit would lead 'im into +trouble afore he 'ad done. + +They didn't seem to be able to make enough of 'im, and next day when he +went round Gerty was so upset at the sight of 'is bruises that he thought +she was going to cry. When he had 'ad his tea she gave 'im a cigar she +had bought for 'im herself, and when he 'ad finished smoking it she +smiled at him, and said that she was going to take 'im out for a pleasant +evening to try and make up to 'im for wot he 'ad suffered for 'er. + +"We're all going to stand treat to each other," she ses. "Bob always +would insist on paying for everything, but I like to feel a bit +independent. Give and take--that's the way I like to do things." + +"There's nothing like being independent," ses George. "Bob ought to ha' +known that." + +"I'm sure it's the best plan," ses Gerty. "Now, get your 'at on. We're +going to a theayter, and Ted shall pay the 'bus fares." + +George wanted to ask about the theayter, but 'e didn't like to, and arter +Gerty was dressed they went out and Ted paid the 'bus fares like a man. + +"Here you are," ses Gerty, as the 'bus stopped outside the theayter. +"Hurry up and get the tickets, George; ask for three upper circles." + +She bustled George up to the pay place, and as soon as she 'ad picked out +the seats she grabbed 'old of the tickets and told George to make haste. + +"Twelve shillings it is," ses the man, as George put down arf a crown. + +"Twelve?" ses George, beginning to stammer. "Twelve? Twelve? Twel--?" + +"Twelve shillings," ses the man; "three upper circles you've 'ad." + +George was going to fetch Gerty back and 'ave cheaper seats, but she 'ad +gone inside with young Ted, and at last, arter making an awful fuss, he +paid the rest o' the money and rushed in arter her, arf crazy at the idea +o' spending so much money. + +"Make 'aste," ses Gerty, afore he could say anything; "the band 'as just +begun." + +She started running upstairs, and she was so excited that, when they got +their seats and George started complaining about the price, she didn't +pay any attention to wot he was saying, but kept pointing out ladies' +dresses to 'im in w'ispers and wondering wot they 'ad paid for them. +George gave it up at last, and then he sat wondering whether he 'ad done +right arter all in taking Bob's gal away from him. + +Gerty enjoyed it very much, but when the curtain came down after the +first act she leaned back in her chair and looked up at George and said +she felt faint and thought she'd like to 'ave an ice-cream. "And you +'ave one too, dear," she ses, when young Ted 'ad got up and beckoned to +the gal, "and Ted 'ud like one too, I'm sure." + +She put her 'ead on George's shoulder and looked up at 'im. Then she put +her 'and on his and stroked it, and George, reckoning that arter all +ice-creams were on'y a ha'penny or at the most a penny each, altered 'is +mind about not spending any more money and ordered three. + +The way he carried on when the gal said they was three shillings was +alarming. At fust 'e thought she was 'aving a joke with 'im, and it took +another gal and the fireman and an old gentleman wot was sitting behind +'im to persuade 'im different. He was so upset that 'e couldn't eat his +arter paying for it, and Ted and Gerty had to finish it for 'im. + +"They're expensive, but they're worth the money," ses Gerty. "You are +good to me, George. I could go on eating 'em all night, but you mustn't +fling your money away like this always." + +"I'll see to that," ses George, very bitter. + +"I thought we was going to stand treat to each other? That was the idea, +I understood." + +"So we are," ses Gerty. "Ted stood the 'bus fares, didn't he?" + +"He did," ses George, "wot there was of 'em; but wot about you?" + +"Me?" ses Gerty, drawing her 'ead back and staring at 'im. "Why, 'ave +you forgot that cigar already, George?" + +George opened 'is mouth, but 'e couldn't speak a word. He sat looking at +'er and making a gasping noise in 'is throat, and fortunately just as 'e +got 'is voice back the curtain went up agin, and everybody said, +"_H'sh!_" + +He couldn't enjoy the play at all, 'e was so upset, and he began to see +more than ever 'ow wrong he 'ad been in taking Bob's gal away from 'im. +He walked downstairs into the street like a man in a dream, with Gerty +sticking to 'is arm and young Ted treading on 'is heels behind. + +"Now, you mustn't waste any more money, George," ses Gerty, when they got +outside. "We'll walk 'ome." + +George 'ad got arf a mind to say something about a 'bus, but he +remembered in time that very likely young Ted hadn't got any more money. +Then Gerty said she knew a short cut, and she took them, walking along +little, dark, narrow streets and places, until at last, just as George +thought they must be pretty near 'ome, she began to dab her eyes with 'er +pocket-'andkerchief and say she'd lost 'er way. + +"You two go 'ome and leave me," she ses, arf crying. "I can't walk +another step." + +"Where are we?" ses George, looking round. + +"I don't know," ses Gerty. "I couldn't tell you if you paid me. I must +'ave taken a wrong turning. Oh, hurrah! Here's a cab!" + +Afore George could stop 'er she held up 'er umbrella, and a 'ansom cab, +with bells on its horse, crossed the road and pulled up in front of 'em. +Ted nipped in first and Gerty followed 'im. + +"Tell 'im the address, dear, and make 'aste and get in," ses Gerty. + +George told the cabman, and then he got in and sat on Ted's knee, partly +on Gerty's umbrella, and mostly on nothing. + +"You are good to me, George," ses Gerty, touching the back of 'is neck +with the brim of her hat. "It ain't often I get a ride in a cab. All +the time I was keeping company with Bob we never 'ad one once. I only +wish I'd got the money to pay for it." + +George, who was going to ask a question, stopped 'imself, and then he +kept striking matches and trying to read all about cab fares on a bill in +front of 'im. + +"'Ow are we to know 'ow many miles it is?" he ses, at last. + +"I don't know," ses Gerty; "leave it to the cabman. It's his bisness, +ain't it? And if 'e don't know he must suffer for it." + +There was hardly a soul in Gerty's road when they got there, but afore +George 'ad settled with the cabman there was a policeman moving the crowd +on and arf the winders in the road up. By the time George had paid 'im +and the cabman 'ad told him wot 'e looked like, Gerty and Ted 'ad +disappeared indoors, all the lights was out, and, in a state o' mind that +won't bear thinking of, George walked 'ome to his lodging. + +[Illustration: "Afore George had settled with the cabman, there was a +policeman moving the crowd on."] + +Bob was asleep when he got there, but 'e woke 'im up and told 'im about +it, and then arter a time he said that he thought Bob ought to pay arf +because he 'ad saved 'is life. + +"Cert'nly not," ses Bob. "We're quits now; that was the arrangement. +I only wish it was me spending the money on her; I shouldn't grumble." + +George didn't get a wink o' sleep all night for thinking of the money he +'ad spent, and next day when he went round he 'ad almost made up 'is mind +to tell Bob that if 'e liked to pay up the money he could 'ave Gerty +back; but she looked so pretty, and praised 'im up so much for 'is +generosity, that he began to think better of it. One thing 'e was +determined on, and that was never to spend money like that agin for fifty +Gertys. + +There was a very sensible man there that evening that George liked very +much. His name was Uncle Joe, and when Gerty was praising George to 'is +face for the money he 'ad been spending, Uncle Joe, instead o' looking +pleased, shook his 'ead over it. + +"Young people will be young people, I know," he ses, "but still I don't +approve of extravagance. Bob Evans would never 'ave spent all that money +over you." + +"Bob Evans ain't everybody," ses Mrs. Mitchell, standing up for Gerty. + +"He was steady, anyway," ses Uncle Joe. "Besides, Gerty ought not to ha' +let Mr. Crofts spend his money like that. She could ha' prevented it if +she'd ha' put 'er foot down and insisted on it." + +He was so solemn about it that everybody began to feel a bit upset, and +Gerty borrowed Ted's pocket-'andkerchief, and then wiped 'er eyes on the +cuff of her dress instead. + +"Well, well," ses Uncle Joe; "I didn't mean to be 'ard, but don't do it +no more. You are young people, and can't afford it." + +"We must 'ave a little pleasure sometimes," ses Gerty. + +"Yes, I know," ses Uncle Joe; "but there's moderation in everything. +Look 'ere, it's time somebody paid for Mr. Crofts. To-morrow's Saturday, +and, if you like, I'll take you all to the Crystal Palace." + +Gerty jumped up off of 'er chair and kissed 'im, while Mrs. Mitchell said +she knew 'is bark was worse than 'is bite, and asked 'im who was wasting +his money now? + +"You meet me at London Bridge Station at two o'clock," ses Uncle Joe, +getting up to go. "It ain't extravagance for a man as can afford it." + +He shook 'ands with George Crofts and went, and, arter George 'ad stayed +long enough to hear a lot o' things about Uncle Joe which made 'im think +they'd get on very well together, he went off too. + +They all turned up very early the next arternoon, and Gerty was dressed +so nice that George couldn't take his eyes off of her. Besides her there +was Mrs. Mitchell and Ted and a friend of 'is named Charlie Smith. + +They waited some time, but Uncle Joe didn't turn up, and they all got +looking at the clock and talking about it, and 'oping he wouldn't make +'em miss the train. + +"Here he comes!" ses Ted, at last. + +Uncle Joe came rushing in, puffing and blowing as though he'd bust. +"Take 'em on by this train, will you?" he ses, catching 'old o' George by +the arm. "I've just been stopped by a bit o' business I must do, and +I'll come on by the next, or as soon arter as I can." + +He rushed off again, puffing and blowing his 'ardest, in such a hurry +that he forgot to give George the money for the tickets. However, George +borrowed a pencil of Mrs. Mitchell in the train, and put down on paper +'ow much they cost, and Mrs. Mitchell said if George didn't like to +remind 'im she would. + +They left young Ted and Charlie to stay near the station when they got to +the Palace, Uncle Joe 'aving forgotten to say where he'd meet 'em, but +train arter train came in without 'im, and at last the two boys gave it +up. + +"We're sure to run across 'im sooner or later," ses Gerty. "Let's 'ave +something to eat; I'm so hungry." + +George said something about buns and milk, but Gerty took 'im up sharp. +"Buns and milk?" she ses. "Why, uncle would never forgive us if we +spoilt his treat like that." + +She walked into a refreshment place and they 'ad cold meat and bread and +pickles and beer and tarts and cheese, till even young Ted said he'd 'ad +enough, but still they couldn't see any signs of Uncle Joe. They went on +to the roundabouts to look for 'im, and then into all sorts o' shows at +sixpence a head, but still there was no signs of 'im, and George had 'ad +to start on a fresh bit o' paper to put down wot he'd spent. + +"I suppose he must ha' been detained on important business," ses Gerty, +at last. + +"Unless it's one of 'is jokes," ses Mrs. Mitchell, shaking her 'ead. +"You know wot your uncle is, Gerty." + +"There now, I never thought o' that," ses Gerty, with a start; "p'r'aps +it is." + +"Joke?" ses George, choking and staring from one to the other. + +"I was wondering where he'd get the money from," ses Mrs. Mitchell to +Gerty. "I see it all now; I never see such a man for a bit o' fun in all +my born days. And the solemn way he went on last night, too. Why, he +must ha' been laughing in 'is sleeve all the time. It's as good as a +play." + +"Look here!" ses George, 'ardly able to speak; "do you mean to tell me he +never meant to come?" + +"I'm afraid not," ses Mrs. Mitchell, "knowing wot he is. But don't you +worry; I'll give him a bit o' my mind when I see 'im." + +George Crofts felt as though he'd burst, and then 'e got his breath, and +the things 'e said about Uncle Joe was so awful that Mrs. Mitchell told +the boys to go away. + +"How dare you talk of my uncle like that?" ses Gerty, firing up. + +"You forget yourself, George," ses Mrs. Mitchell. "You'll like 'im when +you get to know 'im better." + +"Don't you call me George," ses George Crofts, turning on 'er. "I've +been done, that's wot I've been. I 'ad fourteen pounds when I was paid +off, and it's melting like butter." + +"Well, we've enjoyed ourselves," ses Gerty, "and that's what money was +given us for. I'm sure those two boys 'ave had a splendid time, thanks +to you. Don't go and spoil all by a little bit o' temper." + +"Temper!" ses George, turning on her. "I've done with you, I wouldn't +marry you if you was the on'y gal in the world. I wouldn't marry you if +you paid me." + +"Oh, indeed!" ses Gerty; "but if you think you can get out of it like +that you're mistaken. I've lost my young man through you, and I'm not +going to lose you too. I'll send my two big cousins round to see you +to-morrow." + +"They won't put up with no nonsense, I can tell you," ses Mrs. Mitchell. + +She called the boys to her, and then she and Gerty, arter holding their +'eads very high and staring at George, went off and left 'im alone. He +went straight off 'ome, counting 'is money all the way and trying to make +it more, and, arter telling Bob 'ow he'd been treated, and trying hard to +get 'im to go shares in his losses, packed up his things and cleared out, +all boiling over with temper. + +Bob was so dazed he couldn't make head or tail out of it, but 'e went +round to see Gerty the first thing next morning, and she explained things +to him. + +"I don't know when I've enjoyed myself so much," she ses, wiping her +eyes, "but I've had enough gadding about for once, and if you come round +this evening we'll have a nice quiet time together looking at the +furniture shops." + + + + + +End of the Project Gutenberg EBook of Bob's Redemption, by W.W. Jacobs + +*** END OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK 11185 *** diff --git a/11185-h.zip b/11185-h.zip Binary files differnew file mode 100644 index 0000000..b39a1ce --- /dev/null +++ b/11185-h.zip diff --git a/11185-h/008.jpg b/11185-h/008.jpg Binary files differnew file mode 100644 index 0000000..2d1f274 --- /dev/null +++ b/11185-h/008.jpg diff --git a/11185-h/009.jpg b/11185-h/009.jpg Binary files differnew file mode 100644 index 0000000..0bee9e8 --- /dev/null +++ b/11185-h/009.jpg diff --git a/11185-h/11185-h.htm b/11185-h/11185-h.htm new file mode 100644 index 0000000..45dc422 --- /dev/null +++ b/11185-h/11185-h.htm @@ -0,0 +1,1229 @@ +<!DOCTYPE HTML PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD HTML 4.01 Transitional//EN"> +<html> +<head> +<meta http-equiv="Content-Type" + content="text/html; charset=US-ASCII"> +<title>The Project Gutenberg eBook of + Captains All, + by W.W. Jacobs, Book 5. +</title> +<style type="text/css"> + <!-- + body {background:#faebd7;} + * { font-family: Times; + } + P { text-indent: 1em; + margin: 15%; + margin-top: .75em; + font-size: 14pt; + text-align: justify; + margin-bottom: .75em; } + H1,H2,H3,H4,H5,H6 { text-align: center; color:#A82C28;} + HR { width: 33%; } + PRE { font-family: Courier, monospaced;} + .toc { margin-left: 15%; font-size: 14pt; margin-bottom: 0em;} + CENTER { padding: 10px;} + // --> +</style> +</head> +<body> + + +<pre> + +The Project Gutenberg EBook of Bob's Redemption, by W.W. Jacobs + +This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with +almost no restrictions whatsoever. You may copy it, give it away or +re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included +with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.org + + +Title: Bob's Redemption + Captains All, Book 5. + +Author: W.W. Jacobs + +Release Date: February 21, 2004 [EBook #11185] + +Language: English + +Character set encoding: US-ASCII + +*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK BOB'S REDEMPTION *** + + + + +Produced by David Widger + + + + + +</pre> + + +<h1> + CAPTAINS ALL +</h1> +<br /> +<h2> + By W.W. Jacobs +</h2> +<br /><br /> + +<center> +<h2>Book 5.</h2> +</center> +<br><br> +<center> +<img alt="title (79K)" src="title.jpg" height="884" width="533" /> +</center> +<br><br> + +<br><br> +<center> +<img alt="frontis (94K)" src="frontis.jpg" height="906" width="532" /> +</center> +<br><br> + + +<br /><br /> +<hr> +<br /><br /> + +<h2>List of Illustrations</h2> + +<center> +<table summary=""> +<tr><td> + + + + + + + +<p class="toc"><a href="#image-8"> +"Bob's Redemption." +</a></p> +<p class="toc"><a href="#image-9"> +"Afore George Had Settled With the Cabman, There Was A +Policeman Moving the Crowd On." +</a></p> + + + + + + +</td></tr> +</table> +</center> + + +<br /><br /> +<hr> + + + + + + +<a name="2H_4_5"><!-- H2 anchor --></a> +<p> </p> +<p> </p> +<p> </p> +<p> </p> +<h2> + BOB'S REDEMPTION +</h2> +<a name="image-8"><!--IMG--></a> +<center> +<img src="008.jpg" height="375" width="375" +alt="'bob's Redemption.' +"> +</center> +<!--IMAGE END--> +<p> + "GRATITOODE!" said the night-watchman, with a hard laugh. "<i>Hmf!</i> Don't + talk to me about gratitoode; I've seen too much of it. If people wot + I've helped in my time 'ad only done arf their dooty—arf, mind you—I + should be riding in my carriage." +</p> +<p> + Forgetful of the limitations of soap-boxes he attempted to illustrate his + remark by lolling, and nearly went over backwards. Recovering himself by + an effort he gazed sternly across the river and smoked fiercely. It was + evident that he was brooding over an ill-used past. +</p> +<p> + 'Arry Thomson was one of them, he said, at last. For over six months I + wrote all 'is love-letters for him, 'e being an iggernerant sort of man + and only being able to do the kisses at the end, which he always insisted + on doing 'imself: being jealous. Only three weeks arter he was married + 'e come up to where I was standing one day and set about me without + saying a word. I was a single man at the time and I didn't understand + it. My idea was that he 'ad gone mad, and, being pretty artful and + always 'aving a horror of mad people, I let 'im chase me into a + police-station. Leastways, I would ha' let 'im, but he didn't come, + and I all but got fourteen days for being drunk and disorderly. +</p> +<p> + Then there was Bill Clark. He 'ad been keeping comp'ny with a gal and + got tired of it, and to oblige 'im I went to her and told 'er he was a + married man with five children. Bill was as pleased as Punch at fust, + but as soon as she took up with another chap he came round to see me and + said as I'd ruined his life. We 'ad words about it—naturally—and I did + ruin it then to the extent of a couple o' ribs. I went to see 'im in the + horsepittle—place I've always been fond of—and the langwidge he used to + me was so bad that they sent for the Sister to 'ear it. +</p> +<p> + That's on'y two out of dozens I could name. Arf the unpleasantnesses in + my life 'ave come out of doing kindnesses to people, and all the + gratitoode I've 'ad for it I could put in a pint-pot with a pint o' beer + already in it. +</p> +<p> + The only case o' real gratitoode I ever heard of 'appened to a shipmate + o' mine—a young chap named Bob Evans. Coming home from Auckland in a + barque called the <i>Dragon Fly</i> he fell overboard, and another chap named + George Crofts, one o' the best swimmers I ever knew, went overboard arter + 'im and saved his life. +</p> +<p> + We was hardly moving at the time, and the sea was like a duck pond, but + to 'ear Bob Evans talk you'd ha' thought that George Crofts was the + bravest-'arted chap that ever lived. He 'adn't liked him afore, same as + the rest of us, George being a sly, mean sort o' chap; but arter George + 'ad saved his life 'e couldn't praise 'im enough. He said that so long + as he 'ad a crust George should share it, and wotever George asked 'im he + should have. +</p> +<p> + The unfortnit part of it was that George took 'im at his word, and all + the rest of the v'y'ge he acted as though Bob belonged to 'im, and by the + time we got into the London river Bob couldn't call his soul 'is own. He + used to take a room when he was ashore and live very steady, as 'e was + saving up to get married, and as soon as he found that out George invited + 'imself to stay with him. +</p> +<p> + "It won't cost you a bit more," he ses, "not if you work it properly." +</p> +<p> + Bob didn't work it properly, but George having saved his life, and never + letting 'im forget it, he didn't like to tell him so. He thought he'd + let 'im see gradual that he'd got to be careful because of 'is gal, and + the fust evening they was ashore 'e took 'im along with 'im there to tea. +</p> +<p> + Gerty Mitchell—that was the gal's name—'adn't heard of Bob's accident, + and when she did she gave a little scream, and putting 'er arms round his + neck, began to kiss 'im right in front of George and her mother. +</p> +<p> + "You ought to give him one too," ses Mrs. Mitchell, pointing to George. +</p> +<p> + George wiped 'is mouth on the back of his 'and, but Gerty pretended not + to 'ear. +</p> +<p> + "Fancy if you'd been drownded!" she ses, hugging Bob agin. +</p> +<p> + "He was pretty near," ses George, shaking his 'ead. "I'm a pore swimmer, + but I made up my mind either to save 'im or else go down to a watery + grave myself." +</p> +<p> + He wiped his mouth on the back of his 'and agin, but all the notice Gerty + took of it was to send her young brother Ted out for some beer. Then + they all 'ad supper together, and Mrs. Mitchell drank good luck to George + in a glass o' beer, and said she 'oped that 'er own boy would grow up + like him. "Let 'im grow up a good and brave man, that's all I ask," she + ses. "I don't care about 'is looks." +</p> +<p> + "He might have both," ses George, sharp-like. "Why not?" +</p> +<p> + Mrs. Mitchell said she supposed he might, and then she cuffed young Ted's + ears for making a noise while 'e was eating, and then cuffed 'im agin for + saying that he'd finished 'is supper five minutes ago. +</p> +<p> + George and Bob walked 'ome together, and all the way there George said + wot a pretty gal Gerty was and 'ow lucky it was for Bob that he 'adn't + been drownded. He went round to tea with 'im the next day to Mrs. + Mitchell's, and arter tea, when Bob and Gerty said they was going out to + spend the evening together, got 'imself asked too. +</p> +<p> + They took a tram-car and went to a music-hall, and Bob paid for the three + of 'em. George never seemed to think of putting his 'and in his pocket, + and even arter the music-hall, when they all went into a shop and 'ad + stewed eels, he let Bob pay. +</p> +<p> + As I said afore, Bob Evans was chock-full of gratefulness, and it seemed + only fair that he shouldn't grumble at spending a little over the man wot + 'ad risked 'is life to save his; but wot with keeping George at his room, + and paying for 'im every time they went out, he was spending a lot more + money than 'e could afford. +</p> +<p> + "You're on'y young once, Bob," George said to him when 'e made a remark + one arternoon as to the fast way his money was going, "and if it hadn't + ha' been for me you'd never 'ave lived to grow old." +</p> +<p> + Wot with spending the money and always 'aving George with them when they + went out, it wasn't long afore Bob and Gerty 'ad a quarrel. "I don't + like a pore-spirited man," she ses. "Two's company and three's none, + and, besides, why can't he pay for 'imself? He's big enough. Why should + you spend your money on 'im? He never pays a farthing." +</p> +<p> + Bob explained that he couldn't say anything because 'e owed his life to + George, but 'e might as well 'ave talked to a lamp-post. The more he + argued the more angry Gerty got, and at last she ses, "Two's company and + three's none, and if you and me can't go out without George Crofts, then + me and 'im 'll go out with-out you." +</p> +<p> + She was as good as her word, too, and the next night, while Bob 'ad gone + out to get some 'bacca, she went off alone with George. It was ten + o'clock afore they came back agin, and Gerty's eyes were all shining and + 'er cheeks as pink as roses. She shut 'er mother up like a concertina + the moment she began to find fault with 'er, and at supper she sat next + to George and laughed at everything 'e said. +</p> +<p> + George and Bob walked all the way 'ome arter supper without saying a + word, but arter they got to their room George took a side-look at Bob, + and then he ses, suddenlike, "Look 'ere! I saved your life, didn't I?" +</p> +<p> + "You did," ses Bob, "and I thank you for it." +</p> +<p> + "I saved your life," ses George agin, very solemn. "If it hadn't ha' + been for me you couldn't ha' married anybody." +</p> +<p> + "That's true," ses Bob. +</p> +<p> + "Me and Gerty 'ave been having a talk," ses George, bending down to undo + his boots. "We've been getting on very well together; you can't 'elp + your feelings, and the long and the short of it is, the pore gal has + fallen in love with me." +</p> +<p> + Bob didn't say a word. +</p> +<p> + "If you look at it this way it's fair enough," ses George. "I gave you + your life and you give me your gal. We're quits now. You don't owe me + anything and I don't owe you anything. That's the way Gerty puts it, and + she told me to tell you so." +</p> +<p> + "If—if she don't want me I'm agreeable," ses Bob, in a choking voice. + "We'll call it quits, and next time I tumble overboard I 'ope you won't + be handy." +</p> +<p> + He took Gerty's photygraph out of 'is box and handed it to George. + "You've got more right to it now than wot I 'ave," he ses. "I shan't go + round there any more; I shall look out for a ship to-morrow." +</p> +<p> + George Crofts said that perhaps it was the best thing he could do, and 'e + asked 'im in a offhand sort o' way 'ow long the room was paid up for. +</p> +<p> + Mrs. Mitchell 'ad a few words to say about it next day, but Gerty told + 'er to save 'er breath for walking upstairs. The on'y thing that George + didn't like when they went out was that young Ted was with them, but + Gerty said she preferred it till she knew 'im better; and she 'ad so much + to say