The Mutiny on the "Albatross"

This historic book may have numerous typos and missing text. Purchasers can download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. Not indexed. Not illustrated. 1894 edition. Excerpt: ...the piano, and began to play and sing. She got through the first stanza, but as she struck the opening chord of the second, she suddenly stopped, put her hands up to her face, and burst into tears. The poor old Mavis! she sobbed. Shall I never see her again? I cannot play any more; it brings all the old time back to me. Pardon me, said Leo, coming beside her. It was thoughtless on my part to ask you. I should have known what effect it would have, but I did so wish to hear that hymn again. Before they separated that evening they had agreed that if a suitable vessel could be found in readiness to sail for Melbourne, they would all take passages in her without delay. The captain stated that the Grace Darling would have to remain at Calcutta in order to get a new mast and a general overhaul, for some of the timbers, he felt sure, were strained. It would consequently be fully a month before she could be ready for the voyage. This arrangement will suit me exactly, said Leo. I have almost finished my business in Calcutta, but I have as much to get through in Melbourne and Sydney as will occupy my time fully until the Grace Darling arrives. Nothing could be better. Nothing could be better, said Mrs. Ben tham. You will be able to take charge of us home. Nothing could be better, said the captain, with a laugh and a glance toward Edith Ben-tham, who, it must be confessed, was looking extremely well this evening. CHAPTER XXV. THE ALBATROSS. N the afternoon of the next day, Leo entered the hotel breathless, in a state of considerable excitement. I have found it, he cried. I have found the very ship for us--the only one at Calcutta that would suit us. She leaves in two days, direct for Melbourne--a splendid sailer she is, her...