. . . Hump
y'rself. D'ye hear me? Hump?"
Jeff threw his one hundred and fifty pounds of bone and muscle
against the crank of the windlass. Some men would have fought
first as long as they could stand and see. Others would have
begged, argued, or threatened. But Jeff had schooled himself to
master impulses of rage. He knew when to fight and when to yield.
Nor did he give way sullenly or passionately. It was an outrage--
highhanded tyranny--but at the worst it was a magnificent
adventure. As he flung his weight into the crank he smiled.
Part 2
Before the trade winds the _Nancy Hanks_ foamed along day after
day, all sails set, making excellent time. But for his anxiety as
to the effect his disappearance would have upon the political
situation, Jeff would have enjoyed immensely the wild rough life
aboard the schooner. But he could not conceal from himself the
interpretation of his absence the machine agents would scatter
broadcast. He foresaw a reaction against his bill and its probable
defeat.
The issue was on the knees of chance. The fact that could not be
obliterated was that he had been wiped from the slate until after
the legislature would adjourn.
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