about his noble behaviour in saving life that George gave way. + They went out looking at the shops, George thinking that that was the + cheapest way of spending an evening, and they were as happy as possible + till Gerty saw a brooch she liked so much in a window that he couldn't + get 'er away. +</p> +<p> + "It is a beauty," she ses. "I don't know when I've seen a brooch I liked + better. Look here! Let's all guess the price and then go in and see + who's right." +</p> +<p> + They 'ad their guesses, and then they went in and asked, and as soon as + Gerty found that it was only three-and-sixpence she began to feel in her + pocket for 'er purse, just like your wife does when you go out with 'er, + knowing all the time that it's on the mantelpiece with twopence-ha'penny + and a cough lozenge in it. +</p> +<p> + "I must ha' left it at 'ome," she ses, looking at George. +</p> +<p> + "Just wot I've done," ses George, arter patting 'is pockets. +</p> +<p> + Gerty bit 'er lips and, for a minute or two, be civil to George she could + not. Then she gave a little smile and took 'is arm agin, and they walked + on talking and laughing till she turned round of a sudden and asked a big + chap as was passing wot 'e was shoving 'er for. +</p> +<p> + "Shoving you?" ses he. "Wot do you think I want to shove you for?" +</p> +<p> + "Don't you talk to me," ses Gerty, firing up. "George, make 'im beg my + pardon." +</p> +<p> + "You ought to be more careful," ses George, in a gentle sort o' way. +</p> +<p> + "Make 'im beg my pardon," ses Gerty, stamping 'er foot; "if he don't, + knock 'im down." +</p> +<p> + "Yes, knock 'im down," ses the big man, taking hold o' George's cap and + rumpling his 'air. +</p> +<p> + Pore George, who was never much good with his fists, hit 'im in the + chest, and the next moment he was on 'is back in the middle o' the road + wondering wot had 'appened to 'im. By the time 'e got up the other man + was arf a mile away; and young Ted stepped up and wiped 'im down with a + pocket-'andkerchief while Gerty explained to 'im 'ow she saw 'im slip on + a piece o' banana peel. +</p> +<p> + "It's 'ard lines," she ses; "but never mind, you frightened 'im away, + and I don't wonder at it. You do look terrible when you're angry, + George; I didn't know you." +</p> +<p> + She praised 'im all the way 'ome, and if it 'adn't been for his mouth and + nose George would 'ave enjoyed it more than 'e did. She told 'er mother + how 'e had flown at a big man wot 'ad insulted her, and Mrs. Mitchell + shook her 'ead at 'im and said his bold spirit would lead 'im into + trouble afore he 'ad done. +</p> +<p> + They didn't seem to be able to make enough of 'im, and next day when he + went round Gerty was so upset at the sight of 'is bruises that he thought + she was going to cry. When he had 'ad his tea she gave 'im a cigar she + had bought for 'im herself, and when he 'ad finished smoking it she + smiled at him, and said that she was going to take 'im out for a pleasant + evening to try and make up to 'im for wot he 'ad suffered for 'er. +</p> +<p> + "We're all going to stand treat to each other," she ses. "Bob always + would insist on paying for everything, but I like to feel a bit + independent. Give and take—that's the way I like to do things." +</p> +<p> + "There's nothing like being independent," ses George. "Bob ought to ha' + known that." +</p> +<p> + "I'm sure it's the best plan," ses Gerty. "Now, get your 'at on. We're + going to a theayter, and Ted shall pay the 'bus fares." +</p> +<p> + George wanted to ask about the theayter, but 'e didn't like to, and arter + Gerty was dressed they went out and Ted paid the 'bus fares like a man. +</p> +<p> + "Here you are," ses Gerty, as the 'bus stopped outside the theayter. + "Hurry up and get the tickets, George; ask for three upper circles." +</p> +<p> + She bustled George up to the pay place, and as soon as she 'ad picked out + the seats she grabbed 'old of the tickets and told George to make haste. +</p> +<p> + "Twelve shillings it is," ses the man, as George put down arf a crown. +</p> +<p> + "Twelve?" ses George, beginning to stammer. "Twelve? Twelve? Twel—?" +</p> +<p> + "Twelve shillings," ses the man; "three upper circles you've 'ad." +</p> +<p> + George was going to fetch Gerty back and 'ave cheaper seats, but she 'ad + gone inside with young Ted, and at last, arter making an awful fuss, he + paid the rest o' the money and rushed in arter her, arf crazy at the idea + o' spending so much money. +</p> +<p> + "Make 'aste," ses Gerty, afore he could say anything; "the band 'as just + begun." +</p> +<p> + She started running upstairs, and she was so excited that, when they got + their seats and George started complaining about the price, she didn't + pay any attention to wot he was saying, but kept pointing out ladies' + dresses to 'im in w'ispers and wondering wot they 'ad paid for them. + George gave it up at last, and then he sat wondering whether he 'ad done + right arter all in taking Bob's gal away from him. +</p> +<p> + Gerty enjoyed it very much, but when the curtain came down after the + first act she leaned back in her chair and looked up at George and said + she felt faint and thought she'd like to 'ave an ice-cream. "And you + 'ave one too, dear," she ses, when young Ted 'ad got up and beckoned to + the gal, "and Ted 'ud like one too, I'm sure." +</p> +<p> + She put her 'ead on George's shoulder and looked up at 'im. Then she put + her 'and on his and stroked it, and George, reckoning that arter all + ice-creams were on'y a ha'penny or at the most a penny each, altered 'is + mind about not spending any more money and ordered three. +</p> +<p> + The way he carried on when the gal said they was three shillings was + alarming. At fust 'e thought she was 'aving a joke with 'im, and it took + another gal and the fireman and an old gentleman wot was sitting behind + 'im to persuade 'im different. He was so upset that 'e couldn't eat his + arter paying for it, and Ted and Gerty had to finish it for 'im. +</p> +<p> + "They're expensive, but they're worth the money," ses Gerty. "You are + good to me, George. I could go on eating 'em all night, but you mustn't + fling your money away like this always." +</p> +<p> + "I'll see to that," ses George, very bitter. +</p> +<p> + "I thought we was going to stand treat to each other? That was the idea, + I understood." +</p> +<p> + "So we are," ses Gerty. "Ted stood the 'bus fares, didn't he?" +</p> +<p> + "He did," ses George, "wot there was of 'em; but wot about you?" +</p> +<p> + "Me?" ses Gerty, drawing her 'ead back and staring at 'im. "Why, 'ave + you forgot that cigar already, George?" +</p> +<p> + George opened 'is mouth, but 'e couldn't speak a word. He sat looking at + 'er and making a gasping noise in 'is throat, and fortunately just as 'e + got 'is voice back the curtain went up agin, and everybody said, + "<i>H'sh!</i>" +</p> +<p> + He couldn't enjoy the play at all, 'e was so upset, and he began to see + more than ever 'ow wrong he 'ad been in taking Bob's gal away from 'im. + He walked downstairs into the street like a man in a dream, with Gerty + sticking to 'is arm and young Ted treading on 'is heels behind. +</p> +<p> + "Now, you mustn't waste any more money, George," ses Gerty, when they got + outside. "We'll walk 'ome." +</p> +<p> + George 'ad got arf a mind to say something about a 'bus, but he + remembered in time that very likely young Ted hadn't got any more money. + Then Gerty said she knew a short cut, and she took them, walking along + little, dark, narrow streets and places, until at last, just as George + thought they must be pretty near 'ome, she began to dab her eyes with 'er + pocket-'andkerchief and say she'd lost 'er way. +</p> +<p> + "You two go 'ome and leave me," she ses, arf crying. "I can't walk + another step." +</p> +<p> + "Where are we?" ses George, looking round. +</p> +<p> + "I don't know," ses Gerty. "I couldn't tell you if you paid me. I must + 'ave taken a wrong turning. Oh, hurrah! Here's a cab!" +</p> +<p> + Afore George could stop 'er she held up 'er umbrella, and a 'ansom cab, + with bells on its horse, crossed the road and pulled up in front of 'em. + Ted nipped in first and Gerty followed 'im. +</p> +<p> + "Tell 'im the address, dear, and make 'aste and get in," ses Gerty. +</p> +<p> + George told the cabman, and then he got in and sat on Ted's knee, partly + on Gerty's umbrella, and mostly on nothing. +</p> +<p> + "You are good to me, George," ses Gerty, touching the back of 'is neck + with the brim of her hat. "It ain't often I get a ride in a cab. All + the time I was keeping company with Bob we never 'ad one once. I only + wish I'd got the money to pay for it." +</p> +<p> + George, who was going to ask a question, stopped 'imself, and then he + kept striking matches and trying to read all about cab fares on a bill in + front of 'im. +</p> +<p> + "'Ow are we to know 'ow many miles it is?" he ses, at last. +</p> +<p> + "I don't know," ses Gerty; "leave it to the cabman. It's his bisness, + ain't it? And if 'e don't know he must suffer for it." +</p> +<p> + There was hardly a soul in Gerty's road when they got there, but afore + George 'ad settled with the cabman there was a policeman moving the crowd + on and arf the winders in the road up. By the time George had paid 'im + and the cabman 'ad told him wot 'e looked like, Gerty and Ted 'ad + disappeared indoors, all the lights was out, and, in a state o' mind that + won't bear thinking of, George walked 'ome to his lodging. +</p> +<a name="image-9"><!--IMG--></a> +<center> +<img src="009.jpg" height="910" width="539" +alt="'afore George Had Settled With the Cabman, There Was A +Policeman Moving the Crowd On.' +"> +</center> +<!--IMAGE END--> +<p> + Bob was asleep when he got there, but 'e woke 'im up and told 'im about + it, and then arter a time he said that he thought Bob ought to pay arf + because he 'ad saved 'is life. +</p> +<p> + "Cert'nly not," ses Bob. "We're quits now; that was the arrangement. + I only wish it was me spending the money on her; I shouldn't grumble." +</p> +<p> + George didn't get a wink o' sleep all night for thinking of the money he + 'ad spent, and next day when he went round he 'ad almost made up 'is mind + to tell Bob that if 'e liked to pay up the money he could 'ave Gerty + back; but she looked so pretty, and praised 'im up so much for 'is + generosity, that he began to think better of it. One thing 'e was + determined on, and that was never to spend money like that agin for fifty + Gertys. +</p> +<p> + There was a very sensible man there that evening that George liked very + much. His name was Uncle Joe, and when Gerty was praising George to 'is + face for the money he 'ad been spending, Uncle Joe, instead o' looking + pleased, shook his 'ead over it. +</p> +<p> + "Young people will be young people, I know," he ses, "but still I don't + approve of extravagance. Bob Evans would never 'ave spent all that money + over you." +</p> +<p> + "Bob Evans ain't everybody," ses Mrs. Mitchell, standing up for Gerty. +</p> +<p> + "He was steady, anyway," ses Uncle Joe. "Besides, Gerty ought not to ha' + let Mr. Crofts spend his money like that. She could ha' prevented it if + she'd ha' put 'er foot down and insisted on it." +</p> +<p> + He was so solemn about it that everybody began to feel a bit upset, and + Gerty borrowed Ted's pocket-'andkerchief, and then wiped 'er eyes on the + cuff of her dress instead. +</p> +<p> + "Well, well," ses Uncle Joe; "I didn't mean to be 'ard, but don't do it + no more. You are young people, and can't afford it." +</p> +<p> + "We must 'ave a little pleasure sometimes," ses Gerty. +</p> +<p> + "Yes, I know," ses Uncle Joe; "but there's moderation in everything. + Look 'ere, it's time somebody paid for Mr. Crofts. To-morrow's Saturday, + and, if you like, I'll take you all to the Crystal Palace." +</p> +<p> + Gerty jumped up off of 'er chair and kissed 'im, while Mrs. Mitchell said + she knew 'is bark was worse than 'is bite, and asked 'im who was wasting + his money now? +</p> +<p> + "You meet me at London Bridge Station at two o'clock," ses Uncle Joe, + getting up to go. "It ain't extravagance for a man as can afford it." +</p> +<p> + He shook 'ands with George Crofts and went, and, arter George 'ad stayed + long enough to hear a lot o' things about Uncle Joe which made 'im think + they'd get on very well together, he went off too. +</p> +<p> + They all turned up very early the next arternoon, and Gerty was dressed + so nice that George couldn't take his eyes off of her. Besides her there + was Mrs. Mitchell and Ted and a friend of 'is named Charlie Smith. +</p> +<p> + They waited some time, but Uncle Joe didn't turn up, and they all got + looking at the clock and talking about it, and 'oping he wouldn't make + 'em miss the train. +</p> +<p> + "Here he comes!" ses Ted, at last. +</p> +<p> + Uncle Joe came rushing in, puffing and blowing as though he'd bust. + "Take 'em on by this train, will you?" he ses, catching 'old o' George by + the arm. "I've just been stopped by a bit o' business I must do, and + I'll come on by the next, or as soon arter as I can." +</p> +<p> + He rushed off again, puffing and blowing his 'ardest, in such a hurry + that he forgot to give George the money for the tickets. However, George + borrowed a pencil of Mrs. Mitchell in the train, and put down on paper + 'ow much they cost, and Mrs. Mitchell said if George didn't like to + remind 'im she would. +</p> +<p> + They left young Ted and Charlie to stay near the station when they got to + the Palace, Uncle Joe 'aving forgotten to say where he'd meet 'em, but + train arter train came in without 'im, and at last the two boys gave it + up. +</p> +<p> + "We're sure to run across 'im sooner or later," ses Gerty. "Let's 'ave + something to eat; I'm so hungry." +</p> +<p> + George said something about buns and milk, but Gerty took 'im up sharp. + "Buns and milk?" she ses. "Why, uncle would never forgive us if we + spoilt his treat like that." +</p> +<p> + She walked into a refreshment place and they 'ad cold meat and bread and + pickles and beer and tarts and cheese, till even young Ted said he'd 'ad + enough, but still they couldn't see any signs of Uncle Joe. They went on + to the roundabouts to look for 'im, and then into all sorts o' shows at + sixpence a head, but still there was no signs of 'im, and George had 'ad + to start on a fresh bit o' paper to put down wot he'd spent. +</p> +<p> + "I suppose he must ha' been detained on important business," ses Gerty, + at last. +</p> +<p> + "Unless it's one of 'is jokes," ses Mrs. Mitchell, shaking her 'ead. + "You know wot your uncle is, Gerty." +</p> +<p> + "There now, I never thought o' that," ses Gerty, with a start; "p'r'aps + it is." +</p> +<p> + "Joke?" ses George, choking and staring from one to the other. +</p> +<p> + "I was wondering where he'd get the money from," ses Mrs. Mitchell to + Gerty. "I see it all now; I never see such a man for a bit o' fun in all + my born days. And the solemn way he went on last night, too. Why, he + must ha' been laughing in 'is sleeve all the time. It's as good as a + play." +</p> +<p> + "Look here!" ses George, 'ardly able to speak; "do you mean to tell me he + never meant to come?" +</p> +<p> + "I'm afraid not," ses Mrs. Mitchell, "knowing wot he is. But don't you + worry; I'll give him a bit o' my mind when I see 'im." +</p> +<p> + George Crofts felt as though he'd burst, and then 'e got his breath, and + the things 'e said about Uncle Joe was so awful that Mrs. Mitchell told + the boys to go away. +</p> +<p> + "How dare you talk of my uncle like that?" ses Gerty, firing up. +</p> +<p> + "You forget yourself, George," ses Mrs. Mitchell. "You'll like 'im when + you get to know 'im better." +</p> +<p> + "Don't you call me George," ses George Crofts, turning on 'er. "I've + been done, that's wot I've been. I 'ad fourteen pounds when I was paid + off, and it's melting like butter." +</p> +<p> + "Well, we've enjoyed ourselves," ses Gerty, "and that's what money was + given us for. I'm sure those two boys 'ave had a splendid time, thanks + to you. Don't go and spoil all by a little bit o' temper." +</p> +<p> + "Temper!" ses George, turning on her. "I've done with you, I wouldn't + marry you if you was the on'y gal in the world. I wouldn't marry you if + you paid me." +</p> +<p> + "Oh, indeed!" ses Gerty; "but if you think you can get out of it like + that you're mistaken. I've lost my young man through you, and I'm not + going to lose you too. I'll send my two big cousins round to see you + to-morrow." +</p> +<p> + "They won't put up with no nonsense, I can tell you," ses Mrs. Mitchell. +</p> +<p> + She called the boys to her, and then she and Gerty, arter holding their + 'eads very high and staring at George, went off and left 'im alone. He + went straight off 'ome, counting 'is money all the way and trying to make + it more, and, arter telling Bob 'ow he'd been treated, and trying hard to + get 'im to go shares in his losses, packed up his things and cleared out, + all boiling over with temper. +</p> +<p> + Bob was so dazed he couldn't make head or tail out of it, but 'e went + round to see Gerty the first thing next morning, and she explained things + to him. +</p> +<p> + "I don't know when I've enjoyed myself so much," she ses, wiping her + eyes, "but I've had enough gadding about for once, and if you come round + this evening we'll have a nice quiet time together looking at the + furniture shops." +</p> + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + +<pre> + + + + + +End of the Project Gutenberg EBook of Bob's Redemption, by W.W. Jacobs + +*** END OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK BOB'S REDEMPTION *** + +***** This file should be named 11185-h.htm or 11185-h.zip ***** +This and all associated files of various formats will be found in: + https://www.gutenberg.org/1/1/1/8/11185/ + +Produced by David Widger + +Updated editions will replace the previous one--the old editions +will be renamed. + +Creating the works from public domain print editions means that no +one owns a United States copyright in these works, so the Foundation +(and you!) can copy and distribute it in the United States without +permission and without paying copyright royalties. Special rules, +set forth in the General Terms of Use part of this license, apply to +copying and distributing Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works to +protect the PROJECT GUTENBERG-tm concept and trademark. Project +Gutenberg is a registered trademark, and may not be used if you +charge for the eBooks, unless you receive specific permission. If you +do not charge anything for copies of this eBook, complying with the +rules is very easy. You may use this eBook for nearly any purpose +such as creation of derivative works, reports, performances and +research. They may be modified and printed and given away--you may do +practically ANYTHING with public domain eBooks. Redistribution is +subject to the trademark license, especially commercial +redistribution. + + + +*** START: FULL LICENSE *** + +THE FULL PROJECT GUTENBERG LICENSE +PLEASE READ THIS BEFORE YOU DISTRIBUTE OR USE THIS WORK + +To protect the Project Gutenberg-tm mission of promoting the free +distribution of electronic works, by using or distributing this work +(or any other work associated in any way with the phrase "Project +Gutenberg"), you agree to comply with all the terms of the Full Project +Gutenberg-tm License (available with this file or online at +https://gutenberg.org/license). + + +Section 1. General Terms of Use and Redistributing Project Gutenberg-tm +electronic works + +1.A. By reading or using any part of this Project Gutenberg-tm +electronic work, you indicate that you have read, understand, agree to +and accept all the terms of this license and intellectual property +(trademark/copyright) agreement. If you do not agree to abide by all +the terms of this agreement, you must cease using and return or destroy +all copies of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works in your possession. +If you paid a fee for obtaining a copy of or access to a Project +Gutenberg-tm electronic work and you do not agree to be bound by the +terms of this agreement, you may obtain a refund from the person or +entity to whom you paid the fee as set forth in paragraph 1.E.8. + +1.B. "Project Gutenberg" is a registered trademark. It may only be +used on or associated in any way with an electronic work by people who +agree to be bound by the terms of this agreement. There are a few +things that you can do with most Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works +even without complying with the full terms of this agreement. See +paragraph 1.C below. There are a lot of things you can do with Project +Gutenberg-tm electronic works if you follow the terms of this agreement +and help preserve free future access to Project Gutenberg-tm electronic +works. See paragraph 1.E below. + +1.C. The Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation ("the Foundation" +or PGLAF), owns a compilation copyright in the collection of Project +Gutenberg-tm electronic works. Nearly all the individual works in the +collection are in the public domain in the United States. If an +individual work is in the public domain in the United States and you are +located in the United States, we do not claim a right to prevent you from +copying, distributing, performing, displaying or creating derivative +works based on the work as long as all references to Project Gutenberg +are removed. Of course, we hope that you will support the Project +Gutenberg-tm mission of promoting free access to electronic works by +freely sharing Project Gutenberg-tm works in compliance with the terms of +this agreement for keeping the Project Gutenberg-tm name associated with +the work. You can easily comply with the terms of this agreement by +keeping this work in the same format with its attached full Project +Gutenberg-tm License when you share it without charge with others. + +1.D. The copyright laws of the place where you are located also govern +what you can do with this work. Copyright laws in most countries are in +a constant state of change. If you are outside the United States, check +the laws of your country in addition to the terms of this agreement +before downloading, copying, displaying, performing, distributing or +creating derivative works based on this work or any other Project +Gutenberg-tm work. The Foundation makes no representations concerning +the copyright status of any work in any country outside the United +States. + +1.E. Unless you have removed all references to Project Gutenberg: + +1.E.1. The following sentence, with active links to, or other immediate +access to, the full Project Gutenberg-tm License must appear prominently +whenever any copy of a Project Gutenberg-tm work (any work on which the +phrase "Project Gutenberg" appears, or with which the phrase "Project +Gutenberg" is associated) is accessed, displayed, performed, viewed, +copied or distributed: + +This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with +almost no restrictions whatsoever. You may copy it, give it away or +re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included +with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.org + +1.E.2. If an individual Project Gutenberg-tm electronic work is derived +from the public domain (does not contain a notice indicating that it is +posted with permission of the copyright holder), the work can be copied +and distributed to anyone in the United States without paying any fees +or charges. If you are redistributing or providing access to a work +with the phrase "Project Gutenberg" associated with or appearing on the +work, you must comply either with the requirements of paragraphs 1.E.1 +through 1.E.7 or obtain permission for the use of the work and the +Project Gutenberg-tm trademark as set forth in paragraphs 1.E.8 or +1.E.9. + +1.E.3. If an individual Project Gutenberg-tm electronic work is posted +with the permission of the copyright holder, your use and distribution +must comply with both paragraphs 1.E.1 through 1.E.7 and any additional +terms imposed by the copyright holder. Additional terms will be linked +to the Project Gutenberg-tm License for all works posted with the +permission of the copyright holder found at the beginning of this work. + +1.E.4. Do not unlink or detach or remove the full Project Gutenberg-tm +License terms from this work, or any files containing a part of this +work or any other work associated with Project Gutenberg-tm. + +1.E.5. Do not copy, display, perform, distribute or redistribute this +electronic work, or any part of this electronic work, without +prominently displaying the sentence set forth in paragraph 1.E.1 with +active links or immediate access to the full terms of the Project +Gutenberg-tm License. + +1.E.6. You may convert to and distribute this work in any binary, +compressed, marked up, nonproprietary or proprietary form, including any +word processing or hypertext form. However, if you provide access to or +distribute copies of a Project Gutenberg-tm work in a format other than +"Plain Vanilla ASCII" or other format used in the official version +posted on the official Project Gutenberg-tm web site (www.gutenberg.org), +you must, at no additional cost, fee or expense to the user, provide a +copy, a means of exporting a copy, or a means of obtaining a copy upon +request, of the work in its original "Plain Vanilla ASCII" or other +form. Any alternate format must include the full Project Gutenberg-tm +License as specified in paragraph 1.E.1. + +1.E.7. Do not charge a fee for access to, viewing, displaying, +performing, copying or distributing any Project Gutenberg-tm works +unless you comply with paragraph 1.E.8 or 1.E.9. + +1.E.8. You may charge a reasonable fee for copies of or providing +access to or distributing Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works provided +that + +- You pay a royalty fee of 20% of the gross profits you derive from + the use of Project Gutenberg-tm works calculated using the method + you already use to calculate your applicable taxes. The fee is + owed to the owner of the Project