“I haven’t, sir; I haven’t had a chance. Pray, pray, give me one, sir. I’ll—I’ll do anything, sir. I’ll be like a slave if you’ll only let me try.”
“We don’t want slaves,” said the captain sternly; “we want honest true men who will work. Small.”
“Ay, ay, sir,” said the boatswain.
“This man has been half starved; take him below and see to him, and see that he is well treated.”
“Ay, ay, sir,” cried the boatswain. “Now, my swab.”
“God—bless—”
“That will do,” said the captain coldly. “No words. Let’s have deeds, my man.”
The abject-looking wretch shrank away, and the first-mate gave an angry stamp upon the deck.
“Look here, Captain Strong,” he began furiously.
“That will do, my dear Gregory,” said the captain, clapping him on the shoulder. “I wish the man to stay.”