The captain and his mates opened their eyes and looked at one another. Here was a foremast hand who must hold a high social position when he was ashore, else he would not number among his friends those who had influence enough to secure government appointments.
"Then you won't sign these articles?" continued the captain, after thinking a moment.
"By no means, sir. I don't want to go to sea for two or three years. I want to go ashore."
"I am willing you should go, if you will promise not to enter any complaints."
"If I should promise that, captain, I should tell a falsehood, and that is something I'll not do."
"Will a hundred dollars be any inducement to you?"
"Not the slightest."
"A hundred dollars besides your wages, I mean."
"No, sir," repeated Frank. "You are liable for two hundred dollars for every foremast hand aboard this vessel, except Calamity."
"How do you make that out?"