Gutenberg-tm trademark, but he + has agreed to donate royalties under this paragraph to the + Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation. Royalty payments + must be paid within 60 days following each date on which you + prepare (or are legally required to prepare) your periodic tax + returns. Royalty payments should be clearly marked as such and + sent to the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation at the + address specified in Section 4, "Information about donations to + the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation." + +- You provide a full refund of any money paid by a user who notifies + you in writing (or by e-mail) within 30 days of receipt that s/he + does not agree to the terms of the full Project Gutenberg-tm + License. You must require such a user to return or + destroy all copies of the works possessed in a physical medium + and discontinue all use of and all access to other copies of + Project Gutenberg-tm works. + +- You provide, in accordance with paragraph 1.F.3, a full refund of any + money paid for a work or a replacement copy, if a defect in the + electronic work is discovered and reported to you within 90 days + of receipt of the work. + +- You comply with all other terms of this agreement for free + distribution of Project Gutenberg-tm works. + +1.E.9. If you wish to charge a fee or distribute a Project Gutenberg-tm +electronic work or group of works on different terms than are set +forth in this agreement, you must obtain permission in writing from +both the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation and Michael +Hart, the owner of the Project Gutenberg-tm trademark. Contact the +Foundation as set forth in Section 3 below. + +1.F. + +1.F.1. Project Gutenberg volunteers and employees expend considerable +effort to identify, do copyright research on, transcribe and proofread +public domain works in creating the Project Gutenberg-tm +collection. Despite these efforts, Project Gutenberg-tm electronic +works, and the medium on which they may be stored, may contain +"Defects," such as, but not limited to, incomplete, inaccurate or +corrupt data, transcription errors, a copyright or other intellectual +property infringement, a defective or damaged disk or other medium, a +computer virus, or computer codes that damage or cannot be read by +your equipment. + +1.F.2. LIMITED WARRANTY, DISCLAIMER OF DAMAGES - Except for the "Right +of Replacement or Refund" described in paragraph 1.F.3, the Project +Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation, the owner of the Project +Gutenberg-tm trademark, and any other party distributing a Project +Gutenberg-tm electronic work under this agreement, disclaim all +liability to you for damages, costs and expenses, including legal +fees. YOU AGREE THAT YOU HAVE NO REMEDIES FOR NEGLIGENCE, STRICT +LIABILITY, BREACH OF WARRANTY OR BREACH OF CONTRACT EXCEPT THOSE +PROVIDED IN PARAGRAPH F3. YOU AGREE THAT THE FOUNDATION, THE +TRADEMARK OWNER, AND ANY DISTRIBUTOR UNDER THIS AGREEMENT WILL NOT BE +LIABLE TO YOU FOR ACTUAL, DIRECT, INDIRECT, CONSEQUENTIAL, PUNITIVE OR +INCIDENTAL DAMAGES EVEN IF YOU GIVE NOTICE OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH +DAMAGE. + +1.F.3. LIMITED RIGHT OF REPLACEMENT OR REFUND - If you discover a +defect in this electronic work within 90 days of receiving it, you can +receive a refund of the money (if any) you paid for it by sending a +written explanation to the person you received the work from. If you +received the work on a physical medium, you must return the medium with +your written explanation. The person or entity that provided you with +the defective work may elect to provide a replacement copy in lieu of a +refund. If you received the work electronically, the person or entity +providing it to you may choose to give you a second opportunity to +receive the work electronically in lieu of a refund. If the second copy +is also defective, you may demand a refund in writing without further +opportunities to fix the problem. + +1.F.4. Except for the limited right of replacement or refund set forth +in paragraph 1.F.3, this work is provided to you 'AS-IS' WITH NO OTHER +WARRANTIES OF ANY KIND, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO +WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTIBILITY OR FITNESS FOR ANY PURPOSE. + +1.F.5. Some states do not allow disclaimers of certain implied +warranties or the exclusion or limitation of certain types of damages. +If any disclaimer or limitation set forth in this agreement violates the +law of the state applicable to this agreement, the agreement shall be +interpreted to make the maximum disclaimer or limitation permitted by +the applicable state law. The invalidity or unenforceability of any +provision of this agreement shall not void the remaining provisions. + +1.F.6. INDEMNITY - You agree to indemnify and hold the Foundation, the +trademark owner, any agent or employee of the Foundation, anyone +providing copies of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works in accordance +with this agreement, and any volunteers associated with the production, +promotion and distribution of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works, +harmless from all liability, costs and expenses, including legal fees, +that arise directly or indirectly from any of the following which you do +or cause to occur: (a) distribution of this or any Project Gutenberg-tm +work, (b) alteration, modification, or additions or deletions to any +Project Gutenberg-tm work, and (c) any Defect you cause. + + +Section 2. Information about the Mission of Project Gutenberg-tm + +Project Gutenberg-tm is synonymous with the free distribution of +electronic works in formats readable by the widest variety of computers +including obsolete, old, middle-aged and new computers. It exists +because of the efforts of hundreds of volunteers and donations from +people in all walks of life. + +Volunteers and financial support to provide volunteers with the +assistance they need, is critical to reaching Project Gutenberg-tm's +goals and ensuring that the Project Gutenberg-tm collection will +remain freely available for generations to come. In 2001, the Project +Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation was created to provide a secure +and permanent future for Project Gutenberg-tm and future generations. +To learn more about the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation +and how your efforts and donations can help, see Sections 3 and 4 +and the Foundation web page at https://www.pglaf.org. + + +Section 3. Information about the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive +Foundation + +The Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation is a non profit +501(c)(3) educational corporation organized under the laws of the +state of Mississippi and granted tax exempt status by the Internal +Revenue Service. The Foundation's EIN or federal tax identification +number is 64-6221541. Its 501(c)(3) letter is posted at +https://pglaf.org/fundraising. Contributions to the Project Gutenberg +Literary Archive Foundation are tax deductible to the full extent +permitted by U.S. federal laws and your state's laws. + +The Foundation's principal office is located at 4557 Melan Dr. S. +Fairbanks, AK, 99712., but its volunteers and employees are scattered +throughout numerous locations. Its business office is located at +809 North 1500 West, Salt Lake City, UT 84116, (801) 596-1887, email +business@pglaf.org. Email contact links and up to date contact +information can be found at the Foundation's web site and official +page at https://pglaf.org + +For additional contact information: + Dr. Gregory B. Newby + Chief Executive and Director + gbnewby@pglaf.org + +Section 4. Information about Donations to the Project Gutenberg +Literary Archive Foundation + +Project Gutenberg-tm depends upon and cannot survive without wide +spread public support and donations to carry out its mission of +increasing the number of public domain and licensed works that can be +freely distributed in machine readable form accessible by the widest +array of equipment including outdated equipment. Many small donations +($1 to $5,000) are particularly important to maintaining tax exempt +status with the IRS. + +The Foundation is committed to complying with the laws regulating +charities and charitable donations in all 50 states of the United +States. Compliance requirements are not uniform and it takes a +considerable effort, much paperwork and many fees to meet and keep up +with these requirements. We do not solicit donations in locations +where we have not received written confirmation of compliance. To +SEND DONATIONS or determine the status of compliance for any +particular state visit https://pglaf.org + +While we cannot and do not solicit contributions from states where we +have not met the solicitation requirements, we know of no prohibition +against accepting unsolicited donations from donors in such states who +approach us with offers to donate. + +International donations are gratefully accepted, but we cannot make +any statements concerning tax treatment of donations received from +outside the United States. U.S. laws alone swamp our small staff. + +Please check the Project Gutenberg Web pages for current donation +methods and addresses. Donations are accepted in a number of other +ways including including checks, online payments and credit card +donations. To donate, please visit: https://pglaf.org/donate + + +Section 5. General Information About Project Gutenberg-tm electronic +works. + +Professor Michael S. Hart was the originator of the Project Gutenberg-tm +concept of a library of electronic works that could be freely shared +with anyone. For thirty years, he produced and distributed Project +Gutenberg-tm eBooks with only a loose network of volunteer support. + +Project Gutenberg-tm eBooks are often created from several printed +editions, all of which are confirmed as Public Domain in the U.S. +unless a copyright notice is included. Thus, we do not necessarily +keep eBooks in compliance with any particular paper edition. + +Each eBook is in a subdirectory of the same number as the eBook's +eBook number, often in several formats including plain vanilla ASCII, +compressed (zipped), HTML and others. + +Corrected EDITIONS of our eBooks replace the old file and take over +the old filename and etext number. The replaced older file is renamed. +VERSIONS based on separate sources are treated as new eBooks receiving +new filenames and etext numbers. + +Most people start at our Web site which has the main PG search facility: + + https://www.gutenberg.org + +This Web site includes information about Project Gutenberg-tm, +including how to make donations to the Project Gutenberg Literary +Archive Foundation, how to help produce our new eBooks, and how to +subscribe to our email newsletter to hear about new eBooks. + +EBooks posted prior to November 2003, with eBook numbers BELOW #10000, +are filed in directories based on their release date. If you want to +download any of these eBooks directly, rather than using the regular +search system you may utilize the following addresses and just +download by the etext year. + + https://www.gutenberg.org/etext06 + + (Or /etext 05, 04, 03, 02, 01, 00, 99, + 98, 97, 96, 95, 94, 93, 92, 92, 91 or 90) + +EBooks posted since November 2003, with etext numbers OVER #10000, are +filed in a different way. The year of a release date is no longer part +of the directory path. The path is based on the etext number (which is +identical to the filename). The path to the file is made up of single +digits corresponding to all but the last digit in the filename. For +example an eBook of filename 10234 would be found at: + + https://www.gutenberg.org/1/0/2/3/10234 + +or filename 24689 would be found at: + https://www.gutenberg.org/2/4/6/8/24689 + +An alternative method of locating eBooks: + https://www.gutenberg.org/GUTINDEX.ALL + + + + +</pre> + +</body> +</html> + diff --git a/11185-h/frontis.jpg b/11185-h/frontis.jpg Binary files differnew file mode 100644 index 0000000..2dbcb9b --- /dev/null +++ b/11185-h/frontis.jpg diff --git a/11185-h/title.jpg b/11185-h/title.jpg Binary files differnew file mode 100644 index 0000000..db600fb --- /dev/null +++ b/11185-h/title.jpg diff --git a/11185.txt b/11185.txt new file mode 100644 index 0000000..d1f5366 --- /dev/null +++ b/11185.txt @@ -0,0 +1,964 @@ +The Project Gutenberg EBook of Bob's Redemption, by W.W. Jacobs + +This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with +almost no restrictions whatsoever. You may copy it, give it away or +re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included +with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.org + + +Title: Bob's Redemption + Captains All, Book 5. + +Author: W.W. Jacobs + +Release Date: February 21, 2004 [EBook #11185] + +Language: English + +Character set encoding: US-ASCII + +*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK BOB'S REDEMPTION *** + + + + +Produced by David Widger + + + + +CAPTAINS ALL + +By W.W. Jacobs + + + +BOB'S REDEMPTION + +[Illustration: "Bob's Redemption."] + +"GRATITOODE!" said the night-watchman, with a hard laugh. "_Hmf!_ Don't +talk to me about gratitoode; I've seen too much of it. If people wot +I've helped in my time 'ad only done arf their dooty--arf, mind you--I +should be riding in my carriage." + +Forgetful of the limitations of soap-boxes he attempted to illustrate his +remark by lolling, and nearly went over backwards. Recovering himself by +an effort he gazed sternly across the river and smoked fiercely. It was +evident that he was brooding over an ill-used past. + +'Arry Thomson was one of them, he said, at last. For over six months I +wrote all 'is love-letters for him, 'e being an iggernerant sort of man +and only being able to do the kisses at the end, which he always insisted +on doing 'imself: being jealous. Only three weeks arter he was married +'e come up to where I was standing one day and set about me without +saying a word. I was a single man at the time and I didn't understand +it. My idea was that he 'ad gone mad, and, being pretty artful and +always 'aving a horror of mad people, I let 'im chase me into a +police-station. Leastways, I would ha' let 'im, but he didn't come, +and I all but got fourteen days for being drunk and disorderly. + +Then there was Bill Clark. He 'ad been keeping comp'ny with a gal and +got tired of it, and to oblige 'im I went to her and told 'er he was a +married man with five children. Bill was as pleased as Punch at fust, +but as soon as she took up with another chap he came round to see me and +said as I'd ruined his life. We 'ad words about it--naturally--and I did +ruin it then to the extent of a couple o' ribs. I went to see 'im in the +horsepittle--place I've always been fond of--and the langwidge he used to +me was so bad that they sent for the Sister to 'ear it. + +That's on'y two out of dozens I could name. Arf the unpleasantnesses in +my life 'ave come out of doing kindnesses to people, and all the +gratitoode I've 'ad for it I could put in a pint-pot with a pint o' beer +already in it. + +The only case o' real gratitoode I ever heard of 'appened to a shipmate +o' mine--a young chap named Bob Evans. Coming home from Auckland in a +barque called the _Dragon Fly_ he fell overboard, and another chap named +George Crofts, one o' the best swimmers I ever knew, went overboard arter +'im and saved his life. + +We was hardly moving at the time, and the sea was like a duck pond, but +to 'ear Bob Evans talk you'd ha' thought that George Crofts was the +bravest-'arted chap that ever lived. He 'adn't liked him afore, same as +the rest of us, George being a sly, mean sort o' chap; but arter George +'ad saved his life 'e couldn't praise 'im enough. He said that so long +as he 'ad a crust George should share it, and wotever George asked 'im he +should have. + +The unfortnit part of it was that George took 'im at his word, and all +the rest of the v'y'ge he acted as though Bob belonged to 'im, and by the +time we got into the London river Bob couldn't call his soul 'is own. He +used to take a room when he was ashore and live very steady, as 'e was +saving up to get married, and as soon as he found that out George invited +'imself to stay with him. + +"It won't cost you a bit more," he ses, "not if you work it properly." + +Bob didn't work it properly, but George having saved his life, and never +letting 'im forget it, he didn't like to tell him so. He thought he'd +let 'im see gradual that he'd got to be careful because of 'is gal, and +the fust evening they was ashore 'e took 'im along with 'im there to tea. + +Gerty Mitchell--that was the gal's name--'adn't heard of Bob's accident, +and when she did she gave a little scream, and putting 'er arms round his +neck, began to kiss 'im right in front of George and her mother. + +"You ought to give him one too," ses Mrs. Mitchell, pointing to George. + +George wiped 'is mouth on the back of his 'and, but Gerty pretended not +to 'ear. + +"Fancy if you'd been drownded!" she ses, hugging Bob agin. + +"He was pretty near," ses George, shaking his 'ead. "I'm a pore swimmer, +but I made up my mind either to save 'im or else go down to a watery +grave myself." + +He wiped his mouth on the back of his 'and agin, but all the notice Gerty +took of it was to send her young brother Ted out for some beer. Then +they all 'ad supper together, and Mrs. Mitchell drank good luck to George +in a glass o' beer, and said she 'oped that 'er own boy would grow up +like him. "Let 'im grow up a good and brave man, that's all I ask," she +ses. "I don't care about 'is looks." + +"He might have both," ses George, sharp-like. "Why not?" + +Mrs. Mitchell said she supposed he might, and then she cuffed young Ted's +ears for making a noise while 'e was eating, and then cuffed 'im agin for +saying that he'd finished 'is supper five minutes ago. + +George and Bob walked 'ome together, and all the way there George said +wot a pretty gal Gerty was and 'ow lucky it was for Bob that he 'adn't +been drownded. He went round to tea with 'im the next day to Mrs. +Mitchell's, and arter tea, when Bob and Gerty said they was going out to +spend the evening together, got 'imself asked too. + +They took a tram-car and went to a music-hall, and Bob paid for the three +of 'em. George never seemed to think of putting his 'and in his pocket, +and even arter the music-hall, when they all went into a shop and 'ad +stewed eels, he let Bob pay. + +As I said afore, Bob Evans was chock-full of gratefulness, and it seemed +only fair that he shouldn't grumble at spending a little over the man wot +'ad risked 'is life to save his; but wot with keeping George at his room, +and paying for 'im every time they went out, he was spending a lot more +money than 'e could afford. + +"You're on'y young once, Bob," George said to him when 'e made a remark +one arternoon as to the fast way his money was going, "and if it hadn't +ha' been for me you'd never 'ave lived to grow old." + +Wot with spending the money and always 'aving George with them when they +went out, it wasn't long afore Bob and Gerty 'ad a quarrel. "I don't +like a pore-spirited man," she ses. "Two's company and three's none, +and, besides, why can't he pay for 'imself? He's big enough. Why should +you spend your money on 'im? He never pays a farthing." + +Bob explained that he couldn't say anything because 'e owed his life to +George, but 'e might as well 'ave talked to a lamp-post. The more he +argued the more angry Gerty got, and at last she ses, "Two's company and +three's none, and if you and me can't go out without George Crofts, then +me and 'im 'll go out with-out you." + +She was as good as her word, too, and the next night, while Bob 'ad gone +out to get some 'bacca, she went off alone with George. It was ten +o'clock afore they came back agin, and Gerty's eyes were all shining and +'er cheeks as pink as roses. She shut 'er mother up like a concertina +the moment she began to find fault with 'er, and at supper she sat next +to George and laughed at everything 'e said. + +George and Bob walked all the way 'ome arter supper without saying a +word, but arter they got to their room George took a side-look at Bob, +and then he ses, suddenlike, "Look 'ere! I saved your life, didn't I?" + +"You did," ses Bob, "and I thank you for it." + +"I saved your life," ses George agin, very solemn. "If it hadn't ha' +been for me you couldn't ha' married anybody." + +"That's true," ses Bob. + +"Me and Gerty 'ave been having a talk," ses George, bending down to undo +his boots. "We've been getting on very well together; you can't 'elp +your feelings, and the long and the short of it is, the pore gal has +fallen in love with me." + +Bob didn't say a word. + +"If you look at it this way it's fair enough," ses George. "I gave you +your life and you give me your gal. We're quits now. You don't owe me +anything and I don't owe you anything. That's the way Gerty puts it, and +she told me to tell you so." + +"If--if she don't want me I'm agreeable," ses Bob, in a choking voice. +"We'll call it quits, and next time I tumble overboard I 'ope you won't +be handy." + +He took Gerty's photygraph out of 'is box and handed it to George. +"You've got more right to it now than wot I 'ave," he ses. "I shan't go +round there any more; I shall look out for a ship to-morrow." + +George Crofts said that perhaps it was the best thing he could do, and 'e +asked 'im in a offhand sort o' way 'ow long the room was paid up for. + +Mrs. Mitchell 'ad a few words to say about it next day, but Gerty told +'er to save 'er breath for walking upstairs. The on'y thing that George +didn't like when they went out was that young Ted was with them, but +Gerty said she preferred it till she knew 'im better; and she 'ad so much +to say about his noble behaviour in saving life that George gave way. +They went out looking at the shops, George thinking that that was the +cheapest way of spending an evening, and they were as happy as possible +till Gerty saw a brooch she liked so much in a window that he couldn't +get 'er away. + +"It is a beauty," she ses. "I don't know when I've seen a brooch I liked +better. Look here! Let's all guess the price and then go in and see +who's right." + +They 'ad their guesses, and then they went in and asked, and as soon as +Gerty found that it was only three-and-sixpence she began to feel in her +pocket for 'er purse, just like your wife does when you go out with 'er, +knowing all the time that it's on the mantelpiece with twopence-ha'penny +and a cough lozenge in it. + +"I must ha' left it at 'ome," she ses, looking at George. + +"Just wot I've done," ses George, arter patting 'is pockets. + +Gerty bit 'er lips and, for a minute or two, be civil to George she could +not. Then she gave a little smile and took 'is arm agin, and they walked +on talking and laughing till she turned round of a sudden and asked a big +chap as was passing wot 'e was shoving 'er for. + +"Shoving you?" ses he. "Wot do you think I want to shove you for?" + +"Don't you talk to me," ses Gerty, firing up. "George, make 'im beg my +pardon." + +"You ought to be more careful," ses George, in a gentle sort o' way. + +"Make 'im beg my pardon," ses Gerty, stamping 'er foot; "if he don't, +knock 'im down." + +"Yes, knock 'im down," ses the big man, taking hold o' George's cap and +rumpling his 'air. + +Pore George, who was never much good with his fists, hit 'im in the +chest, and the next moment he was on 'is back in the middle o' the road +wondering wot had 'appened to 'im. By the time 'e got up the other man +was arf a mile away; and young Ted stepped up and wiped 'im down with a +pocket-'andkerchief while Gerty explained to 'im 'ow she saw 'im slip on +a piece o' banana peel. + +"It's 'ard lines," she ses; "but never mind, you frightened 'im away, +and I don't wonder at it. You do look terrible when you're angry, +George; I didn't know you." + +She praised 'im all the way 'ome, and if it 'adn't been for his mouth and +nose George would 'ave enjoyed it more than 'e did. She told 'er mother +how 'e had flown at a big man wot 'ad insulted her, and Mrs. Mitchell +shook her 'ead at 'im and said his bold spirit would lead 'im into +trouble afore he 'ad done. + +They didn't seem to be able to make enough of 'im, and next day when he +went round Gerty was so upset at the sight of 'is bruises that he thought +she was going to cry. When he had 'ad his tea she gave 'im a cigar she +had bought for 'im herself, and when he 'ad finished smoking it she +smiled at him, and said that she was going to take 'im out for a pleasant +evening to try and make up to 'im for wot he 'ad suffered for 'er. + +"We're all going to stand treat to each other," she ses. "Bob always +would insist on paying for everything, but I like to feel a bit +independent. Give and take--that's the way I like to do things." + +"There's nothing like being independent," ses George. "Bob ought to ha' +known that." + +"I'm sure it's the best plan," ses Gerty. "Now, get your 'at on. We're +going to a theayter, and Ted shall pay the 'bus fares." + +George wanted to ask about the theayter, but 'e didn't like to, and arter +Gerty was dressed they went out and Ted paid the 'bus fares like a man. + +"Here you are," ses Gerty, as the 'bus stopped outside the theayter. +"Hurry up and get the tickets, George; ask for three upper circles." + +She bustled George up to the pay place, and as soon as she 'ad picked out +the seats she grabbed 'old of the tickets and told George to make haste. + +"Twelve shillings it is," ses the man, as George put down arf a crown. + +"Twelve?" ses George, beginning to stammer. "Twelve? Twelve? Twel--?" + +"Twelve shillings," ses the man; "three upper circles you've 'ad." + +George was going to fetch Gerty back and 'ave cheaper seats, but she 'ad +gone inside with young Ted, and at last, arter making an awful fuss, he +paid the rest o' the money and rushed in arter her, arf crazy at the idea +o' spending so much money. + +"Make 'aste," ses Gerty, afore he could say anything; "the band 'as just +begun." + +She started running upstairs, and she was so excited that, when they got +their seats and George started complaining about the price, she didn't +pay any attention to wot he was saying, but kept pointing out ladies' +dresses to 'im in w'ispers and wondering wot they 'ad paid for them. +George gave it up at last, and then he sat wondering whether he 'ad done +right arter all in taking Bob's gal away from him. + +Gerty enjoyed it very much, but when the curtain came down after the +first act she leaned back in her chair and looked up at George and said +she felt faint and thought she'd like to 'ave an ice-cream. "And you +'ave one too, dear," she ses, when young Ted 'ad got up and beckoned to +the gal, "and Ted 'ud like one too, I'm sure." + +She put her 'ead on George's shoulder and looked up at 'im. Then she put +her 'and on his and stroked it, and George, reckoning that arter all +ice-creams were on'y a ha'penny or at the most a penny each, altered 'is +mind about not spending any more money and ordered three. + +The way he carried on when the gal said they was three shillings was +alarming. At fust 'e thought she was 'aving a joke with 'im, and it took +another gal and the fireman and an old gentleman wot was sitting behind +'im to persuade 'im different. He was so upset that 'e couldn't eat his +arter paying for it, and Ted and Gerty had to finish it for 'im. + +"They're expensive, but they're worth the money," ses Gerty. "You are +good to me, George. I could go on eating 'em all night, but you mustn't +fling your money away like this always." + +"I'll see to that," ses George, very bitter. + +"I thought we was going to stand treat to each other? That was the idea, +I understood." + +"So we are," ses Gerty. "Ted stood the 'bus fares, didn't he?" + +"He did," ses George, "wot there was of 'em; but wot about you?" + +"Me?" ses Gerty, drawing her 'ead back and staring at 'im. "Why, 'ave +you forgot that cigar already, George?" + +George opened 'is mouth, but 'e couldn't speak a word. He sat looking at +'er and making a gasping noise in 'is throat, and fortunately just as 'e +got 'is voice back the curtain went up agin, and everybody said, +"_H'sh!