Jack was not in an enviable position, nor was he in an amicable frame of mind, but he felt that he was in the captain's power, and it would be advisable for him to treat him with civility.
The colored steward placed a couple of bottles with glasses on the table, as well as a box of cigars, and retired.
"Be seated," said the captain. "You smoke, I presume?"
"Yes," replied Jack.
"Help yourself," continued Moreland, pushing the box of cigars over to him. "The wine is port and sherry; which do you prefer?"
Jack liked sherry, and they pledged one another.
He now had a good opportunity of looking at Moreland, who was a spare, short man, with reddish hair and small, twinkling eyes, which appeared to have a treacherous expression.
"I wish to have you as my friend and companion during our voyage," began Moreland.
"Nothing would give me greater pleasure," replied Jack.
"Of course I need not conceal anything from you?"