"Wall, capt'n, this air brandy is good; say two dozen of this, a dozen of sherry wine, a dozen of whiskey, a barl of cabin biscuit, some fine sugar, some sardines, some canned meats, and about a coil of inch and a half manilla rope, an' I'll give you the rendezvous."
"That's too much. You want all my private stores, and their value comes out of my pocket."
"That's jis what I ask them for. I don't want none of your infernal government contract stores. I'm a reasonable man, and not a darn'd fool, and I prefer tew have the best. Say, capt'n, I'm off! You won't take my offer? Good day!"
"Here! I'll do it, but what security have I that you will not deceive me?"
"De-ceive you capt'n? why, dew I look like it?"
After some delay the articles were placed in the skipper's boat, upon which he returned to Puffeigh's cabin and wrote the following:—
"Rendezvous of the Russian ship Volganoski.
"On the 12th May this ship will be found at anchor off the Island of Sado in the Japanese Sea."
"Thar, capt'n ef you jis go there right away, you will capture her sure pop, and I wish you joy of your bargain."
"Well, sign it, Captain Pelton."