_" + +He couldn't enjoy the play at all, 'e was so upset, and he began to see +more than ever 'ow wrong he 'ad been in taking Bob's gal away from 'im. +He walked downstairs into the street like a man in a dream, with Gerty +sticking to 'is arm and young Ted treading on 'is heels behind. + +"Now, you mustn't waste any more money, George," ses Gerty, when they got +outside. "We'll walk 'ome." + +George 'ad got arf a mind to say something about a 'bus, but he +remembered in time that very likely young Ted hadn't got any more money. +Then Gerty said she knew a short cut, and she took them, walking along +little, dark, narrow streets and places, until at last, just as George +thought they must be pretty near 'ome, she began to dab her eyes with 'er +pocket-'andkerchief and say she'd lost 'er way. + +"You two go 'ome and leave me," she ses, arf crying. "I can't walk +another step." + +"Where are we?" ses George, looking round. + +"I don't know," ses Gerty. "I couldn't tell you if you paid me. I must +'ave taken a wrong turning. Oh, hurrah! Here's a cab!" + +Afore George could stop 'er she held up 'er umbrella, and a 'ansom cab, +with bells on its horse, crossed the road and pulled up in front of 'em. +Ted nipped in first and Gerty followed 'im. + +"Tell 'im the address, dear, and make 'aste and get in," ses Gerty. + +George told the cabman, and then he got in and sat on Ted's knee, partly +on Gerty's umbrella, and mostly on nothing. + +"You are good to me, George," ses Gerty, touching the back of 'is neck +with the brim of her hat. "It ain't often I get a ride in a cab. All +the time I was keeping company with Bob we never 'ad one once. I only +wish I'd got the money to pay for it." + +George, who was going to ask a question, stopped 'imself, and then he +kept striking matches and trying to read all about cab fares on a bill in +front of 'im. + +"'Ow are we to know 'ow many miles it is?" he ses, at last. + +"I don't know," ses Gerty; "leave it to the cabman. It's his bisness, +ain't it? And if 'e don't know he must suffer for it." + +There was hardly a soul in Gerty's road when they got there, but afore +George 'ad settled with the cabman there was a policeman moving the crowd +on and arf the winders in the road up. By the time George had paid 'im +and the cabman 'ad told him wot 'e looked like, Gerty and Ted 'ad +disappeared indoors, all the lights was out, and, in a state o' mind that +won't bear thinking of, George walked 'ome to his lodging. + +[Illustration: "Afore George had settled with the cabman, there was a +policeman moving the crowd on."] + +Bob was asleep when he got there, but 'e woke 'im up and told 'im about +it, and then arter a time he said that he thought Bob ought to pay arf +because he 'ad saved 'is life. + +"Cert'nly not," ses Bob. "We're quits now; that was the arrangement. +I only wish it was me spending the money on her; I shouldn't grumble." + +George didn't get a wink o' sleep all night for thinking of the money he +'ad spent, and next day when he went round he 'ad almost made up 'is mind +to tell Bob that if 'e liked to pay up the money he could 'ave Gerty +back; but she looked so pretty, and praised 'im up so much for 'is +generosity, that he began to think better of it. One thing 'e was +determined on, and that was never to spend money like that agin for fifty +Gertys. + +There was a very sensible man there that evening that George liked very +much. His name was Uncle Joe, and when Gerty was praising George to 'is +face for the money he 'ad been spending, Uncle Joe, instead o' looking +pleased, shook his 'ead over it. + +"Young people will be young people, I know," he ses, "but still I don't +approve of extravagance. Bob Evans would never 'ave spent all that money +over you." + +"Bob Evans ain't everybody," ses Mrs. Mitchell, standing up for Gerty. + +"He was steady, anyway," ses Uncle Joe. "Besides, Gerty ought not to ha' +let Mr. Crofts spend his money like that. She could ha' prevented it if +she'd ha' put 'er foot down and insisted on it." + +He was so solemn about it that everybody began to feel a bit upset, and +Gerty borrowed Ted's pocket-'andkerchief, and then wiped 'er eyes on the +cuff of her dress instead. + +"Well, well," ses Uncle Joe; "I didn't mean to be 'ard, but don't do it +no more. You are young people, and can't afford it." + +"We must 'ave a little pleasure sometimes," ses Gerty. + +"Yes, I know," ses Uncle Joe; "but there's moderation in everything. +Look 'ere, it's time somebody paid for Mr. Crofts. To-morrow's Saturday, +and, if you like, I'll take you all to the Crystal Palace." + +Gerty jumped up off of 'er chair and kissed 'im, while Mrs. Mitchell said +she knew 'is bark was worse than 'is bite, and asked 'im who was wasting +his money now? + +"You meet me at London Bridge Station at two o'clock," ses Uncle Joe, +getting up to go. "It ain't extravagance for a man as can afford it." + +He shook 'ands with George Crofts and went, and, arter George 'ad stayed +long enough to hear a lot o' things about Uncle Joe which made 'im think +they'd get on very well together, he went off too. + +They all turned up very early the next arternoon, and Gerty was dressed +so nice that George couldn't take his eyes off of her. Besides her there +was Mrs. Mitchell and Ted and a friend of 'is named Charlie Smith. + +They waited some time, but Uncle Joe didn't turn up, and they all got +looking at the clock and talking about it, and 'oping he wouldn't make +'em miss the train. + +"Here he comes!" ses Ted, at last. + +Uncle Joe came rushing in, puffing and blowing as though he'd bust. +"Take 'em on by this train, will you?" he ses, catching 'old o' George by +the arm. "I've just been stopped by a bit o' business I must do, and +I'll come on by the next, or as soon arter as I can." + +He rushed off again, puffing and blowing his 'ardest, in such a hurry +that he forgot to give George the money for the tickets. However, George +borrowed a pencil of Mrs. Mitchell in the train, and put down on paper +'ow much they cost, and Mrs. Mitchell said if George didn't like to +remind 'im she would. + +They left young Ted and Charlie to stay near the station when they got to +the Palace, Uncle Joe 'aving forgotten to say where he'd meet 'em, but +train arter train came in without 'im, and at last the two boys gave it +up. + +"We're sure to run across 'im sooner or later," ses Gerty. "Let's 'ave +something to eat; I'm so hungry." + +George said something about buns and milk, but Gerty took 'im up sharp. +"Buns and milk?" she ses. "Why, uncle would never forgive us if we +spoilt his treat like that." + +She walked into a refreshment place and they 'ad cold meat and bread and +pickles and beer and tarts and cheese, till even young Ted said he'd 'ad +enough, but still they couldn't see any signs of Uncle Joe. They went on +to the roundabouts to look for 'im, and then into all sorts o' shows at +sixpence a head, but still there was no signs of 'im, and George had 'ad +to start on a fresh bit o' paper to put down wot he'd spent. + +"I suppose he must ha' been detained on important business," ses Gerty, +at last. + +"Unless it's one of 'is jokes," ses Mrs. Mitchell, shaking her 'ead. +"You know wot your uncle is, Gerty." + +"There now, I never thought o' that," ses Gerty, with a start; "p'r'aps +it is." + +"Joke?" ses George, choking and staring from one to the other. + +"I was wondering where he'd get the money from," ses Mrs. Mitchell to +Gerty. "I see it all now; I never see such a man for a bit o' fun in all +my born days. And the solemn way he went on last night, too. Why, he +must ha' been laughing in 'is sleeve all the time. It's as good as a +play." + +"Look here!" ses George, 'ardly able to speak; "do you mean to tell me he +never meant to come?" + +"I'm afraid not," ses Mrs. Mitchell, "knowing wot he is. But don't you +worry; I'll give him a bit o' my mind when I see 'im." + +George Crofts felt as though he'd burst, and then 'e got his breath, and +the things 'e said about Uncle Joe was so awful that Mrs. Mitchell told +the boys to go away. + +"How dare you talk of my uncle like that?" ses Gerty, firing up. + +"You forget yourself, George," ses Mrs. Mitchell. "You'll like 'im when +you get to know 'im better." + +"Don't you call me George," ses George Crofts, turning on 'er. "I've +been done, that's wot I've been. I 'ad fourteen pounds when I was paid +off, and it's melting like butter." + +"Well, we've enjoyed ourselves," ses Gerty, "and that's what money was +given us for. I'm sure those two boys 'ave had a splendid time, thanks +to you. Don't go and spoil all by a little bit o' temper." + +"Temper!" ses George, turning on her. "I've done with you, I wouldn't +marry you if you was the on'y gal in the world. I wouldn't marry you if +you paid me." + +"Oh, indeed!" ses Gerty; "but if you think you can get out of it like +that you're mistaken. I've lost my young man through you, and I'm not +going to lose you too. I'll send my two big cousins round to see you +to-morrow." + +"They won't put up with no nonsense, I can tell you," ses Mrs. Mitchell. + +She called the boys to her, and then she and Gerty, arter holding their +'eads very high and staring at George, went off and left 'im alone. He +went straight off 'ome, counting 'is money all the way and trying to make +it more, and, arter telling Bob 'ow he'd been treated, and trying hard to +get 'im to go shares in his losses, packed up his things and cleared out, +all boiling over with temper. + +Bob was so dazed he couldn't make head or tail out of it, but 'e went +round to see Gerty the first thing next morning, and she explained things +to him. + +"I don't know when I've enjoyed myself so much," she ses, wiping her +eyes, "but I've had enough gadding about for once, and if you come round +this evening we'll have a nice quiet time together looking at the +furniture shops." + + + + + +End of the Project Gutenberg EBook of Bob's Redemption, by W.W. Jacobs + +*** END OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK BOB'S REDEMPTION *** + +***** This file should be named 11185.txt or 11185.zip ***** +This and all associated files of various formats will be found in: + https://www.gutenberg.org/1/1/1/8/11185/ + +Produced by David Widger + +Updated editions will replace the previous one--the old editions +will be renamed. + +Creating the works from public domain print editions means that no +one owns a United States copyright in these works, so the Foundation +(and you!) can copy and distribute it in the United States without +permission and without paying copyright royalties. Special rules, +set forth in the General Terms of Use part of this license, apply to +copying and distributing Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works to +protect the PROJECT GUTENBERG-tm concept and trademark. Project +Gutenberg is a registered trademark, and may not be used if you +charge for the eBooks, unless you receive specific permission. If you +do not charge anything for copies of this eBook, complying with the +rules is very easy. You may use this eBook for nearly any purpose +such as creation of derivative works, reports, performances and +research. They may be modified and printed and given away--you may do +practically ANYTHING with public domain eBooks. Redistribution is +subject to the trademark license, especially commercial +redistribution. + + + +*** START: FULL LICENSE *** + +THE FULL PROJECT GUTENBERG LICENSE +PLEASE READ THIS BEFORE YOU DISTRIBUTE OR USE THIS WORK + +To protect the Project Gutenberg-tm mission of promoting the free +distribution of electronic works, by using or distributing this work +(or any other work associated in any way with the phrase "Project +Gutenberg"), you agree to comply with all the terms of the Full Project +Gutenberg-tm License (available with this file or online at +https://gutenberg.org/license). + + +Section 1. General Terms of Use and Redistributing Project Gutenberg-tm +electronic works + +1.A. By reading or using any part of this Project Gutenberg-tm +electronic work, you indicate that you have read, understand, agree to +and accept all the terms of this license and intellectual property +(trademark/copyright) agreement. If you do not agree to abide by all +the terms of this agreement, you must cease using and return or destroy +all copies of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works in your possession. +If you paid a fee for obtaining a copy of or access to a Project +Gutenberg-tm electronic work and you do not agree to be bound by the +terms of this agreement, you may obtain a refund from the person or +entity to whom you paid the fee as set forth in paragraph 1.E.8. + +1.B. "Project Gutenberg" is a registered trademark. It may only be +used on or associated in any way with an electronic work by people who +agree to be bound by the terms of this agreement. There are a few +things that you can do with most Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works +even without complying with the full terms of this agreement. See +paragraph 1.C below. There are a lot of things you can do with Project +Gutenberg-tm electronic works if you follow the terms of this agreement +and help preserve free future access to Project Gutenberg-tm electronic +works. See paragraph 1.E below. + +1.C. The Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation ("the Foundation" +or PGLAF), owns a compilation copyright in the collection of Project +Gutenberg-tm electronic works. Nearly all the individual works in the +collection are in the public domain in the United States. If an +individual work is in the public domain in the United States and you are +located in the United States, we do not claim a right to prevent you from +copying, distributing, performing, displaying or creating derivative +works based on the work as long as all references to Project Gutenberg +are removed. Of course, we hope that you will support the Project +Gutenberg-tm mission of promoting free access to electronic works by +freely sharing Project Gutenberg-tm works in compliance with the terms of +this agreement for keeping the Project Gutenberg-tm name associated with +the work. You can easily comply with the terms of this agreement by +keeping this work in the same format with its attached full Project +Gutenberg-tm License when you share it without charge with others. + +1.D. The copyright laws of the place where you are located also govern +what you can do with this work. Copyright laws in most countries are in +a constant state of change. If you are outside the United States, check +the laws of your country in addition to the terms of this agreement +before downloading, copying, displaying, performing, distributing or +creating derivative works based on this work or any other Project +Gutenberg-tm work. The Foundation makes no representations concerning +the copyright status of any work in any country outside the United +States. + +1.E. Unless you have removed all references to Project Gutenberg: + +1.E.1. The following sentence, with active links to, or other immediate +access to, the full Project Gutenberg-tm License must appear prominently +whenever any copy of a Project Gutenberg-tm work (any work on which the +phrase "Project Gutenberg" appears, or with which the phrase "Project +Gutenberg" is associated) is accessed, displayed, performed, viewed, +copied or distributed: + +This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with +almost no restrictions whatsoever. You may copy it, give it away or +re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included +with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.org + +1.E.2. If an individual Project Gutenberg-tm electronic work is derived +from the public domain (does not contain a notice indicating that it is +posted with permission of the copyright holder), the work can be copied +and distributed to anyone in the United States without paying any fees +or charges. If you are redistributing or providing access to a work +with the phrase "Project Gutenberg" associated with or appearing on the +work, you must comply either with the requirements of paragraphs 1.E.1 +through 1.E.7 or obtain permission for the use of the work and the +Project Gutenberg-tm trademark as set forth in paragraphs 1.E.8 or +1.E.9. + +1.E.3. If an individual Project Gutenberg-tm electronic work is posted +with the permission of the copyright holder, your use and distribution +must comply with both paragraphs 1.E.1 through 1.E.7 and any additional +terms imposed by the copyright holder. Additional terms will be linked +to the Project Gutenberg-tm License for all works posted with the +permission of the copyright holder found at the beginning of this work. + +1.E.4. Do not unlink or detach or remove the full Project Gutenberg-tm +License terms from this work, or any files containing a part of this +work or any other work associated with Project Gutenberg-tm. + +1.E.5. Do not copy, display, perform, distribute or redistribute this +electronic work, or any part of this electronic work, without +prominently displaying the sentence set forth in paragraph 1.E.1 with +active links or immediate access to the full terms of the Project +Gutenberg-tm License. + +1.E.6. You may convert to and distribute this work in any binary, +compressed, marked up, nonproprietary or proprietary form, including any +word processing or hypertext form. However, if you provide access to or +distribute copies of a Project Gutenberg-tm work in a format other than +"Plain Vanilla ASCII" or other format used in the official version +posted on the official Project Gutenberg-tm web site (www.gutenberg.org), +you must, at no additional cost, fee or expense to the user, provide a +copy, a means of exporting a copy, or a means of obtaining a copy upon +request, of the work in its original "Plain Vanilla ASCII" or other +form. Any alternate format must include the full Project Gutenberg-tm +License as specified in paragraph 1.E.1. + +1.E.7. Do not charge a fee for access to, viewing, displaying, +performing, copying or distributing any Project Gutenberg-tm works +unless you comply with paragraph 1.E.8 or 1.E.9. + +1.E.8. You may charge a reasonable fee for copies of or providing +access to or distributing Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works provided +that + +- You pay a royalty fee of 20% of the gross profits you derive from + the use of Project Gutenberg-tm works calculated using the method + you already use to calculate your applicable taxes. The fee is + owed to the owner of the Project Gutenberg-tm trademark, but he + has agreed to donate royalties under this paragraph to the + Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation. Royalty payments + must be paid within 60 days following each date on which you + prepare (or are legally required to prepare) your periodic tax + returns. Royalty payments should be clearly marked as such and + sent to the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation at the + address specified in Section 4, "Information about donations to + the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation." + +- You provide a full refund of any money paid by a user who notifies + you in writing (or by e-mail) within 30 days of receipt that s/he + does not agree to the terms of the full Project Gutenberg-tm + License. You must require such a user to return or + destroy all copies of the works possessed in a physical medium + and discontinue all use of and all access to other copies of + Project Gutenberg-tm works. + +- You provide, in accordance with paragraph 1.F.3, a full refund of any + money paid for a work or a replacement copy, if a defect in the + electronic work is discovered and reported to you within 90 days + of receipt of the work. + +- You comply with all other terms of this agreement for free + distribution of Project Gutenberg-tm works. + +1.E.9. If you wish to charge a fee or distribute a Project Gutenberg-tm +electronic work or group of works on different terms than are set +forth in this agreement, you must obtain permission in writing from +both the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation and Michael +Hart, the owner of the Project Gutenberg-tm trademark. Contact the +Foundation as set forth in Section 3 below. + +1.F. + +1.F.1. Project Gutenberg volunteers and employees expend considerable +effort to identify, do copyright research on, transcribe and proofread +public domain works in creating the Project Gutenberg-tm +collection. Despite these efforts, Project Gutenberg-tm electronic +works, and the medium on which they may be stored, may contain +"Defects," such as, but not limited to, incomplete, inaccurate or +corrupt data, transcription errors, a copyright or other intellectual +property infringement, a defective or damaged disk or other medium, a +computer virus, or computer codes that damage or cannot be read by +your equipment. + +1.F.2. LIMITED WARRANTY, DISCLAIMER OF DAMAGES - Except for the "Right +of Replacement or Refund" described in paragraph 1.F.3, the Project +Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation, the owner of the Project +Gutenberg-tm trademark, and any other party distributing a Project +Gutenberg-tm electronic work under this agreement, disclaim all +liability to you for damages, costs and expenses, including legal +fees. YOU AGREE THAT YOU HAVE NO REMEDIES FOR NEGLIGENCE, STRICT +LIABILITY, BREACH OF WARRANTY OR BREACH OF CONTRACT EXCEPT THOSE +PROVIDED IN PARAGRAPH F3. YOU AGREE THAT THE FOUNDATION, THE +TRADEMARK OWNER, AND ANY DISTRIBUTOR UNDER THIS AGREEMENT WILL NOT BE +LIABLE TO YOU FOR ACTUAL, DIRECT, INDIRECT, CONSEQUENTIAL, PUNITIVE OR +INCIDENTAL DAMAGES EVEN IF YOU GIVE NOTICE OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH +DAMAGE. + +1.F.3. LIMITED RIGHT OF REPLACEMENT OR REFUND - If you discover a +defect in this electronic work within 90 days of receiving it, you can +receive a refund of the money (if any) you paid for it by sending a +written explanation to the person you received the work from. If you +received the work on a physical medium, you must return the medium with +your written explanation. The person or entity that provided you with +the defective work may elect to provide a replacement copy in lieu of a +refund. If you received the work electronically, the person or entity +providing it to you may choose to give you a second opportunity to +receive the work electronically in lieu of a refund. If the second copy +is also defective, you may demand a refund in writing without further +opportunities to fix the problem. + +1.F.4. Except for the limited right of replacement or refund set forth +in paragraph 1.F.3, this work is provided to you 'AS-IS' WITH NO OTHER +WARRANTIES OF ANY KIND, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO +WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTIBILITY OR FITNESS FOR ANY PURPOSE. + +1.F.5. Some states do not allow disclaimers of certain implied +warranties or the exclusion or limitation of certain types of damages. +If any disclaimer or limitation set forth in this agreement violates the +law of the state applicable to this agreement, the agreement shall be +interpreted to make the maximum disclaimer or limitation permitted by +the applicable state law. The invalidity or unenforceability of any +provision of this agreement shall not void the remaining provisions. + +1.F.6. INDEMNITY - You agree to indemnify and hold the Foundation, the +trademark owner, any agent or employee of the Foundation, anyone +providing copies of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works in accordance +with this agreement, and any volunteers associated with the production, +promotion and distribution of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works, +harmless from all liability, costs and expenses, including legal fees, +that arise directly or indirectly from any of the following which you do +or cause to occur: (a) distribution of this or any Project Gutenberg-tm +work, (b) alteration, modification, or additions or deletions to any +Project Gutenberg-tm work, and (c) any Defect you cause. + + +Section 