“As straight as the winds let ’em, and I give a bonus for record passages. Tea don’t improve by being at sea.”
“When he wuz little he used to play at keeping store, an’ I had hopes he might follow that up. But soon’s he could paddle a dory I knew that were goin’ to be denied me.”
“They’re square-riggers, Mother; iron-built an’ well found. Remember what Phil’s sister reads you when she gits his letters.”
“I’ve never known as Phil told lies, but he’s too venturesome (like most of ’em that use the sea). If Dan sees fit, Mr. Cheyne, he can go—fer all o’ me.”
“She jest despises the ocean,” Disko explained, “an’ I—I dunno haow to act polite, I guess, er I’d thank you better.”
“My father—my own eldest brother—two nephews—an’ my second sister’s man,” she said, dropping her head on her hand. “Would you care fer anyone that took all those?”
Cheyne was relieved when Dan turned up and accepted with more delight than he was able to put into words. Indeed, the offer meant a plain and sure road to all desirable things; but Dan thought most of commanding watch on broad decks, and looking into faraway harbours.
Mrs. Cheyne had spoken privately to the unaccountable Manuel in the matter of Harvey’s rescue. He seemed to have no desire for money. Pressed hard, he said that he would take five dollars, because he wanted to buy something for a girl. Otherwise—“How shall I take money when I make so easy my eats and smokes? You will giva some if I like or no? Eh, wha‑at? Then you shall giva me money, but not that way. You shall giva