For a short time Nathaniel Peacock and I actually trembled with
fear, believing the house of logs would be pulled down over our
heads, for no less than a dozen of the so called gentlemen were
raging and storming outside; but disturbing Captain Smith not one
whit. He sat there, furbishing his matchlock as if having nothing
better with which to occupy the time; but, as can well be fancied,
drinking in every word of mutiny which was uttered.
Then, as if he would saunter out for a stroll, the captain left the
house, which was much the same as inviting these disorderly ones
to attack him; but they lacked the courage, for he went to the fort
without being molested.
THE SECOND PROCLAMATION
It seemed to me as if no more than half an hour had passed before
Nicholas Skot was making another proclamation, and this time to
the effect that whosoever, after that moment, was heard uttering
profane words, should have a can full of cold water poured down
his sleeve.
On hearing this, the unruly ones laughed in derision and straightway
began to shout forth such a volley of oaths as I had never heard
during a drunken brawl in the streets of London.
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