2. Information about the Mission of Project Gutenberg-tm + +Project Gutenberg-tm is synonymous with the free distribution of +electronic works in formats readable by the widest variety of computers +including obsolete, old, middle-aged and new computers. It exists +because of the efforts of hundreds of volunteers and donations from +people in all walks of life. + +Volunteers and financial support to provide volunteers with the +assistance they need, is critical to reaching Project Gutenberg-tm's +goals and ensuring that the Project Gutenberg-tm collection will +remain freely available for generations to come. In 2001, the Project +Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation was created to provide a secure +and permanent future for Project Gutenberg-tm and future generations. +To learn more about the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation +and how your efforts and donations can help, see Sections 3 and 4 +and the Foundation web page at https://www.pglaf.org. + + +Section 3. Information about the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive +Foundation + +The Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation is a non profit +501(c)(3) educational corporation organized under the laws of the +state of Mississippi and granted tax exempt status by the Internal +Revenue Service. The Foundation's EIN or federal tax identification +number is 64-6221541. Its 501(c)(3) letter is posted at +https://pglaf.org/fundraising. Contributions to the Project Gutenberg +Literary Archive Foundation are tax deductible to the full extent +permitted by U.S. federal laws and your state's laws. + +The Foundation's principal office is located at 4557 Melan Dr. S. +Fairbanks, AK, 99712., but its volunteers and employees are scattered +throughout numerous locations. Its business office is located at +809 North 1500 West, Salt Lake City, UT 84116, (801) 596-1887, email +business@pglaf.org. Email contact links and up to date contact +information can be found at the Foundation's web site and official +page at https://pglaf.org + +For additional contact information: + Dr. Gregory B. Newby + Chief Executive and Director + gbnewby@pglaf.org + +Section 4. Information about Donations to the Project Gutenberg +Literary Archive Foundation + +Project Gutenberg-tm depends upon and cannot survive without wide +spread public support and donations to carry out its mission of +increasing the number of public domain and licensed works that can be +freely distributed in machine readable form accessible by the widest +array of equipment including outdated equipment. Many small donations +($1 to $5,000) are particularly important to maintaining tax exempt +status with the IRS. + +The Foundation is committed to complying with the laws regulating +charities and charitable donations in all 50 states of the United +States. Compliance requirements are not uniform and it takes a +considerable effort, much paperwork and many fees to meet and keep up +with these requirements. We do not solicit donations in locations +where we have not received written confirmation of compliance. To +SEND DONATIONS or determine the status of compliance for any +particular state visit https://pglaf.org + +While we cannot and do not solicit contributions from states where we +have not met the solicitation requirements, we know of no prohibition +against accepting unsolicited donations from donors in such states who +approach us with offers to donate. + +International donations are gratefully accepted, but we cannot make +any statements concerning tax treatment of donations received from +outside the United States. U.S. laws alone swamp our small staff. + +Please check the Project Gutenberg Web pages for current donation +methods and addresses. Donations are accepted in a number of other +ways including including checks, online payments and credit card +donations. To donate, please visit: https://pglaf.org/donate + + +Section 5. General Information About Project Gutenberg-tm electronic +works. + +Professor Michael S. Hart was the originator of the Project Gutenberg-tm +concept of a library of electronic works that could be freely shared +with anyone. For thirty years, he produced and distributed Project +Gutenberg-tm eBooks with only a loose network of volunteer support. + +Project Gutenberg-tm eBooks are often created from several printed +editions, all of which are confirmed as Public Domain in the U.S. +unless a copyright notice is included. Thus, we do not necessarily +keep eBooks in compliance with any particular paper edition. + +Each eBook is in a subdirectory of the same number as the eBook's +eBook number, often in several formats including plain vanilla ASCII, +compressed (zipped), HTML and others. + +Corrected EDITIONS of our eBooks replace the old file and take over +the old filename and etext number. The replaced older file is renamed. +VERSIONS based on separate sources are treated as new eBooks receiving +new filenames and etext numbers. + +Most people start at our Web site which has the main PG search facility: + + https://www.gutenberg.org + +This Web site includes information about Project Gutenberg-tm, +including how to make donations to the Project Gutenberg Literary +Archive Foundation, how to help produce our new eBooks, and how to +subscribe to our email newsletter to hear about new eBooks. + +EBooks posted prior to November 2003, with eBook numbers BELOW #10000, +are filed in directories based on their release date. If you want to +download any of these eBooks directly, rather than using the regular +search system you may utilize the following addresses and just +download by the etext year. + + https://www.gutenberg.org/etext06 + + (Or /etext 05, 04, 03, 02, 01, 00, 99, + 98, 97, 96, 95, 94, 93, 92, 92, 91 or 90) + +EBooks posted since November 2003, with etext numbers OVER #10000, are +filed in a different way. The year of a release date is no longer part +of the directory path. The path is based on the etext number (which is +identical to the filename). The path to the file is made up of single +digits corresponding to all but the last digit in the filename. For +example an eBook of filename 10234 would be found at: + + https://www.gutenberg.org/1/0/2/3/10234 + +or filename 24689 would be found at: + https://www.gutenberg.org/2/4/6/8/24689 + +An alternative method of locating eBooks: + https://www.gutenberg.org/GUTINDEX.ALL + + diff --git a/11185.zip b/11185.zip Binary files differnew file mode 100644 index 0000000..82f55a4 --- /dev/null +++ b/11185.zip diff --git a/LICENSE.txt b/LICENSE.txt new file mode 100644 index 0000000..6312041 --- /dev/null +++ b/LICENSE.txt @@ -0,0 +1,11 @@ +This eBook, including all associated images, markup, improvements, +metadata, and any other content or labor, has been confirmed to be +in the PUBLIC DOMAIN IN THE UNITED STATES. + +Procedures for determining public domain status are described in +the "Copyright How-To" at https://www.gutenberg.org. + +No investigation has been made concerning possible copyrights in +jurisdictions other than the United States. Anyone seeking to utilize +this eBook outside of the United States should confirm copyright +status under the laws that apply to them. diff --git a/README.md b/README.md new file mode 100644 index 0000000..5332d9a --- /dev/null +++ b/README.md @@ -0,0 +1,2 @@ +Project Gutenberg (https://www.gutenberg.org) public repository for +eBook #11185 (https://www.gutenberg.org/ebooks/11185) diff --git a/old/11185-h.zip b/old/11185-h.zip Binary files differnew file mode 100644 index 0000000..b39a1ce --- /dev/null +++ b/old/11185-h.zip diff --git a/old/11185-h/008.jpg b/old/11185-h/008.jpg Binary files differnew file mode 100644 index 0000000..2d1f274 --- /dev/null +++ b/old/11185-h/008.jpg diff --git a/old/11185-h/009.jpg b/old/11185-h/009.jpg Binary files differnew file mode 100644 index 0000000..0bee9e8 --- /dev/null +++ b/old/11185-h/009.jpg diff --git a/old/11185-h/11185-h.htm b/old/11185-h/11185-h.htm new file mode 100644 index 0000000..45dc422 --- /dev/null +++ b/old/11185-h/11185-h.htm @@ -0,0 +1,1229 @@ +<!DOCTYPE HTML PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD HTML 4.01 Transitional//EN"> +<html> +<head> +<meta http-equiv="Content-Type" + content="text/html; charset=US-ASCII"> +<title>The Project Gutenberg eBook of + Captains All, + by W.W. Jacobs, Book 5. +</title> +<style type="text/css"> + <!-- + body {background:#faebd7;} + * { font-family: Times; + } + P { text-indent: 1em; + margin: 15%; + margin-top: .75em; + font-size: 14pt; + text-align: justify; + margin-bottom: .75em; } + H1,H2,H3,H4,H5,H6 { text-align: center; color:#A82C28;} + HR { width: 33%; } + PRE { font-family: Courier, monospaced;} + .toc { margin-left: 15%; font-size: 14pt; margin-bottom: 0em;} + CENTER { padding: 10px;} + // --> +</style> +</head> +<body> + + +<pre> + +The Project Gutenberg EBook of Bob's Redemption, by W.W. Jacobs + +This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with +almost no restrictions whatsoever. You may copy it, give it away or +re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included +with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.org + + +Title: Bob's Redemption + Captains All, Book 5. + +Author: W.W. Jacobs + +Release Date: February 21, 2004 [EBook #11185] + +Language: English + +Character set encoding: US-ASCII + +*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK BOB'S REDEMPTION *** + + + + +Produced by David Widger + + + + + +</pre> + + +<h1> + CAPTAINS ALL +</h1> +<br /> +<h2> + By W.W. Jacobs +</h2> +<br /><br /> + +<center> +<h2>Book 5.</h2> +</center> +<br><br> +<center> +<img alt="title (79K)" src="title.jpg" height="884" width="533" /> +</center> +<br><br> + +<br><br> +<center> +<img alt="frontis (94K)" src="frontis.jpg" height="906" width="532" /> +</center> +<br><br> + + +<br /><br /> +<hr> +<br /><br /> + +<h2>List of Illustrations</h2> + +<center> +<table summary=""> +<tr><td> + + + + + + + +<p class="toc"><a href="#image-8"> +"Bob's Redemption." +</a></p> +<p class="toc"><a href="#image-9"> +"Afore George Had Settled With the Cabman, There Was A +Policeman Moving the Crowd On." +</a></p> + + + + + + +</td></tr> +</table> +</center> + + +<br /><br /> +<hr> + + + + + + +<a name="2H_4_5"><!-- H2 anchor --></a> +<p> </p> +<p> </p> +<p> </p> +<p> </p> +<h2> + BOB'S REDEMPTION +</h2> +<a name="image-8"><!--IMG--></a> +<center> +<img src="008.jpg" height="375" width="375" +alt="'bob's Redemption.' +"> +</center> +<!--IMAGE END--> +<p> + "GRATITOODE!" said the night-watchman, with a hard laugh. "<i>Hmf!</i> Don't + talk to me about gratitoode; I've seen too much of it. If people wot + I've helped in my time 'ad only done arf their dooty—arf, mind you—I + should be riding in my carriage." +</p> +<p> + Forgetful of the limitations of soap-boxes he attempted to illustrate his + remark by lolling, and nearly went over backwards. Recovering himself by + an effort he gazed sternly across the river and smoked fiercely. It was + evident that he was brooding over an ill-used past. +</p> +<p> + 'Arry Thomson was one of them, he said, at last. For over six months I + wrote all 'is love-letters for him, 'e being an iggernerant sort of man + and only being able to do the kisses at the end, which he always insisted + on doing 'imself: being jealous. Only three weeks arter he was married + 'e come up to where I was standing one day and set about me without + saying a word. I was a single man at the time and I didn't understand + it. My idea was that he 'ad gone mad, and, being pretty artful and + always 'aving a horror of mad people, I let 'im chase me into a + police-station. Leastways, I would ha' let 'im, but he didn't come, + and I all but got fourteen days for being drunk and disorderly. +</p> +<p> + Then there was Bill Clark. He 'ad been keeping comp'ny with a gal and + got tired of it, and to oblige 'im I went to her and told 'er he was a + married man with five children. Bill was as pleased as Punch at fust, + but as soon as she took up with another chap he came round to see me and + said as I'd ruined his life. We 'ad words about it—naturally—and I did + ruin it then to the extent of a couple o' ribs. I went to see 'im in the + horsepittle—place I've always been fond of—and the langwidge he used to + me was so bad that they sent for the Sister to 'ear it. +</p> +<p> + That's on'y two out of dozens I could name. Arf the unpleasantnesses in + my life 'ave come out of doing kindnesses to people, and all the + gratitoode I've 'ad for it I could put in a pint-pot with a pint o' beer + already in it. +</p> +<p> + The only case o' real gratitoode I ever heard of 'appened to a shipmate + o' mine—a young chap named Bob Evans. Coming home from Auckland in a + barque called the <i>Dragon Fly</i> he fell overboard, and another chap named + George Crofts, one o' the best swimmers I ever knew, went overboard arter + 'im and saved his life. +</p> +<p> + We was hardly moving at the time, and the sea was like a duck pond, but + to 'ear Bob Evans talk you'd ha' thought that George Crofts was the + bravest-'arted chap that ever lived. He 'adn't liked him afore, same as + the rest of us, George being a sly, mean sort o' chap; but arter George + 'ad saved his life 'e couldn't praise 'im enough. He said that so long + as he 'ad a crust George should share it, and wotever George asked 'im he + should have. +</p> +<p> + The unfortnit part of it was that George took 'im at his word, and all + the rest of the v'y'ge he acted as though Bob belonged to 'im, and by the + time we got into the London river Bob couldn't call his soul 'is own. He + used to take a room when he was ashore and live very steady, as 'e was + saving up to get married, and as soon as he found that out George invited + 'imself to stay with him. +</p> +<p> + "It won't cost you a bit more," he ses, "not if you work it properly." +</p> +<p> + Bob didn't work it properly, but George having saved his life, and never + letting 'im forget it, he didn't like to tell him so. He thought he'd + let 'im see gradual that he'd got to be careful because of 'is gal, and + the fust evening they was ashore 'e took 'im along with 'im there to tea. +</p> +<p> + Gerty Mitchell—that was the gal's name—'adn't heard of Bob's accident, + and when she did she gave a little scream, and putting 'er arms round his + neck, began to kiss 'im right in front of George and her mother. +</p> +<p> + "You ought to give him one too," ses Mrs. Mitchell, pointing to George. +</p> +<p> + George wiped 'is mouth on the back of his 'and, but Gerty pretended not + to 'ear. +</p> +<p> + "Fancy if you'd been drownded!" she ses, hugging Bob agin. +</p> +<p> + "He was pretty near," ses George, shaking his 'ead. "I'm a pore swimmer, + but I made up my mind either to save 'im or else go down to a watery + grave myself." +</p> +<p> + He wiped his mouth on the back of his 'and agin, but all the notice Gerty + took of it was to send her young brother Ted out for some beer. Then + they all 'ad supper together, and Mrs. Mitchell drank good luck to George + in a glass o' beer, and said she 'oped that 'er own boy would grow up + like him. "Let 'im grow up a good and brave man, that's all I ask," she + ses. "I don't care about 'is looks." +</p> +<p> + "He might have both," ses George, sharp-like. "Why not?" +</p> +<p> + Mrs. Mitchell said she supposed he might, and then she cuffed young Ted's + ears for making a noise while 'e was eating, and then cuffed 'im agin for + saying that he'd finished 'is supper five minutes ago. +</p> +<p> + George and Bob walked 'ome together, and all the way there George said + wot a pretty gal Gerty was and 'ow lucky it was for Bob that he 'adn't + been drownded. He went round to tea with 'im the next day to Mrs. + Mitchell's, and arter tea, when Bob and Gerty said they was going out to + spend the evening together, got 'imself asked too. +</p> +<p> + They took a tram-car and went to a music-hall, and Bob paid for the three + of 'em. George never seemed to think of putting his 'and in his pocket, + and even arter the music-hall, when they all went into a shop and 'ad + stewed eels, he let Bob pay. +</p> +<p> + As I said afore, Bob Evans was chock-full of gratefulness, and it seemed + only fair that he shouldn't grumble at spending a little over the man wot + 'ad risked 'is life to save his; but wot with keeping George at his room, + and paying for 'im every time they went out, he was spending a lot more + money than 'e could afford. +</p> +<p> + "You're on'y young once, Bob," George said to him when 'e made a remark + one arternoon as to the fast way his money was going, "and if it hadn't + ha' been for me you'd never 'ave lived to grow old." +</p> +<p> + Wot with spending the money and always 'aving George with them when they + went out, it wasn't long afore Bob and Gerty 'ad a quarrel. "I don't + like a pore-spirited man," she ses. "Two's company and three's none, + and, besides, why can't he pay for 'imself? He's big enough. Why should + you spend your money on 'im? He never pays a farthing." +</p> +<p> + Bob explained that he couldn't say anything because 'e owed his life to + George, but 'e might as well 'ave talked to a lamp-post. The more he + argued the more angry Gerty got, and at last she ses, "Two's company and + three's none, and if you and me can't go out without George Crofts, then + me and 'im 'll go out with-out you." +</p> +<p> + She was as good as her word, too, and the next night, while Bob 'ad gone + out to get some 'bacca, she went off alone with George. It was ten + o'clock afore they came back agin, and Gerty's eyes were all shining and + 'er cheeks as pink as roses. She shut 'er mother up like a concertina + the moment she began to find fault with 'er, and at supper she sat next + to George and laughed at everything 'e said. +</p> +<p> + George and Bob walked all the way 'ome arter supper without saying a + word, but arter they got to their room George took a side-look at Bob, + and then he ses, suddenlike, "Look 'ere! I saved your life, didn't I?" +</p> +<p> + "You did," ses Bob, "and I thank you for it." +</p> +<p> + "I saved your life," ses George agin, very solemn. "If it hadn't ha' + been for me you couldn't ha' married anybody." +</p> +<p> + "That's true," ses Bob. +</p> +<p> + "Me and Gerty 'ave been having a talk," ses George, bending down to undo + his boots. "We've been getting on very well together; you can't 'elp + your feelings, and the long and the short of it is, the pore gal has + fallen in love with me." +</p> +<p> + Bob didn't say a word. +</p> +<p> + "If you look at it this way it's fair enough," ses George. "I gave you + your life and you give me your gal. We're quits now. You don't owe me + anything and I don't owe you anything. That's the way Gerty puts it, and + she told me to tell you so." +</p> +<p> + "If—if she don't want me I'm agreeable," ses Bob, in a choking voice. + "We'll call it quits, and next time I tumble overboard I 'ope you won't + be handy." +</p> +<p> + He took Gerty's photygraph out of 'is box and handed it to George. + "You've got more right to it now than wot I 'ave," he ses. "I shan't go + round there any more; I shall look out for a ship to-morrow." +</p> +<p> + George Crofts said that perhaps it was the best thing he could do, and 'e + asked 'im in a offhand sort o' way 'ow long the room was paid up for. +</p> +<p> + Mrs. Mitchell 'ad a few words to say about it next day, but Gerty told + 'er to save 'er breath for walking upstairs. The on'y thing that George + didn't like when they went out was that young Ted was with them, but + Gerty said she preferred it till she knew 'im better; and she 'ad so much + to say about his noble behaviour in saving life that George gave way. + They went out looking at the shops, George thinking that that was the + cheapest way of spending an evening, and they were as happy as possible + till Gerty saw a brooch she liked so much in a window that he couldn't + get 'er away. +</p> +<p> + "It is a beauty," she ses. "I don't know when I've seen a brooch I liked + better. Look here! Let's all guess the price and then go in and see + who's right." +</p> +<p> + They 'ad their guesses, and then they went in and asked, and as soon as + Gerty found that it was only three-and-sixpence she began to feel in her + pocket for 'er purse, just like your wife does when you go out with 'er, + knowing all the time that it's on the mantelpiece with twopence-ha'penny + and a cough lozenge in it. +</p> +<p> + "I must ha' left it at 'ome," she ses, looking at George. +</p> +<p> + "Just wot I've done," ses George, arter patting 'is pockets. +</p> +<p> + Gerty bit 'er lips and, for a minute or two, be civil to George she could + not. Then she gave a little smile and took 'is arm agin, and they walked + on talking and laughing till she turned round of a sudden and asked a big + chap as was passing wot 'e was shoving 'er for. +</p> +<p> + "Shoving you?" ses he. "Wot do you think I want to shove you for?" +</p> +<p> + "Don't you talk to me," ses Gerty, firing up. "George, make 'im beg my + pardon." +</p> +<p> + "You ought to be more careful," ses George, in a gentle sort o' way. +</p> +<p> + "Make 'im beg my pardon," ses Gerty, stamping 'er foot; "if he don't, + knock 'im down." +</p> +<p> + "Yes, knock 'im down," ses the big man, taking hold o' George's cap and + rumpling his 'air. +</p> +<p> + Pore George, who was never much good with his fists, hit 'im in the + chest, and the next moment he was on 'is back in the middle o' the road + wondering wot had 'appened to 'im. By the time 'e got up the other man + was arf a mile away; and young Ted stepped up and wiped 'im down with a + pocket-'andkerchief while Gerty explained to 'im 'ow she saw 'im slip on + a piece o' banana peel. +</p> +<p> + "It's 'ard lines," she ses; "but never mind, you frightened 'im away, + and I don't wonder at it. You do look terrible when you're angry, + George; I didn't know you." +</p> +<p> + She praised 'im all the way 'ome, and if it 'adn't been for his mouth and + nose George would 'ave enjoyed it more than 'e did. She told 'er mother + how 'e had flown at a big man wot 'ad insulted her, and Mrs. Mitchell + shook her 'ead at 'im and said his bold spirit would lead 'im into + trouble afore he 'ad done. +</p> +<p> + They didn't seem to be able to make enough of 'im, and next day when he + went round Gerty was so upset at the sight of 'is bruises that he thought + she was going to cry. When he had 'ad his tea she gave 'im a cigar she + had bought for 'im herself, and when he 'ad finished smoking it she + smiled at him, and said that she was going to take 'im out for a pleasant + evening to try and make up to 'im for wot he 'ad suffered for 'er. +</p> +<p> + "We're all going to stand treat to each other," she ses. "Bob always + would insist on paying for everything, but I like to feel a bit + independent. Give and take—that's the way I like to do things." +</p> +<p> + "There's nothing like being independent," ses George. "Bob ought to ha' + known that." +</p> +<p> + "I'm sure it's the best plan," ses Gerty. "Now, get your 'at on. We're + going to a theayter, and Ted shall pay the 'bus fares." +</p> +<p> + George wanted to ask about the theayter, but 'e didn't like to, and arter + Gerty was dressed they went out and Ted paid the 'bus fares like a man. +</p> +<p> + "Here you are," ses Gerty, as the 'bus stopped outside the theayter. + "Hurry up and get the tickets, George; ask for three upper circles." +</p> +<p> + She bustled George up to the pay place, and as soon as she 'ad picked out + the seats she grabbed 'old of the tickets and told George to make haste. +</p> +<p> + "Twelve shillings it is," ses the man, as George put down arf a crown. +</p> +<p> + "Twelve?" ses George, beginning to stammer. "Twelve? Twelve? Twel—?" +</p> +<p> + "Twelve shillings," ses the man; "three upper circles you've 'ad." +</p> +<p> + George was going to fetch Gerty back and 'ave cheaper seats, but she 'ad + gone inside with young Ted, and at last, arter making an awful fuss, he + paid the rest o' the money and rushed in arter her, arf crazy at the idea + o' spending so much money. +</p> +<p> + "Make 'aste," ses Gerty, afore he could say anything; "the band 'as just + begun." +</p> +<p> + She started running upstairs, and she was so excited that, when they got + their seats and George started complaining about the price, she didn't + pay any attention to wot he was saying, but kept pointing out ladies' + dresses to 'im in w'ispers and wondering wot they 'ad paid for them. + George gave it up at last, and then he sat wondering whether he 'ad done + right arter all in taking Bob's gal away from him. +</p> +<p> + Gerty enjoyed it very much, but when the curtain came down after the + first act she leaned back in her chair and looked up at George and said + she felt faint and thought she'd like to 'ave an ice-cream. "And you + 'ave one too, dear," she ses, when young Ted 'ad got up and beckoned to + the gal, "and Ted 'ud like one too, I'm sure." +</p> +<p> + She put her 'ead on George's shoulder and looked up at 'im. Then she put + her 'and on his and stroked it, and George, reckoning that arter all + ice-creams were on'y a ha'penny or at the most a penny each, altered 'is + mind about not spending any more money and ordered three. +</p> +<p> + The way he carried on when the gal said they was three shillings was + alarming. At fust 'e thought she was 'aving a joke with 'im, and it took + another gal and the fireman and an old gentleman wot was sitting behind + 'im to persuade 'im different. He was so upset that 'e couldn't eat his + arter paying for it, and Ted and Gerty had to finish it for 'im. +</p> +<p> + "They're expensive, but they're worth the money," ses Gerty. "You are + good to me, George. I could go on eating 'em all night, but you mustn't + fling your money away like this always." +</p> +<p> + "I'll see to that," ses George, very bitter. +</p> +<p> + "I thought we was going to stand treat to each other? That was the idea, + I understood." +</p> +<p> + "So we are," ses Gerty. "Ted stood the 'bus fares, didn't he?" +</p> +<p> + "He did," ses George, "wot there was of 'em; but wot about you?" +</p> +<p> + "Me?" ses Gerty, drawing her 'ead back and staring at 'im. "Why, 'ave + you forgot that cigar already, George?" +</p> +<p> + George opened 'is mouth, but 'e couldn't speak a word. He sat looking at + 'er and making a gasping noise in 'is throat, and fortunately just as 'e + got 'is voice back the curtain went up agin, and everybody said, + "<i>H'sh!