“ I don't, sir. I believe he's a good seaman, but he's too free with the crew to be a good officer. A mate should keep himself to himself—shouldn't drink with the men before the mast!”
“ Do you mean he drinks?” cried the squire.
“ No, sir,” replied the captain, “only that he's too familiar.”
“ Well, now, and the short and long of it, captain?” asked the doctor. “Tell us what you want.”
“ Well, gentlemen, are you determined to go on this cruise?”
“ Like iron,” answered the squire.
“ Very good,” said the captain. “Then, as you've heard me very patiently, saying things that I could not prove, hear me a few words more. They are putting the powder and the arms in the fore hold. Now, you have a good place under the cabin; why not put them there?—first point. Then, you are bringing f
