struck adrift on the Banks. Fell overboard from a liner, he sez. He was a passenger. He’s by way o’ hem’ a fisherman now.”
“Is he worth his keep?”
“Ye‑ep. Dad, this man wants to know ef Harve’s worth his keep. Say, would you like to go aboard? We’ll fix up a ladder for her.”
“I should very much, indeed. ’Twon’t hurt you, Mama, and you’ll be able to see for yourself.”
The woman who could not lift her head a week ago scrambled down the ladder, and stood aghast amid the mess and tangle aft.
“Be you anyways interested in Harve?” said Disko.
“Well, ye‑es.”
“He’s a good boy, an’ ketches right hold jest as he’s bid. You’ve heard haow we found him? He was sufferin’ from nervous prostration, I guess, ’r else his