</i>" +</p> +<p> + He couldn't enjoy the play at all, 'e was so upset, and he began to see + more than ever 'ow wrong he 'ad been in taking Bob's gal away from 'im. + He walked downstairs into the street like a man in a dream, with Gerty + sticking to 'is arm and young Ted treading on 'is heels behind. +</p> +<p> + "Now, you mustn't waste any more money, George," ses Gerty, when they got + outside. "We'll walk 'ome." +</p> +<p> + George 'ad got arf a mind to say something about a 'bus, but he + remembered in time that very likely young Ted hadn't got any more money. + Then Gerty said she knew a short cut, and she took them, walking along + little, dark, narrow streets and places, until at last, just as George + thought they must be pretty near 'ome, she began to dab her eyes with 'er + pocket-'andkerchief and say she'd lost 'er way. +</p> +<p> + "You two go 'ome and leave me," she ses, arf crying. "I can't walk + another step." +</p> +<p> + "Where are we?" ses George, looking round. +</p> +<p> + "I don't know," ses Gerty. "I couldn't tell you if you paid me. I must + 'ave taken a wrong turning. Oh, hurrah! Here's a cab!" +</p> +<p> + Afore George could stop 'er she held up 'er umbrella, and a 'ansom cab, + with bells on its horse, crossed the road and pulled up in front of 'em. + Ted nipped in first and Gerty followed 'im. +</p> +<p> + "Tell 'im the address, dear, and make 'aste and get in," ses Gerty. +</p> +<p> + George told the cabman, and then he got in and sat on Ted's knee, partly + on Gerty's umbrella, and mostly on nothing. +</p> +<p> + "You are good to me, George," ses Gerty, touching the back of 'is neck + with the brim of her hat. "It ain't often I get a ride in a cab. All + the time I was keeping company with Bob we never 'ad one once. I only + wish I'd got the money to pay for it." +</p> +<p> + George, who was going to ask a question, stopped 'imself, and then he + kept striking matches and trying to read all about cab fares on a bill in + front of 'im. +</p> +<p> + "'Ow are we to know 'ow many miles it is?" he ses, at last. +</p> +<p> + "I don't know," ses Gerty; "leave it to the cabman. It's his bisness, + ain't it? And if 'e don't know he must suffer for it." +</p> +<p> + There was hardly a soul in Gerty's road when they got there, but afore + George 'ad settled with the cabman there was a policeman moving the crowd + on and arf the winders in the road up. By the time George had paid 'im + and the cabman 'ad told him wot 'e looked like, Gerty and Ted 'ad + disappeared indoors, all the lights was out, and, in a state o' mind that + won't bear thinking of, George walked 'ome to his lodging. +</p> +<a name="image-9"><!--IMG--></a> +<center> +<img src="009.jpg" height="910" width="539" +alt="'afore George Had Settled With the Cabman, There Was A +Policeman Moving the Crowd On.' +"> +</center> +<!--IMAGE END--> +<p> + Bob was asleep when he got there, but 'e woke 'im up and told 'im about + it, and then arter a time he said that he thought Bob ought to pay arf + because he 'ad saved 'is life. +</p> +<p> + "Cert'nly not," ses Bob. "We're quits now; that was the arrangement. + I only wish it was me spending the money on her; I shouldn't grumble." +</p> +<p> + George didn't get a wink o' sleep all night for thinking of the money he + 'ad spent, and next day when he went round he 'ad almost made up 'is mind + to tell Bob that if 'e liked to pay up the money he could 'ave Gerty + back; but she looked so pretty, and praised 'im up so much for 'is + generosity, that he began to think better of it. One thing 'e was + determined on, and that was never to spend money like that agin for fifty + Gertys. +</p> +<p> + There was a very sensible man there that evening that George liked very + much. His name was Uncle Joe, and when Gerty was praising George to 'is + face for the money he 'ad been spending, Uncle Joe, instead o' looking + pleased, shook his 'ead over it. +</p> +<p> + "Young people will be young people, I know," he ses, "but still I don't + approve of extravagance. Bob Evans would never 'ave spent all that money + over you." +</p> +<p> + "Bob Evans ain't everybody," ses Mrs. Mitchell, standing up for Gerty. +</p> +<p> + "He was steady, anyway," ses Uncle Joe. "Besides, Gerty ought not to ha' + let Mr. Crofts spend his money like that. She could ha' prevented it if + she'd ha' put 'er foot down and insisted on it." +</p> +<p> + He was so solemn about it that everybody began to feel a bit upset, and + Gerty borrowed Ted's pocket-'andkerchief, and then wiped 'er eyes on the + cuff of her dress instead. +</p> +<p> + "Well, well," ses Uncle Joe; "I didn't mean to be 'ard, but don't do it + no more. You are young people, and can't afford it." +</p> +<p> + "We must 'ave a little pleasure sometimes," ses Gerty. +</p> +<p> + "Yes, I know," ses Uncle Joe; "but there's moderation in everything. + Look 'ere, it's time somebody paid for Mr. Crofts. To-morrow's Saturday, + and, if you like, I'll take you all to the Crystal Palace." +</p> +<p> + Gerty jumped up off of 'er chair and kissed 'im, while Mrs. Mitchell said + she knew 'is bark was worse than 'is bite, and asked 'im who was wasting + his money now? +</p> +<p> + "You meet me at London Bridge Station at two o'clock," ses Uncle Joe, + getting up to go. "It ain't extravagance for a man as can afford it." +</p> +<p> + He shook 'ands with George Crofts and went, and, arter George 'ad stayed + long enough to hear a lot o' things about Uncle Joe which made 'im think + they'd get on very well together, he went off too. +</p> +<p> + They all turned up very early the next arternoon, and Gerty was dressed + so nice that George couldn't take his eyes off of her. Besides her there + was Mrs. Mitchell and Ted and a friend of 'is named Charlie Smith. +</p> +<p> + They waited some time, but Uncle Joe didn't turn up, and they all got + looking at the clock and talking about it, and 'oping he wouldn't make + 'em miss the train. +</p> +<p> + "Here he comes!" ses Ted, at last. +</p> +<p> + Uncle Joe came rushing in, puffing and blowing as though he'd bust. + "Take 'em on by this train, will you?" he ses, catching 'old o' George by + the arm. "I've just been stopped by a bit o' business I must do, and + I'll come on by the next, or as soon arter as I can." +</p> +<p> + He rushed off again, puffing and blowing his 'ardest, in such a hurry + that he forgot to give George the money for the tickets. However, George + borrowed a pencil of Mrs. Mitchell in the train, and put down on paper + 'ow much they cost, and Mrs. Mitchell said if George didn't like to + remind 'im she would. +</p> +<p> + They left young Ted and Charlie to stay near the station when they got to + the Palace, Uncle Joe 'aving forgotten to say where he'd meet 'em, but + train arter train came in without 'im, and at last the two boys gave it + up. +</p> +<p> + "We're sure to run across 'im sooner or later," ses Gerty. "Let's 'ave + something to eat; I'm so hungry." +</p> +<p> + George said something about buns and milk, but Gerty took 'im up sharp. + "Buns and milk?" she ses. "Why, uncle would never forgive us if we + spoilt his treat like that." +</p> +<p> + She walked into a refreshment place and they 'ad cold meat and bread and + pickles and beer and tarts and cheese, till even young Ted said he'd 'ad + enough, but still they couldn't see any signs of Uncle Joe. They went on + to the roundabouts to look for 'im, and then into all sorts o' shows at + sixpence a head, but still there was no signs of 'im, and George had 'ad + to start on a fresh bit o' paper to put down wot he'd spent. +</p> +<p> + "I suppose he must ha' been detained on important business," ses Gerty, + at last. +</p> +<p> + "Unless it's one of 'is jokes," ses Mrs. Mitchell, shaking her 'ead. + "You know wot your uncle is, Gerty." +</p> +<p> + "There now, I never thought o' that," ses Gerty, with a start; "p'r'aps + it is." +</p> +<p> + "Joke?" ses George, choking and staring from one to the other. +</p> +<p> + "I was wondering where he'd get the money from," ses Mrs. Mitchell to + Gerty. "I see it all now; I never see such a man for a bit o' fun in all + my born days. And the solemn way he went on last night, too. Why, he + must ha' been laughing in 'is sleeve all the time. It's as good as a + play." +</p> +<p> + "Look here!" ses George, 'ardly able to speak; "do you mean to tell me he + never meant to come?" +</p> +<p> + "I'm afraid not," ses Mrs. Mitchell, "knowing wot he is. But don't you + worry; I'll give him a bit o' my mind when I see 'im." +</p> +<p> + George Crofts felt as though he'd burst, and then 'e got his breath, and + the things 'e said about Uncle Joe was so awful that Mrs. Mitchell told + the boys to go away. +</p> +<p> + "How dare you talk of my uncle like that?" ses Gerty, firing up. +</p> +<p> + "You forget yourself, George," ses Mrs. Mitchell. "You'll like 'im when + you get to know 'im better." +</p> +<p> + "Don't you call me George," ses George Crofts, turning on 'er. "I've + been done, that's wot I've been. I 'ad fourteen pounds when I was paid + off, and it's melting like butter." +</p> +<p> + "Well, we've enjoyed ourselves," ses Gerty, "and that's what money was + given us for. I'm sure those two boys 'ave had a splendid time, thanks + to you. Don't go and spoil all by a little bit o' temper." +</p> +<p> + "Temper!" ses George, turning on her. "I've done with you, I wouldn't + marry you if you was the on'y gal in the world. I wouldn't marry you if + you paid me." +</p> +<p> + "Oh, indeed!" ses Gerty; "but if you think you can get out of it like + that you're mistaken. I've lost my young man through you, and I'm not + going to lose you too. I'll send my two big cousins round to see you + to-morrow." +</p> +<p> + "They won't put up with no nonsense, I can tell you," ses Mrs. Mitchell. +</p> +<p> + She called the boys to her, and then she and Gerty, arter holding their + 'eads very high and staring at George, went off and left 'im alone. He + went straight off 'ome, counting 'is money all the way and trying to make + it more, and, arter telling Bob 'ow he'd been treated, and trying hard to + get 'im to go shares in his losses, packed up his things and cleared out, + all boiling over with temper. +</p> +<p> + Bob was so dazed he couldn't make head or tail out of it, but 'e went + round to see Gerty the first thing next morning, and she explained things + to him. +</p> +<p> + "I don't know when I've enjoyed myself so much," she ses, wiping her + eyes, "but I've had enough gadding about for once, and if you come round + this evening we'll have a nice quiet time together looking at the + furniture shops." +</p> + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + +<pre> + + + + + +End of the Project Gutenberg EBook of Bob's Redemption, by W.W. Jacobs + +*** END OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK BOB'S REDEMPTION *** + +***** This file should be named 11185-h.htm or 11185-h.zip ***** +This and all associated files of various formats will be found in: + https://www.gutenberg.org/1/1/1/8/11185/ + +Produced by David Widger + +Updated editions will replace the previous one--the old editions +will be renamed. + +Creating the works from public domain print editions means that no +one owns a United States copyright in these works, so the Foundation +(and you!) can copy and distribute it in the United States without +permission and without paying copyright royalties. Special rules, +set forth in the General Terms of Use part of this license, apply to +copying and distributing Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works to +protect the PROJECT GUTENBERG-tm concept and trademark. Project +Gutenberg is a registered trademark, and may not be used if you +charge for the eBooks, unless you receive specific permission. If you +do not charge anything for copies of this eBook, complying with the +rules is very easy. You may use this eBook for nearly any purpose +such as creation of derivative works, reports, performances and +research. They may be modified and printed and given away--you may do +practically ANYTHING with public domain eBooks. Redistribution is +subject to the trademark license, especially commercial +redistribution. + + + +*** START: FULL LICENSE *** + +THE FULL PROJECT GUTENBERG LICENSE +PLEASE READ THIS BEFORE YOU DISTRIBUTE OR USE THIS WORK + +To protect the Project Gutenberg-tm mission of promoting the free +distribution of electronic works, by using or distributing this work +(or any other work associated in any way with the phrase "Project +Gutenberg"), you agree to comply with all the terms of the Full Project +Gutenberg-tm License (available with this file or online at +https://gutenberg.org/license). + + +Section 1. General Terms of Use and Redistributing Project Gutenberg-tm +electronic works + +1.A. By reading or using any part of this Project Gutenberg-tm +electronic work, you indicate that you have read, understand, agree to +and accept all the terms of this license and intellectual property +(trademark/copyright) agreement. If you do not agree to abide by all +the terms of this agreement, you must cease using and return or destroy +all copies of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works in your possession. +If you paid a fee for obtaining a copy of or access to a Project +Gutenberg-tm electronic work and you do not agree to be bound by the +terms of this agreement, you may obtain a refund from the person or +entity to whom you paid the fee as set forth in paragraph 1.E.8. + +1.B. "Project Gutenberg" is a registered trademark. It may only be +used on or associated in any way with an electronic work by people who +agree to be bound by the terms of this agreement. There are a few +things that you can do with most Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works +even without complying with the full terms of this agreement. See +paragraph 1.C below. There are a lot of things you can do with Project +Gutenberg-tm electronic works if you follow the terms of this agreement +and help preserve free future access to Project Gutenberg-tm electronic +works. See paragraph 1.E below. + +1.C. The Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation ("the Foundation" +or PGLAF), owns a compilation copyright in the collection of Project +Gutenberg-tm electronic works. Nearly all the individual works in the +collection are in the public domain in the United States. If an +individual work is in the public domain in the United States and you are +located in the United States, we do not claim a right to prevent you from +copying, distributing, performing, displaying or creating derivative +works based on the work as long as all references to Project Gutenberg +are removed. Of course, we hope that you will support the Project +Gutenberg-tm mission of promoting free access to electronic works by +freely sharing Project Gutenberg-tm works in compliance with the terms of +this agreement for keeping the Project Gutenberg-tm name associated with +the work. You can easily comply with the terms of this agreement by +keeping this work in the same format with its attached full Project +Gutenberg-tm License when you share it without charge with others. + +1.D. The copyright laws of the place where you are located also govern +what you can do with this work. Copyright laws in most countries are in +a constant state of change. If you are outside the United States, check +the laws of your country in addition to the terms of this agreement +before downloading, copying, displaying, performing, distributing or +creating derivative works based on this work or any other Project +Gutenberg-tm work. The Foundation makes no representations concerning +the copyright status of any work in any country outside the United +States. + +1.E. Unless you have removed all references to Project Gutenberg: + +1.E.1. The following sentence, with active links to, or other immediate +access to, the full Project Gutenberg-tm License must appear prominently +whenever any copy of a Project Gutenberg-tm work (any work on which the +phrase "Project Gutenberg" appears, or with which the phrase "Project +Gutenberg" is associated) is accessed, displayed, performed, viewed, +copied or distributed: + +This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with +almost no restrictions whatsoever. You may copy it, give it away or +re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included +with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.org + +1.E.2. If an individual Project Gutenberg-tm electronic work is derived +from the public domain (does not contain a notice indicating that it is +posted with permission of the copyright holder), the work can be copied +and distributed to anyone in the United States without paying any fees +or charges. If you are redistributing or providing access to a work +with the phrase "Project Gutenberg" associated with or appearing on the +work, you must comply either with the requirements of paragraphs 1.E.1 +through 1.E.7 or obtain permission for the use of the work and the +Project Gutenberg-tm trademark as set forth in paragraphs 1.E.8 or +1.E.9. + +1.E.3. If an individual Project Gutenberg-tm electronic work is posted +with the permission of the copyright holder, your use and distribution +must comply with both paragraphs 1.E.1 through 1.E.7 and any additional +terms imposed by the copyright holder. Additional terms will be linked +to the Project Gutenberg-tm License for all works posted with the +permission of the copyright holder found at the beginning of this work. + +1.E.4. Do not unlink or detach or remove the full Project Gutenberg-tm +License terms from this work, or any files containing a part of this +work or any other work associated with Project Gutenberg-tm. + +1.E.5. Do not copy, display, perform, distribute or redistribute this +electronic work, or any part of this electronic work, without +prominently displaying the sentence set forth in paragraph 1.E.1 with +active links or immediate access to the full terms of the Project +Gutenberg-tm License. + +1.E.6. You may convert to and distribute this work in any binary, +compressed, marked up, nonproprietary or proprietary form, including any +word processing or hypertext form. However, if you provide access to or +distribute copies of a Project Gutenberg-tm work in a format other than +"Plain Vanilla ASCII" or other format used in the official version +posted on the official Project Gutenberg-tm web site (www.gutenberg.org), +you must, at no additional cost, fee or expense to the user, provide a +copy, a means of exporting a copy, or a means of obtaining a copy upon +request, of the work in its original "Plain Vanilla ASCII" or other +form. Any alternate format must include the full Project Gutenberg-tm +License as specified in paragraph 1.E.1. + +1.E.7. Do not charge a fee for access to, viewing, displaying, +performing, copying or distributing any Project Gutenberg-tm works +unless you comply with paragraph 1.E.8 or 1.E.9. + +1.E.8. You may charge a reasonable fee for copies of or providing +access to or distributing Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works provided +that + +- You pay a royalty fee of 20% of the gross profits you derive from + the use of Project Gutenberg-tm works calculated using the method + you already use to calculate your applicable taxes. The fee is + owed to the owner of the Project Gutenberg-tm trademark, but he + has agreed to donate royalties under this paragraph to the + Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation. Royalty payments + must be paid within 60 days following each date on which you + prepare (or are legally required to prepare) your periodic tax + returns. Royalty payments should be clearly marked as such and + sent to the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation at the + address specified in Section 4, "Information about donations to + the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation." + +- You provide a full refund of any money paid by a user who notifies + you in writing (or by e-mail) within 30 days of receipt that s/he + does not agree to the terms of the full Project Gutenberg-tm + License. You must require such a user to return or + destroy all copies of the works possessed in a physical medium + and discontinue all use of and all access to other copies of + Project Gutenberg-tm works. + +- You provide, in accordance with paragraph 1.F.3, a full refund of any + money paid for a work or a replacement copy, if a defect in the + electronic work is discovered and reported to you within 90 days + of receipt of the work. + +- You comply with all other terms of this agreement for free + distribution of Project Gutenberg-tm works. + +1.E.9. If you wish to charge a fee or distribute a Project Gutenberg-tm +electronic work or group of works on different terms than are set +forth in this agreement, you must obtain permission in writing from +both the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation and Michael +Hart, the owner of the Project Gutenberg-tm trademark. Contact the +Foundation as set forth in Section 3 below. + +1.F. + +1.F.1. Project Gutenberg volunteers and employees expend considerable +effort to identify, do copyright research on, transcribe and proofread +public domain works in creating the Project Gutenberg-tm +collection. Despite these efforts, Project Gutenberg-tm electronic +works, and the medium on which they may be stored, may contain +"Defects," such as, but not limited to, incomplete, inaccurate or +corrupt data, transcription errors, a copyright or other intellectual +property infringement, a defective or damaged disk or other medium, a +computer virus, or computer codes that damage or cannot be read by +your equipment. + +1.F.2. LIMITED WARRANTY, DISCLAIMER OF DAMAGES - Except for the "Right +of Replacement or Refund" described in paragraph 1.F.3, the Project +Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation, the owner of the Project +Gutenberg-tm trademark, and any other party distributing a Project +Gutenberg-tm electronic work under this agreement, disclaim all +liability to you for damages, costs and expenses, including legal +fees. YOU AGREE THAT YOU HAVE NO REMEDIES FOR NEGLIGENCE, STRICT +LIABILITY, BREACH OF WARRANTY OR BREACH OF CONTRACT EXCEPT THOSE +PROVIDED IN PARAGRAPH F3. YOU AGREE THAT THE FOUNDATION, THE +TRADEMARK OWNER, AND ANY DISTRIBUTOR UNDER THIS AGREEMENT WILL NOT BE +LIABLE TO YOU FOR ACTUAL, DIRECT, INDIRECT, CONSEQUENTIAL, PUNITIVE OR +INCIDENTAL DAMAGES EVEN IF YOU GIVE NOTICE OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH +DAMAGE. + +1.F.3. LIMITED RIGHT OF REPLACEMENT OR REFUND - If you discover a +defect in this electronic work within 90 days of receiving it, you can +receive a refund of the money (if any) you paid for it by sending a +written explanation to the person you received the work from. If you +received the work on a physical medium, you must return the medium with +your written explanation. The person or entity that provided you with +the defective work may elect to provide a replacement copy in lieu of a +refund. If you received the work electronically, the person or entity +providing it to you may choose to give you a second opportunity to +receive the work electronically in lieu of a refund. If the second copy +is also defective, you may demand a refund in writing without further +opportunities to fix the problem. + +1.F.4. Except for the limited right of replacement or refund set forth +in paragraph 1.F.3, this work is provided to you 'AS-IS' WITH NO OTHER +WARRANTIES OF ANY KIND, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO +WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTIBILITY OR FITNESS FOR ANY PURPOSE. + +1.F.5. Some states do not allow disclaimers of certain implied +warranties or the exclusion or limitation of certain types of damages. +If any disclaimer or limitation set forth in this agreement violates the +law of the state applicable to this agreement, the agreement shall be +interpreted to make the maximum disclaimer or limitation permitted by +the applicable state law. The invalidity or unenforceability of any +provision of this agreement shall not void the remaining provisions. + +1.F.6. INDEMNITY - You agree to indemnify and hold the Foundation, the +trademark owner, any agent or employee of the Foundation, anyone +providing copies of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works in accordance +with this agreement, and any volunteers associated with the production, +promotion and distribution of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works, +harmless from all liability, costs and expenses, including legal fees, +that arise directly or indirectly from any of the following which you do +or cause to occur: (a) distribution of this or any Project Gutenberg-tm +work, (b) alteration, modification, or additions or deletions to any +Project Gutenberg-tm work, and (c) any Defect you cause. + + +Section 2. Information about the Mission of Project Gutenberg-tm + +Project Gutenberg-tm is synonymous with the free distribution of +electronic works in formats readable by the widest variety of computers +including obsolete, old, middle-aged and new computers. It exists +because of the efforts of hundreds of volunteers and donations from +people in all walks of life. + +Volunteers and financial support to provide volunteers with the +assistance they need, is critical to reaching Project Gutenberg-tm's +goals and ensuring that the Project Gutenberg-tm collection will +remain freely available for generations to come. In 2001, the Project +Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation was created to provide a secure +and permanent future for Project Gutenberg-tm and future generations. +To learn more about the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation +and how your efforts and donations can help, see Sections 3 and 4 +and the Foundation web page at