Read Online Their Lordships Request: A Harry Heron Adventure by Patrick G. Cox - Free Book Online Page A

manner of speaking, what Harry considered to be a ' Parson ' s voice ' . It was an almost sepulchral delivery which could turn the liveliest subject into pure purgatory – especially in the overcrowded and overheated classroom. He droned on, while his charges struggled, some unsuccessfully, to remain at least attentive and awake.
     
                  His lesson today was on the subject of mathematics, a subject Harry excelled at, though now he was struggling to follow the trigonometry as explained by the Parson.
     
                  " I can scarce follow this, " whispered Kit Tanner. " He confuses me – or the air in here is so stale my wits have taken leave of me. "
     
                  " Both I think, " replied Harry. " I need to recall what Mr Carrigan my tutor taught on this or I will not understand it at all. "
     
                  They were spared a few minutes later when the cry filtered down to them of; " All hands, all hands, to make sail! "
     
                  The pipes twitter was almost drowned by the rush as the midshipmen hurriedly packed their slates and rushed to respond, relief at their release and the prospect of some fresh air on deck making them boisterous.
     
                  Mr Bentley sighed and mopped his brow, he did his best, he really did, and some of the boys responded well. Others, in his view, were blockheads who would never grasp anything esoteric or scientific. He tugged at his neck cloth, perhaps if he could persuade the Captain to allow them the use of a cooler space in the ship as a classroom. He had to admit he was struggling in the close confines of this space and the heat was oppressive. He would apply to the First Lieutenant and see what could be done.
     
    ***
     
                  On deck Harry hurried to his station and reported himself to the Lieutenant. The fresh breeze was a delight to his senses as he watched the bustle about him.
     
                  " Make the most of your escape from the classroom, Mr Heron. " The lieutenant ' s voice startled him, " I imagine it must be pretty warm below decks now. "
     
                  " It is, sir, " Harry grinned, " I think many of us are almost asleep in it. "
     
                  " Aye, the Parson has that effect even in the open and when you ' re stood up. " The officer laughed. " What is he teaching at present? " He paused to call to a Master ' s Mate, " Take care there – take that man ' s name, that halyard is not properly secured. "
     
                  " Trigonometry, sir, " Harry replied as the lieutenant turned back to him, " A favourite of mine, though I confess I am now somewhat confused and must consult my text book to see where I have misunderstood Mr Bentley ' s exposition. "
     
                  " Ah, well I am not surprised. Have a word with the Master; his mathematics is of the practical kind, not the pure scientific stuff Mr Bentley teaches. " He turned away again, " Make all secure and …. "
     
                  The voice of the First Lieutenant cut across their conversation. " Mister Heron, lay aft if you please. "
     
    ***
     
                  Ferghal, with his red hair and pale skin, was suffering in the constant sunshine. Even though he was used to the outdoor life, the harsh glare from the sea and the brilliant sunshine gave him and a large number of others, including several of the Midshipmen, bad cases of sunburn until the older hands showed them how to protect themselves with fat from the cook, tallow and broad brimmed hats.
     
                  The surgeon complained in the Wardroom, " These men are fools – they see no harm in exposing themselves to the sun in this manner and several are burned badly enough to warrant a spell in the sickbay. " He snorted, " And some of the young ' gentlemen ' are no better, I caught young Houghton without his