"Well, Charlie, in order to amuse me and pass the time, told me about your going to Havana in the Ark; of the ventures you carried for him and others. He told me what a lot of money was made on such simple things as beets, onions, carrots, and potatoes, that are worth next to nothing at home; that you made a lot on some hens, butter, candles, and on beef—more, according to, than even on the lumber."
"That is all so."
"I hope you and Captain Brown will excuse me, sir, for presuming to plan for people who know all about it. I was thinking that perhaps by and by Walter and I might put our money together, build part of a vessel, and go in her,—he master, and I mate; and that we ought, if it is right, to keep our money, and get all we can to put with it. Not but I am willing to spend the last dollar for James, if it is necessary; but it seems to me it would be better to make money than to spend money."
"But how are you going to get James?"
"I was thinking, sir, if we could get a fore-and-after, a sloop, or some kind of a vessel that we could handle, load her with something that wouldn't be so bulky as lumber,—like those things you carried for ventures,—so that a small vessel could carry a good deal of value, we might get Peterson clear, and make money for ourselves likewise."
"Bravo, my boy! That's a plan just as full of sense as it can be."
"Then, you know, sir, we should have the vessel to get home with and bring James in."
"To be sure you would, and make a lot on your return cargo. What do you think of that plan, Walter?"
"I think it is a first-rate plan, sir."
"This little chap that you and all of us have been petting, and calling little Ned so long, is outgrowing his teachers. He'll be taking the wind out of your sails by and by."