https://www.pglaf.org. + + +Section 3. Information about the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive +Foundation + +The Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation is a non profit +501(c)(3) educational corporation organized under the laws of the +state of Mississippi and granted tax exempt status by the Internal +Revenue Service. The Foundation's EIN or federal tax identification +number is 64-6221541. Its 501(c)(3) letter is posted at +https://pglaf.org/fundraising. Contributions to the Project Gutenberg +Literary Archive Foundation are tax deductible to the full extent +permitted by U.S. federal laws and your state's laws. + +The Foundation's principal office is located at 4557 Melan Dr. S. +Fairbanks, AK, 99712., but its volunteers and employees are scattered +throughout numerous locations. Its business office is located at +809 North 1500 West, Salt Lake City, UT 84116, (801) 596-1887, email +business@pglaf.org. Email contact links and up to date contact +information can be found at the Foundation's web site and official +page at https://pglaf.org + +For additional contact information: + Dr. Gregory B. Newby + Chief Executive and Director + gbnewby@pglaf.org + +Section 4. Information about Donations to the Project Gutenberg +Literary Archive Foundation + +Project Gutenberg-tm depends upon and cannot survive without wide +spread public support and donations to carry out its mission of +increasing the number of public domain and licensed works that can be +freely distributed in machine readable form accessible by the widest +array of equipment including outdated equipment. Many small donations +($1 to $5,000) are particularly important to maintaining tax exempt +status with the IRS. + +The Foundation is committed to complying with the laws regulating +charities and charitable donations in all 50 states of the United +States. Compliance requirements are not uniform and it takes a +considerable effort, much paperwork and many fees to meet and keep up +with these requirements. We do not solicit donations in locations +where we have not received written confirmation of compliance. To +SEND DONATIONS or determine the status of compliance for any +particular state visit https://pglaf.org + +While we cannot and do not solicit contributions from states where we +have not met the solicitation requirements, we know of no prohibition +against accepting unsolicited donations from donors in such states who +approach us with offers to donate. + +International donations are gratefully accepted, but we cannot make +any statements concerning tax treatment of donations received from +outside the United States. U.S. laws alone swamp our small staff. + +Please check the Project Gutenberg Web pages for current donation +methods and addresses. Donations are accepted in a number of other +ways including including checks, online payments and credit card +donations. To donate, please visit: https://pglaf.org/donate + + +Section 5. General Information About Project Gutenberg-tm electronic +works. + +Professor Michael S. Hart was the originator of the Project Gutenberg-tm +concept of a library of electronic works that could be freely shared +with anyone. For thirty years, he produced and distributed Project +Gutenberg-tm eBooks with only a loose network of volunteer support. + +Project Gutenberg-tm eBooks are often created from several printed +editions, all of which are confirmed as Public Domain in the U.S. +unless a copyright notice is included. Thus, we do not necessarily +keep eBooks in compliance with any particular paper edition. + +Each eBook is in a subdirectory of the same number as the eBook's +eBook number, often in several formats including plain vanilla ASCII, +compressed (zipped), HTML and others. + +Corrected EDITIONS of our eBooks replace the old file and take over +the old filename and etext number. The replaced older file is renamed. +VERSIONS based on separate sources are treated as new eBooks receiving +new filenames and etext numbers. + +Most people start at our Web site which has the main PG search facility: + + https://www.gutenberg.org + +This Web site includes information about Project Gutenberg-tm, +including how to make donations to the Project Gutenberg Literary +Archive Foundation, how to help produce our new eBooks, and how to +subscribe to our email newsletter to hear about new eBooks. + +EBooks posted prior to November 2003, with eBook numbers BELOW #10000, +are filed in directories based on their release date. If you want to +download any of these eBooks directly, rather than using the regular +search system you may utilize the following addresses and just +download by the etext year. + + https://www.gutenberg.org/etext06 + + (Or /etext 05, 04, 03, 02, 01, 00, 99, + 98, 97, 96, 95, 94, 93, 92, 92, 91 or 90) + +EBooks posted since November 2003, with etext numbers OVER #10000, are +filed in a different way. The year of a release date is no longer part +of the directory path. The path is based on the etext number (which is +identical to the filename). The path to the file is made up of single +digits corresponding to all but the last digit in the filename. For +example an eBook of filename 10234 would be found at: + + https://www.gutenberg.org/1/0/2/3/10234 + +or filename 24689 would be found at: + https://www.gutenberg.org/2/4/6/8/24689 + +An alternative method of locating eBooks: + https://www.gutenberg.org/GUTINDEX.ALL + + + + +</pre> + +</body> +</html> + diff --git a/old/11185-h/frontis.jpg b/old/11185-h/frontis.jpg Binary files differnew file mode 100644 index 0000000..2dbcb9b --- /dev/null +++ b/old/11185-h/frontis.jpg diff --git a/old/11185-h/title.jpg b/old/11185-h/title.jpg Binary files differnew file mode 100644 index 0000000..db600fb --- /dev/null +++ b/old/11185-h/title.jpg diff --git a/old/11185.txt b/old/11185.txt new file mode 100644 index 0000000..d1f5366 --- /dev/null +++ b/old/11185.txt @@ -0,0 +1,964 @@ +The Project Gutenberg EBook of Bob's Redemption, by W.W. Jacobs + +This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with +almost no restrictions whatsoever. You may copy it, give it away or +re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included +with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.org + + +Title: Bob's Redemption + Captains All, Book 5. + +Author: W.W. Jacobs + +Release Date: February 21, 2004 [EBook #11185] + +Language: English + +Character set encoding: US-ASCII + +*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK BOB'S REDEMPTION *** + + + + +Produced by David Widger + + + + +CAPTAINS ALL + +By W.W. Jacobs + + + +BOB'S REDEMPTION + +[Illustration: "Bob's Redemption."] + +"GRATITOODE!" said the night-watchman, with a hard laugh. "_Hmf!_ Don't +talk to me about gratitoode; I've seen too much of it. If people wot +I've helped in my time 'ad only done arf their dooty--arf, mind you--I +should be riding in my carriage." + +Forgetful of the limitations of soap-boxes he attempted to illustrate his +remark by lolling, and nearly went over backwards. Recovering himself by +an effort he gazed sternly across the river and smoked fiercely. It was +evident that he was brooding over an ill-used past. + +'Arry Thomson was one of them, he said, at last. For over six months I +wrote all 'is love-letters for him, 'e being an iggernerant sort of man +and only being able to do the kisses at the end, which he always insisted +on doing 'imself: being jealous. Only three weeks arter he was married +'e come up to where I was standing one day and set about me without +saying a word. I was a single man at the time and I didn't understand +it. My idea was that he 'ad gone mad, and, being pretty artful and +always 'aving a horror of mad people, I let 'im chase me into a +police-station. Leastways, I would ha' let 'im, but he didn't come, +and I all but got fourteen days for being drunk and disorderly. + +Then there was Bill Clark. He 'ad been keeping comp'ny with a gal and +got tired of it, and to oblige 'im I went to her and told 'er he was a +married man with five children. Bill was as pleased as Punch at fust, +but as soon as she took up with another chap he came round to see me and +said as I'd ruined his life. We 'ad words about it--naturally--and I did +ruin it then to the extent of a couple o' ribs. I went to see 'im in the +horsepittle--place I've always been fond of--and the langwidge he used to +me was so bad that they sent for the Sister to 'ear it. + +That's on'y two out of dozens I could name. Arf the unpleasantnesses in +my life 'ave come out of doing kindnesses to people, and all the +gratitoode I've 'ad for it I could put in a pint-pot with a pint o' beer +already in it. + +The only case o' real gratitoode I ever heard of 'appened to a shipmate +o' mine--a young chap named Bob Evans. Coming home from Auckland in a +barque called the _Dragon Fly_ he fell overboard, and another chap named +George Crofts, one o' the best swimmers I ever knew, went overboard arter +'im and saved his life. + +We was hardly moving at the time, and the sea was like a duck pond, but +to 'ear Bob Evans talk you'd ha' thought that George Crofts was the +bravest-'arted chap that ever lived. He 'adn't liked him afore, same as +the rest of us, George being a sly, mean sort o' chap; but arter George +'ad saved his life 'e couldn't praise 'im enough. He said that so long +as he 'ad a crust George should share it, and wotever George asked 'im he +should have. + +The unfortnit part of it was that George took 'im at his word, and all +the rest of the v'y'ge he acted as though Bob belonged to 'im, and by the +time we got into the London river Bob couldn't call his soul 'is own. He +used to take a room when he was ashore and live very steady, as 'e was +saving up to get married, and as soon as he found that out George invited +'imself to stay with him. + +"It won't cost you a bit more," he ses, "not if you work it properly." + +Bob didn't work it properly, but George having saved his life, and never +letting 'im forget it, he didn't like to tell him so. He thought he'd +let 'im see gradual that he'd got to be careful because of 'is gal, and +the fust evening they was ashore 'e took 'im along with 'im there to tea. + +Gerty Mitchell--that was the gal's name--'adn't heard of Bob's accident, +and when she did she gave a little scream, and putting 'er arms round his +neck, began to kiss 'im right in front of George and her mother. + +"You ought to give him one too," ses Mrs. Mitchell, pointing to George. + +George wiped 'is mouth on the back of his 'and, but Gerty pretended not +to 'ear. + +"Fancy if you'd been drownded!" she ses, hugging Bob agin. + +"He was pretty near," ses George, shaking his 'ead. "I'm a pore swimmer, +but I made up my mind either to save 'im or else go down to a watery +grave myself." + +He wiped his mouth on the back of his 'and agin, but all the notice Gerty +took of it was to send her young brother Ted out for some beer. Then +they all 'ad supper together, and Mrs. Mitchell drank good luck to George +in a glass o' beer, and said she 'oped that 'er own boy would grow up +like him. "Let 'im grow up a good and brave man, that's all I ask," she +ses. "I don't care about 'is looks." + +"He might have both," ses George, sharp-like. "Why not?" + +Mrs. Mitchell said she supposed he might, and then she cuffed young Ted's +ears for making a noise while 'e was eating, and then cuffed 'im agin for +saying that he'd finished 'is supper five minutes ago. + +George and Bob walked 'ome together, and all the way there George said +wot a pretty gal Gerty was and 'ow lucky it was for Bob that he 'adn't +been drownded. He went round to tea with 'im the next day to Mrs. +Mitchell's, and arter tea, when Bob and Gerty said they was going out to +spend the evening together, got 'imself asked too. + +They took a tram-car and went to a music-hall, and Bob paid for the three +of 'em. George never seemed to think of putting his 'and in his pocket, +and even arter the music-hall, when they all went into a shop and 'ad +stewed eels, he let Bob pay. + +As I said afore, Bob Evans was chock-full of gratefulness, and it seemed +only fair that he shouldn't grumble at spending a little over the man wot +'ad risked 'is life to save his; but wot with keeping George at his room, +and paying for 'im every time they went out, he was spending a lot more +money than 'e could afford. + +"You're on'y young once, Bob," George said to him when 'e made a remark +one arternoon as to the fast way his money was going, "and if it hadn't +ha' been for me you'd never 'ave lived to grow old." + +Wot with spending the money and always 'aving George with them when they +went out, it wasn't long afore Bob and Gerty 'ad a quarrel. "I don't +like a pore-spirited man," she ses. "Two's company and three's none, +and, besides, why can't he pay for 'imself? He's big enough. Why should +you spend your money on 'im? He never pays a farthing." + +Bob explained that he couldn't say anything because 'e owed his life to +George, but 'e might as well 'ave talked to a lamp-post. The more he +argued the more angry Gerty got, and at last she ses, "Two's company and +three's none, and if you and me can't go out without George Crofts, then +me and 'im 'll go out with-out you." + +She was as good as her word, too, and the next night, while Bob 'ad gone +out to get some 'bacca, she went off alone with George. It was ten +o'clock afore they came back agin, and Gerty's eyes were all shining and +'er cheeks as pink as roses. She shut 'er mother up like a concertina +the moment she began to find fault with 'er, and at supper she sat next +to George and laughed at everything 'e said. + +George and Bob walked all the way 'ome arter supper without saying a +word, but arter they got to their room George took a side-look at Bob, +and then he ses, suddenlike, "Look 'ere! I saved your life, didn't I?" + +"You did," ses Bob, "and I thank you for it." + +"I saved your life," ses George agin, very solemn. "If it hadn't ha' +been for me you couldn't ha' married anybody." + +"That's true," ses Bob. + +"Me and Gerty 'ave been having a talk," ses George, bending down to undo +his boots. "We've been getting on very well together; you can't 'elp +your feelings, and the long and the short of it is, the pore gal has +fallen in love with me." + +Bob didn't say a word. + +"If you look at it this way it's fair enough," ses George. "I gave you +your life and you give me your gal. We're quits now. You don't owe me +anything and I don't owe you anything. That's the way Gerty puts it, and +she told me to tell you so." + +"If--if she don't want me I'm agreeable," ses Bob, in a choking voice. +"We'll call it quits, and next time I tumble overboard I 'ope you won't +be handy." + +He took Gerty's photygraph out of 'is box and handed it to George. +"You've got more right to it now than wot I 'ave," he ses. "I shan't go +round there any more; I shall look out for a ship to-morrow." + +George Crofts said that perhaps it was the best thing he could do, and 'e +asked 'im in a offhand sort o' way 'ow long the room was paid up for. + +Mrs. Mitchell 'ad a few words to say about it next day, but Gerty told +'er to save 'er breath for walking upstairs. The on'y thing that George +didn't like when they went out was that young Ted was with them, but +Gerty said she preferred it till she knew 'im better; and she 'ad so much +to say about his noble behaviour in saving life that George gave way. +They went out looking at the shops, George thinking that that was the +cheapest way of spending an evening, and they were as happy as possible +till Gerty saw a brooch she liked so much in a window that he couldn't +get 'er away. + +"It is a beauty," she ses. "I don't know when I've seen a brooch I liked +better. Look here! Let's all guess the price and then go in and see +who's right." + +They 'ad their guesses, and then they went in and asked, and as soon as +Gerty found that it was only three-and-sixpence she began to feel in her +pocket for 'er purse, just like your wife does when you go out with 'er, +knowing all the time that it's on the mantelpiece with twopence-ha'penny +and a cough lozenge in it. + +"I must ha' left it at 'ome," she ses, looking at George. + +"Just wot I've done," ses George, arter patting 'is pockets. + +Gerty bit 'er lips and, for a minute or two, be civil to George she could +not. Then she gave a little smile and took 'is arm agin, and they walked +on talking and laughing till she turned round of a sudden and asked a big +chap as was passing wot 'e was shoving 'er for. + +"Shoving you?" ses he. "Wot do you think I want to shove you for?" + +"Don't you talk to me," ses Gerty, firing up. "George, make 'im beg my +pardon." + +"You ought to be more careful," ses George, in a gentle sort o' way. + +"Make 'im beg my pardon," ses Gerty, stamping 'er foot; "if he don't, +knock 'im down." + +"Yes, knock 'im down," ses the big man, taking hold o' George's cap and +rumpling his 'air. + +Pore George, who was never much good with his fists, hit 'im in the +chest, and the next moment he was on 'is back in the middle o' the road +wondering wot had 'appened to 'im. By the time 'e got up the other man +was arf a mile away; and young Ted stepped up and wiped 'im down with a +pocket-'andkerchief while Gerty explained to 'im 'ow she saw 'im slip on +a piece o' banana peel. + +"It's 'ard lines," she ses; "but never mind, you frightened 'im away, +and I don't wonder at it. You do look terrible when you're angry, +George; I didn't know you." + +She praised 'im all the way 'ome, and if it 'adn't been for his mouth and +nose George would 'ave enjoyed it more than 'e did. She told 'er mother +how 'e had flown at a big man wot 'ad insulted her, and Mrs. Mitchell +shook her 'ead at 'im and said his bold spirit would lead 'im into +trouble afore he 'ad done. + +They didn't seem to be able to make enough of 'im, and next day when he +went round Gerty was so upset at the sight of 'is bruises that he thought +she was going to cry. When he had 'ad his tea she gave 'im a cigar she +had bought for 'im herself, and when he 'ad finished smoking it she +smiled at him, and said that she was going to take 'im out for a pleasant +evening to try and make up to 'im for wot he 'ad suffered for 'er. + +"We're all going to stand treat to each other," she ses. "Bob always +would insist on paying for everything, but I like to feel a bit +independent. Give and take--that's the way I like to do things." + +"There's nothing like being independent," ses George. "Bob ought to ha' +known that." + +"I'm sure it's the best plan," ses Gerty. "Now, get your 'at on. We're +going to a theayter, and Ted shall pay the 'bus fares." + +George wanted to ask about the theayter, but 'e didn't like to, and arter +Gerty was dressed they went out and Ted paid the 'bus fares like a man. + +"Here you are," ses Gerty, as the 'bus stopped outside the theayter. +"Hurry up and get the tickets, George; ask for three upper circles." + +She bustled George up to the pay place, and as soon as she 'ad picked out +the seats she grabbed 'old of the tickets and told George to make haste. + +"Twelve shillings it is," ses the man, as George put down arf a crown. + +"Twelve?" ses George, beginning to stammer. "Twelve? Twelve? Twel--?" + +"Twelve shillings," ses the man; "three upper circles you've 'ad." + +George was going to fetch Gerty back and 'ave cheaper seats, but she 'ad +gone inside with young Ted, and at last, arter making an awful fuss, he +paid the rest o' the money and rushed in arter her, arf crazy at the idea +o' spending so much money. + +"Make 'aste," ses Gerty, afore he could say anything; "the band 'as just +begun." + +She started running upstairs, and she was so excited that, when they got +their seats and George started complaining about the price, she didn't +pay any attention to wot he was saying, but kept pointing out ladies' +dresses to 'im in w'ispers and wondering wot they 'ad paid for them. +George gave it up at last, and then he sat wondering whether he 'ad done +right arter all in taking Bob's gal away from him. + +Gerty enjoyed it very much, but when the curtain came down after the +first act she leaned back in her chair and looked up at George and said +she felt faint and thought she'd like to 'ave an ice-cream. "And you +'ave one too, dear," she ses, when young Ted 'ad got up and beckoned to +the gal, "and Ted 'ud like one too, I'm sure." + +She put her 'ead on George's shoulder and looked up at 'im. Then she put +her 'and on his and stroked it, and George, reckoning that arter all +ice-creams were on'y a ha'penny or at the most a penny each, altered 'is +mind about not spending any more money and ordered three. + +The way he carried on when the gal said they was three shillings was +alarming. At fust 'e thought she was 'aving a joke with 'im, and it took +another gal and the fireman and an old gentleman wot was sitting behind +'im to persuade 'im different. He was so upset that 'e couldn't eat his +arter paying for it, and Ted and Gerty had to finish it for 'im. + +"They're expensive, but they're worth the money," ses Gerty. "You are +good to me, George. I could go on eating 'em all night, but you mustn't +fling your money away like this always." + +"I'll see to that," ses George, very bitter. + +"I thought we was going to stand treat to each other? That was the idea, +I understood." + +"So we are," ses Gerty. "Ted stood the 'bus fares, didn't he?" + +"He did," ses George, "wot there was of 'em; but wot about you?" + +"Me?" ses Gerty, drawing her 'ead back and staring at 'im. "Why, 'ave +you forgot that cigar already, George?" + +George opened 'is mouth, but 'e couldn't speak a word. He sat looking at +'er and making a gasping noise in 'is throat, and fortunately just as 'e +got 'is voice back the curtain went up agin, and everybody said, +"_H'sh!_" + +He couldn't enjoy the play at all, 'e was so upset, and he began to see +more than ever 'ow wrong he 'ad been in taking Bob's gal away from 'im. +He walked downstairs into the street like a man in a dream, with Gerty +sticking to 'is arm and young Ted treading on 'is heels behind. + +"Now, you mustn't waste any more money, George," ses Gerty, when they got +outside. "We'll walk 'ome." + +George 'ad got arf a mind to say something about a 'bus, but he +remembered in time that very likely young Ted hadn't got any more money. +Then Gerty said she knew a short cut, and she took them, walking along +little, dark, narrow streets and places, until at last, just as George +thought they must be pretty near 'ome, she began to dab her eyes with 'er +pocket-'andkerchief and say she'd lost 'er way. + +"You two go 'ome and leave me," she ses, arf crying. "I can't walk +another step." + +"Where are we?" ses George, looking round. + +"I don't know," ses Gerty. "I couldn't tell you if you paid me. I must +'ave taken a wrong turning. Oh, hurrah! Here's a cab!" + +Afore George could stop 'er she held up 'er umbrella, and a 'ansom cab, +with bells on its horse, crossed the road and pulled up in front of 'em. +Ted nipped in first and Gerty followed 'im. + +"Tell 'im the address, dear, and make 'aste and get in," ses Gerty. + +George told the cabman, and then he got in and sat on Ted's knee, partly +on Gerty's umbrella, and mostly on nothing. + +"You are good to me, George," ses Gerty, touching the back of 'is neck +with the brim of her hat. "It ain't often I get a ride in a cab. All +the time I was keeping company with Bob we never 'ad one once. I only +wish I'd got the money to pay for it." + +George, who was going to ask a question, stopped 'imself, and then he +kept striking matches and trying to read all about cab fares on a bill in +front of 'im. + +"'Ow are we to know 'ow many miles it is?" he ses, at last. + +"I don't know," ses Gerty; "leave it to the cabman. It's his bisness, +ain't it? And if 'e don't know he must suffer for it." + +There was hardly a soul in Gerty's road when they got there, but afore +George 'ad settled with the cabman there was a policeman moving the crowd +on and arf the winders in the road up. By the time George had paid 'im +and the cabman 'ad told him wot 'e looked like, Gerty and Ted 'ad +disappeared indoors, all the lights was out, and, in a state o' mind that +won't bear thinking of, George walked 'ome to his lodging. + +[Illustration: "Afore George had settled with the cabman, there was a +policeman moving the crowd on."] + +Bob was asleep when he got there, but 'e woke 'im up and told 'im about +it, and then arter a time he said that he thought Bob ought to pay arf +because he 'ad saved 'is life. + +"Cert'nly not," ses Bob. "We're quits now; that was the arrangement. +I only wish it was me spending the money on her; I shouldn't grumble." + +George didn't get a wink o' sleep all night for thinking of the money he +'ad spent, and next day when he went round he 'ad almost made up 'is mind +to tell Bob that if 'e liked to pay up the money he could 'ave Gerty +back; but she looked so pretty, and praised 'im up so much for 'is +generosity, that he began to think better of it. One thing 'e was +determined on, and that was never to spend money like that agin for fifty +Gertys. + +There was a very sensible man there that evening that George liked very +much. His name was Uncle Joe, and when Gerty was praising George to 'is +face for the money he 'ad been spending, Uncle Joe, instead o' looking +pleased, shook his 'ead over it. + +"Young people will be young people, I know," he ses, "but still I don't +approve of extravagance. Bob Evans would never 'ave spent all that money +over you." + +"Bob Evans ain't everybody," ses Mrs. Mitchell, standing up for Gerty. + +"He was steady, anyway," ses Uncle Joe. "Besides, Gerty ought not to ha' +let Mr. Crofts spend his money like that. She could ha' prevented it if +she'd ha' put 'er foot down and insisted on it." + +He was so solemn about it that everybody began to feel a bit upset, and +Gerty borrowed Ted's pocket-'andkerchief, and then wiped 'er eyes on the +cuff of her dress instead. + +"Well, well," ses Uncle Joe; "I didn't mean to be 'ard, but don't do it +no more. You are young people, and can't afford it." + +"We must 'ave a little pleasure sometimes," ses Gerty. + +"Yes, I know," ses Uncle Joe; "but there's