Read Online The Angel's Command by Brian Jacques - Free Book Online Page B

hands, “Away boat’s crew!”
    When Ben’s turn came to go ashore, he seated himself in the prow of the little boat and sent a plea to Ned, who was standing next to him. “Keep that tail still or you’ll beat me to death before I can put a foot on firm ground!”
    Ned flopped his head from side to side, answering, “Sorry but it’s impossible, we dogs have naturally wagging tails. I’d feel miserable keeping my beautiful tail still.”
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Pierre was waiting on shore with the first group, who had already gathered wood and lit a fire on the palm-fringed beach. The loyal bosun called Ned and Ben to his side, where they stood slightly out of hearing of the other crewmen.
    Pierre kept his voice low. “Our fire can be seen from the Marie. ’Twill be night shortly, the men won’t go wandering off in the dark.”
    Sounds of the tropical forest rang out behind them, strange noises of unidentifiable birds, beasts and reptiles, either hunting or being hunted.
    Ben drew closer to the firelight. “Have you found water yet?”
    Pierre shook his head. “Tomorrow maybe. Here, have a coconut. There’s plenty about under the palms.” He cut through the thick, fibrous husk, revealing a good-sized nut. Piercing it with his knife, the bosun gave it to the boy. Ben sucked the clear, sweet milk down. It tasted delicious.
    Ned’s paw tapped him on the leg. “D’you fancy sharing that?”
    Ben hugged the Labrador briefly. “Sorry, Ned, I’ll get you one of your own right away.”
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By the time Captain Thuron came ashore, all hands were dozing around the fire. He joined Pierre, Ned and Ben, who were drinking coconut milk and munching away at the white nut, and explained his plans in a low voice: “I’ve noticed that already three hands have deserted since we made landfall here. Ludon, Grest and Ricaud. They’re hiding out somewhere inland by now. Anaconda has taken the jolly boat back to the Marie for the night—that way they won’t get any ideas about taking over the ship. He’ll row back to shore in the morning. Pierre, you’ll take the boat back then and stand guard aboard the Marie during the day. We’ll relieve you from time to time. I’ve smuggled some muskets and cutlasses ashore in a sack. If it comes to a mutiny, we’ll be ready, though I hope it won’t. Ben, you and Ned take first watch; I’ll take over from you. Pierre, you relieve me for the last watch. I’m not sure what will happen tomorrow. I’ll just have to plan things as they come. Now I must get some rest. Stay awake, my lucky Ben, you and Ned keep a weather eye on all hands.”
    Ben sat by the fire, tossing odd pieces of driftwood on the flames to keep it going as he stared into the dark mass of trees and foliage skirting the beach. He wondered what the morning would bring. Ned lay next to him with a broken coconut clutched between his forepaws, growling softly as he chewed away the soft white inner part from its hard wooden shell. Ben listened to his comments.
    â€œGurr, this is good. Why didn’t I try coconut before today? Like a soft bone, but sweet and juicy. Gurr, nice and crunchy!”
    The blue-eyed boy chuckled. “A coconut-eating dog—now I’ve seen it all! Do you think you could tear yourself away from that nut for a moment? We’re getting low on driftwood. There’s plenty along the tide line. I’ll stay here and keep watch.”
    The black Labrador stood and stretched himself. “When I’m captain of my own ship, I’ll make you go and get driftwood. It’s not an easy life, you know, fetching this and searching for that, while you sit by the fire.”
    Ben passed his friend a mock serious thought. “Right, mate. We’ll call your ship the Black Dog, and you can order me about day and night!”
    Ned trotted off to the left along the beach, still