moderation in everything. +Look 'ere, it's time somebody paid for Mr. Crofts. To-morrow's Saturday, +and, if you like, I'll take you all to the Crystal Palace." + +Gerty jumped up off of 'er chair and kissed 'im, while Mrs. Mitchell said +she knew 'is bark was worse than 'is bite, and asked 'im who was wasting +his money now? + +"You meet me at London Bridge Station at two o'clock," ses Uncle Joe, +getting up to go. "It ain't extravagance for a man as can afford it." + +He shook 'ands with George Crofts and went, and, arter George 'ad stayed +long enough to hear a lot o' things about Uncle Joe which made 'im think +they'd get on very well together, he went off too. + +They all turned up very early the next arternoon, and Gerty was dressed +so nice that George couldn't take his eyes off of her. Besides her there +was Mrs. Mitchell and Ted and a friend of 'is named Charlie Smith. + +They waited some time, but Uncle Joe didn't turn up, and they all got +looking at the clock and talking about it, and 'oping he wouldn't make +'em miss the train. + +"Here he comes!" ses Ted, at last. + +Uncle Joe came rushing in, puffing and blowing as though he'd bust. +"Take 'em on by this train, will you?" he ses, catching 'old o' George by +the arm. "I've just been stopped by a bit o' business I must do, and +I'll come on by the next, or as soon arter as I can." + +He rushed off again, puffing and blowing his 'ardest, in such a hurry +that he forgot to give George the money for the tickets. However, George +borrowed a pencil of Mrs. Mitchell in the train, and put down on paper +'ow much they cost, and Mrs. Mitchell said if George didn't like to +remind 'im she would. + +They left young Ted and Charlie to stay near the station when they got to +the Palace, Uncle Joe 'aving forgotten to say where he'd meet 'em, but +train arter train came in without 'im, and at last the two boys gave it +up. + +"We're sure to run across 'im sooner or later," ses Gerty. "Let's 'ave +something to eat; I'm so hungry." + +George said something about buns and milk, but Gerty took 'im up sharp. +"Buns and milk?" she ses. "Why, uncle would never forgive us if we +spoilt his treat like that." + +She walked into a refreshment place and they 'ad cold meat and bread and +pickles and beer and tarts and cheese, till even young Ted said he'd 'ad +enough, but still they couldn't see any signs of Uncle Joe. They went on +to the roundabouts to look for 'im, and then into all sorts o' shows at +sixpence a head, but still there was no signs of 'im, and George had 'ad +to start on a fresh bit o' paper to put down wot he'd spent. + +"I suppose he must ha' been detained on important business," ses Gerty, +at last. + +"Unless it's one of 'is jokes," ses Mrs. Mitchell, shaking her 'ead. +"You know wot your uncle is, Gerty." + +"There now, I never thought o' that," ses Gerty, with a start; "p'r'aps +it is." + +"Joke?" ses George, choking and staring from one to the other. + +"I was wondering where he'd get the money from," ses Mrs. Mitchell to +Gerty. "I see it all now; I never see such a man for a bit o' fun in all +my born days. And the solemn way he went on last night, too. Why, he +must ha' been laughing in 'is sleeve all the time. It's as good as a +play." + +"Look here!" ses George, 'ardly able to speak; "do you mean to tell me he +never meant to come?" + +"I'm afraid not," ses Mrs. Mitchell, "knowing wot he is. But don't you +worry; I'll give him a bit o' my mind when I see 'im." + +George Crofts felt as though he'd burst, and then 'e got his breath, and +the things 'e said about Uncle Joe was so awful that Mrs. Mitchell told +the boys to go away. + +"How dare you talk of my uncle like that?" ses Gerty, firing up. + +"You forget yourself, George," ses Mrs. Mitchell. "You'll like 'im when +you get to know 'im better." + +"Don't you call me George," ses George Crofts, turning on 'er. "I've +been done, that's wot I've been. I 'ad fourteen pounds when I was paid +off, and it's melting like butter." + +"Well, we've enjoyed ourselves," ses Gerty, "and that's what money was +given us for. I'm sure those two boys 'ave had a splendid time, thanks +to you. Don't go and spoil all by a little bit o' temper." + +"Temper!" ses George, turning on her. "I've done with you, I wouldn't +marry you if you was the on'y gal in the world. I wouldn't marry you if +you paid me." + +"Oh, indeed!" ses Gerty; "but if you think you can get out of it like +that you're mistaken. I've lost my young man through you, and I'm not +going to lose you too. I'll send my two big cousins round to see you +to-morrow." + +"They won't put up with no nonsense, I can tell you," ses Mrs. Mitchell. + +She called the boys to her, and then she and Gerty, arter holding their +'eads very high and staring at George, went off and left 'im alone. He +went straight off 'ome, counting 'is money all the way and trying to make +it more, and, arter telling Bob 'ow he'd been treated, and trying hard to +get 'im to go shares in his losses, packed up his things and cleared out, +all boiling over with temper. + +Bob was so dazed he couldn't make head or tail out of it, but 'e went +round to see Gerty the first thing next morning, and she explained things +to him. + +"I don't know when I've enjoyed myself so much," she ses, wiping her +eyes, "but I've had enough gadding about for once, and if you come round +this evening we'll have a nice quiet time together looking at the +furniture shops." + + + + + +End of the Project Gutenberg EBook of Bob's Redemption, by W.W. Jacobs + +*** END OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK BOB'S REDEMPTION *** + +***** This file should be named 11185.txt or 11185.zip ***** +This and all associated files of various formats will be found in: + https://www.gutenberg.org/1/1/1/8/11185/ + +Produced by David Widger + +Updated editions will replace the previous one--the old editions +will be renamed. + +Creating the works from public domain print editions means that no +one owns a United States copyright in these works, so the Foundation +(and you!) can copy and distribute it in the United States without +permission and without paying copyright royalties. Special rules, +set forth in the General Terms of Use part of this license, apply to +copying and distributing Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works to +protect the PROJECT GUTENBERG-tm concept and trademark. Project +Gutenberg is a registered trademark, and may not be used if you +charge for the eBooks, unless you receive specific permission. If you +do not charge anything for copies of this eBook, complying with the +rules is very easy. You may use this eBook for nearly any purpose +such as creation of derivative works, reports, performances and +research. They may be modified and printed and given away--you may do +practically ANYTHING with public domain eBooks. Redistribution is +subject to the trademark license, especially commercial +redistribution. + + + +*** START: FULL LICENSE *** + +THE FULL PROJECT GUTENBERG LICENSE +PLEASE READ THIS BEFORE YOU DISTRIBUTE OR USE THIS WORK + +To protect the Project Gutenberg-tm mission of promoting the free +distribution of electronic works, by using or distributing this work +(or any other work associated in any way with the phrase "Project +Gutenberg"), you agree to comply with all the terms of the Full Project +Gutenberg-tm License (available with this file or online at +https://gutenberg.org/license). + + +Section 1. General Terms of Use and Redistributing Project Gutenberg-tm +electronic works + +1.A. By reading or using any part of this Project Gutenberg-tm +electronic work, you indicate that you have read, understand, agree to +and accept all the terms of this license and intellectual property +(trademark/copyright) agreement. If you do not agree to abide by all +the terms of this agreement, you must cease using and return or destroy +all copies of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works in your possession. +If you paid a fee for obtaining a copy of or access to a Project +Gutenberg-tm electronic work and you do not agree to be bound by the +terms of this agreement, you may obtain a refund from the person or +entity to whom you paid the fee as set forth in paragraph 1.E.8. + +1.B. "Project Gutenberg" is a registered trademark. It may only be +used on or associated in any way with an electronic work by people who +agree to be bound by the terms of this agreement. There are a few +things that you can do with most Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works +even without complying with the full terms of this agreement. See +paragraph 1.C below. There are a lot of things you can do with Project +Gutenberg-tm electronic works if you follow the terms of this agreement +and help preserve free future access to Project Gutenberg-tm electronic +works. See paragraph 1.E below. + +1.C. The Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation ("the Foundation" +or PGLAF), owns a compilation copyright in the collection of Project +Gutenberg-tm electronic works. Nearly all the individual works in the +collection are in the public domain in the United States. If an +individual work is in the public domain in the United States and you are +located in the United States, we do not claim a right to prevent you from +copying, distributing, performing, displaying or creating derivative +works based on the work as long as all references to Project Gutenberg +are removed. Of course, we hope that you will support the Project +Gutenberg-tm mission of promoting free access to electronic works by +freely sharing Project Gutenberg-tm works in compliance with the terms of +this agreement for keeping the Project Gutenberg-tm name associated with +the work. You can easily comply with the terms of this agreement by +keeping this work in the same format with its attached full Project +Gutenberg-tm License when you share it without charge with others. + +1.D. The copyright laws of the place where you are located also govern +what you can do with this work. Copyright laws in most countries are in +a constant state of change. If you are outside the United States, check +the laws of your country in addition to the terms of this agreement +before downloading, copying, displaying, performing, distributing or +creating derivative works based on this work or any other Project +Gutenberg-tm work. The Foundation makes no representations concerning +the copyright status of any work in any country outside the United +States. + +1.E. Unless you have removed all references to Project Gutenberg: + +1.E.1. The following sentence, with active links to, or other immediate +access to, the full Project Gutenberg-tm License must appear prominently +whenever any copy of a Project Gutenberg-tm work (any work on which the +phrase "Project Gutenberg" appears, or with which the phrase "Project +Gutenberg" is associated) is accessed, displayed, performed, viewed, +copied or distributed: + +This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with +almost no restrictions whatsoever. You may copy it, give it away or +re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included +with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.org + +1.E.2. If an individual Project Gutenberg-tm electronic work is derived +from the public domain (does not contain a notice indicating that it is +posted with permission of the copyright holder), the work can be copied +and distributed to anyone in the United States without paying any fees +or charges. If you are redistributing or providing access to a work +with the phrase "Project Gutenberg" associated with or appearing on the +work, you must comply either with the requirements of paragraphs 1.E.1 +through 1.E.7 or obtain permission for the use of the work and the +Project Gutenberg-tm trademark as set forth in paragraphs 1.E.8 or +1.E.9. + +1.E.3. If an individual Project Gutenberg-tm electronic work is posted +with the permission of the copyright holder, your use and distribution +must comply with both paragraphs 1.E.1 through 1.E.7 and any additional +terms imposed by the copyright holder. Additional terms will be linked +to the Project Gutenberg-tm License for all works posted with the +permission of the copyright holder found at the beginning of this work. + +1.E.4. Do not unlink or detach or remove the full Project Gutenberg-tm +License terms from this work, or any files containing a part of this +work or any other work associated with Project Gutenberg-tm. + +1.E.5. Do not copy, display, perform, distribute or redistribute this +electronic work, or any part of this electronic work, without +prominently displaying the sentence set forth in paragraph 1.E.1 with +active links or immediate access to the full terms of the Project +Gutenberg-tm License. + +1.E.6. You may convert to and distribute this work in any binary, +compressed, marked up, nonproprietary or proprietary form, including any +word processing or hypertext form. However, if you provide access to or +distribute copies of a Project Gutenberg-tm work in a format other than +"Plain Vanilla ASCII" or other format used in the official version +posted on the official Project Gutenberg-tm web site (www.gutenberg.org), +you must, at no additional cost, fee or expense to the user, provide a +copy, a means of exporting a copy, or a means of obtaining a copy upon +request, of the work in its original "Plain Vanilla ASCII" or other +form. Any alternate format must include the full Project Gutenberg-tm +License as specified in paragraph 1.E.1. + +1.E.7. Do not charge a fee for access to, viewing, displaying, +performing, copying or distributing any Project Gutenberg-tm works +unless you comply with paragraph 1.E.8 or 1.E.9. + +1.E.8. You may charge a reasonable fee for copies of or providing +access to or distributing Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works provided +that + +- You pay a royalty fee of 20% of the gross profits you derive from + the use of Project Gutenberg-tm works calculated using the method + you already use to calculate your applicable taxes. The fee is + owed to the owner of the Project Gutenberg-tm trademark, but he + has agreed to donate royalties under this paragraph to the + Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation. Royalty payments + must be paid within 60 days following each date on which you + prepare (or are legally required to prepare) your periodic tax + returns. Royalty payments should be clearly marked as such and + sent to the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation at the + address specified in Section 4, "Information about donations to + the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation." + +- You provide a full refund of any money paid by a user who notifies + you in writing (or by e-mail) within 30 days of receipt that s/he + does not agree to the terms of the full Project Gutenberg-tm + License. You must require such a user to return or + destroy all copies of the works possessed in a physical medium + and discontinue all use of and all access to other copies of + Project Gutenberg-tm works. + +- You provide, in accordance with paragraph 1.F.3, a full refund of any + money paid for a work or a replacement copy, if a defect in the + electronic work is discovered and reported to you within 90 days + of receipt of the work. + +- You comply with all other terms of this agreement for free + distribution of Project Gutenberg-tm works. + +1.E.9. If you wish to charge a fee or distribute a Project Gutenberg-tm +electronic work or group of works on different terms than are set +forth in this agreement, you must obtain permission in writing from +both the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation and Michael +Hart, the owner of the Project Gutenberg-tm trademark. Contact the +Foundation as set forth in Section 3 below. + +1.F. + +1.F.1. Project Gutenberg volunteers and employees expend considerable +effort to identify, do copyright research on, transcribe and proofread +public domain works in creating the Project Gutenberg-tm +collection. Despite these efforts, Project Gutenberg-tm electronic +works, and the medium on which they may be stored, may contain +"Defects," such as, but not limited to, incomplete, inaccurate or +corrupt data, transcription errors, a copyright or other intellectual +property infringement, a defective or damaged disk or other medium, a +computer virus, or computer codes that damage or cannot be read by +your equipment. + +1.F.2. LIMITED WARRANTY, DISCLAIMER OF DAMAGES - Except for the "Right +of Replacement or Refund" described in paragraph 1.F.3, the Project +Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation, the owner of the Project +Gutenberg-tm trademark, and any other party distributing a Project +Gutenberg-tm electronic work under this agreement, disclaim all +liability to you for damages, costs and expenses, including legal +fees. YOU AGREE THAT YOU HAVE NO REMEDIES FOR NEGLIGENCE, STRICT +LIABILITY, BREACH OF WARRANTY OR BREACH OF CONTRACT EXCEPT THOSE +PROVIDED IN PARAGRAPH F3. YOU AGREE THAT THE FOUNDATION, THE +TRADEMARK OWNER, AND ANY DISTRIBUTOR UNDER THIS AGREEMENT WILL NOT BE +LIABLE TO YOU FOR ACTUAL, DIRECT, INDIRECT, CONSEQUENTIAL, PUNITIVE OR +INCIDENTAL DAMAGES EVEN IF YOU GIVE NOTICE OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH +DAMAGE. + +1.F.3. LIMITED RIGHT OF REPLACEMENT OR REFUND - If you discover a +defect in this electronic work within 90 days of receiving it, you can +receive a refund of the money (if any) you paid for it by sending a +written explanation to the person you received the work from. If you +received the work on a physical medium, you must return the medium with +your written explanation. The person or entity that provided you with +the defective work may elect to provide a replacement copy in lieu of a +refund. If you received the work electronically, the person or entity +providing it to you may choose to give you a second opportunity to +receive the work electronically in lieu of a refund. If the second copy +is also defective, you may demand a refund in writing without further +opportunities to fix the problem. + +1.F.4. Except for the limited right of replacement or refund set forth +in paragraph 1.F.3, this work is provided to you 'AS-IS' WITH NO OTHER +WARRANTIES OF ANY KIND, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO +WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTIBILITY OR FITNESS FOR ANY PURPOSE. + +1.F.5. Some states do not allow disclaimers of certain implied +warranties or the exclusion or limitation of certain types of damages. +If any disclaimer or limitation set forth in this agreement violates the +law of the state applicable to this agreement, the agreement shall be +interpreted to make the maximum disclaimer or limitation permitted by +the applicable state law. The invalidity or unenforceability of any +provision of this agreement shall not void the remaining provisions. + +1.F.6. INDEMNITY - You agree to indemnify and hold the Foundation, the +trademark owner, any agent or employee of the Foundation, anyone +providing copies of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works in accordance +with this agreement, and any volunteers associated with the production, +promotion and distribution of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works, +harmless from all liability, costs and expenses, including legal fees, +that arise directly or indirectly from any of the following which you do +or cause to occur: (a) distribution of this or any Project Gutenberg-tm +work, (b) alteration, modification, or additions or deletions to any +Project Gutenberg-tm work, and (c) any Defect you cause. + + +Section 2. Information about the Mission of Project Gutenberg-tm + +Project Gutenberg-tm is synonymous with the free distribution of +electronic works in formats readable by the widest variety of computers +including obsolete, old, middle-aged and new computers. It exists +because of the efforts of hundreds of volunteers and donations from +people in all walks of life. + +Volunteers and financial support to provide volunteers with the +assistance they need, is critical to reaching Project Gutenberg-tm's +goals and ensuring that the Project Gutenberg-tm collection will +remain freely available for generations to come. In 2001, the Project +Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation was created to provide a secure +and permanent future for Project Gutenberg-tm and future generations. +To learn more about the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation +and how your efforts and donations can help, see Sections 3 and 4 +and the Foundation web page at https://www.pglaf.org. + + +Section 3. Information about the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive +Foundation + +The Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation is a non profit +501(c)(3) educational corporation organized under the laws of the +state of Mississippi and granted tax exempt status by the Internal +Revenue Service. The Foundation's EIN or federal tax identification +number is 64-6221541. Its 501(c)(3) letter is posted at +https://pglaf.org/fundraising. Contributions to the Project Gutenberg +Literary Archive Foundation are tax deductible to the full extent +permitted by U.S. federal laws and your state's laws. + +The Foundation's principal office is located at 4557 Melan Dr. S. +Fairbanks, AK, 99712., but its volunteers and employees are scattered +throughout numerous locations. Its business office is located at +809 North 1500 West, Salt Lake City, UT 84116, (801) 596-1887, email +business@pglaf.org. Email contact links and up to date contact +information can be found at the Foundation's web site and official +page at https://pglaf.org + +For additional contact information: + Dr. Gregory B. Newby + Chief Executive and Director + gbnewby@pglaf.org + +Section 4. Information about Donations to the Project Gutenberg +Literary Archive Foundation + +Project Gutenberg-tm depends upon and cannot survive without wide +spread public support and donations to carry out its mission of +increasing the number of public domain and licensed works that can be +freely distributed in machine readable form accessible by the widest +array of equipment including outdated equipment. Many small donations +($1 to $5,000) are particularly important to maintaining tax exempt +status with the IRS. + +The Foundation is committed to complying with the laws regulating +charities and charitable donations in all 50 states of the United +States. Compliance requirements are not uniform and it takes a +considerable effort, much paperwork and many fees to meet and keep up +with these requirements. We do not solicit donations in locations +where we have not received written confirmation of compliance. To +SEND DONATIONS or determine the status of compliance for any +particular state visit https://pglaf.org + +While we cannot and do not solicit contributions from states where we +have not met the solicitation requirements, we know of no prohibition +against accepting unsolicited donations from donors in such states who +approach us with offers to donate. + +International donations are gratefully accepted, but we cannot make +any statements concerning tax treatment of donations received from +outside the United States. U.S. laws alone swamp our small staff. + +Please check the Project Gutenberg Web pages for current donation +methods and addresses. Donations are accepted in a number of other +ways including including checks, online payments and credit card +donations. To donate, please visit: https://pglaf.org/donate + + +Section 5. General Information About Project Gutenberg-tm electronic +works. + +Professor Michael S. Hart was the originator of the Project Gutenberg-tm +concept of a library of electronic works that could be freely shared +with anyone. For thirty years, he produced and distributed Project +Gutenberg-tm eBooks with only a loose network of volunteer support. + +Project Gutenberg-tm eBooks are often created from several printed +editions, all of which are confirmed as Public Domain in the U.S. +unless a copyright notice is included. Thus, we do not necessarily +keep eBooks in compliance with any particular paper edition. + +Each eBook is in a subdirectory of the same number as the eBook's +eBook number, often in several formats including plain vanilla ASCII, +compressed (zipped), HTML and others. + +Corrected EDITIONS of our eBooks replace the old file and take over +the old filename and etext number. The replaced older file is renamed. +VERSIONS based on separate sources are treated as new eBooks receiving +new filenames and etext numbers. + +Most people start at our Web site which has the main PG search facility: + + https://www.gutenberg.org + +This Web site includes information about Project Gutenberg-tm, +including how to make donations to the Project Gutenberg Literary +Archive Foundation, how to help produce our new eBooks, and how to +subscribe to our email newsletter to hear about new eBooks. + +EBooks posted prior to November 2003, with eBook numbers BELOW #10000, +are filed in directories based on their release date. If you want to +download any of these eBooks directly, rather than using the regular +search system you may utilize the following addresses and just +download by the etext year. + + https://www.gutenberg.org/etext06 + + (Or /etext 05, 04, 03, 02, 01, 00, 99, + 98, 97, 96, 95, 94, 93, 92, 92, 91 or 90) + +EBooks posted since November 2003, with etext numbers OVER #10000, are +filed in a different way. The year of a release date is no longer part +of the directory path. The path is based on the etext number (which is +identical to the filename). The path to the file is made up of single +digits corresponding to all but the last digit in the filename. For +example an eBook of filename 10234 would be found at: + + https://www.gutenberg.org/1/0/2/3/10234 + +or filename 24689 would be found at: + https://www.gutenberg.org/2/4/6/8/24689 + +An alternative method of locating eBooks: + https://www.gutenberg.org/GUTINDEX.ALL + + diff --git a/old/11185.zip b/old/11185.zip Binary files differnew file mode 100644 index 0000000..82f55a4 --- /dev/null +++ b/old/11185.zip |
